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.
A fine specimen of Gothic architecture, The Basilica of Saint John the Evangelist has expanded from a small church originally established in early 1850s to a large structure accommodating multiple immigrants of the Catholic faith today. In contrast to the Gothic exterior, the interiors are simple yet captivating. The church is famously called 'The Mother Church of Stamford'.
With a permanent collection numbering over two million individual works of art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, or simply the Met, is not only a New York City landmark, it is the United States' largest art museum and the fifth-most visited museum of any kind in the world. Designed by Richard Morris Hunt, the museum encompasses more than 1.5 million square feet (139,355 square meters) of exhibition space. European paintings on display include those by world-renown masters like Monet, Degas, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Titian, and Vermeer. The vast collection has been split between several galleries, arranged by geographic origin and other thematic schemes. The Egyptian art gallery is especially enticing, as are the Met's repositories of Asian, African and Medieval art. Others include Islamic, Roman, and Greek art, the Arms and Armory section, the Costume Institute, and European Decorative arts. When weather permits, contemporary sculptures are displayed at the open-air roof garden. Apart from being a treasure trove for art lovers, The Metropolitan Museum of Art offers a fun-filled and educational experience for all ages.
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.
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.
Iggy's is a bar from which people have come to expect much more than just a drink. There are 14 TVs on which you can catch all the live sporting action, a complete food menu, and the most popular bit, karaoke. You can sing your favorite songs at the bar with friends all day long, and in front of a packed room between 7p and 4a. You can also use the venue for private events, of which the kids' karaoke parties are perhaps the most popular.
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.
The Ambrose Ward Mansion is an iconic landmark in East Orange. Built in 1898, it is home to the African American Fund of New Jersey. The building is an example of the Renaissance Revival style of architecture and features on the National Register of Historic Places.
The opulent Meadowlands is a house that comes under the purview of Darien Community Association. This historic estate that is included in the National Register of Historic Places can now be hired for private celebrations and events.
St. John's Lutheran Church is a local church with a community-centric approach. Located in the neighborhood of Greenwich Village, it has been a spiritual abode for the local patrons since 1858. Prayer services and choir concerts are regularly held here in a welcoming atmosphere and the church embraces one and all irrespective of their race and religion. It also hosts a plethora of cultural activities such as concerts and plays in order to foster a communal vibe in the fraternity.