Cristina Gibson

History buffs will love this Upper West Side institution. Built in 1804, it's the oldest museum in New York City. In a nod to history, the museum kept the hyphen in its name—that’s how the city’s name was spelled back in the early 1800s. The New-York Historical Society features more than 1.6 million works that explore the history of the city and the country, including exhibits, art and historical artifacts. The Patricia D. Klingenstein Library has more than three million books, newspapers, maps, photographs and more from our nation’s founding through slavery and Reconstruction and beyond. The Gilder Lehrman Collection is also housed in the New-York Historical Society, where you can view signed copies of the Emancipation Proclamation, the Thirteenth Amendment and the Constitution. If all that history makes you hungry or thirsty, enjoy lunch or dinner at Storico, an Italian Starr restaurant, or grab a java at Parliament Espresso and Coffee Bar. Don't miss the Center for Women's History, which was the first of its kind celebrating the women that helped shape America as we know it. Also catch the DiMenna Children's History for children ages 8 to 13, which features 350 years of New York and American history through interactive exhibits and digital games. The exhibits feature New York children who lived in the city from the late 17th through 20th centuries, including Alexander Hamilton.  What to knowThe museum stays open late until 8pm on Fridays. On a budget? On Friday nights, ent

Everything you need to know about visiting Brookfield Place (230 Vesey St, New York 10281). There’s something for everyone, from label-loving fashionistas and discerning foodies, at this waterfront shopping and dining mecca in Battery Park City. In addition to housing corporate offices, Brookfield Place has a myriad of luxury stores, including Burberry, DVF, Gucci, Hermes Saks Fifth Avenue, Salvatore Ferragamo and Tory Burch. Not looking to spend a lot of dough during your visit? There’s also a Rite Aid Pharmacy for any essentials you may need and an Equinox Fitness Center if you’re in search of a sweat session or spa trip. If you’re hungry for delicious cuisine, you’ll find a variety of options for every budget, whether you’re seeking a fancy sit-down dinner or a quick bite on the go. Meat eaters have plenty to chew on, including steakhouse staples Del Frisco’s and P.J. Clarke’s, mouthwatering BBQ from Mighty Quinn’s or a juicy burger at Umami Burger. Le District Marketplace serves up French fare, including hand-cut fries and frosé, while Dos Toros Taqueria, Chop’t Salads and Black Seed Bagel offer less expensive options you can nosh on between your window shopping. Got a sweet tooth? Swing by Sprinkles for a cupcake, and don’t leave without catching the sunset over the Hudson River. Get cookingBrookfield Place also features the Institute of Culinary Education, where you can learn to cook and mix cocktails from the pros themselves. Summer 2017 classes offered include Summer