A NEW YORK CITY LOVE AFFAIR
New York City, for a relatively small island, has a lot of things to do and see. Of course, whether you're a newcomer, tourist, or New Yorker, there are always those things you want to do or see in New York City. These are my five favorite!
1. GRAND CENTRAL STATION
With my sister living less than a ten minute walk from Grand Central, it is usually the first place I visit (again) in New York City. There is something about the high ceilings, chandeliers and the opal clock that emit history and romanticism. I always find my imagination takes flight in the main terminal, thinking about the over 100 years history of this building, the number of people starting or ending journeys, meeting loved ones, or saying goodbye to them.
2. CENTRAL PARK
Whether you go in Winter or Summer, Central Park is a beautiful location to wander through. I've been to New York numerous times in the past two years, and every time I stumble across something different. I love finding the various statues in the park. So far, I've come across the Alice in Wonderland statue, the Husky Dog (or Balto statue, as I remember it from the movie), the Obelisk, and the Strawberry Fields. I'm not sure if there is much else, and I decline to research more - I am looking forward to my next surprise!
3. The Empire State Building
Whether you see the Empire State from the Top of the Rock, or journey to the observation deck of the building, the Empire State is one of New York's most iconic and remembered building. A tourist trap indeed, but it gives you some of the best views of the city. I also love how it lights up differently on different occasions.
4. Brooklyn Bridge
I love walking across Brooklyn Bridge. Juxtaposed against an ever-changing and evolving skyline, Brooklyn Bridge is a constant and a beautiful place to take in the Statue of Liberty against the sunset, and the rest of New York City. It get's plenty busy on the bridge, but I love it.
5. Big City Life
This isn't really a location per say.... There's just something magical about a city that literally doesn't sleep - and has thousands of people from all over the world breathing it in every single day. I love the diversity of people, cultures and walks of life in the city. It expands your mind. You can walk through the concrete jungle and experience or see something new everything single day. A ride in the subway can be harrowing or delightful. A wrong turn can lead to a new discovery. New York is a challenge, but an exciting one. That's not to say I could live there... But every visit to New York re-charges me in an exhausting but wonderfully stimulating way. It's safe to say I love the Big Apple!
If you've been to New York, what's your favorite thing to do or place to visit? If you haven't been, what are you dying to see? What's your New York Bucket list?
