NYC Life: Fifth Ave, Louis Vuitton, Notre Dame, Theater, Holiday Fun
Well, Happy Birthday to the most iconic street in the world. Fifth Avenue celebrates its 200th birthday on Sunday. And our roving photographer was roving at another icon, Louis Vuitton in its temporary popup as it renovates its Fifth Avenue store. Notre Dame reopens today in Paris. If you can’t get there, head to St. John the Divine for “Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition.” Looking for holiday fun? Head to Gingerbread Lane. We have a discount code to “Titanique,” the funniest musical off-Broadway, And our Long Island reporter shares some of our most festive holiday restaurants.
Dec. 8. Happy Birthday Fifth Avenue
This weekend, Fifth Avenue in New York City is celebrating its 200th birthday with a grand birthday party! It will be closed to car traffic between 48th Street and 55th Street from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 8th. The celebration will feature live music performances, art installations, unique shopping opportunities, and interactive experiences curated by famous stores, hotels, and restaurants. You can expect performances from groups like the Juilliard Jazz Duke Ellington Ensemble and Sing Harlem, as well as personalized fashion sketches and a ceremonial cake cutting.
Fifth Avenue in New York City has a rich and fascinating history! Originally laid out in 1824, it started as a country road and has since evolved into one of the most iconic streets in the world. Here are some key highlights:
- Early Development: The first section of Fifth Avenue was opened in 1824, stretching from Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village to 13th Street. Over time, it expanded northward.
- Millionaire’s Row: By the late 19th century, the section between 59th and 96th Streets became known as “Millionaire’s Row” due to the concentration of opulent mansions.
- Commercial Hub: The avenue transformed into a commercial and shopping district in the early 20th century, with luxury stores like Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Tiffany & Co. opening their doors.
- Cultural Institutions: Fifth Avenue is also home to prestigious cultural institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Frick Collection, making it a center for art and culture.
- Iconic Landmarks: The avenue boasts famous landmarks like the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
- Modern-Day Significance: Today, Fifth Avenue remains a major thoroughfare and a popular tourist destination, known for its high-end shopping and historical significance.
Roving at Louis Vuitton
Our roving photographer, Nicole Freezer Rubens writes:
The New York flagship Louis Vuitton store has gone bon voyage. During the proposed 4-year renovation of the building on 57th Street and Fifth Avenue, it will be under wraps beneath a stunningly crafted larger-than-life Louis Vuitton steamer trunk. This unique and genius show-stopper scaffolding is truly a sight to be seen.
Meanwhile, the luxury goods store has taken up temporary residence across the street at 6 East 57th Street. This 5-story emporium lives up to the expectations I have for the inside of that custom, beautifully crafted trunk facade. Besides intriguing displays of leather goods, apparel, and shoes, the building includes a library, a chocolate shop, and a restaurant Le Cafe, run by the talented Stephen Starr.
The open-concept space truly serves as a mini-museum, depicting much of the past, present, and future creativity of Louis Vuitton. It is a visual site to take in and enjoy and should certainly be added as a tourist attraction, particularly this holiday season. It is a historical and enjoyable floor-to-ceiling spectacle, not to be missed.
Titanique Céline-ebrates 1,000 Performances!
If you haven’t seen the smash hit musical “Titanique” now is your chance to get 20% off on select tickets. The show which People Magazine calls “The Funniest musical in NYC, hilariously retells the story of the 1997 film “Titanic” from the perspective of Celine Dion. It’s a fun twist on a classic love story, perfect for fans of both Celine Dion and the movie “Titanic.” CLICK HERE TO SAVE 20% ON SELECT PERFORMANCES
Now – Jan. 5. Stroll through Gingerbread Lane
Head to Columbus Circle for this delightful holiday attraction that’s sure to bring some festive cheer! Explore a life-sized gingerbread village crafted by Chef Jon Lovitch, who holds the Guinness World Record for the largest edible gingerbread village. The village features intricately designed gingerbread structures inspired by New York City landmarks and scenes.
In addition to admiring the sweet creations, visitors can also participate in gingerbread-making workshops led by Chef Lovitch. These workshops are a fun way to learn how to make your own gingerbread house and enjoy some holiday-themed activities. Get the details.
“Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition” at St John the Divine
“Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition” at St. John the Divine in New York City is an immersive experience that uses augmented reality to explore the 850-year history of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Visitors use a HistoPad, an interactive touch-screen tablet, to view illuminated photo panels, 3-D models, and full-sized sculptures, transporting them back to key moments in the cathedral’s history1. The exhibition covers significant events such as the construction of the Gothic Choir, the arrival of the Holy Crown, Napoleon’s coronation, and the 2019 fire that led to the ongoing restoration efforts.
It’s a unique blend of history and technology, offering a fascinating look at the craftsmanship and dedication behind Notre-Dame’s construction and restoration. Have you had a chance to visit yet?
Spotlight on Long Island: Festive Holiday Restaurants
Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two, a night out with friends, or a family gathering, dining in a restaurant with a vibrant holiday atmosphere will add joy and good spirits to your evening. Celebrating the season over dinner during this joyous time of year with the most amazing, festive décor will surely keep you merry and bright. Here are a few Long Island restaurants that go all out this time of year. GET THE DETAILS.
The tomato behind The Three Tomatoes.
Cheryl Benton, aka the “head tomato” is founder and publisher of The Three Tomatoes, a digital lifestyle magazine for “women who aren’t kids”. Having lived and worked for many years in New York City, the land of size zero twenty-somethings, she was truly starting to feel like an invisible woman. She created The Three Tomatoes just for the fun of it as the antidote for invisibility and sent it to 60 friends. Today she has thousands of friends and is chief cheerleader for smart, savvy women who want to live their lives fully at every age and every stage. She is the author of the novel, "Can You See Us Now?" and co-author of a humorous books of quips, "Martini Wisdom." Because she's lived a long time, her full bio won't fit here. If you want the "blah, blah, blah", read more. www.thethreetomatoes.com/about-the-head-tomato
