If pumpkins are your thing, you’ll love the New York Botanical Garden’s Great Pumpkin Path (thanks to Ellen Easton for the above photo), and you’ll find 7,000 illuminated pumpkins at Old Bethpage Village. Open House New York is back, celebrating the wonderful architecture of our city. Missing piano bars? They’re taking to the streets. Valerie Smaldone has the scoop on a new play, American Dreams, that is entirely unique in its content and presentation.  Check out this week’s restaurant of the week. And for at home entertainment, you’ll love this week’s finds from our Broadway Babe.

Oct. 17-18. Open House New York

Open House New York Weekend is a citywide festival that unlocks the doors of New York’s most architecturally and culturally significant buildings and highlights the people who design, build, and preserve New York. Of course, the 2020 OHNY Weekend will be unlike any other year. There are no in-person tours or group activities. However, they are offering  more than 150 ways to explore and experience the city. 

$75 for Two for a Fabulous Napa Wine Experience

Attention wine loving friends. This is the ultimate Napa Valley wine tasting experience to one of their most prestigious vineyards, Grgich Hills Estate. Your award-winning premium wines (for two people, or just for you) for the tasting can be ordered in advance and delivered to your door before the event (if ordered by Oct. 14th.) And we will have an exclusive tour and conversation with the winemakers.  GET THE DETAILS.

Oct. 29. Stand up for Girls

Join us for a star-studded evening to Celebrate International Day of the Girl and the amazing work of Plan International to assure that girls everywhere have a chance to succeed and thrive in life. The event be co-hosted by Cheryl Benton (aka the head tomato). You’ll enjoy performances by Tony Winner Leslie Odom, Jr. (Hamilton), Nicolette Robinson (Waitress),Joshua Henry (Carousel);Tony and Grammy Winner, Heather Headley (Aida). Tickets start at just $35 on ZOOM.

Restaurant of the Week: Grand Banks

Grand Banks is a celebrated oyster bar aboard the historic wooden schooner Sherman Zwicker inspired by the floating oyster barges that lined Manhattan’s 18th and 19th century waterfront. Sustainably harvested oysters, nautical cocktails, Awesome views. Anne Akers says they have really good soft-shell crabs and lobster Mac and cheese.  We thank her for sharing her photos.  Pier 25 Hudson River Park, NYC. Get details.

Now Streaming: Dear Evan Hansen, Paul McCartney, Marilyn Maye and More

Our Broadway Babe Randie Levine-Miller scores big time with week with the animatic version of Dear Evan Hansen, starring Ben Platt who won a Tony Award for his star turn and catapulted to national stardom—now streaming.  And she has some fabulous sidebars about Paul McCartney, Jan Maxwell, and more insider stories. Get the details.

Now – Nov. 1. The Great Pumpkin Path

Discover plentiful pumpkins and hordes of gourds along the twists and turns of our Great Pumpkin Path on the Conservatory Lawn, culminating with some of the largest pumpkins in the world with the arrival of giant pumpkins on October 24. Keep an eye out for a display of whimsical scarecrows throughout the Garden as well. Thanks to Ellen Easton for sharing her photos from her recent visit.

Now- Nov. 1. 7,000 Lighted Pumpkins

Head to Old Bethpage Village Restoration on Long Island for fabulous lighted pumpkin displays.  This self-guided, touch-free experience takes you on a marked trail throughout the grounds o this historic 19-th century village. Thanks to Roni Jenkins we have a sneak preview of the pumpkins by day, but the illuminated versions will be well worth buying a ticket to see. Get details.

Missing a Piano Bar?

Gerry Dieffenbach | Photograph: Courtesy Don’t Tell Mama

Great news. One of our favorite piano bar venues, Don’t Tell Mama has set up outdoor dining, along with an electric keyboard where the singing bartenders and waiters will entertain you while you dine. 343 W 46^th Street. Don’t Tell Mama.