While many local New Yorkers try to avoid staying in the city during the month of August because of the heat, the Big Apple can actually be quite an exciting place to be during the summer. True, August is usually hot and humid - with temperatures reaching average highs of 83 degrees Fahrenheit and average lows of 69 degrees Fahrenheit. However, August is usually cooler and drier than July and therefore slightly more pleasant.

A visit to New York in August calls for extra packing considerations. Tourists would be wise to take with closed (preferably water resistant) walking shoes, a light sweater (to keep warm in air-conditioned museums and other public places), as well as an umbrella and waterproof picnic blanket (for those wonderful free concerts in the park).

For visitors who want to see as much as they can of this exciting city during August but feel that walking tours in the heat are too much to handle, air-conditioned bus tours are a great way to see New York. As evening falls on the city, August is also a wonderful time to take in some free festivals, concerts and films in New York’s beautiful parks and other outdoor locations.

Exciting August events in the city include the Met Opera in the Parks event, the New York Philharmonic Concerts in the Park, the HBO Bryant Park Film Festival and - of course - baseball season!

As long as visitors remember to drink plenty of water in order to keep hydrated, the Big Apple in August can be a wonderful, exciting place and will definitely give a feeling of being true New Yorkers!

New York City, the heart of the wonderful world of theater, offers magnificent stage productions throughout the year that play to packed houses. Currently running on Broadway are three must-see shows – A Catered Affair, Wicked and Mamma Mia! 

A Catered Affair combines just the right elements of humor and humanity to bring the audience a thoroughly entertaining Broadway musical. Described as an “enthralling 90 minutes of emotional power”, the show tells the story of a typical Bronx family in the 1950s faced with a difficult decision. Starring Tom Wopat, Faith Prince and other established stars, the show is directed by John Doyle, with music and lyrics by John Bucchino.  

Wicked, the untold story of the Witches of Oz, is another brilliant Broadway musical that is sure to have the audience riveted in their seats. The show, based on the bestselling novel by Gregory Macguire, features music and lyrics by Steven Schwartz, and is directed by Tony Award winner Tony Mantello. The show relates the story of the Wicked Witch of the West and Glenda the Good Witch and how they land up in their roles. The show has played to rave reviews and Richard Zoglin of Time Magazine said: “If every musical had a brain, a heart and the courage of Wicked, Broadway really would be a magical place”. 

Finally, Mamma Mia is the latest music that has taken the world by storm. Some of the most unforgettable songs once performed by the Swedish group, Abba, including “Voulez Vous”, “Take a Chance on Me” and “Dancing Queen”, are woven into a poignant love story. Created by Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson of original Abba fame, Mamma Mia has been seen by over thirty million people around the world and it is not for nothing that this show is considered a global smash hit.

For an up-to-date listing of the Broadway and off-Broadway shows, head to NewYorkJourney.com.

When it’s time to take a break from serious sidewalk pounding, shopping and site seeing in New York City, there is no better place to do so than in one of a number of luxurious spas dotted across the town. These spas offer visitors a place to unwind, relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle out there.

For holistic rejuvenation and the ultimate in five-star pampering, the spa at the Mandarin Oriental New York is the place to head for. Here, visitors can enjoy 14,500 feet of complete luxury, complete with a naturally-lit pool, a high fitness center, six multifunctional rooms with private showers, and a VIP Spa Suite equipped with everything to spoil the visitor, right down to a fireplace! An amethyst crystal steam room, and oriental tea lounge rounds off the picture in this perfect oasis, 35 floors above the buzzing city of New York. 

La Prairie Spa at the Ritz Carlton Central Park in Manhattan is where Swiss perfection greets visitors with their first step through the door. Six treatment rooms offer the very best in terms of beauty and relaxation. From unique facials, jet-lag therapy and body treatments, to Swedish massages and aromatherapy, this Spa has it all. Private trainers and instructors will guide visitors at the 24 hour a day fitness center, which comes complete with a state-of-the-art training room and sauna/steam room. 

Finally no visit to New York City spas will be complete without a pampering session at the Four Seasons Hotel Spa, where guests can take their pick from a number of luxurious massages, body treatments and facials, such as the DNA Molecular Regenerator and oxygen cellular renewal. In addition, this location offers whirlpool, sauna and steam facilities to sweep away the stress of the city.

Let me know about your experiences at a New York City hotel spa.

The warm weather in June that usually precedes the humidity of a New York City summer makes this the perfect month to discover the many wonders of the Big Apple. There are a wide number of attractions during this month, including festivals, walking tours and parades.

Culture buffs will adore New York City in June. The annual Museum Mile Festival allows visitors free admission into nine of the city’s top museums situated on Fifth Avenue, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Jewish Museum. Family-oriented activities are also part of the festivities.  

Cultural events also go outdoors during the magical June evenings at a number of New York’s parks. The annual Met in the Parks offers performances of two different operas at various city parks in five New York boroughs. The free Shakespeare in the Park festival is also a much sought-after event and brings the genius of the Bard to theater lovers in New York each year. 

Beginning in June (and running throughout the summer months), select movies are shown on a huge screen in Bryant Park each Monday night at dusk, and prove to be a great social event for movie fans of all ages. 

For culinary lovers, nothing quite beats the chance to taste the wares of some of New York’s top restaurants at reasonable prices during Restaurant Week. Held twice a year (in January and June), New York’s Restaurant Week presents diners with the opportunity to taste cordon-bleu three-course lunches for around $25! 

June is the month that New York hosts the annual Pride Week, where lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pride events dominate the city’s social calendar, to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Inn riots.  

Other entertainment options include sporting events such as the Belmont Stakes horseracing happening and baseball season, parades such as the Puerto Rican Day parade and the Mermaid Parade, and other musical selections such as the JVC Jazz Festival. And of course, let us not forget Father’s Day!

For more information, browse through our directory of New York City attractions.

Any nature lover will revel in the splendour of the New York Botanical Garden. With something magical to capture the imagination of even the biggest nature sceptic, this is one place to get away from the hustle and bustle of New York for a day of solace.

Farmers Market - Every Wednesday, June 25–October 29, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Visitors can enjoy free admission to the Farmers Market which is located inside The Botanical Garden at Mosholu Gate on Kazimiroff Blvd.

Moore in America - Runs from May 24–November 2
This a landmark presentation of monumental sculpture by internationally acclaimed British artist and sculptor Henry Moore. Coming soon, visitors can experience the largest outdoor exhibition of Henry Moore’s works ever presented in a single venue in United States.  It’s set against the Garden’s breathtaking 250-acre landscape and spring blooms.

A visit to the New York Botanical Garden is a must for any visitors to New York. Peace and tranquillity should not ever be sidelined.

NewYorkJourney.com features more information on New York Botanical Garden.

While it is true that New York is great to visit all year round, there is something about the month of May that makes a trip to this city even more worthwhile. It is said that May weather is the perfect time to take in all that New York has to offer – it is warm enough to spend ample time outdoors, yet not as hot as the uncomfortable summers that the city sometimes faces. Visitors will enjoy average highs of 71°F (22°C) and average lows of 55°F (13°C).

Evenings may still be cool and so it is advised to pack a jacket and sweaters. An umbrella is also recommended because of the likelihood of spring showers in New York. As always, it is advisable to pack comfortable walking shoes in any weather to do some serious footwork across the city.

May brings with it several great events during the month, with the added advantage of less crowds before the summer. There are excellent walking tours to enjoy the great weather, including culinary tours, visits to tenement sections of the city and more. The Tribeca Film Festival, which begins in April, overlaps into May and features some fantastic cultural entertainment and film premiers.

The annual New York Dance Parade features dancers from different cultures and ethnicities around the world. The parade begins on Fifth Avenue and continues up until Washington Square Park.

Fleet Week is also an impressive event during the month of May in New York. Coinciding with Memorial Day commemorations on the last Monday of the month, this weeklong celebration pays tribute to the US Navy and Marine Corps. Visitors can experience a parade of ships in the city harbor, musical performances and a host of other attractions. Memorial Day is traditionally a federal holiday although stores and restaurants stay open.

The Four Seasons Hotel New York is located in Manhattan’s chief shopping and business district, between Park and Madison Avenues. This impressive hotel boasts gorgeous views and supreme style and offers guest the utmost luxurious standards.

The Four Seasons offers guests almost everything they could possibly desire. Culinary needs will be catered for with the hotels two exclusive restaurants (”L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon” and “57″), two lounge bars (”The Bar” and “TY”) as well as an extremely wide range of food and beverages on the room service menu.

A fully equipped spa ready to pamper any desiring guest is also on the premises, offering massages, body treatment, hand and foot care and facials. A guest’s pampering can continue in the Four Seasons’ Fitness Center by using the exercise equipment provided or by ordering a personal fitness trainer to come to one’s hotel room.

Four Seasons is also known as a family-friendly holiday and aims to be the perfect holiday base for families visiting the Big Apple. Children’s special needs are catered for such as child-proofing gadgets, crib and bed guards, complimentary baby toiletries, complimentary toys and books, baby sitting service and a DVD lending library.

Businessmen will also have their needs catered for at the Four Seasons with around-the-clock communication services, computer rooms, conference rooms, secretarial services, internet access and travel arrangements.

The Four Seasons Hotel is a centrally located, luxurious holiday destination within itself and the perfect vantage point for a vacation in New York. NewYorkJourney.com features a detailed review of the Four Seasons Hotel.

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.

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.

The Westin New York Times Square is an iconic Midtown Manhattan landmark.  The hotel features a multicolored, striped glass skin, echoing the zooming traffic in the heart of New York City. Health magazine has ranked the Westin Hotel as one of America’s healthiest hotels, recognizing the Westin’s commitment to tranquility and renewal with spa-like guestrooms, suites and baths.

Located in the heart of Times Square at 270 West 43rd Street, the Westin is the perfect location for exploring all that Manhattan has offer, including the Broadway theatre district, 5th and 6th Avenue shopping, the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, the New York Public Library and the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

The Westin’s 863 rooms and suites offer guests every luxury and comfort.  The hotel’s signature Heavenly Bed ensures an unforgettable sleeping experience and the Heavenly Bath treats guests to a spa-like combination of amenities and products, including custom-designed terry bathrobes. Rooms are decorated in a soothing color palette and boast views of New York City and the Hudson River.  Rooms comes equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, such as high-speed wireless Internet access, dual-line phones, including one cordless, 32″ flat screen HD TV, and iHome clock radio with an iPod dock.  Rooms are also outfitted with coffee maker, refrigerated mini-bar, and in-room, laptop-sized safe.

The Westin Times Square is home to Shula’s, renowned as one of America’s best steakhouses. Shula’s “No Name Bar” is comfortably elegant and serves up the country’s best wine labels.  Bar 10 is the hotel’s sophisticated lounge.  The hotel is also directly connected to E Walk, a dining and retail complex with options such as Starbucks and the European Bakery Café.

The Westin Times Square is a luxury hotel, with a comfortable, welcoming lobby and a sophisticated lounge.  The hotel offers complimentary wireless Internet access throughout the hotel.  The front desk staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and has one of New York City’s best concierge staff.

NewYorkJourney.com features more information on Westin New York Times Square and other Midtown West hotels.