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Three NYC Summer Highlights

One of the joys of living in the Hudson Valley is that I can be in New York City for the day and home at night to hear the crickets. As we enter Summer here in the U.S., I thought I would share three of my favorite things about New York, on the off-chance you might be one of the millions of people visiting in the coming months.

1. Roof Garden at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is the #1 museum for NYC visitors, and encountering its artistic masterpieces in spacious halls is an experience that can replenish the creative side of a soloist in any season. During the summer months, however, the Met opens its rooftop gallery where you can enjoy not only outdoor sculpture but also some of the finest views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline (plus sandwiches, espressos, beer, and wine from the cafe). On view through October 26, 2008 is the work of American artist Jeff Koons whose sculptures playfully interpret consumer culture -- such as his ten-foot-tall stainless steel "Balloon Dog" that mimics those familiar creations of childrens' birthday-party entertainers. Visit the Met Museum site for details.

2. Strand Bookstore
If you're like me, your bookstore wish list often exceeds the budget. Fortunately, the Strand Bookstore, with its 18 miles of used books, lets you stretch your book-buying dollar. From brand new releases recycled by book reviewers hoping to free up space in cramped NYC apartments, to out-of-print classics or the latest bestseller, the Strand likely has it -- and at a price that's hard to beat. Three locations, but the 4-story main store is at 828 Broadway @ 12th Street, just South of Union Square. They'll ship if you don't want to schlep. Their Web site features store hours, location details, and a searchable inventory. Bonus: With a phone call or email, they will hold books for up to seven days.

3. Shake Shack
NYC restaurant entrepreneur Danny Meyer opened this "roadside" food stand in the heart of New York City in 2004 and it's the closest thing to nirvana for those longing for the classic American meal of cheesburger, fries and a thick milk shake. Eating under the trees in Madison Square Park (Madison Ave. @ 23rd St.) is a delight and makes the wait in line worthwhile. Visit the Shake Shake Web site to see the full menu and to check out the "Shake Cam" where you can view a live webcam stream of how long the line is (hint: when the line snakes to the first big tree, just R of center in the screen, the wait is about 20 minutes). If you like burgers, you won't be disappointed.

Another bonus: the park sits opposite one of my favorite Manhattan architectural gems: the Flatiron Building, designed by Daniel Burnham. The triangular building was completed in 1902, just a few years after Burnham was Director of Works for the World's Columbian Exposition (aka the 1893 Chicago World's Fair, of "White City" fame). Burnham would later design Washington, DC's Union Station (1907).

If you make it to New York, I hope you enjoy the City as much as I do.

-- Terri Lonier
Founder, WorkingSolo.com

PS: The Working Solo Minute will be on hiatus for July and August as I finish up some major projects. I'll be back on Wednesday, September 3rd. Have a great summer!

Next Issue:
The Working Solo Minute will return on Wednesday, September 3rd.