If there’s one thing we know about The Big Apple it’s that there’s lots to do during the holidays. Every year I’m amazed at how many people stroll down Fifth Avenue to see all the classy shops with their highly decorated windows. Sadly, there will be no Lord & Taylor this year but, as per usual I’m sure Bergdorf’s will come up with a real showstopper. Here’s a brief overview of what you can do and see.
A close-up of the Toy Soldiers at Hudson Yards on 12/3/19 – they marched briskly to lively music and brought smiles of delight to a cheering crowd
THE HUDSON YARDS
This is the “New Kid on the Block” so to speak that we have covered in two Adea blogs. CLICK HERE to get a quick overview of Hudson Yards.
Moving on you can CLICK HERE for a closer look at the remarkable Shed and the Vessel, a 16-story climbable sculpture with great views of New York and the Hudson River.
We went to Hudson Yards on December 3, 2019 and in Neiman Marcus (on the Seventh Floor) we saw this fabulous holiday display. Note the world’s biggest lobster on the table!
Hudson Yards photos taken by Kristen Bannister.
THE TOP OF THE ROCK
This is a three-level observation deck that spans Floors 67, 69 and 70 at 30 Rockefeller Plaza (on 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues). The top floor has an unobstructed, 360-degree view of the city below. It’s open from 8 am to midnight.
THE EMPIRE STATE BUILDING
I pass this building all the time and it is VERY popular with visitors. There always seems to be a crowd on 34th Street right off Fifth Avenue waiting to go in. In the past, this was the tallest building in the world with an impressive height of 1,453 ft. (443 meters) to the top of the antenna. Now the Burj Khalifa in Dubai has that distinction – it’s 2,717 ft. (828 meters).
Visitors reach the 86th Floor Observatory by elevator in less than one minute. And, here’s a fun fact: The Empire State Building has appeared in more than 250 movies. It’s open 365 days a year, rain or shine, from 8 am to 2 am. Talk about The City That Never Sleeps!!!
ROCKEFELLER CENTER
Of course, it wouldn’t be Christmas without the tree in Rockefeller Plaza. This year, a Norway Spruce Tree came from Florida, New York, which is a small, upstate village in Orange County – roughly 60 miles from New York. The annual tree-lighting ceremony is free and open to the public. And, a winter visit to NYC wouldn’t be complete without ice-skating day or night on The Rink at Rockefeller Center. It’s open 8:30 am to 12 am
Top of the Rock: See NYC from Rockefeller Center, located on 50th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues – it’s open daily from 8 am until midnight
THE MUSEUM OF MODERN ART
While you’re in New York why not pay a visit to the spanking new Museum of Modern Art located on 53rd Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. The former home of the American Folk Museum was taken down so a new six-story-high wing could be built – there is now 30% more gallery space. The collection galleries are on three floors. There will be changes in MoMA every six months as the thousand or more pieces of art are rotated.
You can also take a break by dropping into a bar room, café or restaurant in MoMA. You’ll find the museum open from 10 am to 5:30 pm, seven days a week – 9 pm on Fridays. Restaurants and stores have different hours.
THE USS INTREPID AIRCRAFT CARRIER
The Intrepid is berthed on the Hudson River at Pier 86 or 46th Street and 12th Avenue. We toured it recently and had a great time – it’s perfect for all ages. Fall/winter hours (November 2 to March 31) are 10 am to 5 pm
And while you’re in lower Manhattan why not take the ferry to Ellis Island and see the new $100 million Statue of Liberty Museum. Liberty Island is open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. CLICK HERE to hear Frank salute New York.
Shaun Nelson-HenrickComments will be approved before showing up.
