Ice-Skating at Rockerfeller Center

Whenever anyone says anything about ice skating, the first thing most of us think of is the famous rink at Rockerfeller Center in Manhattan. This is something fun to do for people of all ages, men and women. This iconic activity is only available during the obvious times, winter. The rink is open from November 9th to January 7th, if weather permits.

Reservations: The rink if open form 7AM to Midnight. The rink can only hold 150 skaters at a time, therefore you will have to plan time to stand in line for a while. Even if you purchase advanced tickets, expect to wait anyways.You enter the rink from 5th Ave, between 49th and 50th Street.

While in Rockerfeller Center, there are plenty of other things to do. There is shopping, restaurants, NBC studio tours, the famous Christmas Tree, and even Top of the Rock. There is so much to do, so plan to spend a whole day, or maybe even two doing all that this place has to offer.

Sex and the City Locations!

My favorite television show of all times was and always will be HBO's Sex and the City. This show shows how single women can rule the streets of Manhattan, and the world. I personally believe that this can be translated, and interpreted by single men also. 

This show was unique, because it was filmed mostly in NYC. The most famous set is the building used for the lead characters apartment. In the show she was supposed to live on the upper east side, East 73rd Street near Madison Ave. However, the building that HBO purchased and used was in the west village. After filming the building was purchased and transformed into a private town-home. Now, if you plan on visiting this location, you have to respect privacy. The famous staircase is currently roped off, so do not go over it to walk on the steps. Also, pictures from the sidewalk are allowed, however the owners ask that you donate money into a fund that they donate to various charities. Also, as always, me quiet and calm when outside the home.

Here is a map with just a few of the many locations used in the HBO hit, Sex and the City. (Zoom out once to see tagged locations).

View Sex and the City Locations! in a larger map

Slideshow of My Pictures

Here is a slide show of a few pictures that I have taken on a visit to NYC.

Bryant Park

History: Bryant park is a 9 acre park in Manhattan. It is located between 5^th and 6^th Ave, and 40^th and 42^nd. This is near the area of Manhattan known as Midtown. The main entrance is located on 6^th Ave. Bryant park has a long interesting history. In 1886 it was named a public place by the colonial governor of New York. This was unique because this was back when the island of Manhattan was mostly wilderness. The park was also a spot where Washington and his troupes in 1776. Perhaps the oddest thing I believe that this park was a graveyard. In the mid 1800’s it was used as a graveyard for poor people. I find this hard to believe, because today it sits in one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Manhattan. It had another dark period in the 1970s, when it was taken over by drug dealers and used as a place to sell and buy drugs. Until recently Mercedes Benz Fashion Week was held at Bryant Park. But, due to pressures applied to the fashion industry, the major event is now being held at Lincoln Center. 

Today, you can visit the park for free. There are shops, and venders in the park year around, but the most significant time to go shopping in Bryant Park is around the holidays. From October 26 to January 6 there are 100’s of boutiques and shops, as well as street vendors in the park selling holiday items. These items are very unique, and make a fantastic gift for somebody. Now, since I will be arriving on the 6^th of January, I will have to make Bryant Park my first stop of the week. The shops usually close down around 6 or 7PM. Even if you go after the Winter Shops are closed for the season, there is still plenty of things to do in the park without shopping.

*Visit the Bryant Park Website in the “Links” page on my blog.

The Statue of Liberty

History: This monument was a gift from the French people, that was dedicated to the US in 1886. The statue is located on Liberty Island, in the New York Harbor. She stands just shy of 152 feet. Over the past years she has been restored, the most recent restoration was in 2012. This monument symbolizes freedom, and was the first thing immigrants would see when they were making their way to the United States.

Tour: You can visit both Ellis Island and Liberty Island. Ellis Island houses the magnificent immigration museum. The statue itself is located on Liberty Island. There are many different options to chose from when purchasing tickets for this monument. The best, and most interesting is to do the "whole package." By this I mean, you can buy a package that gives you access by ferry to both islands (from New Jersey or New York) and while spending your time on Ellis Island, you have the option of participating in an audio tour. This is interesting and for the history lover, a great time! Once you have completed your time on Ellis Island you are then transported via ferry to Liberty Island where you are free to wonder around the Statue. Access inside the statue is limited, as of current day most access is not allowed. You can enter the Crown by reservation only (re-opened in October 2012). Due to terrorist scares access to the Torch is off limits at all times. 

Tips: DO NOT plan on buying your tickets the day you plan on going. I would buy them at least a week in advanced. Also, don't buy them through third party venders. Buying them through the National Parks and Services assures no third party fees, and legitimate booking and tickets. Also, keep in mind the time and day you want to visit. Tickets are only good for a short window of time, meaning, if you book your tickets for a6:00PM depart from NY, you have to be there no later than 6:30. However, from personal experience and stories I would recommend you arrive at your exact designated time.

Empire State Building

A great place to visit when you are in the Big Apple!

The Empire State Building is located at 350 5th Ave. This is located very close to the famous 5th Ave shops. This neighborhood is known as Midtown West. It is in walking distance to Times Square (which is where my hotel is always located).

History:  This skyscraper is 102 floors high. It stands a grand total of 1,454 ft (to the top of the antenna on top of the building). It was completed in 1931 and was named after the nickname for NY, or otherwise called "The Empire State." This massive structure held the title for the worlds tallest building for nearly 40 years. The title was taken by the World Trade Center's North Tower in 1972. In 2001 there was an attack on the WTC and the Empire State Building was once again the tallest structure in New York City. Also, this building is currently the third tallest building in the United States.

This skyscraper gives you the best views of Manhattan. From it you can see central park, uptown. When you look downtown, you can see all the way down to the new Freedom Tower. I think the most amazing site from this height is the view of Flatiron.

Visiting: There are several different options to choose from when visiting this massive landmark.

Main Deck Only: This includes access to the 86th floor only.

Main Deck Express: Gets you to the 86th floor faster.

Main Deck + Top Deck: This gives you access to the 86th floor and the 102nd floor, which is the highest point visitors can see.

Main Deck + Top Deck Express: Gets you to the 86th floor and the  102nd floor quickly.

This is an attraction that is not possible to do cheaply. Your best bet would be to buy your tickets 2 weeks in advanced. They are a bit cheaper online when compared to buying them the day of.

*please note that this is a very popular event. Regardless of weather and day of the week, expect to stand in line for a while. If you are unable to stand in line for 2 hours at a minimum (including express tickets) I would advise you look into another attraction.*

*Picture courtesy of ESB website*