New York City is buzzing with action in the month of March, thanks to a number of exciting events and pastimes. Visitors should definitely try and get their trip to coincide with two great attractions: the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17th, 2008 and the Easter Parade on March 23rd.  

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been part of the New York landscape for an incredible 247 years! The first one was held in 1766 by Irish soldiers serving in the British army and since then has become a much-loved event by New Yorkers from all walks of life. These days, the parade begins on 42nd Street and travels north to 86th Street. Only marching is allowed, with no cars, floats or other vehicles taking part in the procession. This year’s parade will begin at 11 am and visitors are advised to get in early to enjoy some great viewing spots along the way. 

The annual Easter Parade is a much less organized affair. On Easter Sunday, ‘paraders’ walk up and down Fifth Avenue (between 49th and 57th Street) to show off their Easter bonnets and costumes. It is not unusual to even see pets dressed up in their Easter finery! The parade runs from 10 am to 4 pm. 

Another way to enjoy March in New York, before the warm Spring weather sets in, is to grab some skates and enjoy some spectacular ice-skating action in a number of locations around the city. While Rockefeller Center is the most familiar open-air rink to the average visitor, there are others that are worth visiting too. Try the covered Riverbank Ice Rink on the Hudson River at 145th Street or the very popular Wollman Rink in Central Park. Another Central Park favorite is Lasker Rink, while the Kate Wollman Rink in Prospect Park is a great choice for kids. Year round ice-skating can also be found at Chelsea Piers’ Sky Rink in the Sports and Entertainment Complex.

New York City is great to visit in any weather, and the month of March in no exception. The big freeze of January and February are hopefully a thing of the past and visitors can enjoy slightly better weather and less travel troubles caused by snow. Nevertheless, the weather is still cold enough to make bargain accommodation and travel quite common in March, allowing visitors to take full advantage of some of the super-cheap deals still available out there.

Average March highs are 50°F (10°C) and lows 35°F (2°C), with an average of 4 inches of precipitation. It is vital that visitors to New York during this month remember to pack a waterproof winter jacket. Obviously, warm clothes are also an absolute necessity, as well as closed, water-resistant and comfortable walking shoes or boots and a sturdy umbrella.  

March is usually the time when many university students head to the Big Apple for their weeklong Spring Break, giving the city a vibe that is as young and bustling as always.  

The Easter weekend is a great time to visit New York, bringing with it the traditional Easter Day Parade on Fifth Avenue and a range of activities geared towards the entire family. Visitors should check to see which stores are closed on the Friday before Easter if they are planning on shopping in order to avoid disappointment. It is usually business as usual on Easter Sunday and Monday.   

March 17^th is also an exciting day in the city when New Yorkers of every persuasion swoop down on bars and pubs to celebrate the traditional Irish holiday of St. Patrick’s Day. Throughout the month, many New York museums and cultural centers hold activities to commemorate the day, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade – one of the city’s oldest and largest – is greatly enjoyed by all involved, with its bag pipes, kilt-adorned men and marching bands. 

Look out for plenty of March action in New York City!

February is the month of love and New York City is the perfect location to celebrate love, offering several classic favorites that never fail to thrill even the most cynical among us. For a truly magical experience, visitors could try a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park. Tucked up among blankets to keep out the winter chill, passengers can enjoy a romantic outing in one of the colorful, flower-laden carriages that line up across from the Plaza Hotel each day.

What better way to celebrate romance than by sharing one of the most beautiful views in the world from the top of the Empire State Building, New York’s most visited tourist attraction? There are two observatories offered to the visitor. The first, situated on the 86^th floor, is reached by high-speed elevators, and is glass enclosed, although it also offers outdoor promenades and high-powered telescopes to take in the panoramic view of New York City. The second observatory is even higher up on the 102^nd floor and is open until 2 am every day. On a clear day, you can see up to 80 miles from the top of this historic building! 

Brooklyn Promenade has always been a favorite place among locals and visitors alike, providing a 1/3 mile long tree-lined walkway and some of the most amazing views of Manhattan. Stroll along the promenade or relax on one of the many benches to watch New Yorkers from all walks of life enjoy this delightful green space in the midst of the hubbub of the city. The Brooklyn Heights Promenade is part of the Historic Preservation District and offers visitors a taste of the romantic period in New York’s history when townhouses and mansions dotted the area.

What better way to enjoy Valentine’s Day with your sweetheart than by sharing dinner at one of the many romantic restaurants that dot the city of New York? One of the most delightful places to dine in the city is undoubtedly Savoy on Prince Street. This location presents great country cooking, using the very best in fresh products, and - blended with the creative spirit of New York – offers diners a truly tantalizing menu. With its wooden floors, soft lighting and classic features, the Savoy is definitely a good choice for the most romantic day of the year.

The Place in New York’s tree-lined West Village is also a definite option for your Valentine’s Day dinner. Voted as one of the top restaurants in the city by Zagat, the Place pampers the palate and soul, thanks to its wonderful décor and eclectic though comforting menu. Only the finest market produce is used by the restaurant’s chefs and the results are nothing short of stunning. From its 200-year-old oak-beamed ceiling caps, to its subtle colorings and candlelit atmosphere, The Place is the perfect location to celebrate love.

The Gramercy Tavern pays tribute to contemporary American cooking, amongst a warm, rustic décor that offers a welcome respite from the city outside and puts diners in the mood for anything romantic. Chef Michael Anthony takes familiar dishes and recreates signature masterpieces – a truly delightful restaurant!

Finally, diners could try Union Square Café for their Valentine’s Day meal, offering classic American cuisine with an Italian twist. This restaurant was voted New York’s Most Popular Restaurant by Zagat for 7 incredible years, combining only the freshest products purchased from the Greenmarket, excellent wines and beautiful, comfortable surroundings to bring diners an excellent culinary experience all round.

New York City is a mecca for foodies - click for more great restaurant information at NewYorkJourney.com.

Chinatown is one of Manhattan’s oldest neighborhoods, having been established as early as the 1870’s when the first Chinese immigrants landed in New York to seek a better life for themselves and their families. Over the years, Chinatown has become one of the city’s most frequented locations, offering visitors a chance to explore the history and heritage of this great and mystical Asian country.

Starting on the popular Canal Street, Chinatown occupies a small area in lower Manhattan and provides visitors with the smells, sights and sounds of a neighborhood known for its rich cultural personality. Chinatown is a shopper’s delight and visitors are sure to find some great bargains, from the standard watches and purses, to the more authentic Chinese tea services and chopsticks.

Over 300 restaurants call Chinatown their home and many people visit this area of town for the wonderfully authentic cuisine set in a true Chinese atmosphere. All the traditional favorites can be found in Chinatown, from fast food to five star culinary establishments.

February is a great month to visit Chinatown because this is the time of year when the Chinese New Year is ushered in amongst great pomp and celebration. Visitors will delight in a large number of activities that are celebrated to symbolize the beginning of the Year of the Rat. Although the Lunar Year 4705-06 officially begins on February 7^th, 2008, celebrations kick off with the annual Flower Market at Columbus Park on the 2^nd and 3^rd, in a heated tent in the heart of Chinatown. Here visitors get to enjoy and purchase a wide range of plants and home decorations to honor the New Year.

The Chinatown Chinese New Year Parade - Lion and Dragon Performance is being held on Sunday, February 10, 2008 at 1 pm beginning at Mott and Hester Streets.

Other regular celebrations include the Lunar Parade and Festival, which winds through Chinatown in later February and features elaborate floats, musicians, artists and dancers. Throughout the month of February, Chinatown is a hive of activity and visitors should watch the local media for final dates and times, as well as weather conditions.

For a list of hotels in Chinatown, head to NewYorkJourney.com.