ING New York City Marathon
Mile 21 of the NYC Marathon in the Bronx. (Wikimedia Commons/Kerstin Winterkamp)
While running 26 miles and 385 yards may not be everyone's idea of a vacation, the New York City Marathon is a highly anticipated event for runners worldwide, both experienced and novice. The route crosses through five bridges to bring you in and out of all five boroughs that comprise the Big Apple. The starting line is in Staten Island, and the finish line is in iconic Central Park. Whether you run it for charity or for personal accomplishment, this marathon is among the most anticipated long-distance annual running events in the world.
Nature Tours
View of Central Park from Rockefeller Center. (Wikimedia Commons/Alfred Hutter aka Gentry)
Don't be fooled by the concrete jungle; New York City is known for more than just it's steel and stone exterior. Nearly 14 percent of New York City is under the stewardship of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, and a fair amount of that is green space. NYC parks are not limited to that famous centrally located one you see in the movies, you can also explore the beauty of Fort Tryon Park in Uptown Manhattan with extensive garden tours, or take fall foliage tours of the wooded Crocheron Park in Queens. No matter what time of year it is, there is an opportunity to explore the beautiful and extensive parks of New York City.
Street Fairs
Upper West Side street fair in October 2008. (Flickr Creative Commons/Ed Yourdon)
The ubiquitous New York City street fair is a tradition for both native New Yorkers and visitors. Fall brings a whole slew of autumn street fairs at various times throughout November. The Sixth Avenue Autumn Fair is a well-known annual event. While these fairs do not necessarily represent their neighborhood, they offer access to local artists, food vendors and retailers you might otherwise miss. If you only go to pick up a plate of fried dough, the headache of closed streets and detours will be worth it.
