Downtown Manhattan Revitalization!!

Au Revoir.........Summer!

Isn't it coincidental how it usually gets a bit cooler as soon as the Labor Day Parade has concluded? Although summer isn't officially over until September 22nd, it's time to start wrapping up those summer activities. No more trips to the beach, no more barbeques. Before we resign ourselves to staying indoors because of the snow and cold, we have the entire fall season to enjoy, and there are plenty of things happening this fall to keep us busy. Since I work downtown Manhattan, I'm aware of several "downtown happenings", as we Financial District workers call it.

However, I'm not going to focus just on upcoming events happening downtown, but also on a few new places and activities that are available year-round.

ATTENTION SHOPPERS, listen up. As part of the revitalization of lower Manhattan, more stores are moving in. Some luxury stores have recently opened including the following: Hermes at 15 Broad Street, Tiffany & Co. on Wall Street (set to open in October), and Thomas Pink at 63 Wall Street. Also, for those who live downtown and fret over the lack of a convenient grocery store, word on the street is that a Whole Foods store will be opening on Warren Street early next year.

As most of you know, there are also quite a few interesting museums and exhibits in downtown Manhattan. The very popular Bodies, The Exhibition at the South Street Seaport is a great one to attend. It is a bit on the pricey side, with a general admission ticket running at $26.50 on a weekday or $27.50 for a weekend/holiday, but I think it is well worth it. This exhibition gives the unique opportunity to see the inner workings of our bodies. Pretty cool!

While the events at the Seaport have slowed down, The World Financial Center has a whole calendar of events planned for this fall taking place at the Winter Garden. On Wednesday October 10th from 5-9pm, there is The Thelonious Monk 90th Birthday Piano Marathon. Thelonious Monk was a jazz pianist and composer and is credited as one of the founders of bebop. For this event, master pianists will pay tribute to Monk. Then, in celebration of India’s autumnal festivities including Diwali (also called the “festival of lights”), on Thursday, October 25th at 12:30 and 7pm, Surati for Performing Arts will present a showcase of drama, music and dance that will offer a glimpse into the historical background of these festivals and insight into the cultural heritage of India.

Also at the Winter Garden, is the Great Pumpkin Party on Saturday, October 27th from 12-4pm. This is sure to be a great day for the family so bring your kids and put on your favorite costume for this fun-filled day of trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, and face painting. Then on Friday, November 16th from 11am-2:30pm, there will be a tasting festival in which the World Financial Center’s restaurants will offer up samples of their signature menu items for $1-5.

There are also a few street fairs coming up including the Columbus Day Festival on Monday, October 8th on Water Street from Fulton Street to Broad Street. And on Friday, October 19th the Financial Community Day Festival Series will take place on Maiden Lane between Water and South Streets.

Before winter settles in, make sure you take the time to enjoy some of these great activities while aiding in the revitalization of Lower Manhattan!