My most fun days in NYC have been just walking around-- particularly Soho, Tribeca, Financial District and of course 5th Avenue. I think that transcends age-- though what catches your interest in those neighborhoods may vary by age, there's plenty to see and experience. Many families go to Serendipity for frozen hot chocolate-- I've never been. A favorite starting point for me is Balthazar-- just love the decor and the energy and while the bakery isn't an option there are plenty of gluten-free options. Ellis Island is on my "must see at all costs" list. I've never been but my family came in through Ellis.. and after reading A Fall of Marigolds, I realized how much I do not know. I love the NYPL and the Met-- I agree with Annie that the experience and views from the rooftop are just breathtaking but I am not sure it's open to the public anymore. I did some work at the Met about 10 yr ago and at that time, it was employees (and contractors) only. I would think the average 11 yo would prefer MOMA. So many iconic and recognizable works of art. And I am a bit of a train romantic-- love train stations. Grand Central is just gorgeous. I've never done a cruise or ferry-- but I have added that to my "must do at all costs" list also. A broadway show is quintessential NY but don't discount off broadway. I have seen and enjoyed a wide range of shows-- from dramas to audience participation type performances. Whatever you do-- have fun and hope you have great weather!

˙qǝMuǝpɹɐ⅁ ʇnoqɐ sʇuǝɯɯoɔ puɐ suoıʇsǝƃƃns ɹnoʎ ɹǝɟɟo oʇ ǝɔɐʃd ǝɥʇ sı sıɥ⊥ Not cute.

I am just about to build a new house (2000 sq ft) in Canada. The focal point of the main floor is a see thru fireplace and I am trying my hardest to find a model that doesn't just pour all the heat out the chimney. Are their any see thru fire places out there with some sort of heat exchanger fan built in? I would not be very happy spending top dollar on a nice see thru to get no heat output from it other then radiant heat. I was looking at the Town and Country TC36 or Heat and Glo Escape See Thru Model (which has some "heat zone" option but I hear mixed results with how it actually works?) Thanks!

Hi everyone. lavandula8(5B) - WOW! what a great lot of pictures of these wonderful plants and thanks so much for sharing them with us. They obviously have a very knowledgeable horticulturist looking after the plants in that Botanical Garden as they all look so healthy and well cared for. So often you see pictures of collections in botanic gardens where the condition of the plants is less than ideal but these are superb. It must be great to be able to visit this place on a regular basis, and as well as the benefit of free entry because you are "friends of the botanic garden", do you also get the opportunity to volunteer to help with routine work and converse with the person in charge. This is what happens at the Botanical Gardens near where I live as the work is largely done by volunteers with a qualified horticulturist in charge and doing the supervising. Brom mates I know who are also "friends of our local botanic garden" often the tell me of the knowledge they pick up along the way and how its a "two way exchange"; the garden gets the benefit of their volunteer labour and in return they get free entry, pick up more knowledge and learn new skills. Once again, thanks so much for sharing your wonderful pictures and please feel free to post more when ever you are able to. All the best, Nev.