New York Travel
Click here to receive FREE travel brochures from around the world
To most people, New york means Manhattan. Until 1898, that was true, then it gained four boroughs, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens and Richmond (Staten Island). That is why the Manhattan postal address is still New York, New York.
New York is mainly a city surrounded by water. Manhattan and Staten Island are islands, Brooklyn and Queens are on the western end of the large island called Long Island and the Bronx is a peninsula surrounded on three sides by water. The city's bays and rivers form one of the world's great harbours. To arrive in New York by plane is amazing. I remember we were in clouds and suddenly we came out beneath them and there was the Statue of Liberty and the tall buildings I had only ever seen in movies, tv and magazines. It was breathtaking.
The city has several fantastic scenic view points. Just a few are, Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and the Staten Island ferry. If you only have one day in New York, I highly recommend the Hop on, Hop off buses. They go to all of the major places that you would want to see. Also make time for a carraige ride in Central Park. I really enjoyed that. I had a beautiful white horse and the carraige driver was very knowledgeable and friendly. There is so much to see and do in New York, that if you allow yourself only one day, you will certainly wish you had more time.
New York is also a great city for learning, with many universities, research establishments and teaching hospitals. Columbia is the most prestigious of the universities and was founded in 1754. The city has an endless list of museums, libraries, art schools and more. Besides Broadway, with it's main theatres, there is also Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway, which means more than 150 other smaller theatres offering shows most nights of the week. You must see Times Square. It was great to actually stand there and see that huge neon sign in real life. They say New York is the city that never sleeps and believe me that is true!
For such a big city, with a large population, New Yorkers have access to some beautiful natural escapes. Inside the city there are parks, the most well known of course is Central Park. The Hudson Valley has hundreds of miles of hills and forests. There are beaches at Coney Island, Rockaway Park, Fire Island and Jones Beach.
The city has one of the best public transport systems in the world. It uses 65 bridges and 18 tunnels to join the five boroughs together. A taxi ride is an unforgetable experience. I remember sitting in a taxi, 6 lanes of traffic heading the same way, no-one moving and everyone honking their horns. It didn't matter how much they honked their horns, no-one was going to be moving anywhere!
Some of the many hotels in New York.
PLUS! Savings and Special Offers on shopping, dining and Broadway show tickets!
New York is an amazing place and I certainly recommend going at least once in your lifetime. While visiting New York, take time out to go further afield and visit Lake George. There is a thrill around every corner.
If you are looking for something new and interesting to do, then the House of Frankenstein Wax Museum in Lake George, New York, is definitely a must. And if at the end of the tour your legs can still sustain you, head straight for Dr. Morbid’s Haunted House just a few blocks away. As you probably realize, this is not the spot to bring kids. So grab someone who can hold your hand and start the adventure. The House of Frankenstein is not your average exhibit museum. A visit to this unusual “haunt” means intruding in on monsters, druids and ghosts who roam around the hallways scaring off curious guests. While you stroll by more than fifty displays, they will try to scare you within an inch of your life. But surely you won’t allow it. Though the place is dimly lit and totally spooky, the realistic creatures are not alive. Or are they? Whatever you do, watch your back. Rumors have it that several “heart removals” have taken place. Don’t miss the act by which Dracula transforms himself into the iconic vampire we’ve all come to know and love. Or watch the scenes where Freddy Krueger and the Predator make their way through unsuspecting neighborhoods terrorizing its residents. And if you come across the torture chambers, take a quick peak and keep on walking. The more cynical types won’t hesitate in participating in “the electrocution” where the visitors get to pull the lever. The futuristic kinds will marvel in the exhibits of “The Man of the Future,” which is somewhat more sedate. If you’re still around in the evening, indulge in the paddle and sail adventures. Perhaps the life-like figures of the Wax Museum have left you uptight and tense. It’s the best time to explore the passage ways of Dr. Morbid’s home where you can scream your head off and get rid of all that stress. You’ll encounter dark passages. But don’t be taken in by the good doctor’s attempt in convincing you to be part of his experiments. You might not like your new appearance. So head out to Lake George and enjoy the thrills that wait at every turn. The house of Frankenstein Wax Museum promises non-stop excitement. Nothing equals to staying in a New York hotel surrounded by the electricity of New York City.
The photo of Battery Park is mine. I had to scan it because I didn't have a digital camera when we went. The other 2 are courtesy of Kevin Connors
Click here for the New York destination page. Find out more about this great city.
|
