1. Circle Line Cruises- Pier 83

For $79 tickets, a DJ will provide entertainment and food and drinks will be available for purchase. Call 212-269-5755 or 866-9CLINE1 for reservations or more information.

Circle Line is also hosting a rooftop party at Pier 83. Tickets are $79 for this rooftop BBQ with a live DJ and great fireworks views.

2. Hotel Gansevoort-Plunge Bar & Lounge

You will have to squeeze your way into this rooftop bar but the views of the Hudson and midtown are absolutely amazing. Make your way to the Gansevoort Hotel for an outrageously priced cocktail; views like this don’t come for free, especially in the Meatpacking District. For reservations visit: http://www.hotelgansevoort.com/rooftop-pool/index.cfm

3. 230 fifth

A tropical feel rooftop, this sprawling outdoor favorite holds more than 500 people, and its Flatiron locale is perfectly situated in relation to the fireworks display. But due to the magnitude of people expected on July 4, bottle service reservations are recommended. To reserve visit:  http://www.230-fifth.com/

4. Boat basin café

For a romantic date night, this outdoor space along the Hudson River is the perfect place. Get there early before the park is swarming with spectators. Visit www.boatbasincafe.com for information on how to reserve places.

5. The Empire Hotel Rooftop Bar and lounge

This rooftop offers a view that overlooks Columbus Circle, Lincoln Center and the Hudson River, depending on where you’re standing. But even with a space this large (it’s 8,000 square feet), be sure to make a reservation or get there early to stake out a good spot. For reservations, visit: http://www.empirehotelnyc.com/eat-rooftop.php

6. Hudson Sky Terrace

Gorgeous views of the Hudson River and 9th Avenue give this relaxed rooftop oasis atop the Hudson Hotel a chic urban feel. Reservations are a must, especially if you plan to watch the fireworks display. Visit http://www.hudsonhotel.com/hudson-sky-terrace.aspx for more information.

7. Hudson Terrace

Located right off the West Side Highway (621 West 46th Street), the Hudson Terrace rooftop will offer panoramic views of the 4th of July fireworks, a BBQ meal, and four hours of top shelf open bar. Ticket packages start at $150, to get yours, visit http://www.hudsonhotel.com/hudson-sky-terrace.aspx

8. W Hoboken

For those in New Jersey…The view of the Hudson River and city skyline from the Chandelier Room at this Hoboken hotel is spectacular. Plant yourself on the terrace for the fireworks, and then head inside for light snacks and an assortment of specialty cocktails. Visit www.whotels.com/hoboken for more information.

9. Hudson River Park Greenway

Fireworks will be ignited from six barges positioned along the Hudson River between 24th and 50th streets, illuminating the entire west side skyline. It’s truly spectacular, but be prepared to encounter massive crowds. For a map of the park visit: http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/11503308/new_york_ny/hudson_river_park_greenway.html

10. The USS Intrepid

See the fireworks from the flight deck of the USS Intrepid. Enjoy VIP Viewing on Intrepid’s Flight Deck as well as tour The Intrepid Museum, which will be open exclusively for fireworks guests from 7PM-8:45PM. A  DJ will be entertaining guests and tickets are $100 per person. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/

For the 4th of July weekend, my husband and I are attending the wedding of a very good friend just outside of Boston.  I’ve known the Bride for almost 20 years now…we first met in Junior High and were roommates in college.  She was a Bridesmaid at my wedding and I can’t wait to celebrate with her this weekend.  We’re looking forward to catching up with good friends and returning to NY with some great memories.  Congratulations to Anastasia and Jeremy!

Emily Ohnstad

Every year my family and I enjoy July 4th weekend in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania with my mother’s brothers and sisters.  We attempt to see fireworks but almost always fail, typically enjoying the sweet snap, crackle and pop sounds of fireworks just out of view.  If we are lucky, we see some smoke drift over a mountain top from the fireworks’ actual location and consider it a success, knowing we were only a mile or so from the fireworks that year.  (We could prepare and look up their location, but what is the fun in that?)  Peanut M&M’s are always served on tap with a side of Skittles, for the non-chocolate lovers—otherwise known in our family as heathens! Days consist of laying out lakeside with occasional breaks for jet-ski rides and nights are full of delicious food, drinks and laughter.  This particular year, a Lady Gaga cover band will be performing at a local casino and my aunt, mother and I have deemed it a must see.  We plan to spend more than we save at the Crossings Premium Outlet Mall and break for lunch for a delicious sandwich at Au Bon Pain with a side of strenuous people watching.  Since I have not seen my family since the Holidays, this reunion is especially exciting and worth the 3 hour bus ride on public transit.  I look forward to all the awkward family moments, memories and pictures that this weekend will provide.  Happy Independence Day!

Adam Douglas

Unfortunately I won’t be able to partake in any of the Fourth of July festivities because I’ll be tending to the restaurant I work at the entire day. If I didn’t have to work though, I would probably spend the day doing as little as possible. I might head over to the Hudson River Park with a towel, a book and my iPod, and try and catch up on some much needed tanning time. BBQ’s are fun, but who can be bothered with this heat wave we seem to be going through? I think I’d probably grab a hot dog from a street vendor and call it a day. I think I’d most likely try and watch the fireworks display in the evening. Depending on the amount of effort I felt like exerting, I would either try and watch them from the roof of my building or somehow try and finagle my way up to the rooftop of The Standard hotel. That would have to be the best view in the city. Wish I had the option of actually doing these things…. Oh well, maybe next year! Enjoy your 4^th for me!

Adriana Inglesi

As a born and raised Canadian, I have not yet had the opportunity to experience a true red, white and blue American 4^th of July.  However, I will be in the US for the first time during the holiday! I plan on going out with my friend from Montreal who will be visiting me.  We don’t really have a plan yet, so we’re going to be spontaneous! NYC has a lot to offer for the 4^th of July, so we are bound to find something fun and patriotic to do.  I definitely plan on going to watch the fireworks, hopefully from a rooftop hotel or something to get the full affect.  Can’t wait for my first 4^th of July!

Rebecca Coldwell

Usually, I spend my 4^th of July with a big family reunion barbeque by the beach in Connecticut.  Sadly, this will be my first year not experiencing my grandpa’s slightly inappropriate jokes or my aunt’s delicious triple layer chocolate truffle cake. Instead, I will be celebrating in New York with some friends from home. I hope to bring some of the old traditions of my family BBQs over to my friend’s house, however! Sparklers are a must at every Coldwell 4^th of July, so I will be sure to get my friends hooked writing their names out with the glow of the sparklers. I also plan on attempting to remake my aunt’s truffle cake, adding a little Rebecca flare to it.  We’ll see how that one goes, never as good as the real thing! Of course I will be decked out head-to-toe in red, white, and blue, as that has also been tradition of mine. My siblings and cousins and I would always see who could sport the most patriotic outfit of us all.  Hopefully there will also be lots of corn hole playing and yummy food! As I said, this will be my first 4^th away from the family traditions, so I’m excited to see what’s in store for me and see if anything compares to a good ‘ol fashion Coldwell Family BBQ! Happy 4^th, hope it’s full of tons of laughs and memories!

Why “go green”? Who wouldn’t? It’s good for the environment and you, too. We are quickly depleting our resources, when we could be using renewable resources and eating in a sustainable manner.

With the recent oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, everyone should be trying to do their part to help save the environment and ecosystems.  That’s where New York and eating “green” comes in.  No, the world is not going to be miraculously cleaner in one day if everyone starts to eat green, but any little effort to be environmentally friendly will help get the ball rolling. The BP oil spill has massively effected ecosystems and marine life, some of which are becoming extinct. New York can help in the fight against environmental destruction just by being green-conscious and checking out one of the many delicious green restaurants in NYC.

Eating “green” is not just limited to veggies – although delicious and great for you – it means preparing foods and restaurants in a sustainable manner. Restaurants are jumping on the bandwagon and joining in on the green initiative frenzy.  Simple, but effective adjustments have been made by many of NYC’s finest restaurants, such as getting rid of all Styrofoam products, cracking down on the recycling, or purchasing sustainable foods that are organic and locally grown. Natural and locally grown foods are healthier, and reducing, reusing, and recycling is better for the environment. So in the end, everyone wins!  Listed below are just a few of NYC’s restaurants that are green and affordable!

1. The Cleaver Co.
The Cleaver Co. believes that “the best foods are grown, tended and harvested within a day’s drive your table”.  The “Green Table” has an ever-changing menu of organic foods as well as a variety of beverages such as wines, beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drink including a great selection of organic teas.  The food menu includes, but is not limited to, fresh salads, pizzas, burgers, and seafood.  Cleaver Co. also provides catering for special events such as social gatherings, corporate events, weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, and not-for-profit events.  Be sure to check out their one-of-a-kind “Daily Infusion” seasonal house made beverage for only $2!
http://www.cleaverco.com/

2. GustOrganics Restaurant and Bar
“Changing the World One Meal at a Time” is their motto. If that doesn’t spark an interest to begin with, then maybe their easy online food ordering, online reservations, or online catering booking will catch your attention. Menu option include breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, natural fruit blend, cold and hot beverages, fresh organic baby meals, organic tapitos, and the world’s first USDA certified organic bar.  So many creative and organic options to choose from! $5 off your first online order!
http://www.gustorganics.com/index.php

3.  American Museum of Natural History
Want to tour beautiful museum exhibits and eat green at the same time? Well make sure to take advantage of the opportunity at the American Museum of Natural History! Lot’s of lip-smacking locally grown gourmet meals! Become enthralled in the race to the South Pole in Antarctica as you watch “the Race to the End of the Earth”, and then quench your thirst with a natural fruit smoothie. Or if the endless excitement of exhibit viewing worked up a giant appetite and a smoothie just won’t cut it, dig into a classic dish such as a “mouth-watering” panini!
http://www.amnh.org/museum/food/

4. French Roast
French Roast has two locations within NYC: 85th & Broadway on the Upper West Side, and 11th Street and Sixth Avenue in the West Village.  The restaurant has a “lively atmosphere of a Parisian bistro, both French Roasts pay homage to this most lively and cosmopolitan of cities”. They are certified green by the Green Association, implementing a variety of green business practices. Besides their wide range of menu options, they also have a 24 hour menu! Stop in after a night out on the town for a juicy burger, or to cater to that sweet tooth, try their pancakes!
http://www.frenchroastny.com/menu.php#

5. Babbo
Babbo is all about the, “great Italian tradition of hospitality and quality at the table and in the glass”. Their philosophy is to use the best local ingredients from the land, air, and sea as simply as possible and serve them with “flourish and joy”.  The aura of this elegant Italian restaurant may have you thinking that you are truly enjoying a tasty meal in the midst of Italy, so eat up and enjoy! Or as the Italians would say, “mangia e divertiti!”
http://www.babbonyc.com/vision.html

6.  Candle 79
“Elegant. Organic. Local. Seasonal. Compassionate. Green. Step inside, and discover a world of a sustainable beauty in food and drink”. Enough said – I’m there! You don’t need to be a vegan to enjoy the unique meals and drinks served at this classy restaurant – just come in with an open mind and you’ll be sure to find something you can’t get enough of.  They even have a gluten-free menu, how accommodating! Sit down and enjoy a brunch of berry crepes with coconut cream, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate drizzle, or one of the chef’s daily hand cut pasta. Candle 79 is sure to make even some of the most carnivorous of carnivores out there begin to have a new appreciation for vegan meals!
http://www.candle79.com/

7. NiceMatin
Certified Green by the Green association, this restaurant located in the Upper West Side has an extensive menu of anything from burgers and sandwiches, to pizzas and pastas. Check out their three-course dinner option full of different choices of appetizers, entrees, and desserts for only $35! And feel free to make a reservation ahead of time online!
http://www.nicematinnyc.com/menu.php#

8. Otto Pizzeria
Otto Pizzeria is another fabulous restaurant partaking in the green initiative.  What are they doing you may ask? Well, they recycle and use compost, as well as avoid all Styrofoam materials.  They also installed Xlerator hand dryers which use 80% less energy than traditional hand dryers and get the job done in 10-15 seconds, which has halved the restaurant’s paper towel usage! You will not find a single water bottle in the place as they are reducing their plastic usage, but you will find an abundance of energy-efficient fluorescent light bulbs! Obviously this pizzeria goes through a whole lot of pizza boxes, so by switching to boxes made of 100% recycled cardboard, Otto Pizzeria is just adding to the improvement of their carbon footprint.  You won’t miss this restaurant on the side of the road – it’s shaped like an Italian train station! All aboard the Otto Pizzeria! Enjoy drinks, antipasti, griddle-cooked pizzas and homemade gelato, all the while listing to upbeat and lively music!
http://ottopizzeria.com/home.cfm

9. Rouge Tomate
Rouge Tomate is a Modern American Cuisine restaurant that actively works to address social and environmental issues. Food is provided by farmers who only produce local and seasonal foods to ensure that every meal is taken directly from the farm to the table. Innovative cooking techniques are used to “ignite the natural flavors while heightening the nutritional value of each meal”. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the warm octopus salad. If you’re feeling not-so adventurous, there is plenty to choose from such as a salad, pasta or chicken dish. Explore the endless possibilities of this Modern American cuisine with a twist located off the southeast corner of Central Park!
http://www.rougetomatenyc.com/

10. Habana Outpost
What is an “eco-eatery”? Habana Outpost is! And the only one in NYC! This means that only earth-friendly practices are used in the design, construction, and day-to-day activities. Not only is the food produced and consumed in a way to promote sustainable solutions, but there is an entire market to discover, full of a variety of local designers and vendors. Choose your location of which eco-eatery you would like to try: Café Habana in New York, New York, or Habana Outpost in Brooklyn, NY!
http://www.cafehabana.com/planet.htm

The popular outdoor pool, open during summer months, is free and very pleasant when it’s not too crowded (avoid it on the hottest days). There are lifeguards on duty and lap lanes in the deep end. Swimmers need to bring a lock for the locker; bathing suits are required in the pool area.

2. Tompkins Square Mini Pool
500 E 9th St
New York, NY 10009
Phone: 212-387-6784
Cross Street: Ave A
Neighborhood: East Village
Hours: Daily 11:30am-6:30pm
Website: www.nycgovparks.org/parks/tompkinssquarepark

To swim in this small shallow pool (3 feet deep) in Tompkins Square Park children must be six years old and at least 3′8″ tall. That means it’s perfect for little kids. Add to that the playgrounds and great neighborhood eats surrounding the park and this is a pool worth traveling to for a great day outing.

3. Hamilton Fish Recreation Center
128 Pitt Street
New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 387-7687
Cross Streets: East Houston & Stanton Streets
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 9-4pm
Website: www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/recreationcenters/M033

Frequently cited as the best public pool in NYC, Hamilton Fish has a couple things that make it a stand out. The first one in my book is that it has two pools. One is enormous and four feet deep (perfect for a little swimmer.) The other is a giant kiddie pool. Kiddie pools can be hard to find in NYC, so the fact that this also happens to be possibly the cleanest public pool in NYC with cool water and attentive lifeguards is all bonus.

4. Dry Dock
E. 10th St and Szold Place
New York, NY 10009
Phone: 212-677-4481
Cross Streets: bet Ave C & D
Neighborhood: East Village
Hours: Daily10am-6pm
Website: www.nycgovparks.org/parks/drydockplayground

Same vibe as Hamilton Fish, but this pool is said to have tougher lifeguards which means less roughhousing by teens in the water.

5. Asser Levy Recreation Center
E 23rd Street and FDR Drive
New York, NY
Phone: 212-447-2020
Neighborhood: Gramercy
Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30am-9:30pm, Weekends 8am-4pm
Website: http://bit.ly/cA3Ldo

This Rec Center has a free outdoor pool during the summer, a playground, basketball courts and game room. During the rest of the year there is a small annual membership fee required to use their indoor pool housed in a 1908 Roman Revival Bathhouse with a fountain and skylights. The long opening hours mean if you are an early bird you can have the pool practically to yourself.

6. Jackie Robinson Recreation Center
85 Bradhurst Avenue
New York, NY 10030
Phone: (212) 234-9607
Cross Streets: West 146th Street & Bradhurst Avenue
Neighborhood: Hamilton Heights
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-8:45pm, Sat 9-4:45
Website: www.nycgovparks.org/parks/jackierobinsonpark/

Providing ten blocks of resources, Jackie Robinson Park is a Harlem jewel. One of four spaces designated Historic Harlem Parks, the park is noted for its strong connection with the community.

7. John Jay Pool and Recreation
77th St and Cherokee Pl (east of York Ave.)
New York, NY 10162
Phone: 212-794-6566
Cross Streets: Between York and FDR
Neighborhood: Upper East Side
Hours: Daily 11am-7pm
Website: www.nycgovparks.org/parks/johnjaypark

John Jay is an oasis in the middle of Manhattan. One of the best public pools in Manhattan, it is clean and safe; there’s a snack bar inside and a playground with sprinklers and swings. It is also one of the two pools in the city that allows diving. They ask for a small annual donation of $25 for adults and $10 for teens.

8. Lasker Skating Rink/Pool
Central Park near 110th St. and Lenox Ave.
New York, NY 10026
Phone: 212-534-7639
Neighborhood: Central Park North
Hours: Mon. – Fri. from 7:00 – 8:30 AM & 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Website: www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/lasker-pool-rink.html

Lasker Pool is an enormous outdoor pool at the top of Central Park. It is one of the city’s most popular pools and gets very crowded, but you can go on the early side and then spend the rest of the day exploring this itinerary for Northern Central Park.

9. Manhattan Plaza Health Club
482 West 43rd Street at 10th Ave
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-563-7001
Neighborhood: Midtown West
Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-11pm, Weekends 8am-9pm
Website: www.mphc.com

If you are in the mood for a little luxury try this hotel rooftop pool with a retractable glass roof. The lap pool has a separate area for kids. Day passes are $25 and include the use of the gym, saunas and whirlpool. In the off-season check their site for a special $10 entry promotion.

10. Stuyvesant High School Community Center
345 Chambers St. between the West Side Highway and the Hudson River
New York, NY 10282
Phone: 212-312-4800
Neighborhood: Tribeca
Hours: Mon-Thurs. 3pm-6pm, & Fri 3pm-7pm, Weekends 10am-2:30pm
Website: www.communitycenteratstuyvesanthighschool.org/

The Stuyvesant Community Center pool is a nice indoor pool with a great view and family swim times which aren’t usually crowded during the week. A six-month membership is only $200 for adults plus $70 for each kid, but you can also pay just $12 for the day ($10 for kids). Either way you get access to all the facilities including a gym, basketball, handball and volleyball courts.

• The IPAD: 2010’s most popular technological device is undoubtedly the IPAD. Event planners need this new and savvy computer because with it, they can deliver presentations just about anywhere without having to carry around their portable computers. With tons of event-specific applications, this is the perfect device to carry with you on-site and be prepared for anything! For information on where to purchase your IPAD visit: www.apple.com.

• Event Apps for Smartphones: In the event community, applications become important because content about any event can be delivered straight to the user’s mobile device. FollowMe, QuickMobile and My Mobile Meetings are all accommodating event planning industries with their development of apps that show floor maps of the venue, registration forms and schedules of each event. There are so many apps to discover, see our blog to see the ones we recommend for you!  

• Twitter: Every event planner needs to be “tweeting”. With over 100 million users, your message is sure to get across. There is no easier or faster way to connect to as many people about an event. All it takes is a few seconds of your time to tweet-whether for promotion or feedback. Please follow us on twitter @ PentaEvents and PentaCares.

• Google Wave: The newest addition to the Google functions is one that allows users to communicate and work together, with text, photos, videos, maps and much more. There is also a polling function that allows users to vote on all aspects of the event posted; from the date of the event to the venue and catering options. For more information on how to sign up for Google Wave, visit: www.wave.google.com.

• Convenient Videoconferencing: This is not just your typical iChat. Videoconferencing has expanded and companies such as Cisco have partnered with Marriott and Starwood Hotels to offer videoconferencing suites at low hourly rates. These videoconferences allow groups of as many as 20 people to sync with co-workers in affiliated hotels in the U.S and in some international ones. For more information on videoconferencing visit: www.cisco.com

2. Memorial Day Weekend Sale at Woodbury Common Outlets
Shop, shop, shop!!! This Memorial Day weekend why not take a road trip with friends or family and visit the Woodbury Common Outlets! Enjoy their many discounts on already low outlet prices, so ladies and gents get those wallets ready! For more information on store hours please visit their official website:
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/hours.asp?id=7

3. Concert by American Idol Winner & Runner-up
Rise and shine! Thursday, May 27^th at 7 am at the Rockefeller Center, the Today Show Summer Concert Series presents the winner and runner-up of American Idol. Both will be performing a FREE concert for all their fans! If your favorite makes the top two, come show your support! For the 2010 Today Show Summer Concert Series schedule please visit: http://manhattan.about.com/od/eventsandattractions/a/gmatodayconcert.htm

4. Fleet Week-Memorial Day Celebration
What better way to celebrate Memorial Day then with the U.S Navy and Marine Corps! On Monday, May 31^st, they will be at the Bronx Zoo as well as at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, so why not take your children and enjoy! For a full list of Fleet Week Activities please visit:
http://gonyc.about.com/od/holidays/p/fleetweek.htm

5. Boat Basin
Always a great time at Boat Basin! Enjoy the sunset and view on their patios. Great food, and great drinks, what better way to enjoy a day off by relaxing on the deck! For information visit:
http://www.boatbasincafe.com/index.htm

6. Go to a local beach
Fed up of this concrete jungle? Enjoy a 30 minute getaway and visit some of the local beaches we have right here! Visit some of our favorites:
http://www.pentaevents.com/2010/04/top-10-beaches-near-manhattan/

7. Bistro Ten 18
Enjoy a special Full Course meal at Bistro Ten 18! For only 45$ a person, your Memorial Day Celebration can be a tasty one! For information visit: http://www.bistroten18.com/events.html

8. Keyport Memorial Day Parade
Celebrate a little earlier and join members of local American Legion and VFW posts representing the military, including the Color Guard on Saturday, May 29^th at 12 pm. After the parade, many local stores, cafes and restaurants will offer parade specials! For information, please visit:
http://www.keyportonline.com/

9. The Casino Meets the Beach
One reason to get out of the city and enjoy Atlantic City: Ludacris! Join him in celebrating Memorial Day at the Pool of Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City. Doors open at 3 pm on Sunday May 30^th, party it up and don’t forget the sunscreen! To purchase your tickets visit:
http://www.bigbusinessny.com/

10. The Empire Hotel: Rooftop Bar and Lounge
Don’t feel like going all the way to Atlantic City? Come enjoy New York City’s own rooftop bar and lounge at the Empire Hotel! You can have dinner and drinks or just go later on for the party! For more information visit their website:
http://www.empirehotelnyc.com/eat-rooftop.php

1.  Tinsley Mortimer – Manhattan’s Queen B. Hailing from Richmond, VA, Tinsley is a staple on the New York social and event scene.

After marrying long-time beau, Topper Mortimer in 2002, she gave up on the notion of a day job and was able to focus all of her energy on climbing to the top of the New York social ladder. Her diligence paid off, with designers now clamoring to dress her, luxury brands paying her to endorse their products and the CW Network even giving her the opportunity to star in her own reality TV show titled “High Society.” The show follows newly single Tinsley, her sister, Dabney Mercer, and her well-to-do comrades on their daily escapades in the city.

Always the paparazzi magnet, Tinsley is every New York event planners’ dream A-list guest!

2.  Olivia Palermo – The socialite grew up in between the Upper East Side in New York and Greenwich, Connecticut.

Palermo rose to her current social position in 2007 when a blog posted an e-mail that may or may not have been written by Palermo, asking 70 of the Manhattan social elite to accept her in their crowd. Palermo’s family declared the e-mail a forgery and hired a lawyer, claiming “identity theft.” The scandal landed her on the cover of New York Magazine in May 2007. In 2008 her social maneuvering eventually landed her the role as girl-we-love-to-hate on the MTV reality TV show, “The City.”

As much as it pains us to admit it, any event would be given a boost with this quintessential Manhattan socialite in attendance.

3.  Fabiola Beracasa – Her busy social schedule has made her one of the most talked about socialites in recent years.

Born in Caracas to Veronica de Gruyter and her first husband, Alfredo Beracasa, a Venezuelan insurance and banking tycoon, Fabiola moved to New York when her mother became the third and final wife of the late, Randolph Hearst in 1987. When she was a teen she went off to boarding school in Switzerland, but returned to the states to attend Boston College. Of late, Fabiola has been focusing her efforts more on building her journalism resume, as a contributing editor at Interview.

With brains and beauty, there’s no doubt Fabiola would spice up any event.

4.  Derek Blasberg – He’s made a name for himself since moving to New York from St. Louis, Missouri to attend NYU.

Specializing in fashion, art and society, Blasberg is now the Editor at Large of Conde Nast’s Style.com, Senior Fashion News and Special Projects Editor at V and VMAN, and a contributing editor for Harper’s Bazaar. He can frequently be seen on the arm of any number of high-ranking social scenesters around town. Blasberg has even been influential in promoting new brands due to the number of contacts he has in the city.

With the who’s who of New York contacts sure to be in Mr. Blasberg’s phone, he’d be a dream guest at any event in the city.

5.  Julia Restoin-Roitfeld – Reared in Paris, she came to New York when she transferred to Parsons-The New School for Design, from a Paris-based affiliate.

The daughter of French Vogue editor, Carine Roitfeld, Julia has been a New York social fixture since stepping off the plane from Paris. In addition to her social commitments, she is also a model and aspiring designer. Julia was picked by Tom Ford as the face of Black Orchid, his first fragrance; and in August 2007 she became the face of Eric Villency’s new denim line: Restoration of the Monarchy.

With fashion in her blood, it’s fair to say that Julia will be the best-dressed person at any event.

6.  Byrdie Bell – The Chicago native is best known these days for setting off paparazzi frenzies while she struts around town in her designer duds.

A professionally trained actress, Bell has appeared in several slasher films and even had a cameo in Martin Scorsese’s Rolling Stones documentary, “Shine a Light.” Her name comes from a long line of Evelyn Byrds, the first of whom was the eldest daughter of Colonel William Byrd II, the founder of Richmond, VA. Like any good socialite, she does some modeling to supplement her acting “career.”

Though she keeps busy with work, Byrdie doesn’t neglect her social duties; the attractive, girl-about-town won’t disappoint at your next social gathering.

7.  Amanda Hearst – A long-time subject of Page Six gossip, the 26-year-old heiress has been making a splash on the social scene for years.

An heiress to the Hearst media empire with estimated revenues of $5 billion a year, Amanda attended boarding school in Connecticut and went on to attend Boston College before transferring to Fordham University.  She’s appeared on the cover of Cosmopolitan and in ad campaigns for Ralph Lauren. Though, she wasn’t shorted on looks, Forbes once estimated her yearly “maintenance costs” – which includes spending on clothes, make-up and vacations – at $136,360.

With her girl-next-store looks and penchant for excess, Amanda Hearst has earned her spot in the circle of the social elite. What event planner wouldn’t want a Hearst at their event?

8.  Gian Luigi de Almeida Prado Tadini—or Luigi as he’s known to his friends—is a Brazilian-born social scenester/jewelry designer and the heir to a family jewelry fortune.

Tadini describes his style as “a mix between a young Mick Jagger and 40 year-old Cary Grant and perhaps a little Alain Delon.” The fashion-forward Tadini is involved with two charities: Save Venice and Riverkeeper Junior Council, which he co-founded with gal-pal Amanda Hearst a few years ago. The two seem to be an inseparable duo, as you can find them together at events all over town.

When Luigi’s at your event, you can almost guarantee a two-for-one, as Ms. Hearst will most likely be at his side.

9.  Anna Anisimova – This socialite/model/heiress has been said to be the Russian equivalent to Paris Hilton.

Anisimova is the daughter of Russian aluminum tycoon, Vassily Anisimov, who bankrolls her extravagant life. In addition to her $15 million, 4000-square-foot apartment in the Time Warner Center, she owns a number of other residences stateside. While living in Manhattan partying, shopping and occasionally modeling she’s more than earned social butterfly status.

This girl definitely knows what she wants and knows how to get the party started. Make sure the vodka’s on ice because this Russian will liven up any gathering.

10. Bonnie Morrison – This style maven was given the title of one of the most connected fashion publicists in New York by Fashion Daily.

Though not your typical socialite, she has made a name for herself on the New York scene.  Morrison has worked as a publicity director at the renowned fashion PR firm KCD (reps the who’s who in fashion), PR consultant for Proenza Schouler, Dries van Noten, Phi and magazine editor for the now defunct Men’s Vogue. Her style has landed her on various blogs and websites over the last few years.

Who wouldn’t want a fashionista with an endless list of connections at their next party?

2. Free Summer Music Series on Governor’s Island
Enjoy live music on the beach this summer! Enjoy Yaesayer on June 5^th, She & Him on July 4th, and Neon Indian August 14^th.  All of these great concerts are FREE.  Rain or shine, the show will go on at Governor’s Island!  Click here to read more:  http://www.clubplanet.com/Articles/6318/Free-Summer-Music-Series-on-Governors-Island

3. Rooftop Films Summer Series 2010
Enjoy a summer night by watching independent movies from artists all over the city. For a full list of movie screenings visit: http://rooftopfilms.com/2010/schedule/

4. Chaos in New York City at Irving Plaza
Calling all party goers!  Every Tuesday and Saturday night (starting May 18, 2010) you can experience what is “Chaos” at Irving Plaza. Some of the most famous DJs in the world are expected to spin some of their best beats, so be ready to dance the night away with celebrity appearances and luxurious VIP treatment this entire summer!  http://www.clubplanet.com/Articles/6318/Free-Summer-Music-Series-on-Governors-Island

5. Ovo by Cirque du Soleil
Who says you need to be in Vegas to experience one of the world’s most beautiful performances? Experience a Cirque du Soleil classic right here in New York City. You can enjoy OVO from April 9 through June 6, 2010 under the blue and yellow big top at Randall’s Island. For more information on how to purchase tickets visit http://www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/destinations/new-york/default.aspx

6. gLee live
For all you gLee fans, here is your chance to watch the cast live at the Radio City Music Hall from May 28^th-May 30^th 2010. Sure to bring fun and dancing, this is an event the whole family can enjoy! For ticket information visit:
http://www.radiocity.com/events/glee-live-510.html

7. Washington Square Music Festival
Every Tuesday through July 6th -July 27th 2010, at Washington Square Park all you classical and jazz music lovers can enjoy a free concert from different composers around the world. For a full list of performances visit: washingtonsquaremusicfestival.org

8. Washington Square Outdoor Art Exhibit
Celebrating its 80^th year, the Art Exhibit is a wonderful event that delivers some of the best art in and around the city. All art lovers are welcome and encouraged to attend on May 29-31^st as well as on June 5-6^th in the heart of the Greenwich Village. For more information, visit:
http://www.washingtonsquareoutdoorartexhibit.org/

9. American Crafts Festival
Join artists at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts on June 19, 20, 26 and 27. Entertainment and demonstrations of crafts from all over the country will be sure to enlighten the artist in you! For more information on this event visit their official website: www.craftsatlincoln.org

10. Fleet week
What better way to spend a week with none other than America’s finest men and women in uniform. Join our US Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guards when they set their feet on dry land from May 26^th until June 2^nd, get ready for a week of fun and entertainment from the sailors and marines themselves, so come out and show your support! Ships will be docked at Pier 88 in Manhattan and Staten Island. For more information, visit navy.mil

1.  Long Beach
Long Beach is a city in Nassau County, New York. One of Long Island’s two cities, it is located on a namesake island, which forms part of the Outer Barrier off Long Island’s South Shore.  Long Beach is known for its white sandy beaches and its fabulous boardwalk.
Getting There: Take the Long Island Railroad from Penn Station to Long Beach
Fees: Round Trip Transportation + Daily Beach Pass is $19.00

2.  Rockaway Beach
A gem of Queens and one of New York City’s most popular summer destinations, the entire beach encompasses more than 170 acres of sun and sand, and every bit of it is put to good use. When the city warms up, New Yorkers of all sizes and types flock here. Seven playgrounds provide entertainment for the younger set, while volleyball and skating keeps adults active. The beach contains the city’s only surfing areas.  Rockaway has something for everyone.
Getting There: A Train to Broad Channel, then transfer to the S Train to Rockaway Beach
Fees: Round Trip Transportation is $4.50 on the NYC Subway and Beach Admission is free

3.  Jones Beach
Jones Beach State Park is a world-class swimming destination. The park offers surf bathing along its 6.5 miles of ocean beach, one-half mile of bay beach for stillwater bathing, and two swimming pools.  Jones Beach has a two mile boardwalk and you can often find people enjoying deck games, the Jones Beach State Park Pitch and Putt Court, miniature golf and beach volleyball. If you stay in the evening, you can find Nikon at Jones Beach Theater, which is an outdoor arena in the park that serves as a famous musical concert venue. You can hear the concerts from many areas at the beach without purchasing a ticket.
Getting There: Take the Long Island Railroad from Penn Station to Freeport and then transfer to the bus (JB62) to Jones Beach
Fees: Round Trip Transportation is $16.50 and Beach Admission is $8.00

4.  Robert Moses Beach
Robert Moses features five miles of pristine coastline, an 18-hole pitch-and-putt golf course, various amenities (food, grilling and picnic areas, bathhouses), surfing, and fewer crowds than Jones Beach. If you’re looking for something a  bit different, you can also find a nude beach east of Field 5 at Lighthouse Beach.
Getting There: Take the Long Island Railroad from Penn Station to Babylon and then transfer to the bus (S47) to Jones Beach
Fees: Round Trip Transportation is $16.50 and Beach Admission is free

5.  Sandy Hook
The seven-mile stretch of spectacular ocean and bay beaches are excellent for surf casting, swimming, and relaxing on the sand. The Sandy Hook / Highlands area remain a favorite Jersey Shore getaway for Manhattanites due to the convenience of a forty-minute ferry ride from the Wall Street area.
Getting There: Take the SeaStreak Ferry from Pier 11 Wall Street or East 34^th Street in Manhattan to Sandy Hook Beach.
Fees: Round Trip Transportation is $40.00 and Beach Admission is free

6.  Orchard Beach
The Bronx’s only beach is an engineering marvel. Covering a mile and 115 acres, it was originally conceived as the “Riviera of New York,” and its promise is carried out in its promenade lined with shops, playgrounds, picnic areas, and more than two dozen sports courts.
Getting There: Take 6 Train to Pelham Bay Park then transfer to the Bx12 bus to Orchard Beach
Fees: Round Trip Transportation is $4.50 on the NYC Subway and Beach Admission is free

7.  Water Taxi Beach on Governor’s Island
This beach is perfect for Manhattan residents who have a slight fear of venturing far from the city.  At the Water Taxi Beach on Governor’s Island, you’re on a beach but can still see your beloved city.  In addition to soaking up the sun, you can enjoy beach volleyball, dining and live music.
Getting There: Take the free Governors Island Ferry from Slip 7 at the Battery Maritime Building in Lower Manhattan, at the corner of South and Whitehall Streets
Fees: Free Transportation on the Governors Island Ferry Beach Admission is free

8.  Fire Island
The ultimate vacation getaway, Fire Island offers pristine beaches without a hint of pretention. Nestled in between the Great South Bay and Atlantic Ocean the Island has been a haven for generations of beach-goers, outdoor enthusiasts, and water sport lovers. Free of cars and chaos this unique Island seems like a world away from its neighboring New York metropolitan way of life.
Getting There: Take the Long Island Railroad from Penn Station to Sayville and then take a taxi to the Fire Island Ferries
Fees:  Round Trip Transportation is $30.00 with a special LIRR package and Beach Admission is free

9.  Manhattan Beach
This beach on Brooklyn’s southern tip is a popular summertime destination for people from all over New York City. As the weather heats up, people pack picnic baskets and come out to barbeque, relax on the sand, and swim in the waves. Bookended by playgrounds, and with two large baseball diamonds on its eastern border, as well as tennis, volleyball, basketball, and handball, this park has plenty of room for all types of active outdoor fun.
Getting There: Take the B or Q Train to Brighton Beach and then transfer to the B1 Bus to Oriental Boulevard
Fees: Round Trip Transportation is $4.50 on the NYC Subway and Beach Admission is free

10. Seaside Heights
Seaside Heights Beaches are all public and are open throughout the season. Public Access can be found almost each block and badges can be purchased for the day. Come early to claim your spot for the day.  The Seaside Heights boardwalk offers a great escape from the sun.  Probably best known for MTV’s “Jersey Shore”, you never know if you’ll see The Situation, Paul D, Ronnie, Vinny, Snooki, J-Woww, or Sammi Sweetheart filming the rest of Season 2.
Getting There: Take NJ Transit from Penn Station to Bay Head station and then take a Taxi to Seaside Heights.
Fees: Round Trip Transportation is $31.00 on NJ Transit plus Taxi Fare and Beach Admission is $5.00

1.  Guide Map NY – $0.99
This app provides you with mobile access to detailed interactive New York City maps, designed to help you enjoy the must-see attractions — the theatres, museums, galleries, shopping, architecture, historic sites, and more — that make up the New York experience.

2.  New York Subway – $0.99
A detailed map of New York subway. The trip planner tool allows you to find automatically the best route to get to your destination in New York Subway. Travel time is also estimated. The route planner included in this application does not require a network connection to operate; it works perfectly while in the subway. You can provide an address in New York; the application indicates the stations closest to that address.

3.  Beat the Traffic -Free
Provides live traffic maps, showing traffic speeds and incidents on major routes for more than 100 cities.

4.  Free New York City – Free
This app offers over 85 listings of free or almost free activities from museums and galleries, to walking tours of historical neighborhoods and national landmarks. The guide includes information on fun activities such as free concerts, free blues shows and how to get free studio audience tickets for popular shows.

5.  Venues – Free
A Venue finding service designed to enable conference organizers and planners access to one central database where they can find venues that match their exact conferencing and venue requirements. Once you have chosen venues that match your requirements, a network of contacts to secure you the best rates possible for your conference, meeting or event. We ask all of the questions that you need to know when organizing a conference or event and we report back to you with a list of options that match your exact requirements within 24hours.

6.  Party CkList – $0.99
This application provides you a complete list everything you will need to prepare for your upcoming event. The list is broken down by categories to make it easy for you to navigate through the application. You can create multiple lists with different names for different events and store comments for each event with important information. Check off each item when it is complete or mark it as N/A.

7.  Menu Pages – Free
Just type what you want (e.g. Japanese, Mexican, Italian) and where you want to eat (nearby, neighborhood, address, and intersection) and this app will show you the best restaurants to satisfy your hunger.

8.  New York Club Grid – Free
Recommends the coolest nightclubs, bars, and restaurants of New York. You will know where all the fun and coolest places are with a geo location of each venue and updated info on parties. You will also be able to register from your app on the go and be on the guest list of all the main clubs by just mentioning New York Club Guide.

9.  Doddle – Free
This extraordinary app is revolutionizing the production industry, letting professionals spend less time chained to a desk and more time in the field where the magic is created. There are online production directories, but doddle goes light years beyond those to give production professionals the mobile tools and refreshable data access to make their jobs swifter and saner, giving them more brain cells to devote to creating great art. Everything and Everyone who touches production world, from Producers, Directors, Photographers, Lighting, Sound, Crew, Talent, Hotels, Restaurants, Catering, Transportation…..will be at your fingertips, using all the greatest communication tools the iPhone can offer.

10. Guest List RSVP – $0.99
An application that lets you categorize and record guests and their responses for an event. Helps organize the information about who is going to be coming to your event. With this application your guests are categorized by important or optional guest for the event depending on its relevance and closeness. For each family or guest you have the option to enter the amount of people that will be attending, when they replied and their names. Furthermore, you can select from a simple scroll down menu if they will be joining you, have not replied or will not be able to attend. For your convenience we added the option to quickly send the information about guests to anyone interested such as the party planner or even yourself with the tap of the envelope icon. Also, in the target section you can enter the minimum and maximum amount of guests you intend to host, your budget and how much you want the cost per guest to be.

For a complete list of applications visit:

http://iphoneapplicationlist.com/apps/