The Frick Collection includes some of the best-known paintings by the greatest European artists, major works of sculpture (among them one of the finest groups of small bronzes in the world), superb eighteenth-century French furniture and porcelains, Limoges enamels, Oriental rugs, and other works of remarkable quality.

Broadway Cardio” at Broadway Bodies was a better workout, and “Dance Workout” at Downtown Dance Factory was definitely more hip. Both had enthusiastic instructors who eased my first-timers’ nervousness. The fun factor of each was about even for me—I recommend trying whichever type of music is more your style. Both studios also offer additional classes, from Michael Jackson Mondays to Rock n’ Roll Ballet.

Commonly known as BAM, this leading arts venue does just that. With a Fort Greene district named after it, the Brooklyn Academy of Music is compromised of various venue that are more avant-garde and unique than the next. It's the oldest continuously running performance art center that just keeps getting stronger, in 2008 it had a record-breaking attendance of 550,000! The main building contains its major venue, the Howard Gilman Opera House. The theater, designed by the famous theater-architect company Herts &Tallant, contains 2,109 seats under its soaring ceiling and has seen legendary performances by Enrico Caruso and Vanessa Redgrave. There are also the BAM Rose Cinemas, where one screen shows classic movies and the other three show first-run and independent films. For night owls, there is the BAMcafé, a restaurant that offers free music performances on Friday and Saturday nights. Every exhibition, screening and performance is carefully chosen to further the BAM goal of the preeminent place for progressive art, and its popularity shows that it achieves its goal every night of the week! BAM’s Harvey Theater, located a few streets away, is smaller and offers a different, more intimate experience, having originally been a traditional playhouse housing Shakespearean revivals, vaudeville reviews, and musicals. BAM also organizes multiple festivals, from DanceAfrica to BAMcinemaFEST, art exhibitions, and educational programs.

Not many discount ticket booths get the kind of attention that TKTS receives, like a star-studded grand opening and Jay-Z and Alicia Keys singing on its steps in their ode to New Yoooork, but this place is worth all the praise. For years this gem of Broadway has been stuck un-glamorously under the Marriot Marquis, a hidden secret for the ticket savvy. Now, after some major construction, the new TKTS Times Square booth is open- and saying it's better than ever is a serious understatement. It's not in the heart of Times Square, it is Times Square. The booth, located under the can't-miss red steps, has transformed Duffy Square into a Broadway fan and tourist photo-op heaven. Thankfully, the generous discounts are still the same with up to half-off for same-day performances of Broadway favorites Chicago, Jersey Boys, Monty Python... you name it, TKTS still has it. But with this makeover, now you can actually find the booth and it's clearly stated before you enter the long line what show tickets are up for grabs. Discount tickets have never looked so good.

Issac Mizrahi is a fashion designer with a fabulously loud personality, but his “most inspiring place” in New York is a traditional staple of New York culture: Radio City Music Hall.  Thousands will flock to its doors in the upcoming months for the world famous Rockettes and the Christmas Spectacular show, but Mizrahi thinks the architecture says it all. Mirazhi says Radio City, not some other famous New York skyscraper, epitomizes the 1930’s art deco architecture and its beauty is truly inspiring. But Mizrahi does love a good Rockette show like the rest of us, having once been in talks to design their costumes!

** Isaac Mizrahi the Chief Director of Liz Claiborne and television host of Bravo’s “The Fashion Show.” Mizrahi has been awarded 4 prestigious CFDA fashion awards and is credited for revolutionizing the fashion industry with his partnership with Target. Beyond fashion, Mizrahi is an accomplished author, performed in a one-man, off-Broadway production, and has appeared in motion pictures and television shows including “Sex & the City.” Mirazhi was born in Brooklyn and resides near Washington Square Park.