Valentine's Day Weddings at the Empire State Building

There’s always something fun to do in midtown on Valentine’s Day (or any day for that matter). For three happy couples today, that fun just got even more exciting. Three couples will be getting married today on top of the Empire State Building. They were the winners of an online contest that was sponsored by the management of the building and they have each won an all-expenses paid dream wedding!

One couple is from Massachusetts, another is from Washington DC and the third is from Florida. Manhattan event designer Preston Bailey is in charge of all of the wedding details. As he said, “They are going to be really blown away.”

Perhaps you can catch a glimpse of these couples today as they say their vows. Then, enjoy a romantic lunch at Triomphe, which is part of Shimmie Horn’s Iroquois Hotel. And take in an afternoon or evening Broadway show.

Shimmie Horn

Now that’s the way to enjoy a beautiful Valentine’s Day in the city!

Christmas at the Washington Jefferson Hotel

There is so much to do in the midtown Manhattan over the holidays – both for adults and children.  Experience the area with Gray Line’s “Holiday Lights” tour and enjoy the lights at Rockefeller Center, Central Park’s Tavern on the Green and Times Square.  For a bit of history, one cannot be in the area and not visit Macy’s – the first ever department store since the 1870s, to feature Christmas windows. And for those who want to turn their kids’ dream into a reality, the Gotham wintry wonderland is a must-see.

After the long day in the city,  Shimmie Horn’s Washington Jefferson Hotel offers a smart, chic, and tranquil place to lay one’s head. Other spots to see in the New York area include Lord & Taylor.

Lord & Taylor this year marks its 75th anniversary of festive displays, boasting Santa’s hipster hang, snowy peaks and more. And Saks Fifth Avenue will not disappoint either, offering a chalkboard animation with cameras projecting the visitor’s face into a snowflake kaleidoscope.  The light show plays every eight minutes from 5 ‘til 10pm.  Tiffany & Co., Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys and Bloomingdales make great entertainment stops for the whole family as well.

Christmas is truly a wonderful time for everyone – and this year – as in years gone by, midtown Manhattan is displaying the joy for all to see.

The Best of Japan in Midtown Manhattan

For those looking for an elegant and well-priced meal before the theater, there is a gem in the Washington Jefferson Hotel. Shimizu, a sushi and shochu restaurant, sits inside the regal hotel owned by hotelier Shimmie Horn.  With its menu of seasonal specials, sushi rolls, appetizers and more, it’s the perfect place for a pre-show meal or for a late dinner after the entertainment.

For those who like to attend the show on a full stomach, Shimizu has the perfect solution. They offer a prix fixe meal from 5:30-7:30 Monday through Saturday and it’s the perfect way to begin the evening. It includes miso soup or salad, an appetizer, the choice of entrée, and a dessert. For less than $30 for the entire meal, it’s an outstanding choice prior to a night on the town.

For people looking for a nightcap, Shimizu offers the authentic Japanese experience with their extensive list of shochu and sake choices. Shochu is a Japanese distilled beverage that is usually distilled from barley, sweet potatoes or rice. With an alcohol content of 25%, it has a higher concentration of alcohol than sake. Sake is made from fermented rice and typically contains anywhere from 9-15% alcohol, depending on how it is made and served.  Both are available in an extensive beverage menu at Shimizu.

Moving off of the beaten path and finding an out-of-the-ordinary eatery can certainly enhance anyone’s experience in New York City. Shimmie Horn’s Washington Jefferson Hotel, and the Shimizu restaurant offer travelers, businesspeople and locals the chance to enjoy a refreshing taste of Japan right in the heart of the city.

Choosing is Critical in Midtown Manhattan

When you finally get to take a fun-filled vacation in New York’s midtown neighborhood, you may feel overwhelmed with the choices of restaurants, accommodations and things to do in general.   Quite simply, the city is jut buzzing with possibilites at a high quality level. 

Ultimately your choices will depend upon what you are looking for.  For those seeking out a chic, contemporary style, they may want to look at one of the Triumph Brand hotels owned by Shimmie Horn, such as the Hotel Belleclaire, located on Broadway and West 77^th Street, which was once described as a “skyscraper on Broadway.”  For special spa amenities, check out the Four Seasons Hotel New York, on East 57^th Street, which also is known for its luxurious settings and helpful staff.

And while you’re in the city that never sleeps, you might want to take in some sites, like the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site, or the General Grant National Memorial.  And for those who prefer the nightlife, then the AZYA Wine & Chocolate Bar will provide you a bar with a difference, and is unlikely to disappoint.

So before booking your vacation, make a decision on what you’re looking for – you’re bound to find out in midtown, New York…along with so much more.