A visit to Central Park offers the visitor a number of interesting attractions, one of them undoubtedly is The Mall. Built in the year 1858, the Mall was initially known as the Promenade and it was the spot for Knickerbockers to strut their Sunday best. Along the pedestrian path, the American Elm trees bend and arch to provide an elegant canopy for visitors strolling below. At the southern end of what is known as the Literary Walk, there are several statues paying homage to literary icons such as Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott. At the northern end of the park you can find the Naumburg Bandshell represented by a stoic statue of Beethoven. Overall, the Mall still retains its bucolic character and a walk here is a great way to recharge after a typically urban New York excursion.
Patchin Place is a dead-end little alleyway in which it's original buildings were created for the staff of nearby hotel, thereafter it was known to be inhabited by famous writers, authors such as E.E. Cummings, Theodore Dreiser and John Cowper Powys. This small alley is a popular stop for those on New York City tours of literature haunts. Today, it is now home to affluent medical practitioners and psychiatrists, but the quiet picture still looks the same with gas lamps of antiquity hanging on the wall.
Established in 1849, Grace Church was one of the earliest places of worship to serve City Island. Though the growing congregation was firmly in place, it wasn't until 1862, that it found a permanent structure for worship. The beautiful Gothic Revival structure features striking architectural details. Besides worship services and religious activities, the church is actively involved in cultural activities, and hosts performances by the City Island Theater Group. Check website for more.
Built in 1852, Saint James AME Church is one of the oldest churches in the city. The imposing church building features striking architectural details, and is a fine example of Gothic architecture in the city. The historic church congregation predates the church building by close to a decade. Beyond being just a place of worship, the church today actively engages with the community through its various programs and outreach ministries. Check website for worship times and more information.
If you are walking down Wyckoff street in Brooklyn, you are bound to notice the large red wall with intricate drawings on it. As you walk closer you will see that not only the artforms change in pattern, but the materials used to make this masterpiece is random, to say the least. Made from shells, buttons, broken CDs and more, the Wyckoff Street Mosaic is the work of gifted artist Susan Gardner, who turned the wall of her own house into an inspiring canvas.
Designed and built by architects Graves and Doboy in 1904 as an apartment hotel, Ansonia is a 17-story structure, that was the epitome of luxury during the early part of the 20th century. Constructed with heavy, fireproof materials, the building is virtually soundproof, which has made it a favorite home to musicians, most notably Igor Stravinsky. The French design remains impressive even today, as the building stands as the centerpiece of this Upper West Side community. The public is not allowed to enter, but the building itself is worth a visit to look at.