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EXPLORE NYC | | | | | | | | | | | | Description: BROOKLYN. Spanning from the South Street Seaport to Brooklyn Heights, the famous Brooklyn Bridge has ushered New Yorkers across the East River since 1883. A must for any visitor to the Big Apple is to take the 30-plus minute, 3,455-foot walk across the bridge. The view you get of Manhattan is incredible, and it's easy to understand why decades of poets and painters have been fascinated by it. The great Walt Whitman even described the view from the bridge as the "most effective medicine my soul has yet partaken." TRAIN: A, C to High St; N, R to City Hall
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| 405 Lexington Ave
New York,
NY
10174
212-682-3070 | | | | | Description: MIDTOWN EAST. This Art Deco masterpiece briefly held the title of world's tallest building for some few months before the completion of the Empire State Building in 1931. It was originally built for the automotive icon's corporate offices, and today it still contains decorative pieces in automotive fashion, including eagle heads and hood ornament wings. Except for the glorious shiny steel needle crowning the structure, some would characterize the exterior of the building as simple. Yet, one step inside the lobby assures you a wonderful treat. Beautiful marble work, elevator doors displaying rare wood marquetry and chrome stair banisters make this 77-story, 1,048-foot building a beauty all its own. A mixture of city history and the building's magnificence keep this a beloved treasure. Unfortunately, the Chrysler Building does not offer an observation deck, but once you see all the great design work inside the lobby, be sure to walk down a few streets and look back. This combination is probably the best way to experience the building. TRAIN: 4,5,6,7 to Grand Central-42nd St
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| 350 Fifth Ave
New York,
NY
10118
212-736-3100 | | | | | Description: GARMENT DISTRICT. One of the world's most famous skyscrapers is easily recognized by its strong, slender ascent into the NY sky. The building opened in 1931 at a cost of $41 million after about a year of construction, making it the fastest development of any major skyscraper (4.5 stories per week). At 1,450 feet and currently the ninth tallest building in the world, this landmark soars more than a quarter mile into the Manhattan atmosphere. Observation decks are on the 86th and 102nd floors. The lower deck is probably the better spot for the best views. On clear days, there can be an amazing 80-mile visibility. The upper deck is good too, just smaller and glassed in. Mornings are less crowded, yet the views at night can be magical. You can bank, shop, send a postcard or have a cup of coffee all within the building. Also available is a virtual trip around the city on the New York Skyride, an exciting thrill-ride simulated helicopter experience. In the lobby, special concerts and art exhibits are offered at various times throughout the year. If you are observing the Empire from another building, you may notice on occasion that the top 30 stories are illuminated by colored lights. Since 1976, varying color combinations have served as a New York City-style Empire celebration of different holidays. TRAIN: 6 to 33rd St; B, D, F, N, Q, R to 34th St
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| Federal Hall National MonumentWall St and Nassau St
New York,
NY
10005
212-825-6888 | | | | | Description: FINANCIAL DISTRICT. Where the historic Customs House (1834) now stands was once a building that served as the setting for some of the most significant events in our country's early history. The Federal Hall was the site of the swearing-in of George Washington as the country's first President on April 30, 1789. Today, a statue commemorates the place and date of this event. The first Congress also met here until 1790 and drafted the Bill of Rights. After the capital moved to Philadelphia in 1790, the building served as city hall until its demolition in 1812. TRAIN: 2, 3, 4, 5 to Wall St
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| Fort Washington Ave
New York,
NY
10040
| | | | | Description: INWOOD. The 60-plus acre park surrounding historic Fort Tryon, one of the last strongholds to resist the British invasion of New York in 1776, offers spectacular views of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge. The park itself is a beautiful landscape filled with trees, lawns and rock gardens designed by Frederick Law. In the fall of each year, Fort Tryon Park hosts the Medieval Festival, during which the park is transformed into a medieval market town. TRAIN: A to 190th St
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| Fulton & South Sts
New York,
NY
10038-2101
212-732-7678 | | | | | Description: FINANCIAL DISTRICT. The South Street Seaport, a neat collection of pedestrian malls, shops, cafés and galleries, offers visitors a glimpse into New York's maritime past. The district, located on the East River, spans over 10 blocks and includes structures that were once counting houses, warehouses and artisan shops. The South Street Seaport Museum boasts several original 19th century vessels among its unique collection. The District's visitor center is located at 12-14 Fulton Street. TRAIN: 2, 3, 4, 5 to Fulton St
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| 209 Broadway
New York,
NY
10007-2977
212-233-4164 | | | | | Description: FINANCIAL DISTRICT. Under the proprietorship of Trinity Church, St. Paul's is the oldest church on Manhattan Island. This beautiful Georgian structure, dating from the 1760s, is a proud reminder of New York's past and stands in stark contrast to the modern office buildings and skyscrapers surrounding it. Inside the chapel, little has changed over the past few hundred years, including George Washington's pew and the original Waterford chandeliers. On Mondays from noon to 1pm, the chapel hosts classical music programs. "Unwavering Spirit" is an interactive exhibit that chronicles the role the church played after the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. Trivia fact: St. Paul's Chapel was constructed using stones quarried in Manhattan. TRAIN: 2, 3, 4, 5, J, M, Z to Fulton St; A, C to Broadway-Nassau St
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| Rockefeller Plz
New York,
NY
10012
212-698-2000 | | | | | Description: MIDTOWN WEST. First premiered in 1933 (and shuttered from 1986 till 2005), Rockefeller Center's lofty observation deck again mesmerizes visitors with panoramic city views. The multi-tiered platform occupies the 67th to 70th floors, and encased in glass, it affords a spectacular vista of Central Park, the Empire State Building, Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and much more. Historic exhibits in the lobby provide background on the structure, and the ascent in a glass-topped elevator is a special treat. Although the deck closes at midnight, visitors are last admitted at 11pm. Reserved-time tickets ensure that crowds are small and may be booked online or by phone. An entrance dedicated solely to the observation deck is located on West 50th between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. TRAIN: B, D, F, V to Rockefeller Center 47-50th St. Station
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| 161st Street and River Ave
New York,
NY
10451
718-579-4531 | | | | | Description: BRONX. The Empire State Building. Central Park. The Statue of Liberty. Yankee Stadium. Few sights define the Big Apple as well as these. The historic "House that Ruth Built," which dates from the Roaring '20s, has been the stage for some of the game's greatest performers and singular events: Lou Gehrig's famous retirement speech and the on-field exploits the Babe, Joe DiMaggio and M & M Boys, Mr. October and the heroes of today. Watching a game here is a must for any sports fan, as is taking a stroll through the hallowed Monument Park, where the greatest Pin-Stripers are honored. Guided stadium tours available; reservations required for group tours. NB 2008 is the last year for tours at the current Yankee Stadium. In April 2009, the doors will open to their new complex. TRAIN: 4, D, C to 161st St
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| 253 W 125th St
Harlem,
NY
10027-4408
212-531-5337 | | | | | Description: HARLEM. Home of the famous "Showtime" and "Amateur Night at the Apollo," this theater has a very rich history of bringing some of the most talented African-American performers to the stage. Interestingly enough, when the building first opened in 1913, it was a whites-only burlesque hall. But its purchase by the Shiffman and Brecher families in 1935 opened the stage for greats like Count Basie, Nat King Cole, Sammy Davis, Jr., Stevie Wonder and the Jackson Five. Today, the theater operates under nonprofit status and is still popular with young audiences for hosting fresh local and national talent. Tours are available for groups of 20 or more. Call 212-531-5337 to set up a date and time. TRAIN: A, B, C, D to 125th St
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