Westminster 411 – Edition 4

by Amy Fernandez

Sightseeing

Down at the ferry slip, you can stroll around the South Street Seaport’s cobblestone street pedestrian mall. It’s still recovering from Sandy, but it’s definitely a dog hangout with plenty to do. For info visit: southstreetseaport.com

You’ll probably be ravenous by then, but that doesn’t mean banishing your dogs to the hotel. Technically, animals are not permitted in establishments serving food, but those rules get stretched. Down at the South Street Seaport, the Growler is the goto spot. Located at 55 Stone Street, this dog-themed pub specializes in craft beers and specialty hot dogs. Dogs are welcome on the back patio which features various canine attractions to offset the Wall Street crowd inside. For info contact:

(917) 409-0251 – info@thegrowlernyc.com

For a bit more sightseeing, catch the Staten Island Ferry and show your dogs the Statue of Liberty. It’s not only free, there’s a bar on board. For info visit: http://www.siferry.com/

Shopping

Sightseeing is fine, but let’s face it, NYC is about shopping! Retail establishments set their own policies regarding dogs, but a few are known to cultivate canine clientele. Try Polo Ralph Lauren at 72nd and Madison, Tiffany’s and Bergdorf’s at 57th and 5th Avenue, and Bloomingdales at 59th Street and Lexington Avenue. If those are a bit too pricey for your budget, many Gap and Banana Republic outlets are dog friendly. Both have locations at 59th & Lexington. If you’ve got an uncooperative husband or boyfriend along, they might prefer a look around Restoration Hardware at 935 Broadway between 21st and 22nd Streets.

If you want to top off your day with a drink, dog friendly bars abound in NYC. Near the Piers you will find:

         Mr. Biggs at

         586 10th Avenue and 43rd Street

         212.246.2030

NYC offers endless entertainment, but that’s not why you’re here. Make it an early night and get those dogs groomed for tomorrow!

At The Shows

When you get caught up in the action, it’s easy to lose track of life beyond the dog show. It helps to venture outside the venue occasionally. If you are worried about leaving your dogs unattended, visit westminsterkennelclub.org to arrange for private security at MSG or the Piers. Westminster recommends

Citadel Security at 718-948-3658 or

citadel8@verizon.net.

It may seem like the Piers are in the middle of nowhere, but this is NYC. Tons of great dining spots are minutes away. If you like Thai, two great places are nearby:

         •        Yum Yum Bangkok

                  650 9th Ave. between 45th and 46th Streets

                  212- 262-7244

         •        Topaz Thai

                  127 W. 56th St.

                  212 957-8020

If you’re strictly burger and fries like me, the options are even better:

         •        The Burger Joint

                  119 W. 56th St. (cash only)

                  212 708-7414

         •        Five Guys Burgers and Fries

                  43 W. 55th St.

                  212 459-9600

         •        The Counter

                  7 Times Square

                  For the best giant orders of fries and good chili

                  212 997-6801

For fabulous desserts try:

         •        The Flame

                  893 9th Avenue at 58th Street

                  212 765-7962

Most are open late and they all deliver.

For an invigorating pre-show breakfast try:

         •        The Morning Star

                  879 9th Avenue and 57th Street

                  212 246-1593

If you want at least one classy meal during your trip try

         •        The Thalia

                  828 8th Avenue and 50th Street

                  212 399-4444

It’s the perfect place to celebrate a great win, but whether you win or lose a bit of advance planning will guarantee great trip to NYC. See you there!

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Posted by chesliepickett on Jan 31 2014. Filed under Current Articles, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.