Outside the Park, the Best Way Around: The easiest way around the city of New York is by public transportation. We have both trains and buses. In NYC, the trains are called the subway. In Manhattan the subway is a series of tracks buried below the sidewalks and streets. As the subway leaves the island of Manhattan, the subway rises from the ground in a lot of places. While it is still called the "subway", the tracks are called the "El", which is a nickname for "elevated tracks".

Did you know . . . that New York City is home to several top class American universities? You bet! Most tourists come looking for shopping, the Diamond District, Broadway shows, museums, opera, ballet and a couple of our world famous restaurants and cocktails.

Families with college age students know that NYC is home to a top-class education as well. Take southern Manhattan's NYU or northern Manhattan's Columbia University!

How about a Drink? Cocktail culture was invented in New York City, and nothing says elegance and excitement like a special drink in New York. Event planners and private party hosts and hostesses in New York spent a lot of time preparing special recipes to offer guests at their special event. Take a tip from the Big City Cats and experiment with some special drinks and alcohol mixes outside your usual box and comfort zone!

Here at Shades of Fun, we have a lot of special occasions covered with low cost fun ideas. What's our gig? Sunglasses, of course! Let's start off with Quinceañera Gifts. Yes, that is the Hispanic name for the coming of age ceremony, generally celebrated for 15-year-old girls. We love the tiaras, dresses, rhinestones and sparkle!