Visiting New York City Metropolitan Area

New York, NY – The Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty the icons of the Manhattan skyline readily recognized by visitors. Spring and early summer draw city residents and tourists to Central Park and Coney Island on sunny days to enjoy the outdoors. Times Square fills with entertainment seekers on their way to the theater, restaurants and movies. Shoppers stroll down 5th Avenue, the Rockefeller hosts visitors at Radio City Music Hall, Top of the Rock Observation Deck, and the well-known summer concert series at the Today show. The weather is ideal for any excuse to be out and about – and there are plenty of great reasons in New York.

Outside Manhattan on Long Island the Annual Mermaid Parade on the beach at Coney Island is June 19th. A tradition for over 25 years, participants dress as Neptune, sea creatures and mermaids celebrating the beginning of summer. The Mermaid Ball follows the parade featuring music, sideshow acts and burlesque. A show fit for all ages, art is the focus of the event. The Best Western Brooklyn Bay is less than a mile to the beach and ideal for a getaway. Just 15 minutes from the city, it is convenient to the best of New York.

Another famous Coney Island event will be held on July 4th – Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Championship. The 2010 event will feature contestants from 14 competitions in other cities prior to the fourth. Sound fun? The current champion finished off 68 hot dogs and buns in the ten minute contest. If you can't make it, ESPN will be televising the contest live.

One of the largest parades in the country, the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, is staged along New York City's Fifth Avenue. The second Sunday in June, the parade honors Puerto Rico culture and all people of Puerto Rican ancestry. The Best Western President Hotel at Times Square and the Best Western Hospitality House are great locations near the start of the parade. A fun weekend in the city, take in the parade, enjoy the festivities and see where the evening takes you.

Promises Promises opened on Broadway late April at the Broadway Theatre. An enjoyable show, this musical comedy stars, Sean Hayes and Kristin Chenoweth. Denzel Washington is starring in Fences, which runs until mid-July. A night in the city for an early dinner and a show is always a special night. With five Best Western Hotels in Manhattan, you can choose a favorite and make a nice overnight venture out on the town.

For those who enjoy a stroll down Madison Avenue, stop on 53rd street at Paley Park. Five sections of the Berlin Wall are public art in the plaza. This piece goes largely unnoticed by passersbys, but is a real treat if you're a history buff. New York never ceases to surprise and entertain visitors!