As a local for almost 40 years, this year I picked a few of my favorite places to visit during the holidays in New York City. If you must endure the draw and slog of coming to NYC during the holidays but prefer to avoid the crowds as best as possible, this list is for you. Following are just a few suggestions to keep your spirits high without the hustle and hassle of waiting in lines or following the herd.
Plymouth Church was established in 1847 by 21 transplanted New Englanders and located in the neighborhood of Brooklyn Heights. Its first pastor was Henry Ward Beecher, the sister of Harriet Beecher Stowe — noted today as the author of the anti-slavery novel, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.” The church provides visitors with a poignant story about American abolitionist history. This hidden gem defies the conventional tourist radar with a destination for a less frenetic yet culturally rich experience. Whether interested in cultural heritage, American history, or social justice, Plymouth Church is a must-see national landmark on your next visit to New York.
Read more about it here: Plymouth Church Brooklyn
At 29 East 4th Street near the East Village is The Merchant’s House. It was built in 1832 and purchased in 1835 by Seabury Tredwell, a wealthy New York City hardware merchant. Styled in the late-Federal and Greek Revival periods, this house remained in the Tredwell family for nearly 100 years. Guests are invited to visit five floors of the home brimming with several original possessions including household goods, furniture, books and even some of the Tredwell clothing. Check out the museum website for more details, hours and the possibility of attending a performance of their limited engagement — A Christmas Carol at the Merchant’s House: Charles Dickens in New York, 1867.
Spend some time with clocks instead of a descending crystal ball. Yes, that is correct. While the droves rush into Times Square and the more popular museums around the city, I suggest you head to 75th Street and The Frick Madison. The Frick Collection is currently closed for renovation but they have a temporary new home at 945 Madison Ave. Popular for their Renaissance paintings leading up to the early 20th Century, their vast collection of clocks that have all lasted the test of time is certain to impress. One of my favorite pieces is The Dance of Time: Three Nymphs Supporting a Clock. It’s dated 1788 and made with terracotta, brass, glass and steel.
Learn more here: The Frick
The Transit Museum is located in a decommissioned subway station at 99 Schermerhorn Street in Brooklyn — it’s accessible by over 20 bus and subway lines. While it contains many photos, rails and historic cars, I recommend one particular trip on the #6 line. The last stop is Brooklyn Bridge where just about everyone will disembark. Don’t get off the train! Staying on this train as it turns around and heads back uptown will take you through a labyrinth of old tunnels.
The small station opened in 1904 as part of NYC’s first subway line and is opulently designed with a curved platform exposing skylights, Romanesque Revival architecture and Guastavino tile vaults. The museum does offer walking tours but you have to become a member and ask if they are scheduled during your visit to the city.
Check out this site for more details: NY Transit Museum
After all that touring, you will have undoubtedly worked up an appetite. It’s common knowledge that NYC offers many places to eat from fine dining to grab-n-go. It also often costs a king’s ransom to pay the bill. Over the past several years (mostly due to Covid in my opinion), I’ve sadly witnessed the depletion of mom and pop places and true authentic establishments — they were forced to cut portions, skimp on quality and relocate due to hostile city rents. Many have shuttered their doors while others took flight to more affordable locations. Those who have survived the decades are locked into reasonable leases or own the buildings. One such place is One If By Land, Two If By Sea. This landmark restaurant is located in Greenwich Village and is a longtime favorite of mine.
This historic place was built in 1767 and was the carriage house of Aaron Burr — yes, the man who shot Alexander Hamilton. During the holidays the interior decor will remind you of old New York with its candlelit tables, brick fireplaces, a baby grand piano and glimmering garden. While I claim this place to be obscure, reservations are highly recommended and trust me when I suggest their Beef Wellington — it’s their signature dish.
For more obscure visitor landmarks, check out this link: VIATOR
