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Norma's Weekly Member Snapshot: Nearby Winter Escapes
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The French Manor Inn & Spa
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What better way to alleviate harsh winter weather than by taking a mini sabbatical to refresh? This week, I've highlighted getaways... five retreats that are true hidden gems within close proximity to New York, for an easy escape from blistering temperatures.
Each offers a unique experience to rejuvenate your body and soul in a charming setting complete with a multitude of cultural attractions.
Norma Knows New York City
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Cultural Pursuits... 
EVENT:
PIER 26 (Hudson River & North Moore Street)
March 5 through 8 Art on Paper
Modern and contemporary artists who look to paper as an influence in sculpting, drawing, painting, and photography.
PIER 92 & 96 (55th Street & 12th Avenue)
March 5 through 8 The Armory Show
Annual contemporary and modern art fair.
Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street)
Annual fair for the discovery and acquisition of cutting-edge contemporary art.
CLOSING THIS WEEK:
ANDREA ROSEN GALLERY (525 West 24th Street) Katy MoranThrough February 28 Exhibition by contemporary London artist Katy Moran.
ONGOING EXHIBITS:
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY (Central Park West at 79th Street)
Through August 9
Exhibit uncovers the causes of nature's forces.
ASIA SOCIETY (725 Park Avenue) Takahiro Iwasaki creates detailed miniature landscapes using towels, toothbrushes, used clothing, and other found and recycled materials.
THE DRAWING CENTER (35 Wooster Street) Through March 22 Tomi Ungerer is best known as the award winning author and illustrator of children's classics like The Three Robbers and Moon Man. But he also made a name for himself with witty advertising campaigns for the New York Times and the Village Voice. DTR MODERN GALLERY (458 West Broadway) Contemporary and pop art on display.
ELLIS ISLANDUnframed - Ellis IslandOngoing Life-size historic photographs of Ellis Island immigrants are displayed on the south side of Ellis Island.THE FRICK COLLECTION (1 East 70th Street) Through April 5
Jean-Antoine Houdon and Claude Michel were two of the foremost sculptors in France during the late 18th century. Their sculptures are shown together for the first time, highlighting the artists' expressive ranges.
GAGOSIAN GALLERY (976 Madison Avenue) Vera LutterThrough March 7 Illustrious photographic works inspired by Lutter's connection to the city's light and architecture. In the Studio: PaintingsThrough April 18 Paintings by Picasso... 1928 art and crayons on canvas. GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM (1071 5th Avenue) Kawara's works are known for the rise in Conceptual art.
INTREPID SEA, AIR, & SPACE MUSEUM (Pier 86 - 46th Street & 12th Avenue) Hubble@25
Through September 15 Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope, the exhibition showcases the history of this project and its scientific achievements. View artifacts, photographs, and Hubble-produced images .
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| | Thomas Hart Benton's America Today Mural Rediscovered |
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART (1000 Fifth Avenue) Thomas Hart Benton's America Today Mural RediscoveredThrough April 19 A captivating exhibit of 1920s America in New York City.
Through March 15
The first exhibition of paintings, drawings, and watercolors by Paul Cézanne.
THE MORGAN LIBRARY & MUSEUM (225 Madison Avenue) Lincoln Speaks: Words That Transformed a NationThrough June 7 This exhibition focuses on Abraham Lincoln's mastery of language and how his words changed the course of history. MNUCHIN GALLERY (45 East 78th Street) Kazuo ShiragaThrough April 11 Kazuo's exhibit of 18 pieces of work traces his signature foot paintings throughout his career.MUSEUM AT FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (7th Avenue at 27th Street)
Yves Saint Laurent + Halston: Fashioning the 70s
Through April 26
This collection captures the time period between the First and Second World Wars.
The Forever Now: Contemporary Painting in an Atemporal World
Through April 5
The work of 17 artists with 17 different approaches to painting, the exhibit centers on the timelessness of painting today, exploring the issues of originality and subjectivity.
This Is for Everyone: Design Experiments for the Common Good
Through January 31, 2016
Digital age design encompassing fashion and furniture.
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2015 Triennial: Surround Audience
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THE NEW MUSEUM (235 Bowery)
2015 Triennial: Surround Audience
Through May 24
NYC's only recurring international exhibition devoted to the early careers of artists from around the world... 51 artists from 25 countries.
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY (5th Avenue at 42nd Street)
Public Eye: 175 Years of Sharing Photography
Through September 4
The first-ever retrospective survey of photography organized by the Public Library. How have we been engaged over time? Are we risking our privacy in pursuit of a more public photography? The exhibit explores these and other questions.
Sinatra: An American Icon
March 4 through September 4
A tribute to the life of the legendary actor and singer, Frank Sinatra. A multimedia exhibit showcasing memorabilia never before seen.
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Isamu Noguchi: Variations
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PACE GALLERY (32 East 57th Street) Isamu Noguchi: VariationsThrough March 21 First solo exhibition of Isamu Noguchi. PRATT MANHATTAN GALLERY (144 West 14th Street) Performing Franklin FurnaceThrough April 30 Martha Wilson's exhibition. Consider attending the performance series February 26th through March 1st.
THE ROBIN RICE GALLERY (325 West 11th Street) Brian Pearson A photographic exhibition by Brian Pearson, a medley of black and white images split between the figurative and the architectural. Opening reception on March 4th. Exhibit through April 12th.
THE RUBIN MUSEUM OF ART (150 West 17th Street)
Through March 23 French photographer Marc Riboud's photographic journals through Asia in the 50s and 60s...a time of both political and cultural transition.
SEAN KELLY GALLERY (475 Tenth Avenue)
Alec Soth Songbook
Through March 14
A black and white photographic exhibit by Alec Soth.
ON THE RADAR:
THE METROPOLITAN PAVILION (125 West 18th Street)
March 25 through 29 Affordable Art Fair New artists, thousands of contemporary artworks, hands-on workshops, talks, and tours with fellow art lovers. Thousands of original paintings, prints, sculptures and photographs ranging from $100-$10,000.
THE MUSEUM OF ARTS & DESIGN (2 Columbus Circle) March 31 Ralph Pucci: The Art of the MannequinA display of thirty works taking you on a journey of his ever changing fashion. Through August 30th.
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Curtain Up...
FILM:
Various locations
New York University's premiere film and television festival dedicated to celebrating women in film, television, and new media from student to icon.
Crosby Street Hotel (79 Crosby Street)
For $55 per person, enjoy dinner and a movie... 3-course meal followed by this year's Academy Award Winner for Best Picture! I very much enjoy this weekly event in the hotel's screening room. And don't miss Wild on March 8th and The Theory of Everything on March 15th.
MUSIC, PERFORMANCE, DANCE:
Tuesdays & Wednesdays Jazz NightsThe Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street) Live jazz from new and up and coming performers.
Through March 1 New York City Ballet: All Ballanchine
David H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center Plaza)
Performances include "Hear the Dance: Italy" and "Hear the Dance: France."
Through March 1 NYC Ballet Winter Seasons
David H. Koch Theater (20 Lincoln Center Plaza)
Winter season kicks off with Balanchine's classic combination.
March 3 Keith Jarrett
Carnegie Hall (881 Seventh Avenue)
Solo pianist takes on Carnegie Hall.
March 3 Ryan Raftery is the Most Powerful Woman in Fashion - The Anna Wintour Musical
The Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street)
Ryan Raftery's one man show will have you laughing as he pays tribute to fashion icon Anna Wintour. |
| | A Bailar: Dance at the Center |
March 4 through 10 SemeleBAM - Brooklyn Canadian opera company takes on Handel's opera. Through March 7 A Bailar: Dance at the CenterNew York City Center (130 West 56th Street) Modern take on tango... featuring an Argentinean band.
Through March 7 Carmen
The Metropolitan Opera (30 Lincoln Center Plaza)
Richard Eyre's stunning production.
Through March 22 Harkness Dance Festival 
92Y (1395 Lexington Avenue)
Five dance companies perform... including the incomparable Martha Graham ensemble.
Through March 28 Lincoln Center's American Songbook
Lincoln Center
Various locations within Lincoln Center's venues. Outstanding artists... all in intimate settings.
THEATER:
UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS:
Through February 28 Twelve Angry Jurors
Corner Office (300 West 43rd Street)
A courtroom drama adapted from the Emmy Award-winning Twelve Angry Men. ONGOING PRODUCTIONS:
Helen Mirren stars in an electrifying performance as Queen Elizabeth. Sixty years, twelve prime ministers, but only ONE Queen! Now in previews, opens March 8th, through June 28th.
A Month in the CountryThrough February 28 Classic Stage Company (136 East 13th Street) The play stars Taylor Schilling (Orange is the New Black) and is centered around the comic turmoil that befalls a country estate when a handsome young tutor arrives... a classic story of unrequited love.Through September 13
Stephen Sondheim Theatre (124 West 43rd Street)
This musical follows the legendary songwriter from her early days as a Brooklyn teenager to well-known hits as a top recording artist. Jessie Mueller took home a Tony for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role.
Big Love
Through March 15
Signature Theatre (480 West 42nd Street) A modern remake describing the shapes and sizes of love as 50 brides and 50 grooms take refuge in an Italian villa!
Samuel J. Friedman Theatre (261 West 47th Street)
Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, a mysterious and witty play about the potential of a first encounter.
Through March 29
Studio 54 (254 West 54th Street)
Sienna Miller, as well as the incomparable Alan Cumming are show-stoppers; the Kit Kat Band is superb.
 Churchill
Through May 31 New World Stages (340 West 50th Street) An extraordinary one man show at New World Stages.
Through September 6
Barrymore Theatre (243 West 47th Street) The lead actor, a recent graduate of Julliard, is brilliant. The story unfolds with a mathematically precocious adolescent with behavioral problems uncovering truths and secrets.
Through March 1
Lyceum Theatre (149 West 45th Street)
Critically acclaimed play starring Gretchen Mol. The cast shares the stories, secrets, and lies we tell our friends, family, and ourselves in finding the American Dream.
Through March 22
New York Theatre Workshop (79 East 4th Street)
The play revolves around characters that survive in the aftermath of a tragedy, depicting what it is that makes us human.
Through March 29
Barrow Street Theater (27 Barrow Street)
Brilliant and uplifting though the subject is a bit daunting. A poignant story of a son's challenge to help his mother through depression by listing all the things in life that she should be thankful for.
Through June 7
Cort Theater (138 West 48th Street) Larry David, co-creator of Seinfeld, focuses on 15 characters as each deals with a death in the family. Now in previews, opens March 5th, through June 7th. Ghost QuartetThrough May 18 The McKittrick Hotel (542 West 27th Street) Home of the popular Sleep No More, the show blurs the line between theater and contemporary music performance. It is staged in the round in an intimate setting with the musicians seated amongst the audience.
Through May 3
The Public Theater (425 Lafayette Street)
The creative team from the Tony Award winning "In the Heights," has produced another show stopper. An inventive new musical about the young immigrant who changed America... Alexander Hamilton.
The Heidi Chronicles Through August 9
Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street)
Starring Elisabeth Moss and Jason Biggs, it's a coming of age story of three iconic decades of culture... the 60s, 70s and 80s.
Through March 15
Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM - Brooklyn)
Nathan Lane and Brian Dennehy return to the stage for this revival of Eugene O'Neill's trenchant portrait of hope and disillusionment.
Through March 22
Richard Rodgers Theatre (226 West 46th Street)
Idina Menzel of Wicked stars in this musical about a woman that returns to life in NYC discovering endless possibilities where chance and choice collide.
Through March 1 Atlantic Theater Company (330 West 16th Street) Pulls the audience into the middle of a complicated relationship, shedding light on the struggles of parents and children trying to find a common ground.
Through April 12
The Laura Pels Theatre (111 West 46th Street)
Roundabout Theater Company presents a Sondheim masterpiece, inviting us back into the world created by the Grimm brothers.
Let the Right One In
Through March 8 St. Ann's Warehouse (29 Jay Street - Brooklyn)
A National Theatre of Scotland production; a brutal and tender vampire myth told through the turbulence of a coming-of-age romance.
The Lion
Lynn Redgrave Theater (45 Bleecker Street)
Through March 29
An original downtown musical experience using six guitars that add to the gripping performance of one man's coming of age story.
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Little Children Dream of God
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Little Children Dream of God
Through April 5
The Black Box Theatre (111 West 46th Street)
A drama about learning to start a new life by facing the one you left behind.
Through March 14
Irish Arts Center (553 West 51st Street)
A funny play about a man who walks five miles from his little white cottage to town, tracing all of the things he encounters along the way... it explores the aging that we all face and how people deal with it.
The Nether
Through March 15
The Lucille Lortel Theatre (121 Christopher Street)
A virtual wonderland crime drama that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Nevermore - The Imaginary Life and Mysterious Death of Edgar Allan Poe
Through May 31 New World Stages (340 West 50th Street) Theatrical musical play of the life and mysterious death of legendary writer, Edgar Allen Poe. The Nomad
Through April 6 The Flea Theater (41 White Street)
A World premiere musical production.  On the 20th Century Through July 5
American Airline Theatre (227 West 42nd Street) Love, lust, and mischief collide in this musical comedy starring Broadway showstopper, Kristin Chenoweth. In previews now, opens March 12th, through July 5th.
On the TownThrough September 1
Lyric Theatre (213 West 42nd Street)
The feel good play of the season. Broadway's largest orchestra and cast make us fall in love with the city again. A story of sailors on a whirlwind NYC tour.
Through April 5
Playwrights Horizons (416 West 42nd Street)
World premiere drama by Melissa James Gibson, writer on FX's show The Americans. The show examines the space where truth and lies begin to blur as a scientist is doing placebo testing for a new female drug.
Posterity
Through April 5
Linda Gross Theater (336 West 20th Street)
World Premiere of this intense play at Atlantic Theater Company that explores the nature of artistic success and the feat of being forgotten. Through April 5th.
59E59 Theaters (59 East 59th Street)
An Al Jazeera journalist, an American diplomat, and an African pope come together in an incredible riveting play. Through March 1st.
Verite
Claire Tow Theater (150 West 65th Street)
Through March 15
A new comedy by Nick Jones about a struggling writer and his commitment to honor his mother with her life's memoirs.
The World of Extreme Happiness
New York City Center (130 West 56th Street)
Through March 29
A story about Sunny, determined to escape her life in rural China and forge a new identity in the city.
ON THE RADAR IN CURTAIN UP: Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street) Carey Mulligan and Bill Nighy star in the sold out London engagement of a sentimental love story. In previews starting March 13th, opens April 2nd, through June 14th.March 13 An American in ParisPalace Theater (1564 Broadway) American Stage debut of the story about a young artist who discovers life and love after returning from the war. Previews begin March 13th, opens April 12th. March 14 Sarah McLachlanKings Theatre (1027 Flatbush Avenue - Brooklyn) After 40 years this renowned theater has been restored; bringing top quality entertainment to this state of the art venue.March 18 through 29 New Directors/New Films FestivalFilm Society of Lincoln Center (144 West 65th Street) and The Museum of Modern Art (11 West 53rd Street) Dedicated to the discovery and support of emerging artists, visit the website for the schedule of films.  March 27 HamletClassic Stage Company (136 East 13th Street) "To be, or not to be? That is the question." With Peter Sarsgaard as the lead, the answer is definitely to be! March 27 Doctor ZhivagoBroadway Theater (1681 Broadway) One of the most romantic stories of our time. Previews begin March 27th, opens April 21st, through April 3rd, 2016. April 1 Living on LoveThe Longacre Theatre (220 West 48th Street) The world's most famous opera singer Renée Fleming plays the world's most famous opera singer. It's a "glamorous romp through the world of music, marriage and celebrity." Also starring Jerry O'Connell and Anna Chlumsky. Through August 2nd.
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For the Foodie...
NYC Restaurant Week is in full swing: $25 lunch, $38 dinner for special menus at great restaurants across the city.
Visit my recent snapshot for my top picks...
EVENTS: 
Everyday a different flavor at one of the best hot chocolate spots in the city!
Through March 1 7th Annual New York City Beer WeekVarious Locations
Celebrate an entire city of Craft Beer... Over 300 beer destinations in all 5 boroughs participate over 10 days. March 2 Three Great Chefs for One Great Meal Lambs Club (132 West 44th Street) Chefs Alain Sailhac, Geoffrey Zakarian, and Eric Haugen team up in the kitchen at The Lambs Club to prepare a special meal inspired by French Classical technique... paired with wine. Make your reservation. ON THE RADAR: March 13 8th Annual Choice Eats Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street) Annual tasting event will feature over 50 handpicked NYC restaurants. Sample the best dishes from participating restaurants along with complimentary craft beer pairings, wine, and liquor. March 14 & 15 NYC Vegetarian Food Festival Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street) Taste vegetarian delights from local vendors. I'm always surprised at the amazing tastes available. March 18 Good Cider Three Sixty (10 Desbrosses Street) Edible Manhattan's 1st annual event celebrating cider. Meet local vendors and taste their ciders.  March 25 Wine & WishesPier 60 (23rd Street & Hudson River) Wine tasting and fundraising event supporting the Make-A-Wish Metro New York. Taste wines from around the world and delicious local cuisine and take part in silent and live auctions.
69th Regiment Armory (68 Lexington Avenue)
Taste hundreds of new wines, Wine Riot has reinvented "wine tasting" for the thirsty and curious.
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Special Feature... Nearby Winter Escapes
Castle Hotel & Spa
400 Benedict Avenue - Tarrytown, NY
Distance from NYC: 31 miles (Under an hour)
What better escape from the everyday than to stay in a castle in a historic town? The castle overlooks the Hudson River, has luxurious guestrooms to make you feel like royalty, a spa sure to pamper, and a culinary experience worth the trip. Consider staying in one of their tower suites with wood-burning fireplaces. I especially enjoy exploring the historic town of Tarrytown... outside of the shopping, museums, and dining in town, Sleepy Hollow and the Lyndhurst Mansion are favorite attractions.
The French Manor Inn & Spa
50 Huntington Drive - South Sterling, PA
Distance from NYC: 100 miles (Just over 2 hours)
Just over the border into Pennsylvania, The French Manor Inn & Spa is right in the middle of the Poconos. A charming stone chateau with exceptional views of the mountains, it is a secluded Bed & Breakfast with a relaxing spa, indoor salt pool, and 4-diamond restaurant. Nearby winter activities include skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing, and snow tubing. There is also plenty of shopping and historic attractions round out your trip into the Poconos. Glenmere Mansion 634 Pine Hill Road - Chester, NY Distance from NYC: 65 miles (An hour and a half) A Relais & Chateaux property, this magnificent 150-acre Tuscan estate is deep in the rolling farmlands of the lower Hudson Valley. Once host to royalty and leading artists, now reborn as a premier luxury hotel. Glenmere features eighteen perfectly appointed guest rooms, surrounding amenities, and two fine dining restaurants... The China Room and Supper Room. Their spa is luxurious and reminiscent of the Gilded Age when the Mansion was born. Old Stone Farm 2434 Route 9G - Staatsburg, NY Distance from NYC - 100 miles (About 2 hours)
A luxury inn and wellness retreat originally built in 1789. A wellness
and education center located on a horse farm, the inn has ten guest
rooms, a library, yoga barn, pavilion, horse barn, and full-service spa. Fine dining restaurant features organic, gourmet cuisine using locally grown produce. The inn centers around the horses... 22 horses to get to know,
train with, and enjoy while enjoying beautiful landscape.
The Stewart House
2 North Water Street - Athens, NY
Distance from NYC: 120 miles (Just over 2 hours)
A beautiful boutique hotel, one of the grandest in the region, converted from an old Victorian House with a picturesque view of the Hudson River in a quiet town... it is the perfect retreat. Each of its eight guestrooms is different and unique (with names like The Meryl Streep Room and The Romeo & Juliet Suite). A top-rated restaurant and bistro complements the quaint atmosphere of the inn.
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| Norma Knows New York City/ East 76th Street / New York, New York 10021 |
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