Whether you live here or are visiting, it’s easy to see that Boston is steeped in history. It’s everywhere you turn. So we thought it would be fun to round up some Boston trivia you might not know. Impress your friends and stump your kids with these little-known Boston facts. How many do you know?
1. We’re number one. Boston is home to lots of firsts. The city boasts the first public beach—Revere Beach in 1896, the first subway—Tremont Station in 1897 and the first public park—Boston Common. In 1634 Bostonians paid six schillings each in taxes to purchase William Blackstone’s farm, now Boston Common. Two other fun firsts include the first lighthouse on Little Brewster Island and the first formal fire department in 1679.
2. Record-setting heights. We’re sure your kids recognize the John Hancock Building along the city skyline. But do they know the building is also the site of the greatest grape catch in history? In 1988, Paul Tavilla caught a grape in his mouth that had fallen 788 vertical feet from the top of the building.
3. World’s biggest burglary. If you’ve visited the Isabella Steward Gardner Museum you and the kids have probably noticed the empty frames—evidence of 13 paintings stolen from the museum in 1990. Thieves posing as police officers cut them directly out of the frames, making the heist the largest property theft in the world! So what’s with the blank frames? Before Gardner’s death, she insisted that the museum remain exactly as she had arranged it—that means no replacement paintings or moving things around.
4. Bowled over. Candlepin bowling was first played in Worcester in 1880; the sport is a true Boston original. And families and friends have been rolling strikes and spares at the Shelburne Falls Bowling Alley since 1907, making it the second oldest candlepin alley in the U.S.
Karin Hansen
5. Don’t cry over this. The story behind the giant milk bottle outside of the Boston Children’s Museum is an interesting one. It was donated to the Boston Children’s Museum in 1977 when it sailed aboard a barge through Boston Harbor to what’s now Children’s Wharf. How much could it hold you ask? If it were real, the bottle could hold 58,620 gallons of milk.
6. A sticky situation. Next time the fam is in the North End neighborhood, tell your kids the story of the Great Molasses Flood that happened along Commercial Street, near Keany Square in January 1919. A 50-foot high tank, filled with molasses exploded unleashing the viscous substance, moving at 35 m.p.h., through the neighborhood streets. The giant wave crested at 25 feet high and left streets flooded with anywhere from two to three feet of syrupy mess.
7. Nope, it’s not a pineapple. Although it may look like a pineapple, the gilded object on top of the Massachusetts State House is actually a wood pinecone. It symbolizes the importance of the lumber industry in the state during colonial times.
8. An H2O-mazing law. It may sound more like an urban legend than an actual law, but apparently this one’s still on the Boston books. In Boston, it’s illegal to go to bed without having a bath. Pull this one out and make your case the next time your kids need a little extra incentive at bath time.
9. Play ball. You probably know that the Red Sox have played in 13 World Series and won nine titles. And that the Red Sox have a patent on the "Fenway Green" paint color. But not everyone knows about Fenway’s rooftop garden, Fenway Farms. Located on the third base side of the park, it was planted in 2015 and can produce over 6,000 pounds of organic produce each year.
10. What’s in a name. Boston goes by many names: Beantown, The Athens of America, even the Cradle of Liberty. But before it was any of these it was called Tremontaine by the Puritans.
Have you been considering learning sign language but wondering how you and your family might benefit? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Sign language can support development in many areas and here’s how:
1. Sign Language Helps to Solidify One’s Deaf Identity
Do you have a Deaf child or anyone in your family who is Deaf? American Sign Language (ASL) is used throughout North America, and the sign language for each country is an integral part of its unique Deaf community. There is a rich culture and history surrounding sign language and it is an essential component to developing one’s Deaf identity. Sign allows for language to be accessible to deaf children from birth, providing the opportunity for them to acquire language, engage in learning, develop supportive relationships, and socialize on par with their hearing peers.
2. Sign Language Can Help to Bridge Two Spoken Languages & Lead to Trilingualism
Are you already a bilingual family? Once you speak two languages, it’s easier to learn a 3rd—your brain is wired for it. Sign language can also aid in bridging two spoken languages: when your child hears one parent or family member say “milk” and another say “leche” and each one signs it (in ASL, for example), the same sign connects and provides consistent meaning to the two different words. Meanwhile, a 3rd language is acquired!
3. Sign Language Helps to Clarify Word Approximations & Expand Vocabulary, While Also Giving a Real Language to Children Who Don’t Develop Speech
Do you need clarification because you can’t understand what your child is trying to say? It’s possible that they’re using words you might not expect from a young child, and asking for sign clarification can help. If your child is looking at flowers but saying something like “ggog”, perhaps the sign for ‘pretty’ would let you know that they picked up your descriptive use of the word ‘gorgeous!’ Or maybe they are saying “bah” for many things—distinct signs can let you know if your child is referring to a book, or the bath, a banana, or a bird… and that way they’re expanding their overall language use through sign. Additionally, some hearing children with disabilities may not develop speech, and ASL (or the local sign language where you live) can be essential as their primary expressive language.
4. Sign Language Can Help to Strengthen Motor Coordination & Support Literacy Skills
While these two things seem to be quite separate, there’s more connection than one may think. Crawling requires cross-lateral coordination which strengthens overall brain development. This type of movement and practice helps to solidify eye-hand coordination and spatial awareness, among other skills that are required in reading. Left or right-hand dominance develops here as well, leading to comfort with writing. Also, fingerspelling allows for practice in fine motor skills while providing opportunities for spelling and reading to emerge.
5. Sign Language Can Connect People in a Conversation from a Distance
Wouldn’t it be helpful if you could communicate with a neighbor through your window? Or with your kids from across the playground? If more people, Deaf and hearing, used sign language this would be an option! When my kids got too far away from me at the playground and fell down, they would either sign or respond to me signing with things like ‘hurt’, or ‘ok’, or ‘help.’ Signing also allows for clear communication in a noisy subway or a quiet library, rows apart in a theatre, giving instructions in a swim lesson, and more.
So how do you get started? There are many online resources, but it’s important to make sure they are reliable.We recommend learning from Deaf teachers and from teachers who are credentialed in Deaf education or otherwise experienced in this area. At Baby Fingers we offer programs in person and online with Deaf and hearing teachers who are active in the Deaf community and can provide additional resources to families, children, and students of any age.
Lora Heller is a music therapist, Deaf educator, and author of several sign language books for kids. She has also written for music therapy professional publications and national parenting magazines and is the on-line expert for various parenting programs including ParentsTV.com baby sign language videoseries. Lora founded Baby Fingers in 2000. www.mybabyfingers.com
Our new series, Tiny Birth Stories, is aimed at sharing real-life stories from our readers to our readers. In just 100 words or less, we’re bringing you the raw, the funny and the heartwarming stories you’ve lived while bringing babies into the world. Here are five stories that will have you laughing, crying and nodding your head in solidarity.
Interested in telling your birth story? Click here.
Don’t be a superhero, get the epidural by Cheri M.
I had envisioned a spontaneous labor, where my water broke, unexpectedly, on the subway during my commute and my husband frantically drove us to the hospital. Instead, I was induced and given the date and time to go to the hospital. My OB broke my water, eight hours after I was given Cytotec. I had a lot of water, a lot. My OB kindly said “the anesthesiologist is available. Listen, every mom is a superhero, get the epidural.” I followed his advice. Eight hours later, 55 minutes of pushing, an episiotomy, my daughter was born. It happened perfectly.
The “fry guy” held my leg by Dawn T.
Eight years ago, I was 36 and he was 40. Old parents by many opinions. When her due date rolled around, it left just as quickly. A week overdue, I spent 4 days in the hospital hooked to a heart monitor, permitted to only drink apple juice. My husband threw a fry to me once. I was induced overnight, crapped on the delivery table with my mom holding one leg, and fry-guy holding the other. She arrived at 9:46 am and we’ve been on her clock ever since.
The patient with the longest labor time by Natalie H.
For my first birth, this past August, I was induced for 4 days before delivering my handsome son! It took me two days just to get to 3 cm dilated. The doctors and nurses tried every medicine and option that one could ever think of. Then, overnight, I was able to dilate from 3cm to 7cm and it took off from there. My doctor said that, in all of her years of practice, I became her patient with the longest labor time.
Induced with twins at 37 weeks by Amanda
When the doctor said to start calling at 6 am to check for available beds, you are showered and awake by 5 am ready to go! I was being induced with twins at 37 weeks, and little did I know they wouldn’t have a bed ready for me until later that evening. When I arrived I was not dilated at all, so I received cervadil and anxiously walked the halls with my also eager husband. The next day, still no progress, another round of cervadil was attempted. Sleeping with leg compressions was pretty difficult, as well as the limited food and drinks due to a possibility of a c-section. Finally on day 3, with the help of pitocin and many hour of pushing, I delivered our son. Thirty-six minutes later came our daughter. Along with their little brother, the twins continue to keep us on our toes ten years later!
Induction that ended in an emergency C-section by Courtney M.
I was induced at thirty-three weeks. I labored for three days before finally having an emergency c-section due to fever. I had an infection. I gave birth to my handsome son. We spent five weeks in the NICU then got to go home.
Got a tree? Good. Now it’s time to decorate! Show some true NYC cred by decorating your tree with one of these NYC-inspired Christmas ornaments. Or, give one to your most hard core New Yorker friend. Another reason to love this collection of NYC Christmas ornaments? Most are from city cultural institutions or local makers, all of which need our support now more than ever! (Need more NYC gift ideas? Click here!)
The Blue Whale
American Museum of Natural History
You can now have the American Museum of Natural History's famous Blue Whale in the house thanks to this exclusive ornament from the museum.
For the true transit nerd, an ornament featuring one of the constellations from Grand Central Terminal's ceiling is a pretty deep cut they'll appreciate. (And for the price, they should.)
Granted, it's a little abstract, but so was the concept of the High Line when it was first introduced. Valerie Atkisson is the artist. (Also: who else do you know with a High Line ornament?)
When has a collection of ornaments ever made you say "Awwwwww!"? Not only is this off-the-charts cute, it has a Santa. Wearing an I Love NY t-shirt. Holding a piece of pizza.
This cherry wood ornament doubles as a keepsake and is a great gift idea. Choose from three of the boroughs, Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens or NYC Metro, in addition to adding your own details like family name.
Three kids in the fastest city in the world isn’t a big thing if you’re well equipped. I love taking the kids places from early morning jogs, to three kids on the MTA, ferry rides to Brooklyn or throwing a stroller in the back of a cab I’ve rounded up the best gear for city traveling.
Best Carrier for NYC Moms
1. Baby Carrier: ArtipoppeThis is the most comfortable carrier for running around the city. Not only is it beautiful and makes you feel pretty postpartum it is the only carrier I’ve used for hours on end that doesn’t hurt my back.
Cost: $342
2. Travel Stroller: Uppababy Minu
This stroller is my favorite grabbing the kids to go for a city adventure. It’s easy to fold up for the back of cab or carry up and down subway stairs and it handles the city streets well even down on the cobblestone in the Meat Packing District. Costs: $399.99
Every city mom needs a wagon for neighborhood adventures. When you’re staying close to home and don’t have to worry about subway stairs this wagon is the best for throwing all the kids in and heading to the farmer’s market. Price: $299.99
4. Jogging Stroller: Bob Alterrain Pro
If you’re a jogger and live in NYC you’re in luck because you get some of the best views of the world right on your workout. Price: $599.99 5. Best Double Stroller: Evenflo Baby Gold Pivot Expand Double strollers in the city can be tricky. Any parent rocking a side by side version is sure to be a tourist. The evenflo gold is perfect for boardwalk days in Coney Island navigating the busy streets. Price: $499.99
One of the coolest things about being a kid in New York City is that you get to see your home town in all kinds of art. That of course includes books, and there is no shortage of children’s books about NYC. But some are better than others, and some are flat-out must-reads. (Many, for kids wherever they live! See #1 on our list.) We polled NYC booksellers, fellow parents and threw in our own two cents to arrive at this list of the best children’s books about New York City, with picks for the tiniest of readers to bigger kids. May we suggest heading to one of our favorite NYC independent bookstores for kids to pick some up?
The Snowy Day
Viking Press
It's a classic for a reason. (Also the New York Public Library's most borrowed book, btw.) Brooklyn native Ezra Jack Keats' ode to a snowy day in the city won the Caldecott Medal in 1963, and is credited with breaking the color barrier in children's literature. You can get it in many forms, including a board book to get your baby started on the right foot.
Ages: Two and up
Mr. Boddington's Studio: NYC ABCs
From the Brooklyn stationary store, Mr. Boddington's Studio comes a beautiful board book for your early learner. Discover NYC's nooks and crannies from A to Z, with iconic landmarks like Central Park Zoo, Rockefeller Center and Yellow taxis all making an appearance.
Ages: 2-5
Subway
Harper Collins
Gina Verdi, Children & Family Events Specialist at The Astoria Bookshop dubs this one "The book for every young subway enthusiast. It's a delight to read out loud every single time, especially if you make the sound effects that go along with the story." Follow along as a father and two kids (drawn as subway stick figures) ride the rails on a rainy day and explore the greatest subway system on Earth (delays and all).
Ages: Two to five
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale
Mimi O'Connor
Mo Willems' Knuffle Bunny series is so popular there's literally a statue of its central character at a Park Slope Library. Set in the Brownstone Brooklyn neighborhood (the author's former stomping ground) and featuring actual photos of the area as backgrounds, Knuffle Bunny features the bond between a girl and her stuffie, and a ill-fated trip to the urban setting of a laundromat. (Knuffle Bunny Too brings more of the same, with Grand Army Plaza making a star appearance in a pivotal scene.)
Ages: three to five
The House on East 88th Street
HMH Books for Young Readers
The first in author Bernard Waber's popular Lyle, Lyle Crocodile series, this 1962 story tells the tale of how the Primm family found a crocodile in the bathtub of their new house. It's easy to see why kids have loved it for decades.
Ages: Four to seven
Last Stop on Market Street
Mimi O'Connor
Winner of so many awards (including a Newberry Medal) and a New York Times best-seller, Last Stop on Market Street follows CJ and his Nana on a bus ride through the city. Along the way, Nana teaches CJ a thing or two about observing beauty in the world. With words by Matt de la Peña and pictures by Christian Robinson, this book is lauded for its ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic diversity.
Ages: Three to five
Bodega Cat
POW! Kids Books
This book celebrates a New York City staple, the bodega cat (as well as the shops themselves, and the people who run them). Bodega Cat follows feline Chip throughout his day in the Matos family's store, with his duties including working the breakfast rush, receiving deliveries, chasing pigeons and napping on a bag of potato chips.
Ages: Three to five
Subway Sparrow
Square Fish
With the subway central to any New York kids' life—and so many train-crazy kids out there—this list would not be complete without a few titles that include the transit system. (We've included many!) The Astoria Bookshop's Verdi loves Subway Sparrow, describing it as "a 'only in NYC' story of how a group of people who cannot speak each others' languages work together to rescue a sparrow. The book itself is in English, Spanish, and Polish." The book will provide an added thrill for D train riders; the sparrow hops on at Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn.
Ages: Four to eight
The Secret Subway
Scwartz & Wade
This book has a one-two punch of a great story and spectacular visuals. The Secret Subway tells the true tale of Alfred Ely Beach's attempt to create the first New York City subway in 1870; art from Red Nose Studios brings the incredible story to life with gorgeous art.
Ages: Four to eight
The Curious Garden
Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Published the same year The Highline opened, The Curious Garden tells the story of Liam, a boy living in a grey and dreary city who decides to cultivate a garden on some abandoned, elevated train tracks. Verdi likes this title in part because of its key message of patience, as well as the importance of making nature an integral part of the urban landscape. "In his author note, Peter Brown asks, 'What would happen if an entire city decided to truly cooperate with nature?' Since he penned The Curious Garden, the High Line on the west side of Manhattan has grown by leaps and bounds and is a one-of-a-kind experience," she says.
Ages: Four to eight
Little Elliot, Big City
Holt Books for Young Readers
The Little Elliot book that started it all, Little Elliot, Big City, pairs a charming story of a small cupcake-loving, polka-dotted elephant living in NYC with lovely illustrations of the city circa 1940. Being so small, Elliot can sometimes feel overwhelmed in his town; that changes when he makes a new friend, a tiny mouse.
Ages: Four to eight
Subway Story
Knopf Books for Young Readers
Books are Magic's Children's Book Manager Abby Rauscher recommends Subway Story, which is not only transit-inspired, but also weaves in history and environmentalism. Main character Jessie, a shiny new subway ferries people to the New York World's Fair in the 60s, has many adventures zipping along the rails for decades, and eventually begins a second "career" as part of an artificial reef in the ocean.
Ages: Five to eight
How Little Lori Visited Times Square
Harper Collins
Legendary illustrator Maurice Sendak and Amos Vogel teamed up in 1963 to create this silly story that follows Little Lori as he attempts to get to Times Square. (It was out of print for many years, but happily, it returned.) Many wrong turns and modes of transport are taken, but eventually, with some help, he reaches his destination.
Ages: Four to eight
All Are Welcome
Mimi O'Connor
A charming picture book that celebrates diversity, inclusion and community, All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold and Suzanne Kaufman features kids of all kinds learning, playing and celebrating. NYC kids will recognize themselves and the character of their city, brownstones, taxi cabs, chain link fences and all. (Psst! We have it on good authority that the school featured is PS 130 in Kensington, Brooklyn.)
Ages: Four to eight
Tar Beach
Crown Books for Young Readers
A pick from Gina Verdi, Children and Family Event Specialist at The Astoria Bookshop, Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold features Harlem and the George Washington Bridge. "It is a classic New York City tale told by a Harlem artist that still inspires young readers to use their imagination and fly. It's a work of historical fiction, yet the characters seem real and give us hope while reminding us that we still need to learn about our city's past," she says. P.S. there's a story quilt by Ringgold with the same title at the Guggenheim Museum!
Ages: Five to eight
Her Right Foot
Chronicle Books
Popular author of books for adults Dave Eggers weaves a tale with Lady Liberty at the center, touching on topics of history, identity, immigration, tolerance and patriotism. Illustrations by Shawn Harris give the book a modern and fresh look.
Ages: Six to nine
Eloise
Mimi O'Connor
Another kids' book inextricably linked to New York City, Eloise features it titular character living it up, however she pleases, at the Plaza Hotel. With iconic illustrations by Hillary Knight, the book is a celebration of sassy little New Yorkers, and kids everywhere.
Ages: Six to nine
This is New York
Universe
Miroslav Sasek's 1960 children's book looks ultra modern and chic even though it was created 50 years ago. Both informative and evocative, the book tours the city, visiting numerous landmarks (the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, the American Museum of Natural History), as well as observing the signs of city life. (Case in point: Windows full of air conditioners during New York City summer.)
Ages: Seven and up
If You Lived 100 Years Ago
Scholastic
Fascinating, fun, and of course, educational, Ann Mcgovern's trip back in time to turn-of-the-century New York City shows kids a very different New York City, one with no cars, lots of bicycles, child labor and cramped quarters and schools. The book looks at how rich and poor lived, ate, worked, and had fun through more than 50 questions.
Ages: Seven to 10
The Great New York Subway Map
New York Transit Museum/MoMA
If you're a design-nerd, you might want to pick this one up for yourself. Published by the Museum of Modern Art in cooperation with the New York Transit Museum, this super chic book celebrates Italian designer Massimo Vignelli's iconic 1972 map of the subway system. Along with telling the story of its creation, the book introduces the idea that graphic design can solve problems and shape our world.
Ages: Seven to 10
Harriet the Spy
Penguin Random House
Harriet is another little girl in NYC who wormed her way into the hearts of many a reader over several decades. (For example, this, from Jonathan Franzen: “I don’t know of a better novel about the costs and rewards of being a truth teller, nor of any book that made more readers of my generation want to become fiction writers.") Follow along as Upper East Sider Harriet chronicles her world, and ends up in hot water with her friends when her musings are revealed.
I know from my own experience as a parent with young children that the costs of a night out plus paying the sitter can sometimes make even the briefest outing… out of financial reach. So I’m not surprised when parents ask questions relating to compensation for the occasional babysitter. What is the going hourly rate? Should one tip? What about providing meals and snacks? Should you provide access to Netflix, etc…?
As it turns out, I was just in the position of hiring a babysitter for my granddaughter, so I had recently pondered some of these same queries myself.
It appears that compensation varies from community to community, and you can get a good idea about the going hourly rate by asking around. The best practice is to inquire directly with the sitter about rates before booking. Rounding up to the nearest hour seems to be a common practice, whereas tipping is not. In our case, we knew that the sitter had traveled at least 45 minutes on the NYC subway in each direction, so we factored her nearly two hours of travel time into her compensation.
Of course, if your sitter pitches in to do a major clean-up or takes on some other household tasks, or if they are called upon to stay much longer than initially planned, they deserve additional compensation beyond their hourly wage.
I can’t stand the idea of not sharing food—when it seems that I always have way more than I need—so I usually encourage sitters to help themselves. However, that is an individual thing and may depend on the hours that the sitter is in your home. For example, a caregiver who is there from four until ten should be provided with dinner.
As someone who started babysitting as soon as I hit the double digits, age-wise, I have a great appreciation for the profession.
I am a parent and grandparent with over four decades of experience in early childhood education. I share my passion, wisdom and experience, with parents and the people who care for and about children at Little Folks Big Questions, where we're out to answer the questions parents face in today's world.
NYC may have a reputation for being pricey, but figuring out where to stay doesn’t have to break the bank. Cheap NYC hotels do exist! We’ve rounded up some of the best NYC affordable hotel deals for families visiting or even for locals looking to up their staycation game on a budget. If you’re planning a trip with the kids to the Big Apple, check out these budget and affordable hotels.
Skyline Hotel
iStock
One of the main things to consider in booking a hotel in NYC is location. Proximity to the subway is key, and staying in or close to Times Square gives you access to the entire city via subway. The Skyline Hotel, located in Hell’s Kitchen (don’t let the name scare you) is definitely one to check out. With an indoor rooftop pool, free Wi-Fi for up to three devices, and even a pet friendly policy, they have all of the members of the family covered.
725 10th Ave. New York, NY 10019 212-586-3400 Online: skylinehotelny.com Hours: check in at 3 p.m., check out by 11 a.m. Skyline Hotel cost: average $200 per night
Located near the Jacob Javitz Convention Center, but still relatively close to Times Square is the Travel Inn. Boasting a pool and concierge, it’s a great option for families looking to make the most of their stay on a budget.
515 W. 42nd St. New York, NY 10036 212-695-7171 Online: travelinnhotel.com Hours: check in at 3 p.m., check out by noon. Travel Inn cost: average $175 per night
Two words: bunk beds. This affordable hotel based in NYC’s artistic Flatiron District is everything cool, laid back, unique, and yes, they offer rooms with bunk beds. Closer to sights like the Empire State Building and the Highline, and with an on-site game room, it’s a great option for families looking to branch out of the Times Square area. Plus, they’re pet friendly, too!
23 Lexington Ave. New York, NY 10010 212-475-1920 Online: freehandhotels.com/new-york Hours: check in at 3 p.m., check out by noon Freehand NY cost: average $280 per night for bunk bed rooms
This classic NYC hotel with art deco features is perfect for families interested in the history of NYC with a modern edge. The Belvedere opened its doors in 1923 and has remained an impressive presence in Midtown. Every room has a kitchenette! Be sure to ask the concierge about the Broadway & entertainment ticket reservations they have available.
319 W 48th St. New York, NY 10036 212-245-7000 Online: belvederehotelnyc.com Hours: check in at 4 p.m., check out by noon The Belvedere cost: average $200 per night with a best rate guarantee
This NYC hotel deal is a real gem. The Jewel Hotel’s centralized location puts it walking distance from tourist faves like St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock, and Radio City Music Hall. Plus they offer an American Girl Place New York Getaway package which includes a bed, robe, and slippers just for an American Girl Doll.
11 W 51st St. New York, NY 10019 212-863-0550 Online: thejewelny.com Hours: check in at 3 p.m., check out by noon Jewel Facing Rock Center cost: average $265 per night
When you think of cheap NYC hotels you probably don’t think of the words stylish or edgy, but the Sohotel is that and more. Have a larger family? Avoid booking two rooms out of necessity by snagging a Standard or Deluxe family room here. Both types of rooms sleep five. And you’re located in one of the trendiest parts of NYC. Can’t beat that!
341 Broome St. New York, NY 10013 212-226-1482 Online: thesohotel.com Hours: check in at 3 p.m., check out by 11 a.m. The Sohotel cost: average $175 per night
The Holiday Inn Express
iStock
Simple, no frills, and convenient are the best words to describe The Holiday Inn Express. It’s newly renovated, and close to Times Square. And a bonus: they offer a complimentary breakfast buffet for those looking to save a few dollars on breakfast.
Budget does not mean basic, especially at the Gansevoort. Luxurious rooms, rooftop pool, and free Wi-Fi property wide are just some of the reasons to consider booking your stay here. But the best part? Gansevoort Baby—where they offer cribs, pack & plays, diapers, and more—all for free. Oh, and they’re pet friendly, too!
This summer is jam-packed with exciting family movies, starting with Disney’s Aladdin. With all those movies on your summer to-do list, the costs can quickly add up, but luckily Subway is offering a way to save some money.
Right now at participating Subway locations, you can score a free kids ticket to see Aladdin in theaters when you purchase a Subway Fresh Fit for Kids Meal. The meal comes packed with a Fandango Promo Code which covers the ticket price and convenience fee up to $11.
The promo is available at Subway now through Jun. 26 while supplies last. The Fandango codes expire on Jul. 2 or when Aladdin is no longer in theaters, whichever comes first.
Aladdin kicks off the summer of family movies when it hits theaters on May 24.
While an ever-expanding list of Amazon prime customers are privy to Whole Foods sent straight to their homes, Trader Joe’s delivery is sadly going the way of the dinosaurs.
If you’re saying, “What? Trader Joe’s delivers? How did I not know about this?” you aren’t alone. TJs customers who live anywhere other than NYC probably never knew about this magical perk. After all, carting home bags of totally tasty Trader Joe’s fare on the subway isn’t exactly easy.
For the past decade metropolitan New York City customers have had a home delivery option. But now the grocery retailer is finding that the program isn’t cost-sustainable. According to TJs rep Kenya Friend-Daniel, in a statement to Business Insider, “Instead of passing along unsustainable cost increases to our customers, removing delivery will allow us to continue offering outstanding values — quality products for great everyday prices, and to make better use of valuable space in our stores.”
Unlike other large grocery and retail chains, Trader Joe’s does not (and doesn’t plan to) participate in third-party delivery services. Sorry NYC customers, as of Mar. 1 your deliver glory days are over.