Things to Do in Fort Lee

When it came time to name her business, Pamela Parisi looked to her own nickname: The Elegant Tightwad. She earned the moniker during 20 years spent in the fashion industry as a clothing designer, manufacturer, and mannequin guidance counselor. Parisi developed a reputation for her conflicting loves for designer clothes and fiscal responsibility. Always a problem solver, she quickly learned to marry her two passions by developing extensive knowledge of designer showrooms and the wholesale prices they charge. Today, she uses her nose for bargains to guide tour groups to the best deals on designer clothes and accessories. Her cash-saving tours have even garnered the attention of CNN and Elle magazine. In addition to her Garment District Diva tours, Parisi has also extended her expertise into the world of food. Her tasting excursions explore some of the most tempting eats in Hell's Kitchen, from Italian and Greek specialties to sweet treats from bakeries and ice cream shops.

Selected by Nightclub and Bar magazine as the Best Nightclub of 2011 and designated a city landmark in 2008, Webster Hall's four floors hold more than 125 years of history, from the Grand Ballroom to the Balcony Lounge. The building’s iconic framework has hosted such major acts as Prince and Mick Jagger and served as a speakeasy, a lecture hall, and a mentor to troubled teenage buildings since its construction in 1886.

Alpine Cinemas eight theaters make current movies come alive as massive screens merge with Dolby Digital sound to keep each crowd of 200 or more immersed in the action. The signature theater injects even more realism with roomy stadium seats and 3-D capabilities that add an extra dimension without having to bring a 20-foot friend to act out the movie. Before shows, guests can stock up on refreshments at the snack bar equipped with savory popcorn and bubbly soda.

The Nuyorican Poets Cafe began in 1973 as a literary get-together in the living room of college professor and celebrated scribe Miguel Algarin. By 1975, sick of cleaning up spare clauses left all over his house, Algarin began renting the Sunshine Café to give local writers and performers a venue to develop their craft. In 1980, the non-profit organization moved to its current home in a century-old tenement on East Third.

Today, the Nuyorican Poets Cafe plays a crucial, street-level role in New York’s art scene. Randomly selected audience members judge weekly poetry slams, and the venue plays host to small theatrical productions on many Thursdays through Sundays. Other evenings may feature hip-hop concerts, snappy Latin jazz, and freewheeling open mic nights.