Subway Smarts

(image from NYT.com)

I am not a subway expert. Anytime I need to go somewhere that's not along my work route, I'm on hopstop.com, getting directions, writing down what exit to take to leave the subway station, and drawing in a little map to help me out along the way. The times that I pick the subway car that will deposit me right in front of the exit are unexpectedly delightful. You don't get caught at the end of the line going through the turnstiles or waiting at the bottom of the steps for the traffic to move. Now, there's an app that addresses that:

Maps of Subway Platforms, Now on Your Mobile Phone


Props to Exit Strategy NYC, the brains behind this mobile app.

Things to do this Summer: Summerstage

When discussing the pantheon of cool things to do this summer - Restaurant Week, Summer Streets, Shakespeare in the Park - we must not omit Summerstage in Central Park!

Summerstage is held at Rumsey Field (between 72nd and 79th Street entrances off 5th Ave.). Many of the programs are FREE (well, they're going to ask you for donations every step of the way). Some of the concerts are benefits, like the Pretenders, Umphrey's McGee, and Cat Power. (which means you pay for a ticket, which in turn goes to support the full season of free programming). The line-up is a diverse schedule, with alternative rock, dance performances, movie nights, dance music, rap, hip hop, even kid-friendly programming. I highly recommend checking out Summerstage!

Here's what to know before you go:
1. Remember this is a field (turf) and not a stadium. Don't expect to sit in a seat. They have may bleachers, but those go quickly. Bring a blanket/towel to sit on.
2. If an act is playing that you really want to see, don't think you can just waltz in when the concert starts. Be prepared to wait in line!! I think Calle 13 and Chester French will draw huge crowds at their upcoming shows, which means people will be lining up early to see them...maybe as early as 11am for a 3pm show (doors open at 2pm). Just because there aren't assigned seats doesn't mean everyone will fit on to the field. You may have to wait in line after the show has started due to the field being 'at capacity'. When this happens, they'll let 50 people in once 50 people leave. Do you want to be stuck in line when the band you wanted to see is onstage??? The point is, the earlier you get there, the better chance you'll have of actually getting in to see the band.
3. They sell food at the field, so you can get a burger, fries and beer. But you're welcome to bring things in - just no alcohol or glass containers.

Summerstage is a lot of fun. You're missing out if you don't go.