THE RIDE of Our Lives by Robin Gorman Newman

During school break, I love to explore Manhattan with my son and do some cool stuff….even act as if we’re tourists….since we live outside the city.

One of our favorite things to do together is to take THE RIDE.  At 8:30PM on 12/25, we took THE RIDE, and it was loads of interactive fun, laughs, information, sights and a unique experience….chockful of jokes, singing, doing the wave, sightseeing and more.  We enjoyed taking it in the evening to experience all the grandure of the lights of the city.  It’s become an annual holiday tradition for us.

THE RIDE’s specially-designed custom vehicles are the tallest allowed by federal law on city streets. The bus is fitted with stadium-style seating  that orients riders sideways to look through massive windows, and two on-board hosts banter comically as we travel through the streets of midtown Manhattan, commenting on New York’s history and its iconic sites and structures, and revealing little known facts about the city – all while incorporating actors and performers along the route who interact with the vehicle and its passengers. External speakers and exterior lighting allow the on-board hosts to make everyone on the street part of the experience. Surprises show up all along the route, such as rappers in the street and ballet performers.

As part of THE RIDE‘s triumphant second anniversary celebration, THE RIDE launched the Holiday Edition on November 15th. THE RIDE – Holiday Express celebrates New York City with a custom designed exterior wrap, a new 4.2 mile route highlighting the finest of the City’s iconic decorations and locations, original content, new seasonal videos and soundtrack and performance events. Locations include Grand Central Station, Citicorp, Park Avenue, Fifth Avenue, including the Baccarat crystal star at the 57th Street and Fifth Avenue crossroads, Tiffany’s, Cartier, the tree at Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, etc.

THE RIDE – Holiday Edition, closing December 30th, is limited to eighty performances.  If you can’t make the Holiday Edition, THE RIDE operates year round, and it’s always a fun time…and a cool way to celebrate a birthday or other special occasion.  Let THE RIDE know, and they will arrange a celebratory shoutout that you’ll always remember.

A full schedule for THE RIDE is available at experiencetheride.com. Tickets are on sale now, available three ways: online at experiencetheride.com; by phone at (866) 299-9682; and in person at THE RIDE Box office located at the New York Marriott Marquis Hotel, 1535 Broadway between 45th and 46th Streets. To save 20% per ticket, use the code BWORLD when ordering.

Note: Thanks to THE RIDE for inviting us to experience THE RIDE.