Shimmie Horn

New Taste of the Upper West Side

On May 31 and June 1, for those in the upper west side – perhaps vacationing in Shimmie Horn’s Belleclaire Hotel – the Columbus Avenue Business Improvement District is hosting the ‘New Taste of the Upper West Side.’

In its sixth year, this festival is set to benefit the Wellness in the Schools program at the O’Shea School complex and P.S. 87 and the Columbus Avenue Streetscape Project. The goal of the latter is to enhance the avenue between West 76th and West 77th streets.  Approximately 1,500 people attend the event each night which is usually sold out.  Every year those involved in the project try to improve it from the year before.  Tickets are on sale for $105 for Friday night and $135 for Saturday or $250 for Saturday VIP tickets.

Shimmie Horn

Empire State Building Run Up

An associate from the Goldman Sachs Group Inc. ran up the Empire State Building in Midtown Manhattan, in order to raise money for charity.  Brian Kuritzky’s 320 meter feet climb from the lobby to observation deck raised $20, 000 for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation…and he did it twice! This was the second consecutive year Kuritzky got involved in this venture, having raised $85,000 last year. Organized by the New York Road Runners, this event has been happening since 1978 and has participants from a variety of countries such as New Guinea, Israel and Japan.

Shimmie Horn

Summer Dancers in Manhattan

Check out the Manhattan Movement & Arts Center this summer, as it is hosting Manhattan Youth Ballet’s Summer Intensive. Located on 248 W. 60th Street, NYC (between Amsterdam and West End Avenues), this event is close by to some of the city’s luxurious hotels, including Shimmie Horn’s Belleclaire Hotel.

Even if you’re not signed up for the program, it’s worth having a look. There is an intensive three-week August program – organized by the Manhattan Youth Ballet – that aims to keep dancers in the swing of things during their summer break. The staff hails from the NYC Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and The Kirov Ballet.  On offer is: Pilates, pas de deux/partnering and more, all set to enhance technique and artistry.

In addition, for those still in the vicinity as the program comes to an end, there will be a performance at the state-of-the-art MMAC Theater for family, friends and invited industry guests.

Shimmie Horn

Manhattan’s Heliport History

Manhattan’s west side boasts a heliport at West 30th Street.  It first opened with two landing pads in 1956.  A few months later, passenger flights were scheduled by New York Airways, marking Manhattan’s first ever airline flights. Given that there are no instrument procedures required (it’s not an airport) those boating in the Hudson River need to be particularly careful when approaching the landing pad.

For those vacationing in the area, at Shimmie Horn’s Belleclaire Hotel, the Clarion Hotel, or anywhere else in the vicinity, they might be interested in taking a tourist flight out there.  Remember, the estimated time for the heliport to relocate, is the end of this year, due to a court agreement which resulted from the action taken by the Friends of Hudson River Park that enforced the Hudson River Park Act, banning tourism flights from there.  So enjoy it now as it’s new location has yet to be confirmed.

Belleclaire Hotel, Shimmie Horn

Kid Friendly Manhattan at the Children’s Museum

Traveling with kids in New York? Don’t worry, New York is a great place to show kids a great time. For instance, try a visit to the Children’s Museum of Manhattan

Children's Museum of Manhattan

at The Tisch Building, 212 West 83rd Street. The CMOM prides itself on its mission to be a place for families to come and learn, grow and play together, for the past thirty years. The museum has been a destination for children to come with their families and become happy, healthy and creative global citizens. Over 350,000 families each year are invited to explore at the museums incredible exhibits, unique programs and wonderful performances.
Some exhibits which children can explore are “Monkey King: A Story from China,” “City Splash,” “Playworks,” and many more. There is a large assortment of workshops, programs and performances which are just perfect for the ages and temperaments of every child.
Take a look at what the Children’s Museum of Manhattan has to offer. If you are staying nearby, for instance at Shimmie Horn’s Belleclaire Hotel at 250 West 77th Street, right off of Broadway, then you are closer than you think to having a fabulous time with your child or children in New York City.

Belleclaire Hotel, Shimmie Horn

Kids ‘N Comedy Guarantees Laughs for You and Your Family

Ryan Drum Comedian from the "Comics in Love Show" on February 12

Looking something unique to do on a Sunday in New York while you are staying at Shimmie Horn’s Belleclaire Hotel? Why not take a chance on some of the funniest kids in New York? At the Gotham Comedy Club at 173 West 78th Street, just two blocks from the Belleclaire, catch the Kids ‘N Comedy show every Sunday at 1pm.

The show is appropriate for children as young as nine, and as old as, well according to their website, as old as “really, really old.”
Enjoy a fun afternoon with the whole family, laughing and sharing a great time.
To check their schedule and get more information call: 212-877-6115.

Belleclaire Hotel, Shimmie Horn

Historic Beacon Theater

Beacon Theater

The Beacon Theater, at 2124 Broadway between 74th and 75th Streets, is the older sister to Radio City Music Hall. Just like RCMH, the Beacon was the vision of Samuel “Roxy” Rothafel, the legendary theatrical impresario of the ‘Roaring Twenties.’

The distinctive Art Deco style of the Beacon, designed by the great Chicago architect Walter Ahlschlager, makes the Beacon one of the most magnificent buildings of its kind in New York. The fact that it was designated as a national landmark in 1979 and is on the National Register of Historic Places attests to its unique beauty and historic importance.

The Beacon Theater opened its doors in 1929 and is known for having incredible acoustics. The sound-system was so well designed that the original system is still in use to today, still providing near-perfect acoustics for the pleasure of the audience.

Such entertainment luminaries as the Rolling Stones, Jerry Garcia, Aerosmith, Michael Jackson, James Taylor, Radiohead, and Queen have performed at the Beacon. In October 2006 Bill Clinton concluded the celebration of his 60th birthday at the Beacon with a private Rolling Stones concert.

If you are going to be staying at any of Shimmie Horn’s Triumph Hotels, and especially if you will be a guest at the Hotel Belleclaire at 250 West 77th Street, it is certainly worth a visit to see the glorious Beacon Theater.

Belleclaire Hotel, Iroquois Hotel, Shimmie Horn, Washington Jefferson Hotel

New Years in New York

If you are lucky enough to be staying at one of Shimmie Horn’s Triumph Hotels

Times Square on New Year's Eve

over the New Year’s holiday, then you are well positioned to have one of the most memorable of all possible New Year’s Eve celebrations.

You can go a New Year’s party at any number of exciting venues, from the Bryant Park Grill, two blocks from the Iroquois Hotel; to a party at Frames NYC, a bowling hot spot with a nightclub, bar and restaurant all rolled into one, just south of the Washington Jefferson Hotel along 9th Avenue; or go to a concert at the Beacon Theater on Broadway and 74th Street, just down Broadway from the Hotel Belleclaire on West 77th Street; Gov’t Mule is featured this New Year’s Eve.

Whichever way you choose to spend the holiday, if you are staying at any of Shimmie Horn’s Triumph Hotels, you are not far from the best entertainment New York City has to offer.

Belleclaire Hotel, Shimmie Horn

Stand Up NY for Great Comedy

One of New York's Oldest Comedy Clubs

On West 78th Street just off of Broadway is one of the country’s most talked about clubs for standup comedy, Stand Up NY.

Among New York’s oldest comedy clubs, Stand Up NY was first opened in the spring of 1986. This premier club is dedicated to finding the hottest new talent on the comedy scene, and so far they have been quite successful. Some of America’s funniest comics got their start performing at Stand Up NY, including such luminaries as Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, and Jon Stewart.

It is possible to see both veteran comedians and newcomers at the club. All week long the stage is crowded with comedians who have performed at some of the top venues for comedy, such as Comedy Central, HBO, and all the major broadcasting companies.

If you love comedy, and especially if you are staying at Shimmie Horn’s Hotel Belleclaire, then hop on over to Stand Up NY, it’s just across the street.

Belleclaire Hotel

The Vital Theater Company for Award Winning Family Fun

Vital Theater Great Fun For Families

The Vital Theater Company is a special experience for the whole family, and it is right across the street from Shimmie Horn’s Belleclaire Hotel.

The company is dedicated to producing original musicals which will inspire adults, awaken children’s imaginations, and empower students. Vital Theater opened its doors in March, 1999 with the primary goal of nurturing new theater artists in a safe home.

In the ensuing 12 years Vital has produced over fifty original plays which have been enjoyed by more than 160,000 children and families.

The Vital Theater Company has received a number of important theater awards including two American Theater Wind Awards for Commitment to Excellence in Theater. Vital also won the Off-Off Broadway Review’s Award for Excellence six-times. In 2002 the New York Theater Experience named the Vital Theater Company the Theater Company of the Year.

If you are in New York, and especially if you are staying at the Hotel Belleclaire, don’t miss this great family theater experience at the Vital Theater, conveniently located right across the street at 2162 Broadway, 4th floor at 76th Street. For more information call: 212-579-0528.