Coney Island

Coney Island
This is one of my favorite things to do if I can make a late afternoon of it. For better or for worse, a lot of Coney Island has been cleaned up, and then hurt by Sandy, and it could use a little attention. Head to the Sideshow to see sword-swallowers, guys banging nails into their nostrils, just incredible feats and freaks. And then, head to Nathan's around the corner for the hot dog that started it all - with a beer. Then, walk to the boardwalk and hit up the Cyclone for the bumpy ride of your life. And before you hit the chiropractor, take a ride on the ferris wheel. It's important to go late afternoon to miss those crazy crowds and the heat. But I kind of like to sometimes skip the Nathan's, walk a little further down the boardwalk, right to Brighton Beach. And then, I sometimes end up at these boardwalk restaurants, that are all Russian-run, where you don't know what's going on behind the scenes. They just set out a bottle of vodka for you, and you have no idea what it costs, but by the time the bill comes out you have no idea what you've paid. It's a strange thing, but it's an incredible window into a world of New York city that you'd never experience. Click HERE for directions and more information. Coney Island [Photo via]
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