Feb
15
Things To Do In New York
New York City is not just another vacation spot. It is a magical mystery place. You can take in a show at venues from Broadway to shop theaters. It’s hard to imagine taking a hike in a city this large, but the 843 acre Central Park (which was built by hand) offers just such an adventure. The things you can find to do in the Big Apple are limited only by your imagination (and maybe your pocketbook).
Fifth Avenue
You will find more than ordinary shopping to pass the time. Here you will find the Mecca of dolls in The American Girl Store. Visit the worlds of all the favorite characters, have a bite in the Boutique and Bistro, or enjoy a live musical.
Just up the street is a place everyone wants to play. Tom Hanks did it in the movie “Big” and now is your chance. FAO Schwarz will bring you into a special world that you might never be ready to leave. If you want to see the live animals instead of the stuffed, you need only walk a little farther.
Central Park Zoo has one of the longest histories, but has only recently become the jewel it is today. It was started all the way back in the 1860’s as a collection of donated animals. Today it is home to thousands of animals in natural habitats. The Tisch Children’s Zoo (which was only added in 1997) gives children the opportunity to get up close to some of the more gentle creatures.
Tours
If you want to see the Big Apple in a big way then take one of the many unique tours that is offered. Liberty Helicopter Tours will give you some of the most spectacular views of the city that you can imagine.
Everyone has to eat, but not everyone gets to eat like this. There are great tours that will take you on a taste of the town. Foods of New Your Tours, Inc. offers cultural walking tours and culinary experiences through several of historic New York Neighborhoods.
If you want to fly, but don’t want to take to the air then you might want to check out The Beast. This monster of a speed boat will give you a thrilling 30-minute ride will give you a quick look at (45 miles per hour) all the famous landmarks. After a quick stop near the Statue of Liberty (for a photo opportunity) you will be whipped back to shore. This tour gives you high-speed, great music, and is all about making waves.
Tradition Attractions (Experience them with a twist. These places can be more fun -and much less crowded - at unusual times. The guides will also be able to share more information with you when the crowd isn’t so large.)
Empire State Building - for an incredible view of New York at night, take a ride to the 102nd floor Observatory - after midnight. The last elevators go up at 1:15am. You will get the full experience of the twinkling lights and you just might be alone when you do it.
Statue of Liberty - Take the early shuttle over to this National monument. The peak seasons are June through September but visitor numbers are also high during holidays. If you want to do more than admire the outside, you will need to make a reservation to go inside. They are available through the ferry company with the purchase of a ferry ticket.
Ellis Island - another quick ferry ride from the Statue of Liberty and you will be at what became the nation’s premier federal immigration station. It stayed in operation until 1954 and over 12 million immigrants were processed through its system. You may be able to trace your own family history to Ellis Island. Over 40 percent of the American population can trace their roots to this spot.
New York has more sights, sounds and experiences than any one article can hold. It would take a life time to find them all. After taking a bite of the Big Apple, you may find that a life time here is just what you want.