Holiday Magic: 12 Places to Explore in New York City

December 7, 2023 by

New York City truly comes alive during the winter months with holiday magic. One of the best ways to create lasting memories is to experience the magic of it all with family and friends. We’ve put together a list of 12 must-see holiday experiences. Make time to share some holiday magic with your loved ones this season. Nobody celebrates the holidays like NYC!

Ice Skating

One of New York City’s most beloved holiday traditions is ice skating. Visit the iconic rink at Rockefeller Center or the Winter Village at Bryant Park to be surrounded by holiday cheer. Of course, the Central Park ice skating rink offers beautiful views surrounded by NYC skyscrapers.

Festive Events

  • New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show and Glow – Watch model trains zip through an enchanting display of more than 190 replicas of New York landmarks that are whimsically re-created from natural materials. Leave time to take in NYC’s largest outdoor holiday light experience at NYBG GLOW. Thousands of dazzling, energy-efficient light displays reflect the surrounding gardens and collections.
  • Santaland at Macy’s Herald Square – Don’t miss the magic of Macy’s Santaland featuring a 13,000-square-foot North Pole Christmas village complete with live elves, an enchanted forest featuring animatronic toys, and a train display. Of course, Santaland is also where you get to visit with the one true Santa. Reservations are FREE and can be made online up to 5 days in advance. 
  • GingerBread Lane – The world’s largest gingerbread village features 700 hundred gingerbread houses, 4,000lbs of candy, and 1,000lbs of gingerbread! 

Holiday Lights

  • Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights – During the holidays, the Bronx Zoo comes to life each evening with immersive light displays, custom-designed animal lanterns, and animated light shows. Be ready to experience festive entertainment, eat yummy treats, and ride the Holiday Train all with classic holiday music in the background. 
  • Lightscape at Brooklyn Botanic Garden – Explore the beauty of the Garden under moonlight while enjoying seasonal treats and festive music. This is an immersive and magical experience for visitors of all ages.
  • Dyker Heights Christmas Lights – Did you know the most extravagant Christmas light displays in the country are located in the Dyker Heights section of Brooklyn? Be among the over 100,000 people who flock to this area every year to see the over-the-top holiday decorations.
  • The World’s Largest Menorah Lighting: Manhattan – The world’s largest menorah, topping out at 36 feet, will return to Manhattan’s Grand Army Plaza on December 7th.

Seasonal Markets

  • Bryant Park Winter Village – Enjoy yummy treats, local crafts, and artisan gifts from around the world.
  • Union Square Holiday Market – Peruse through 150+ vendors and dozens of award-winning restaurants and retailers at this iconic holiday market.
  • Columbus Circle Holiday Market – This holiday market is a favorite with over 100 artisans and designers selling their own unique wares, like special foods, handmade jewelry, art, home goods, and much more.
  • Grand Holiday Bazaar – Find one-of-a-kind handmade holiday decoration and gifts at 150+ hand-picked independent local artisan booths. 

From our family at Sentry Window Guards, we hope that all of your holiday gatherings and celebrations are filled with joy! For more information regarding our window guard products and our expertise in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today. 

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Embrace the Magic of Autumn in New York City

September 20, 2023 by

As the leaves transform into hues of red, orange, and yellow, and a crisp breeze fills the air, New York City welcomes the arrival of fall with open arms. The Big Apple offers an array of exciting activities for both locals and visitors during the season of autumn. Here’s your guide to the fun fall activities that await you and your family in the heart of New York City.

  1. Breathtaking Fall Foliage: Central Park stands as the crown jewel of New York City, and during the fall, it shines brighter than ever. The winding paths and serene lakes become even more breathtaking as they are enveloped by the vibrant leaves of fall. Take leisurely strolls through Central Park’s iconic landmarks, including Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge. Don’t forget to capture the exquisite beauty of Bow Bridge framed by golden foliage. Alternatively, hop on a scenic cruise along the Hudson River to witness the breathtaking fall foliage from a unique perspective. Several cruise companies such as Sail NYC, Seastreak and Circle Line offer special fall foliage tours. These cruises allow you to relax and soak in the stunning views of the changing leaves, along with iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge.
  2. Pumpkin and Apple Picking: While Midtown Manhattan may not have sprawling pumpkin patches and apple orchards, the surrounding areas provide fantastic options for enjoying quality family time in the fall. Simply hop onto a train or take a short drive, and you’ll discover charming farms offering hayrides, corn mazes, bountiful apple orchards, and pumpkins ready for decorating or carving. Below are some recommended farms where you can relish a perfect fall day of apple picking, pumpkin carving, and indulging in apple cider donuts and freshly pressed cider:
  3. Fall Fairs and Festivals: New York City hosts an array of fall fairs and festivals that celebrate a wide range of interests, from music and culture to art and food. Explore the Harlem Harvest Festival for seasonal produce and artisanal goods, or attend the Downtown Brooklyn Arts Festival for a stunning visual display. Food and drink enthusiasts can indulge in mouthwatering treats at festivals such as the NY Coffee Festival. Here are some notable fall festivals in the city:
  4. Iconic NYC Attractions: Local attractions in New York City embrace the spirit of fall with their unique charm. The New York Botanical Garden’s Fall-O-Ween event includes hundreds of pumpkins and gourds on display, hands-on activities like mini pumpkin decorating, 3D pumpkin carving, food and beverage talks, tastings and more. Pumpkin Nights at the Bronx Zoo will showcase more than 5,000 carved, animal-themed pumpkins in a jack-o’-lantern trail stretching over half a mile. Visitors can also enjoy live pumpkin carving demonstrations, games, and indulge in festive fall treats and food truck delights. 
  5. Explore Historic Sites: Fall provides an excellent opportunity to explore New York City’s historic sites without the summer crowds. Consider visiting Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, embarking on a tour of the historic neighborhoods of Harlem, paying tribute to heroes and remembering victims at the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum, dedicating an entire day to exploring the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or venturing into the grounds of the Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art nestled in Fort Tryon Park.

From leisurely walks through Central Park to exhilarating fall festival adventures, New York City offers an abundance of exciting fall activities for all to enjoy. So, make plans to embrace the magic of autumn in the city that never sleeps, and create lasting memories with your loved ones! 

All of us at Sentry Window Guards hope that you have a season of joy this fall! For more information regarding our window guard products and our expertise in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today.

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New York City Holiday Activities for the Whole Family

December 16, 2022 by

One of the best things about the New York City holidays is experiencing the magic of it all with friends and family. The holiday season is the perfect time to get out and explore all that New York City has to offer. Nobody celebrates the holidays like we do! Check out the list below and make time to experience some holiday magic with your family.

  • Artechouse’s Spectacular Factory: The Holiday Multiverse – Explore this multi-story, interactive art space filled with projections and music that transports you to a holiday extravaganza. It is located in the Chelsea Market, which always gets decked out for the holidays and is an experience all in itself! New York and New Jersey residents can present their ID for $5 off weekday admission.
  • Amaze Light Festival – Be immersed in a million twinkling lights as you stroll inside larger-than-life themed worlds. The spirit of the Holiday will unfold before you in a universe of sparkle, music, food, dance, celebration, and wonder. Make sure to visit the holiday market for a sweet treat!
  • New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show and Glow –  See model trains zip through an enchanting display of more than 190 replicas of New York landmarks, each delightfully re-created from natural materials such as birch bark, lotus pods, and cinnamon sticks. Plus, take in NYC’s largest outdoor holiday light experience at NYBG GLOW. Thousands of dazzling, energy-efficient lights and whimsical, picture-perfect installations reflect the surrounding gardens and collections. This holiday outing will be complete with music, unique experiences, and more!
  • Santaland at Macy’s Herald Square – The magic of Macy’s creates a 13,000-square-foot North Pole Christmas village complete with live elves, an enchanted forest featuring animatronic toys, and a train display. At the end of your adventure, you get to visit with the one true Santa. Reservations are FREE and can be made online up to 5 days in advance. 
  • Bronx Zoo Holiday Lights – During the evenings, the Bronx Zoo comes to life with holiday cheer as immersive light displays, custom-designed animal lanterns, and animated light shows sparkle across the zoo. The celebration includes festive entertainment, seasonal treats, the Holiday Train, and classic holiday music. 
  • Dyker Heights Christmas Lights – The most extravagant Christmas light displays in the country are located in the Dyker Heights section of Brooklyn, aka “Dyker Lights.” Over 100,000 people flock to this area every year to see the most over-the-top decorations.
  • Holiday Caroling Under the Washington Square Arch – Join The Rob Susman Brass Quartet for a holiday celebration under the Washington Square Arch. The annual Christmas carol event fills the city streets with the sweet sounds of holiday carols. 
  • The Largest Menorah Lighting: Brooklyn – Chabad of Park Slope hosts the 32-foot “Largest Menorah” in Brooklyn’s Grand Army Plaza. There’s a kick off concert on Sunday, December 18, and each subsequent night of Hanukkah is celebrated with music, latkes, and gifts. 
  • Prospect Park’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks – End the holiday season with Brooklyn’s most spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks celebration which is returning to Prospect Park’s iconic Grand Army Plaza after a three-year hiatus.

All of us at Sentry Window Guards hope that your holiday gatherings and celebrations are filled with joy! For more information regarding our window guard products and our expertise in understanding NYC safety requirements, contact us today. 

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Summertime is Fun Time in New York City

June 24, 2022 by

Your local NYC window guard company is keeping a finger on the pulse of sum, sum, summertime fun in the city! Make summer boredom a thing of the past with these fun activities for the whole family.

Festivals

  • Celebrate Brooklyn – One of the City’s longest-running outdoor arts festivals, providing free music, dance, theater, film and specially commissioned projects for four decades.
  • Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks – Look here to find the best spots in the city for viewing.
  • Broadway in Bryant Park – Taking place on Thursdays at lunchtime, check out sneak-peek performances from the best of Broadway and Off-Broadway on the Bryant Park Stage.
  • Lincoln Center’s Summer for the City – Experience the healing and rejuvenating power of the arts and free events hosted by the Lincoln Center this summer. 
  • NYC Restaurant Week – Explore the five boroughs through specially priced menus at hundreds of participating restaurants.
  • Harlem Week – An annual celebration of the best of Harlem which works to promote its rich African-American, African, Caribbean, Hispanic, and European history, as well as arts, culture, religion, business, entertainment, and sports.
  • Charlie Parker Jazz Festival – Each year this festival highlights some of the finest musicians in the world who reflect Charlie Parker’s musical individuality and genius, to promote appreciation for this highly influential and world-renowned artist. 

Movies Under the Stars

There are free film screenings in many parks in the city: from Brooklyn to Queens and to Manhattan. Here are a few to check out:

Explore a Food Market

When you can’t decide what you want to eat or you are in the mood to try something new, it’s time to explore a food market. 

Explore Nature

Hidden throughout the metropolis are a number of wonderful park spaces to spend some time in nature.

  • Central Park
  • Prospect Park
  • Brooklyn Bridge Park
  • Washington Square Park
  • Battery Park
  • The High Line
  • Flushing Meadows Corona Park
  • Inwood Hill Park
  • Governor’s Island

Take a Dip

  • Find the list of free public pools to help you cool off this summer here.
  • Of course there is always the beach! Make a day trip to Brighton Beach, Coney Island Boardwalk, Cedar Grove Beach, Manhattan Beach, Midland Beach, Orchard Beach, Rockaway Beach, South Beach, or Wolfe’s Pond Beach. 

What are your favorite ways to have summertime fun in NYC? At Sentry Window Guards our main focus is your child’s safety. We provide various types of childproof window locking mechanisms and safety devices for your home or building to keep everyone safe this summer! 

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7 New Year’s Resolutions You Can Achieve

January 3, 2018 by

Happy New Year New York! 

According to Statistic Brain, almost half of the American population makes New Year’s Resolutions. Unfortunately approximately 8% of that 45% actually achieve resolution success. Instead of shooting for the moon, make realistic resolutions. Here are 7 ideas for New Year’s Resolutions that would add meaning to your life and be attainable:

  1. BE PUNCTUAL – Respect other people’s time and make it a habit to be punctual. Being “fashionably late” isn’t cool, professional or considerate. 
  1. GET YOUR STUDY ON – Whether you have been dreaming of finishing your college degree or you just want to take a few quilting classes at your local arts center, make a commitment. Furthering your education for a larger income or learning more about a beloved hobby will be satisfying no matter what the motive. 
  1. FIT IN FITNESS – If the thought of joining a gym or starting an intense exercise routine overwhelms you, start with baby steps. Park your car further away from your office, take the stairs instead of the elevator, do a few squats while catching up on the local news…you get the idea. Once your body starts to feel better from a little bit of exercise, you might be more motivated to amp up your fitness routine! 
  1. ELIMINATE DEBT – While this may take awhile or even seem impossible, make a plan to pay off debt. No need to explain the feeling of accomplishment you’ll experience when you lose that burden. 
  1. SUPPORT A CAUSE – Think of a cause that is near and dear to your heart and find out how you can contribute. Monetary donations are always welcome; however look at raising funds through walks such as the American Cancer Society Relay for Life Giving back to society and trying to make a difference makes the world a better place to live. And you will feel incredible for helping to support the cause. 
  1. MEANINGFUL FAMILY TIME – Many parents are constantly on the go. Sometimes we may see the constant shuffling of kids to activities and hours spent on homework as a burden. Try and look at these times in a more positive light. Bond with your family when possible and treasure times spent together. 
  1. ADOPT A FURBABY – There is nothing more satisfying than the devotion and loyalty of a pet, especially at the end of a challenging workday. No one loves us more unconditionally than a furbaby! 

We hope one or all of these New Year’s Resolutions resonate with you. Make 2018 a great year and Happy New Year from the team at Sentry Window Guards!

Filed Under: Community Involvement, Holidays Tagged With:
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