Since we have been living and (literally) breathing painting for the past month, it's time to evaluate: is it worth it? The answer is yes, yes, yes.
Especially if the room you are transforming looked as crazy as this and now looks like this. A fresh coat (or more) of paint can make a world of difference and anyone can do it.
Open and free to the public, not in that “suggested donations” way, but in a flat-out-you-don't-have-to-pay-and-we-won't-judge-you way. I haven't been in a while, but will be making a trip this week to see the Love and War: The Weaponized Woman exhibit that runs through Dec. 16.
Keep in mind they are closed Sunday and Monday but, unlike most museums that don't cater to the people that actually live here and have jobs, it stays open until 8pm on weekdays, 5pm on Saturday.
An aesthetics playground. One of the few shops that I know of that not only I, but several of my friends will spend hours in with no intention or (more truthfully), no hope of buying a single thing.
Gambling is a serious problem in America, and one addiction I can not comprehend. Why blow thousands of dollars on a Rangers vs the, uh, Knicks? game when you can get a Viking range?! Or a vintage Paco Rabanne gown? Maybe it's just me, I don't know.
But what I do know is the only thing sadder than gambling your life away is doing so at the local OTB. Can anyone deny these are the most bleak and oppressive things on any block? I'd sooner brave the wait in the Manhattan Mall DMV than in the OTB. And I just want to mention, everyone is lucky the OTB exists and I didn't have to list my second worst thing to do with a couple hours.
I really didn't't want to slag off on these hard working people that are actually trying to do something with there time, even if that thing was okay at best and still haunts me like an annoying ghost of a Joe Pesci impersonator at its worst.
Well. of course…
Here's what I said then (Aug. 21- 27):
The day we go to the Renn Faire is one I count the days until every year. And every year is a different adventure. Highlights from this year? A 500 pound toothless Friar Tuck trying to sell me on applying for the “wet chemise” contest, assuring me not to worry, “the big girls go first, you have a chance of winning”.
Stacy being asked (out of the blue) by a man easily into his fifties to come home with him–he owns his own home, is a good man, puts the toilet seat down and has a good job–in direct contradiction to the fact he was selling tickets to his knife throwing show while sporting a pair of purple crushed velour tights. And speaking of velour, it's everywhere.
The faire begins with your first mead near M'ladies Panties shoppe, followed by a performance of some kind at the Cock and Bull, then some knife throwing, crap buying, archery, tarot readings down Mystic Way, and a portrait in costume that is the best souvenir money can buy. Lots of walking, drinking, eating, and laughing in between. In all, one of the best days of the year!
So, what happens when the Renaissance Faire closes down? The Forest of Fear sets up across the street. Tons of fun is to be had in this mostly outdoor faire including awesome photo ops (see left), tons of crap to buy, an insane clown maze, axe throwing, and?actors in costume harassing you and each other.
There is the Slaughterhouse with “more than 20 rooms of horrifying terror”, and the scariest house of all (seriously we were grabbing each other and screaming) is the one that is just pitch black, that's it – pitch black and the most honestly terrified I've been.
Just be forewarned what you will not find here is booze. We went two years ago (don't we look younger) and I've found it to be the best Halloween activity so far, but who knows what awaits us this year. I'll let you know.
Nothing is more beautiful than bright fall foliage against a crisp blue fall sky. Now is the time to take it all in. New England is ablaze with reds, yellows, and oranges.
If you can't manage a trip north however, all you need is a bit of patience, as our area will be colorful quite soon. Here is a foliage report to keep you updated. Get outside and appreciate the best time of the year before the trees become bare and the temperatures leave you frozen.
We recently dined with some friends. It was just the four of us with a home cooked meal, wine, and great conversation. I realized it was the first time in ages I had had an intimate dinner with friends, especially without going to a restaurant.
It was such a nice experience, the leisureliness of the evening and the great food led to hours of talking about books, movies, our lives, the future, and everything inbetween. Without the noise, other people, and time restraints of a restaurant, dining at home is one of the most pleasant ways to spend an evening.
Alas, I was too late to forewarn you about the Renaissance Festival, and would have missed it myself if not for the tip from Astrid (thanks!). But there are more reasons to visit Fort Tryon Park.
It is a lovely place, away from it all with city, hill, and river views perfet for contemplation. And to be honest, their Ren Faire has got nothing on the real one (see previous Brix Pick in Tuxedo) with its crowds and lines, so make a trip later this fall to the park to enjoy the scenery in relative tranquility.
Oktoberfest officially lasts until Oct. 3rd this year, so even if you missed the Steuben Parade, which kicked the celebration off in the city, there are still a few places to throw back some pints.
If you want to day-trip here are some options: Hunter Mountain, Harvard Square, and Belleayre Ski Center. If you want to stay in the city – Zum Schneider has special brews and live oompah music through October 15th.
At Lederhosen and Astoria, it's like Oktoberfest every day (even if their technical Oktoberfest celebration has passed us) and Lederhosen has a couple special Oktoberfest beers.