New York City in Winter

If you're looking to take advantage of what it's like to be in the Big Apple in winter, here are a few suggestions on how to spend your time away from campus this January:

Visitors to NYC enjoy an evening skate at Wollman Rink in Central Park.

1. Citi Pond at Bryant Park is entering its eighth season of public skates this year. Not only is the Pond easy to access (simply take the Blue Beetle into Mineola, catch a westbound over to Penn Station and walk to Bryant Park on the corner of 40th and 6th), skating is free. That said, skate rentals are $14 per pair and there is an extra fee to check in bags, but if you bring your own skates and have a lock handy, you can enjoy the rink and secure your valuables in one of the lockers available without charge. The Rink at Rockefeller Center is also a fixture for city goers. They have walk up sessions daily, which cost $20 per person with an extra $10 for a pair of skates. Though it may be a little pricey, it's a great experience. There's also Wollman Rink in beautiful Central Park, which has public sessions 10:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Sundays.
2. Restaurant Week will begin on January 14 and continue until February 8. Enjoy a three-course dinner in Manhattan for under $40, or lunch for just $25! You can find a list of participating restaurants on nycgo.com, which also has plenty of other deals for the season.
3. NYC Broadway Week takes place January 22-February 7. Take advantage of 2-for-1 tickets on Broadway shows. You could also scout the TKTS discount booths located at Times Square, Downtown Brooklyn and the South Street Seaport. These booths operate year-round and have great day-of deals for Broadway shows. There are also great rush deals for the majority of shows on the day of that performance if you're willing to wait in line or pick up standing room tickets. Visit nycgo.com for more information on seasonal discounts.
4. No matter the season, it's always fun to visit the museums in the city. MoMA, The Met and The Brooklyn Museum have great exhibitions year round.  While MoMA has discounted rates for students ($14 instead of the $25 general admission), The Metropolitan and Brooklyn Museums operate on suggested donations, so you can name your price for entrance.

A picturesque scene at Bryant Park following a snowstorm.

There you have it, a few things to keep in mind should you visit New York during the intersession. Enjoy!