Let the Good Times Bowl

Bowlmor Times Square opened to the public last night. The space is a world apart from its sister location near Union Square...it's both cavernous and cozy all at the same time. There are multiple lane areas, each with its own New York-y theme, including Chinatown, Times Square, Central Park and Prohibition. And for food, consulting chef David Burke works his magic. For video, click here.

Have YOU Got a Ticket to Ride?

If you've been wondering about those overly large buses that have been navigating the crowded streets of Times Square and Columbus Circle, here's a peek at what goes on both inside and outside The Ride.

The Ride of Your Life

Like most New Yorkers, I avoid Times Square like the plague. Even with the Bloomberg-mandated closure of Broadway, the area is a traffic-snarled den of caricature artists, slack-jawed tourists and bad chain restaurants. Were it not for theatre, I wonder whether I'd ever visit this part of town. And yet, it was not always so. I remember my early fascination with Times Square, its bright lights and 24/7 excitement. To me, it represented the pulsing heartbeat of New York, the energy epicenter that gave the city life.

Last night, for 90 minutes, I found myself in love with Times Square all over again.

As a passenger on a new attraction called The Ride, I got to see the city from an atypical vantage point--sideways. The Ride is a coach bus with outward-facing stadium seating for 50. With a floor-to-ceiling view of the cityscape outside, The Ride is deliciously voyeuristic. But what's good for the goose is good for the gander. Literally, because pedestrians get to gander right back in at you.

With a tight-looped route that that sticks primarly to the West 40s and 50s, The Ride is conducted by two perky, New York-savvy guides. For sardonic comic relief, their commentary aided and abetted by input from the bus, who is given a Knight Rider-style voice and personality.

But the real treat to be experienced aboard The Ride are the pop-up street performances that unfold before passengers' eyes. A UPS delivery guy who drops his packages to do a spontaneous break dance and a sailor and nurse who perfectly recreate Alfred Eisenstaedt's iconic image of a couple locked in a never-ending kiss are among the surprise attractions viewers will get to see on their journey. As delightful, if not more, are the stunned reactions of passersby, who have no clue as to what is happening, but who whip out their cameras to film the action faster than you can say iPhone.

It's a great addition to the Great White Way, a wonderful experience for tourists--and believe it or not--locals, too. Tickets from $59. For more info, click here.

Pop Goes the Treat Store!

From the Naked Cowboy to the studios of Good Morning America, Times Square has just about everything. (Except locals, of course.) But you now have one more reason to make the trek to the Theater District...a pop-up store dedicated to...Pop-Tarts!

If you thought the Hershey's Store was fun, just imagine the trouble you can get into while sinking your teeth into one of these wholly unhealthy, but wholly yummy breakfast treats. The store opened this week and will remain in business as a guilty pleasure at least through January.

Insider Tip: Try the Pop-Tarts Sushi. (Yep. You read that right.) Good news: There is no fish in Pop-Tarts sushi. To Visit: Head to 42nd Street, between Avenue of the Americas and Broadway -- though not on an empty stomach. (Don't say you weren't warned.)



Was it Leia Who Convinced Him?

We asked hip-hop star Snoop Dogg what his favorite Star Wars film was this afternoon and without hesitating, he answered "Return of the Jedi"!

The performer was in town helping to promote the launch of the new Luke Skywalker and Yoda sneakers, part of a Star Wars line from Adidas. To add further hype to the event (and certainly much to the chagrin of the Rebel Alliance), the footwear company also brought a squadron of Stormtroopers to overtake Times Square and SoHo.

Check back with New York Insider next week for our special coverage of the Force-filled day.