Mention a summer music festival and the first thing that usually comes to mind is free love, muddy campgrounds and a sea of tents and eager revellers. Americans normally associate the summer music festival with the fields of rural Tennessee, the outskirts of a typical college town or a certain town in upstate New York. However, rarely do images of skyscrapers, urban ferries and an overall cosmopolitan setting enter one’s thinking. Yet these are exactly the images festival goers will find at the second annual All Points West Music and Arts Festival. The festival has a line-up that rivals that of the country’s best know summer festivals and it takes place in New Jersey’s Liberty State Park, just across the Hudson River from the shimmering Manhattan skyline, and hundreds of New York Habitat Accommodations.
New York Vacation Rental 1 Bedrrom Midtown West/ Chelsea (NY-11454)
The All Points West Music and Arts Festival enters its second year without skipping a beat. This year’s offering includes three days of music headlined by the likes of the Beastie Boys, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Tool, MGMT and Coldplay. And while the bands on stage will be getting plenty of attention, it is the city of New York that will take center stage. Liberty State Park has some of the area’s finest skyline views, with downtown Manhattan looming across the river. Festival-goers will have the opportunity to watch the Statue of Liberty proudly stand guard in New York Harbour while the lights from Manhattan skyscrapers reflect off the calm Hudson waters.
Unlike some other American music festivals, the All Points West event does not allow campers on site. Staying in a New York Habitat apartment during the festival is a great, mud-free option. Here are a few New York Habitat accommodations available during the festival, from Friday, July 31st to Sunday, August 2nd.
-This studio vacation rental in Battery Park (NY-9990) will have you home and in bed after the festival in a matter of minutes, you might even be able to spot your apartment from Liberty State Park.
-This 1-bedroom rental apartment in Midtown West-Chelsea (NY-11642) accommodates two guests in a comfortable and convenient setting. The proximity to everything central Manhattan has to offer is exceptional.
It was a beautiful day in May when we decided to give you a little tour of Greenwich Village - home to a community of people who arguably changed the world. This small area below 14th Street and west of Broadway has been home to rebels, nonconformists, beatniks, bohemians and starving artists for over 100 years now.
This is the closest you’ll get to a Parisian feel in New York. You’ll find tightly packed low-rise brownstones with tiny gardens, second hand stores, tons of cafes and restaurants… and lots of history.
Click above to watch this video: Video Tour of Greenwich Village.(3:25)
Starting in the late 1800s, Greenwich Village became the epicenter of art and music in New York. Artists and musicians from all over flocked to the Village where they found camaraderie, inspiration and affordable housing.
After the Second World War, the Village was taken over by the Beat Movement. Beatniks, with their bohemian “live and let live” lifestyles, spent their time in the many coffeehouses, jazz clubs, and poetry reading forums of the Village. The paths of many famous musicians writers and actors passed through the eclectic streets of Greenwich Village including Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Edgar Allen Poe, and Mark Twain.
Washington Square Park
Washington Square Park:
A great place to start our tour of Greenwich Village is Washington Square Park. It is home of the famous Washington Square Arch, which was built in the late 1800s to celebrate the centennial of George Washington’s inauguration as president of the United States.
The park is a meeting place for both young and old. You’ll find impromptu live music, playgrounds, street performers, chess tables and more. Surrounded by the New York University campus, this area is young and alive with an almost carnival atmosphere.
The interesting thing about Greenwich Village is that the starving artists were the ones who brought charm and appeal to the area. Ultimately the very appeal they created started attracting wealthier New Yorkers, which drove the prices up and, eventually, caused most starving artists to relocate elsewhere in the city.
Luckily, the charm remains strong in the Village and it’s a great place to rent a furnished apartment during your next trip to New York. We have furnished apartments throughout the Village to suit any taste.
For example, we have this beautiful accommodation studio in the heart of Greenwich Village (NY-12563). It’s just a couple blocks away from Washington Square Park. Iit features a fully equipped kitchen and a small balcony with a view of the Empire State Building.
So if you’re looking to get a taste of how Dylan or Hendrix lived, skip the hotel, and find a vacation rental to live like a true Villager in Greenwich!
MacDougal Street:
MacDougal Street is a one-way street about 6 blocks long in Greenwich Village. It has been the subject of many songs and poems. It’s been frequented by numerous famous individuals including Bob Dylan, Matthew Broderick and Eleanor Roosevelt.
Cafe Wha? - at 115 Macdougal Street
Located at 115 Macdougal Street, Cafe Wha? is a club in Greenwich Village that has been home to various musicians and comedians. Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Bruce Springsteen, The Velvet Underground, and Kool and the Gang are just a few of the many icons that have found their beginnings at the Café Wha?
Mamoun’s Falafel – 119 MacDougal St
Back in the 70s, the starving artists knew that all they needed to eat was 25¢ . Because a quarter was all it took to get a Falafel at Mamoun’s on MacDougal St. Today, the prices have gone up, but the falafels are still amazing.
Greenwich Village
West 4th Street Courts:
At the West 4th Street Courts, also known as “The Cage”, you will find some of the finest street ball players in the country.
The Speakeasy - 106 Perry Street
In the time of Prohibition back in the 1920’s, secret bars known as speakeasies sprung up all over the city. Many were located right here in Greenwich Village. American author Henry Miller opened a short-lived speakeasy in the basement of his home at 106 Perry St.
Sex and the City - 66 Perry Street
Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment in Sex in the City may have fictitiously been located in the Upper East Side, but the apartment is actually located right here in Greenwich Village. If you want to see the house of Sarah Jessica Parker, the real Carrie Bradshaw, and her husband Matthew Broderick, take a stroll down Charles Street, you might see them cleaning their sidewalk.
The Friends Building - 90 Bedford Street
If the names Joey, Monica, Chandler, Ross, Rachel and Phoebe mean anything to you, make sure you visit the corner of Bedford St. & Grove St. in Greenwich Village to pay homage to the “Friends’ Building”. This is the building where the Friends supposedly lived in the hit sitcom we all know and love. In fact, before the producers decided on the title “Friends”, the working title of the show was “Once Upon a Time in the Village”.
Narrowest House in NYC – 75 ½ Bedford St
Coming in at nine and a half feet wide, you’ll find the narrowest house in NYC at 75 ½ Bedford St. The Pulitzer Prize winning poet Edna St. Vincent Millay lived there for a short while.
Well, that’s all we could fit in for today. But there’s tons more to see and experience in Greenwich Village. If I’ve missed some of you’re favorite Village must-sees, be sure to leave them share them in the comments below.
And don’t forget, one of the best ways to experience Greenwich Village is to live there. What better way to live there than by renting a vacation rental apartment from New York Habitat. Visit our website at www.nyhabitat.com/new-york-apartment.html where you’ll find hundreds of vacation rentals and furnished apartments of all shapes and sizes the Village and all over New York City.
There are any number of picturesque towns and villages throughout the South of France to use as a base for your travels throughout the region. But, how would you like to stay in a hilltop fortress town in Provence, population 22, which has been inhabited for eight millennia?
Provence Vacation Rental 4 Bedroom in Les Baux (PR 248) "La Dame à la Licorne"
Les Baux de Provence, at the foothills of the Alpilles Provençal mountain chain, is set in white rock on a promontory, which is how it got its name (“baou” means rocky spur in the local dialect). Controlled by Celts, the Lords of Les Baux, the Masons des Comtes de Provence and finally Louis XIII, this stunning piece of French history is 45 minutes south of Avignon and just 10 minutes from Saint-Rémy de Provence.
The view from the old castle is amazing and the Cathédrale d’Images, set in a former stone quarry, offers wonderful exhibitions. Listed as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages In France,” Les Baux de Provence has a strong Roman heritage and is also the landscape of famous painters such as Van Gogh, Cézanne and Matisse, who came here to capture the extraordinary light and color of the region.
Standing among the old mansions, historic monuments and ruins of the Cité des Baux, New York Habitat’s exclusive hosted 3-bedroom in Les Baux de Provence (PR-248) offers exceptional panoramic views of the surrounding hills and the village from its windows and terraces, as it is one of the highest in the village.
What makes this apartment a Hidden Gem?
The house has an historical and cultural heritage that the owner perfectly knows how to keep alive. There are many things to discover in this family house, as well as among the narrow streets of this fascinating and timeless village that formerly belonged to the Grimaldi of Monaco.
Provence Accomodation 4 Bedroom Chateau in Les Baux (PR 248)
The first bedroom is known as “La Dame à la Licorne” and boasts a large window overlooking the village and the “Val d’Enfer,” providing light in the whole bedroom. “La Suite” has a master bedroom and another room with a balcony, which can be used either as a second bedroom or as a study and reminds us that all the houses of the village has been built against the roc itself, in the authentic troglodyte tradition of this village.
And finally, the third and unexpected guestroom is located on the top floor of the house: “Le Bijou.” A large French window gives access to a private terrace with one of the most beautiful view of the Cité des Baux.
For more information about the Chateau de Baux check out:
Each July 14, France celebrates Bastille Day, or the Fête Nationale. In Paris, the national holiday is celebrated with a grand parade in the morning, a dazzling fireworks display in the evening and dance parties well into the night. What could be more festive? Download the French national anthem, “La Marseillaise” to your iPod and head to Paris for this year’s festivities.
Paris Vacation Rental 2 Bedroom on the Champs Elysees (PA-3586)
Bastille Day commemorates the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille prison on July 14, 1789. The prison uprising was the first major step towards the French Revolution and ultimately French democracy. Today, all across France, and especially in Paris, you’ll find French revelers celebrating their history and independence.
In Paris, the holiday is kicked off with a military parade that starts at 10 a.m. at the Arc de Triomphe and continues down the Champs-Élysées all the way to the Place de la Concorde. Cadets from the École Polytechnique, Saint-Cyr, and the École Navale march in the parade, as well as the fire brigade. Aviators from the Patrouille de France also fly overhead. Those looking for a good view, and a glimpse of President Sarkozy, should plan on arriving at least two hours early – or even the night before!
The fireworks are shot off from Trocadero, across the Seine River from the Eiffel Tower. Crowds gather early at the Champs de Mars to picnic and claim their spot for the spectacular display, which starts around 10:30 p.m.
The festivities continue all night long in the restaurants, clubs and pubs. Expect champagne to be flowing! Want to experience the national holiday to its fullest? Stay in one of New York Habitat’s conveniently located apartments near the Champs- Élysées, including:
- This contemporary 2-Bedroom Vacation Rental in Champs Elysees (PA-3586), located on a mostly residential street in an elite district. The spacious apartment is just a short distance from Place de l’Etoile and its majestic Arc du Triomphe.
There’s no better way to experience French culture than to take part in the country’s most important national holiday. And it’s not too late to book your ticket to Paris for this year’s raucous celebrations.
Have you ever been in Paris for the Fête Nationale? Share your comments with us!
New York City is gearing up for the nation’s 233rd birthday. Whether you want to see America’s largest Fourth of July fireworks display, Coney Island’s world-famous hot dog eating contest or the view from the top of the Statue of Liberty’s reopened crown, NYC is the place to be for this year’s Independence Day celebrations.
New York Apartment - 1 Bedroom in Chelsea (NY-12827)
Since 2000, Macy’s annual fireworks extravaganza has been launched from the East River, between Manhattan and Brooklyn. But this year, the pyrotechnics show is returning to the Hudson River to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s voyage to America. On Saturday, July 4th, six giant barges will line up between 24th and 50th street on the Hudson to set off the spectacular 26-minute display. Over 40,000 shells will explode across the Manhattan sky at an astounding rate of more than 1,500 per minute. The show starts at 9:00 p.m.
During the day, you can take part in one of the many Fourth of July festivities going on around the city. Since there’s nothing more American than a good hot dog, why not head out to Coney Island for Nathan’s International July 4th Hot Dog Eating Contest? The annual competition, reportedly in its 94th year, takes place in front of Nathan’s Famous Corporation’s original restaurant at the corner of Surf and Stillwell Avenues. Last year, more than 40,000 fans gathered to see the culinary confrontation and more than a million watched the televised coverage on ESPN!
Visiting the Statue of Liberty is another fantastic way to celebrate the nation’s birthday, especially this year since the federal government recently announced plans to reopen the crown for the first time since the September 11th attacks. The crown will reopen on July 4th as a gift to the nation. Visitors must climb a narrow 168-step spiral staircase to reach the top and access will be limited to 10 people at a time. Ticket information is available at the Statue of Liberty National Monument Website
With so much going on in New York City this Fourth of July, you will want your very own apartment to call home. New York Habitat has many conveniently located vacation rentals including:
New York Vacation Rental - 2 Bedroom in Chelsea (NY-11133)
Hello once again. Welcome to another New York Habitat video blog! Today, we are going to get a little taste of one of New York’s most famous neighborhoods, known as SoHo. You may have imagined SoHo neighborhood as the one of the most fashionable areas in New York with its loft-style apartments, art galleries, and its diverse shopping. If you imagined SoHo like that then you are right. SoHo, which stands for SOuth of HOuston Street, is undeniably one of the coolest neighborhoods in New York. It’s has been the backdrop for fashion shoots, TV commercials and Hollywood blockbusters like Men in Black, Spiderman or Unfaithful. Many famous stars have their New York apartments in SoHo. They wander the streets randomly, so be sure to keep an eye out for celebrity sightings. In fact, the day we were out filming this video, we met Whoopi Goldberg!
Click above to watch this video: Tour of SoHo, New York – What to see and do.(4:58)
You’ll find SoHo in southern Manhattan just to the south of Greenwich Village. The boundaries of the heart of SoHo are roughly Houston Street to the north, Canal Street to the south, Crosby Street to the east and 6th Ave to the west.
SoHo’s Architecture and landmarks:
Before we get into the modern day delights of SoHo, let’s step back in history a bit. What is fascinating about this neighborhood is that it is the largest surviving cast-iron building district in the world. Many commercial buildings along Broadway and Spring Street feature this type of construction. Cast-iron’s fire-resistant properties and strength made it possible to construct large building façades at less cost than comparable stone fronts.
A great example of SoHo’s cast-iron buildings is 28-30 Greene Street. Built in 1872, it’s known as the “Queen of Greene Street”. It towers over the street with its ornate French Second Empire façade. And of course, every Queen needs a King. Located at 72 Green Street is another cast-iron building known as the King of Greene Street. This cast-iron beauty, built in 1873, is probably the best example of the Second Empire architectural style in New York City.
As you might know, SoHo is also well known for its loft style apartments. In the late 1800s, SoHo became an industrial district where workers toiled in dangerous conditions. Eventually, in the 1960s, as most of the commercial and manufacturing buildings were abandoned, SoHo was almost destroyed. As with many of New York’s neighborhoods, SoHo was saved by artists who settled there and used the large loft spaces as studios. As artists moved in, the district became populated with galleries and eventually SoHo became the center of the lower Manhattan art scene. Today, the area remains full of art galleries.
South of France Vacation Rental 4 Bedroom in Gigaro (PR 398)
The pristine beaches of St. Tropez, Nice and Cannes are rightly famous - but they can also be a bit intimidating to those of us who are not regularly featured in People magazine. However, the French Riviera has much more to offer than these playgrounds for the rich - and with miles of coastline and a little help from New York Habitat, you’re sure to find your own private oasis.
For example, try a studio vacation rental in Beaulieu sur Mer (PR-943) , a town about halfway between Nice and Monaco that measures less than 300 acres in total. Dating back to the Greek and then Roman era, it has gone through many resettlements dating back to the 3rd century AD. It features an early 20th century villa open to the public for tours, and a stunning port with a wide variety of marina services for boats of all sizes.
This 4-bedroom vacation rental in Gigaro - la Croix Valmer (PR-398) has a view of the sea and bougainvillea in full bloom for most of the year. Its white sand beaches are never overcrowded, and from the village experienced hikers can explore the miles of trails that go from the beach back to the rocky Col de Collebasse pass, almost 200 meters high.
The town of Bandol and its harbor are nearby offer all kinds of shopping, and of course there are many cafés and restaurants. Bandol’s reputation stems heavily from its wines, and the zoo and exotic gardens hosts Mediterranean and tropical plants and animals including a large bird collection. There’s even world-class scuba diving! And this 3-bedroom vacation rental in Bandol (PR-340) makes for a perfect hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the larger cities of the French Riviera.
French Riviera
The historical village of Villefranche Sur Mer overlooks the busy harbor and crystal clear waters of Villefranche Bay, and is considered one of the most beautiful spots on the French Riviera. And this 2-bedroom rental in Villefranche sur Mer (PR-438) offers stunning views of it all! Don’t miss the Jean Cocteau murals in the 14th century Chapelle Saint-Pierre, the 16th century walled citadel, the hanging gardens in the Old Town, works of Picasso in the Goetz-Boumeester Collection, and the historic estates tucked away in the hills that slope up from the sea.
All of these cities are close to Nice, Monaco and the wonderful border towns of the Italian Riveria and are accessible by train and other public transportation, but offer a more relaxing alternative than the bigger cities. New York Habitat highly recommends opting for the lesser-known gems like the towns and villages we’ve mentioned here for a truly unique vacation experience.
Do you prefer to be a little removed form the action, or do you prefer to be in the thick of it all when you’re on vacation? Let us know in the comments!
Visiting the Louvre is at the top of the list for any first-time visitor to Paris. Quite easily one of the world’s finest museums, the Louvre is known almost as much for its architecture and history as for the artwork it houses. While the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo draw plenty of attention on the inside of the building, I.M Pei’s pyramid and the beautiful architecture of the former royal fortress provide the photo opportunities for guests waiting patiently in line. Indeed, the Louvre has an impressive history, and one that has played a central role in the story of Paris. New York Habitat’s apartments also play a role in the fabric of the city, and guests are invited to engage the city by staying in an authentic Parisian flat.
Paris Vacation Rental 2 Bedroom in Monorgueil (PA-3246)
The Louvre dates back to the late 12th century, when it was built for French royalty. The grounds remained property of the throne until 1793 when the Musée du Louvre was born as a public institution. However, the Louvre museum has not been immune from outside events. In 1939, on the eve of Nazi occupation, concerned Frenchman evacuated the Louvre’s collections, except for the heaviest pieces which were too obtuse to transport. For the next 6 years works were shuffled between Chateaus in the south of the country in order to keep them from falling into enemy hands. This summer, the museum will be displaying its history during WWII by presenting some 40 photographs of the Louvre taken by both professionals and amateurs between 1939 and 1947. The photographs offer a unique view on the life of one of France’s icons during the country’s most trying moments.
Paris Vacation Rental 1 Bedroom in Belleville (PA-2163)
It’s no secret; Paris is an art loving city. The Louvre is an homage to the great visual artists of the past, The Eiffel tower a nod to architectural innovation and the recently inaugurated quai Branly museum tips its cap to non-Western art and artefacts. Of all the arts loved by the French, perhaps the form they hold closest to their hearts is Jazz music. Jazz wasn’t invented here, but it has been loved here possibly more than any other city in the world. American jazzmen have travelled across the Atlantic for generations to enjoy the company of a knowledgeable and enthusiastic French audience. New York Habitat has dozens of apartments on the Right Bank, steps from the city’s world-famous jazz clubs.
In honor of the French infatuation for jazz music the Musée du quai Branly will be holding a special exhibit until June 28th. The exhibit examines the relationship throughout the 20th century between jazz and the graphic arts. The presentation focuses specifically on the growth of jazz in Europe and Mexico in the 1930s and 40s and the way in which it influenced, and was influenced by, painting,
Paris Vacation Rental 3 Bedroom in Le Marais (PA-1516)
photography, cinema, literature and the graphic arts. A perfect jazz lover’s night on the town might be an afternoon spent at the exhibit and an evening listening to the sound of music in one of the many jazz clubs dotting the city.
The French have arguably embraced American Jazz music more than Americans themselves, can you think of any situations where Americans have embraced something Français more than the French?
I’m back with another video dedicated to showing you free things you can do in New York City. Two of the most expensive aspects of traveling to any city are tourist activities and food.
Click above to watch this video: Free things to do in New York – The Great Outdoors and Indoors (3:20)
I can help you save money right away in the food department. If you haven’t already done so, hop on our website and find a New York Vacation Rental. I’ve said this before, and it’s still true, in a Furnished Apartment you will have a fully equipped kitchen that will allow you to eat in, as opposed to spending tons of money at restaurants for 3 meals a day.
So with food out of the way, that leaves tourist activities. We’ve produced this series of videos in an effort to show you how to enjoy your trip to New York with fun and free activities.
The Great Outdoors
If you love the great outdoors, you may be surprised to learn that there are plenty of outdoor opportunities here in New York. So where are they?
Central Park:
Well, if you guessed Central Park, you’d be right – especially in the summer. When the weather is nice, you’re sure to find things like free outdoor concerts and theatrical performances. Don’t believe me? Just check out Summerstage.org with its full calendar of free outdoor concerts. Or for your thespians out there, check out Shakespeare in the Park for some free quality theatre productions.
New York Apartment: 1-bedroom in Midtown East (NY-12330) pict
Bryant Park:
Another one of my favorite parks in New York is Bryant Park. Located at 42nd St and 6th Avenue, Bryant Park has lots of great free things to offer. Like Central Park, you’ll find free concerts, but Bryant Park also offers a free outdoor film festival every summer. And lastly, another big reason why I love Bryant Park is because they offer free outdoor wifi. You’ll be able to email your friends and tell them you’ve just watched a movie… in the middle of a park… in New York City… for free!!
Free kayaking in Riverside Park:
If you’re looking to get wet, head over to New York City Downtown Boathouse at 72nd Street for some free kayaking. Located in Riverside Park at 72nd St. the Downtown Boathouse is dedicated to providing access to the Hudson River for everyone. It’s generally open from May through October and is run by volunteers that will teach you everything you need to know.
The Bronx Zoo: If you’d like to venture out of Manhattan, why not pay a visit to the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States. You can be one of the 2 million people that visit the zoo each year. And if you go on a Wednesday, admission is a pay-what-you wish donation.
The New York Botanical Garden:
Just next to the zoo, you’ll find the New York Botanical Garden. It’s a collection of over 50 gardens spread out over 250 acres. Now that’s a lot of plants !! It’s free on Wednesdays and from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.
Free Show Tapings:
What better way to finish off a fun day outside than to catch a live TV show taping in an air conditioned New York theater. Many televisions shows are filmed in New York City. Being part of the studio audience is a fun and memorable experience. Saturday Night Live, for example, made its debut in 1975 and has remained a staple of American television since. To get tickets, go to the NBC Studios marquee on the 50th St. side of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. There you can wait in line for stand-by tickets. They only give out one ticket per person and a stand-by ticket doesn’t guarantee admission.
There are many other TV shows filmed in New York that offer tickets to the public. Hop on the internet and you can find out how to get tickets for shows like
New York Apartment: Midtown West (NY-12424) photo
The David Letterman Show
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
The View
Good Morning America
The Today Show
Live! With Regis and Kelly
The Colbert Report
Don’t forget, to check out the other videos showing you free things to do in New York:
One last piece of advice, hop online and search for free things to do in New York. You’ll find tons of great ideas. If you find any that aren’t in our videos, be sure to share them in the comments section below.
And if you’re already in New York and you need a free internet connection, beyond Bryant Park, remember that you can find free internet in most of New York City’s libraries.
While you’re online, be sure to visit New York Habitat’s website. You’ll find thousands of vacation rentals and furnished apartments in New York. A furnished apartment is an exciting and authentic alternative to a hotel room, and is a great home base to explore all of the free indoor and outdoor activities you can find in New York.
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New York Vacation Rental 1 Bedrrom Midtown West/ Chelsea (NY-11454)
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