Secrets of New York City
We may think that New York has already flaunted out to the whole world all of its bedazzling places. But with the hundreds if not thousands of corners and avenues, New York still has a number of secrets that it holds. There are still spots here that have remained secrets probably because they are rarely visited, overlooked if not, not known to many. Here are just some of the spots to go to unlock some of the secrets that New York City still keeps that will surely make you curious and want to head to that place.
Rooftop Gardens at Rockefeller Center
For Spider-Man fanatics, you may have already seen this place in the movie that was shown in 2002. But little does everybody know that the location of this set is a place that not everyone knows of. New York City, amidst its tall buildings also boasts gorgeous gardens and one of which is hidden high on top of the roof. The Rooftop Gardens at Rockefeller Center is a beautifully landscaped area which is was designed by Ralph Hancock, an English landscaper, in 1933 and 1936. By 1938 the area was closed and the only chance to see it is by going up on the Top of the Rock observation deck but for a better view of the place is by watching the Spider-Man film that was released in 2002.
The Whispering Gallery in Grand Central Terminal
For starters, Grand Central Terminal holds so much clandestine. Just a little trivia but Franklin Delano Roosevelt had his very own underground passage to Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. Another secret that this mysterious and historical terminal holds is the Whispering Gallery. The intact archway that has been left untouched is found right in front of the Oyster Bar and Restaurant. The Whispering Gallery, as the name suggests, is literally where you can whisper something and on the other end, another person can hear your whisper. There have been stories saying the Charles Mingus, a legendary jazz musician, had a knack for playing under the arches. On present day, this gallery is known for mumbled marriage proposals. You can whisper just about anything here but be sure that no stranger can hear your confessions on your whispers.
Bowling Alley at the Frick Collection
At the Upper East Side is where you will find the mansion called The Frick Collection. This property that has been standing here since the 19th century is owned by Henry Clay Frick who was an industrialist. The mansion is one marvellous antique piece itself but this mansion also holds and underground bowling alley. It was custom-made especially for Frick way back in 1914 and if you could just see the place, it truly is a magnate’s recreational area. The place is majestic as it has walls out of mahogany, lanes that are flawlessly made out of pine and maple and bowling balls that were clearly specially made for the tycoon that are still working. When Frick passed away in 1919, the bowling alley was abandoned and was used as library storage in the 1920s. Back in 1997, the place was restored but it still kept locked.
New York City’s Top 5 Tours
The minute we hear New York City, we can already picture the tall buildings lining the skies and the busy streets as well as the harbours, bridges and its other landmarks. But if you think that coming to New York is interesting enough wait until you get on a guided tour and meet the tour guides who happen to be as interesting and fun as the city itself. This is why, visitors should not miss the chance to get on a tour over the city with these experts who have so much fondness and love for their wonderful city, New York. Below are the top 5 tours recommended to tourists who would like to go on a guided tour when coming to New York City.
Manhattan by Sail
Experience getting on board in a beautiful 82-foot classic 1920s schooner while feasting your eyes with the spectacular view of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline from the decks of this vintage yacht. Originally built for famous industrialist Charles E. Dunlap, this personal yacht is now used by Manhattan by Sail. When getting on board, guests can indulge on the pampering of the crew with the serving of a refreshing beverage as you enjoy New York Harbor’s view.
Elegant Tightwad Shopping Excursions
Shopaholics will really enjoy the Elegant Tightwad Shopping Excursions while here in New York City. With Paemla Parisi as your tour guide, guests are brought to private Garment District showrooms that are not usually for the public and here guests can indulge in purchasing clothing and accessories at really low prices compared to the store price.
Big Apple Jazz Tours
New York City is home to the best jazz musicians that the music has ever had and some of these names are Billie Holiday, Count Basie and Charlie Parker. If you are one of the millions out there that are into jazz music then get on tour be guided by the ever welcoming tour guide Gordon Polatnick who is a self-confessed jazz lover himself.
NYC mob tour
New York City is proud to say that it is America’s safest and largest city but way back in the 19th century; organized-crimes happened in the streets of this vast city that has made history. This tour leads its guests to Little Italy and the guides spill out details about the famous mobsters who were John Gotti and Joey Gallo. Get to know where the inspiration for the movies The Godfather, The Sopranos and Gangs of New York and find out which of the films actually happened for real.
Joyce Gold History Tours of New York
If you want to get into an in-depth knowledge about the history of New York then Joyce Gold is the best person to go to or better yet join her at the Joyce Gold History Tours of New York. Joyce Gold has lived in the five boroughs of New York and so expect her to know a lot about the immigrant history of the Jewish, Italian and Chinese as well as how the movie Gangs of New York has a brush of history in it.
Times Square in New York
The place Time Square is always linked when we hear the word New York. In one of the boroughs of New York City which is Manhattan is where you will find this main commercial intersection which is right across Broadway and 7th avenue and it stretches from west 42nd until 47th streets. Theatre District is the extended section of Time Square which currently has the 6th and 8th Avenue from east to west along with the West 40th and 53rd street from north to south making it the western area of the commercial section of Midtown Manhattan.
For sure a lot of us have heard about this famous spot but not everyone knows the history behind. Time Square used to called as the Longacre Square and has been standing tall ever since April 1904 right after the New York Times transferred its headquarters to Times Building which was just stood and is now One Times Square in present day where every New Years eve the annual ball drop is seen. The place has been so well recognized around the globe making it an iconic world landmark of not only New York but also of the US which is why it is called The Crossroads of the World and The Great White Way.
The New Year’s Eve annual ball drop actually began back in December 31, 1907 when a ball that symbolized New Year’s Day was dropped at Times Square and ever since it has become a tradition of the New Yorkers to do this. That fateful evening was witnessed by thousands of people gathered together to see the Waterford crystal ball lowered from a pole on top of the building. This practiced actually replaced the glamorous fireworks display from the building’s top from 1904 to 1906 until the city officials banned it. From 1908 or after more than 48 years, Artkraft Strauss which was the sign maker of Time Square began the ball-lowering. During World War II, what was done was the people had a minute of silence followed afterwards by a recording of church bells that replaced the ball drop due to blackout restrictions at that time. On present day, the ball drop is the most awaited event every New Year which is being organized by Countdown Entertainment along with Time Square Alliance.
Today, what we will see in Time Square is an energy-efficient LED ball which was being dropped on the eve of December 31, 2008 for the coming of the year 2009 is bigger and is a permanent installation making it useful for every annual celebration such as Valentine’s Day and Halloween. New Year’s Eve draws in the biggest crowd in Time Square which amazingly can reach about a million people. In fact there was a recording that during the night of December 31, 1999, Time Square drew in over 2 million people that reached from 6th to 8th Avenue and on Broadway and 7th Avenue to 59th street. This became the biggest gathering ever since August 1945 which was during the end of World War II.
Must-See in New York City
New York City would not be called The City that Never Sleeps if it were not for the city’s busy streets and bright lights when the sun sets. Along with the five boroughs that this well known city has, it also boasts landmarks that have not only been known across the state but also from around the world. This place is not only a favourite by job seekers but it is also one place where tourists are drawn in into the city’s must-see places. Here are the top 10 must-see places that every should see when coming to New York.
1.) NYC Skyline
When we look up to the skyscrapers, the monuments and the bridges, we come to think of how awesome New York is but wait until you see from atop. This city has so much beauty to offer. Go as high as 1,050 feet through an elevator ride in Empire State Building and indulge yourself in the spectacular view.
2.) Time Square
Digital billboards, bright lights and people walking are what this popular spot has to offer. Every corner of this place has something to offer.
3.) Central Park
Right in the heart of Manhattan sits this diverse landscape that allows New Yorkers to forget they are right in the middle of an urban zone.
4.) NYC Museums
New York is known for its beautiful and countless museums. Don’t forget to visit some of these places!
5.) Statue of Liberty
The most famous historical landmark of NY is something you don’t want to miss. Take a short ferry ride to Liberty Island and fall in love with New York.
6.) Yankee Stadium
New York is the home of the Yankees, of course this stadium you ought to see. The stadium is said to be “The House that Ruth Built” and has been standing still ever since 1923.
7.) Flushing Meadows – Corona Park
This 1,255 acres of land is the city’s 3rd largest park and showcases alluring attractions.
8.) Bronx Zoo
This big urban wildlife preserve is home to a variety of habitats that houses over 4,500 critters and different wild animals as well. Who would have thought that a zoo exists in this busy place?
9.) Brooklyn Bridge
Standing strong since 1883 is Brooklyn Bridge that is the masterpiece of engineer John Roebling.
10.) Staten Island Ferry
This place is more than a means of transportation as it is also a tourists spot. Enjoy the view while taking a ferry ride.
New York City Breaks – Basic Facts
New York City is truly a great vacation destination because of the many things it has to offer to its tourists. But coming here would really be much better if we brought with us basic facts that we ought to know about the place. The basic info will help us go about the place much easier and get to adjust to its environment too.
NYC’s Geography
Basically New York is made up of the five boroughs which are Manhattan, Staten Islands, Brooklyn, Queens and Bronx. Since Manhattan and Staten Island are islands, while Brooklyn and Queens are part of Long Island and Bronx is part of the US mainland getting to and from one borough to another is done with the help of the ferries, bridges and tunnels.
Climate
New York City has four seasons: winter, spring, summer and fall. The winter season here is also considered peak season because those who want to experience a “white Christmas” would head here to play with snow. Summers here are warm but not generally hot. But before coming to NYC it would be best to check the weather forecast.
Time Zone of NYC
New York City follows the Eastern Standard Time Zone. So basically they also have daylight saving time from the months of March to November.
Means of Transportation
Going around New York City is not hard at all even if the five boroughs are not generally one piece of land. So basically around Manhattan is where you can find lots of taxicabs. To get to and from one borough to another, there are subways, buses and ferries that you can ride on to reach the place that you want to head to.
All these basic information will help you go about your trip to New York City. If it is going to be your first to come to the place, you can seek more tips from friends around New York or better yet ask those relatives or friends of yours who have been here already. There are also official websites that you can search online and browse through to read more about the places to stay at, its main attractions and when the best time is to come and visit the place. Going on a guided tour will also be helpful if you want to see the best places of the city. So plan your New York City vacation ahead and don’t forget to have lots of fun along the way.