New Year’s Day in New York City

Crawling out of bed on New Year’s Day after a heavy night of welcoming in the New Year might not be the most appealing of options, however if you’re lucky enough to be in New York on the 1st January 2011 there are just too many fantastic things to do to spend your day nursing a hangover.

Museums and Art Galleries
If taking in some culture and broadening your knowledge isn’t one of your New Year’s resolutions then why not make it one with a trip to one of New York City’s inspiring museums or art galleries. Many of the bigger exhibitions close in January so it’s a great opportunity to see them before they end and you probably won’t have to jostle with the usual large crowds as many less disciplined people could still be sleeping off the festivities. Big names such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Guggenheim are both open for your viewing pleasure, although if the cold winter weather gets a bit too much for you why not head to The Butterfly Conservatory in the American Museum of National History, kept at a constant 80 degrees Fahrenheit its sure to warm you up.

BB Kings Blues Club
If a delicious brunch is the only thing that’s going to make you feel human again after the celebrations of the night before, head to BB Kings Blues Club. The all-you-can-eat traditional soul food including delights such as South Carolina grits, shrimp and andouille sausage jambalaya and BBQ chicken with Memphis style sauce is served from 12pm and tickets are around $40. BB Kings is all about the music and whilst you enjoy your brunch this year you are treated to the Beatles tribute act Strawberry Fields performing some of the Fab Fours instantly recognisable and well loved classics.

Ice Skating
If fresh air and some light exercise is how you want to start 2011 then why not head to one of the several ice rinks in Manhattan to blow away the cobwebs. The ice rink at the Rockefeller Centre is open, and is an essential festive experience if visiting the city, what better way to start the year than a skate under the shadow of one of the world’s most famous Christmas trees. The Pond at Bryant Park is also open for skating and is totally free of charge, nearby is the holiday shops at Bryant Parks’s outdoor holiday market which features over 125 stalls offering produce from all around the world, these provide an excellent break once you get tired from the skating, or the setting for a welcome stop for a warm drink.

However you choose to spend your New Years day in New York don’t waste it in bed feeling sorry for yourself, after all this is the city that never sleeps and there are many fantastic ways to set your 2011 off to a flying start.
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Charlotte writes for new travel site Simonseeks.com and if you are looking to visit New York this New Year, you might want to also look at the top rated recommended New York hotels on Simonseeks, where you can find inspirational travel guides and expert advice.