While exploring Staten Island, stop at the Alice Austen House for a unique museum experience. The Dutch Colonial style home, often referred to as Clear Comfort, was built between 1690 and 1750, and belonged to photographer Alice Austen until 1945. The home now houses a museum featuring work from Austen and other photographers. The Austen House also offers etiquette classes, art camps and small concerts.
Take a step back in time when you visit the Merchant's House Museum, the only 19th century home in New York City preserved both inside and out. The house is renowned for its collection of approximately 3,000 items including original furnishings, decor and preserved clothing and effects of the family that inhabited the home. The museum produces many performances, presentations, lectures, exhibitions and special events throughout the year.
If you want to check out live music in NYC, then the Bowery Ballroom is the place to see it. Known for reasonably priced tickets and not having a bad seat in the house, this venue has presented concerts by musicians like Tom Petty, Dierks Bentley, Robert Plant, Bruno Mars, R.E.M, Elvis Costello, Coldplay, Alanis Morissette, Kings of Leon, Muse, Depeche Mode and many more. The Bowery is famous throughout New York City and has appeared in movies like Coyote Ugly and Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist.
Get a look at some of nature's most wild creatures in the middle of the Concrete Jungle and explore the attractions at the Central Park Zoo. The zoo provides habitats for animals like lemurs, snow leopards, peacocks, and polar bears. While visiting with the kids, be sure to explore the special area of the zoo made just for them, the Tisch Children's Zoo.