Now that the stress of final exams is behind us, it is time to take full advantage of that wonderful and vast stretch of guiltless leisure time also known as winter break. While wintertime is arguably the season that suits Manhattan best, it is also an opportunity to get away from all that touristy, holiday traffic and explore what lies beyond the bridges and tunnels of New York City.<\/p>\n
In the first of three guides, we\u2019ve picked eight cultural activities<\/strong> around the outer boroughs that are all affordable, easily accessible, and promise to be (mostly) hipster-free.<\/p>\n Brooklyn:<\/strong> Coney Island<\/p>\n While Coney Island is better known for its kitschy Boardwalk and olde Brooklyn amusements, the New York Aquarium at Coney Island<\/strong> is a great year round destination\u2014if you don\u2019t mind the smell of fish. Visitors have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the aquarium\u2019s sea stars during feeding times. The Pacific Walruses never disappoint.<\/p>\n Back on Surf Avenue, Coney Island\u2019s main drag, grab a bite at Nathan\u2019s Famous<\/strong>\u2014remember you are, after all, visiting the birthplace of the hot-dog\u2014and then head over to the Coney Island Museum<\/strong> for a brief history of the area that costs less than your hot-dog.<\/p>\n Nearest subway:<\/strong> D\/Q\/N\/F train to Stillwell Avenue.<\/p>\n New York Aquarium at Coney Island<\/a> Nathan\u2019s Famous Coney Island Museum<\/a> Queens:<\/strong> Astoria<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve ever been moved by a motion picture or are fascinated by the art of digital media, you\u2019ll want to pay a visit to the Museum of the Moving Image<\/strong>. Tune into the Pinewood Dialogues that have recently included Tim Burton, Judd Apatow, Gael Garcia Bernal, and Jerry Lewis. Historical theater furnishings, early technical equipment, and vintage advertisements are among their large collection of image artifacts. Check out their website for a calendar of upcoming movie screenings.<\/p>\n Queens is known for being an ethnically diverse enclave, and popular destination for any kind of Greek cultural adventure. In Astoria, indulge in some authentic Greek cuisine with a stop at Opa Souvlaki<\/strong> for an inexpensive but delicious gyro. Check out our comprehensive guide to all things Greca<\/em><\/a> in this outer borough.<\/p>\n Museum of the Moving Image Opa Souvlaki Queens:<\/strong> Long Island City<\/p>\n The story of the Socrates Sculpture Park<\/strong> has all the elements of a New York City success story. Up until 1986, the site was an illegal dumping ground and riverside landfill when a group of artists and local community members decided to transform it into an outdoor exhibition space and garden. The art atmosphere in Long Island City is pervasive, and a short walk from the sculpture garden is the Noguchi Museum<\/strong>, a series of thirteen galleries within a preserved factory building dedicated to the works of Isamu Noguchi, the Japanese-born American sculptor.<\/p>\n Post cultural amblings, stop by Sweetleaf Caf\u00e9<\/strong> for a cup of Stumptown coffee (named the \u201cBest coffee in the world\u201d by NPR). Also check out oM\u2019s guide to a French-inspired tour of Long Island City<\/a>.<\/p>\n Nearest subway:<\/strong> N\/W train to Broadway; F train to Queensburdge-21st Street<\/p>\n Noguchi Museum<\/a>
\nSurf Avenue and West 8th Street; 718.265.FISH
\nWinter Hours <\/strong>(Nov 2-April 2): 10am-4:30pm daily
\nCost:<\/strong> $13<\/p>\n
\n1310 Surf Avenue; 718.946.2202
\nHours:<\/strong> Nathan\u2019s is open year-round
\nCost: <\/strong>$3.15 (originally 5 cents in 1916)<\/p>\n
\n1208 Surf Avenue; 718.372.5159
\nHours:<\/strong> Saturdays and Sundays only, 12pm-5pm
\nCost:<\/strong> $.99<\/p>\n
\n35 Avenue at 36th Street; 718.784.4520
\nHours:<\/strong> Tuesday to Friday, 10am-3pm;
\nHoliday Hours:<\/strong> From Saturday, December 26, through Sunday, January 3, 2010, the museum will be open daily (including New Years Day) from 10am-5pm.
\nNearest subway:<\/strong> R\/V train to Steinway
\nCost:<\/strong> $7<\/p>\n
\n2844 31st Street; 718.728.3638
\nHours:<\/strong> Monday to Friday, 11am-1am; also open Saturday
\nNearest subway: <\/strong>N\/W train to 30th Avenue\/Astoria
\nCost: <\/strong>$9-$15<\/p>\n
\n9-01 33rd Rd (at Vernon Blvd); 718.204.7088
\nHours: Wednesday to Friday, 11am-5pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11am-6pm; Closed Monday and Tuesday.
\nCost: <\/strong>$5 for students with i.d.<\/p>\n