An emerald expanse in the thriving, concrete jungle that is New York City, Central Park lies in the heartland of the Manhattan borough. It commences its labyrinthine stretch from Midtown, all the way to Harlem. It was created in 1857 by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, who envisioned a sprawling green space in the center of the island. The park spans 843 acres (341.15 hectares) and bustles with life throughout the day, even as the layered, multi-hued fold of the city's skyline unfolds at its hem. The park's 21 playgrounds are speckled with ornate fountains, sculptures, myriad bridges and arches, together forming an urbane respite where several come to find peace from the city's chaotic pace. Attractions within the park include the Bethesda Fountain, the Conservatory Garden, Belvedere Castle and Central Park Zoo.
The Lincoln Center for Performing Arts is a massive venue when it comes to live entertainment. The Lincoln Center Out-of-Doors has something for everyone: internationally recognized dances, high-level performances, special events and jazz. Watch out for Live From Lincoln Center, a program that has famous orchestras and artistes performing. Lincoln Center holds about 400 live performances a year, ranging from classical to modern productions. And as if that wasn't enough, the Center also hosts many events put on by the Film Society at Lincoln Center. There are guided tours on a daily basis that explore the world-renowned Metropolitan Opera House, Avery Fisher Hall, the New York State Theater (home of the New York City Opera) and the Vivian Beaumont Theater. During the tour, your guides will entertain you with fascinating stories and give you a glimpse of a rehearsal in progress.
This small but beautiful botanic garden features a Japanese garden, as well as the Cranford Rose Garden, herb garden, the Children's Garden, and the Steinhard Conservatory of indoor flowers and plants. In all, there are 52 acres and 12,000 varieties of botanicals, ranging from the tiny bonsai to the towering oak. Self-guided tours, individual classes and certificate programs are all available. Students come with your valid id cards, if you want to avail of a discount.
Tucked away in Queens is an old-fashioned testament to film and television. The actual studios of the one-time Paramount East Coast production house are closed, but the museum provides tours about film making where you can see makeup, costumes and well-known movie sets. There are several theaters for film screenings and a gift shop for souvenir hunters.
The High Line is an urban oasis filled with beautifully manicured landscapes. It sits above the city on old train tracks that were installed as part of the West Side Improvement Project back in 1929. The line was primarily used to transport goods along the Lower West Side, but with the advent of vehicles in the 1950s and more accessible routes elsewhere, the last train eventually ran in 1980. Thereafter, the elevated tracks fell into disrepair, and the whole structure was nearly demolished. It was instead converted into an innovative public park, delighting locals and visitors alike. Today, the High Line is a cherished sanctuary away from the bustle of city life.
Deze massieve kathedraal, gelegen tegenover de Rockefeller Center op Fifth Avenue, is de grootste katholieke kathedraal in de Verenigde Staten. Met zijn twee ten hemel rijzende 330-foot (00 meter) spitsen is St Patricks kathedraal ook een van de meest spectaculaire architectonische bezienswaardigheden van de stad. Constructie op basis van de neogotische structuur startte in 1850 en werd afgemaakt in 1878. Binnenin schept het op met zijn capaciteit met 2500 zitplaatsen, ontelbare altaars en zijn glas-in-lood ramen, en een gigantisch orgel met meer dan 7300 pijpen. Diensten worden gedurende de dag gehouden en voor New yorkers stappen binnen voor een moment van sereniteit in hun anders zo hectische levens.
Alternately known as Avenue of the Americas, 6th Avenue is the American equivalent for London's Oxford Street or Paris' Champs Elysee. Controversial in nature, the extension of this avenue in the 1920's sent several Italian immigrants scurrying with nowhere to go however, over the decades it gained tremendous commercial importance. A number of Gothic structures, historic squares, flower markets and art centers dot the nearby surroundings so make sure to come down here while in the Big Apple.
This historic brick building was built in 1785 by Edward Mooney, a wealthy butcher. Mooney left his home behind when he died in 1800, and since then, the building has been used as a hotel, a pool parlor, a store, a brothel, a restaurant, and is now used as a bank. New York City designated the building as a landmark in 1966. It is the only remaining townhouse from the American Revolutionary period.
This New York landmark has been instrumental in the spread of the teachings of bible and allows the worship of God through Jesus Christ for the people of Big Apple. The church was founded in 1887 as a Catholic Apostolic Church and after more than a century it was handed over to the Lutheran Church in 1995. A fine example of Gothic Revival style of architecture, the striking red-bricked structure is decorated with terra-cotta motifs and dressings, which makes it worth a visit. The church hosts weekly prayer service every Sunday at 11a which attracts the worshipers of Manhattan in large numbers. The church is also host to a concert series known as The Stoop, which allows them stage performances of local and upcoming bands. Call ahead or visit their website to know more.
Nestled within the Church of St. John the Baptist, managed by the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, this shrine is a humble dedication to Padre Pio, who was a member of the order. In 1999 Padre Pio was canonized, following which this shrine was established within the church. His relics displayed at the shrine include a linen sock with his bloodstain, cruets, his fountain pen and a woolen glove. The shrine has a Padre Pio Prayer Group that holds meetings regularly and indulges in social activities; check the website for further details regarding participation.
Built in the 1920s by Rice Brother Corporation, Shearwater is the largest and the most elegant wooden Schooner sailing in the New York Harbor. It also finds mention in the National Register of Historic Places and has a colorful history to boast about. The yacht is currently operated by Manhattan by Sail Company, which takes you on a 90 minutes tour of the New York Harbor, and one can catch glimpses of attractions like Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty and so forth and can accommodate 48 guests.
Leland Castle was built as a home to Mr. Simeon Leland in 1855. In 1980, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This castle boasts stunning Gothic Revival architecture on sweeping grounds of 2.6 acres (1.05 hectares). Guests will find plenty to marvel at, from the architecture to the contemporary art inside the Castle Art Gallery.