New York, New York

THE CITY that never sleeps: New York! My wife and I have been in the Big Apple several times over the past 19 years. To say that those visits were all "fun" would be true - but also something of an understatement. Actually, we have had enormously good times during each of our visits to New York. Our trip this year in late spring was no exception.

Admittedly, a big part of the reason we have enjoyed being in the City so much is because our son lives and works there. But even without a family-member connection, for thousands of people from all over the world, New York is top choice as a leisure destination.

There are literally thousands of things to do, and places to see, in the five Boroughs comprising New York City. And, regarding food choices: they are unlimited! As is usually the case, the island of Manhattan was where we spent the majority of our time this year. We did take-in a portion of the Bronx, and we ventured completely out of the City a couple of times during our 11-day visit. Following are a few of the highlights which we experienced.

The Intrepid - This is the aircraft carrier which has become a Sea and Air Museum. It is permanently berthed at Pier 86 in the Hudson River on Manhattan's West Side at 12th Avenue and 46th Street. (Historical; Informational; Very Impressive!)

The Roosevelt Home - This is the birthplace and boyhood home of president Theodore Roosevelt. It is located at 28 East 20th Street - near Park Avenue and Broadway. (Very interesting!)

The Bronx Zoo - This is one of the largest and most impressive zoos in the entire nation. It is located at Fordham Road and Bronx River Parkway in the Bronx. (One of the best we've seen!)

"9 to 5" - This is a lively performance of a Broadway play based on the movie with Dolly Parton. It's playing at the Marquis Theatre located inside the Marriott Marquis Hotel at 1535 Broadway. (Lots of fun!)

"South Pacific" - This is a Broadway revival of the popular movie of several years ago. It is performed at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre which is part of the Lincoln Center complex at 150 West 65th Street - between Broadway and Amsterdam. The play has won 7 Tonys and has a cast of 40. (Absolutely excellent!)

In addition to these wonderful attractions, we took a tour of Lincoln Center - including backstage at the Met, and Avery Fisher Hall; we enjoyed Chelse Market; and we browsed through a couple of other stores: Apple and Design Within Reach. During a short trek out of the City, we shopped Woodbury Common Premium Outlets at Central Valley, and we visited a farm belonging to friends of our son near the community of Hudson.

We ate like royalty during our New York visit! From Virgil's BBQ on West 44th Street to the nine-course tasting menu at the Per se restaurant located in the Time Warner Center on Columbus Circle overlooking Central Park, every meal was a pure delight.

It's not difficult to recommend New York City as a great leisure destination. It's one of those places that's hard to leave - even after 11 days!