The 5 Boroughs of New York City
The big apple…the city that never sleeps…the melting pot..the city so nice they named it twice…yep, I’m talking about the iconic, often imitated but never duplicated NEW YORK, NY. For decades, the most recognized borough (Manhattan) has been regarded as the best city in the world for its diverse cultures and opportunities. It is home to many facets of fashion, media, finance, entertainment and of course some amazing food! The possibilities in NYC are truly endless. You could easily spend a week in Midtown alone exploring all of the attractions. Visit Rockefeller Center or the Empire State Building to witness the most breathtaking view of “Gotham City”. Explore Grand Central Terminal, The Chrysler Building or St. Patricks Cathedral to see century old architecture at its finest. Radio City Music Hall offers many different shows throughout the year, including the world famous Rockettes. Are you a sports fanatic? Visit Madison Square Garden and cheer on the Knicks and the Rangers. Who says a vacation can’t be fun AND educational? Take a stroll through Central Park, grab a hot dog and a pretzel and check out the American Museum of Natural History. From there, hop on the MTA across town to Pier 86 and dive head first into an extraordinary look at our military’s history at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space museum which is located on a real aircraft carrier! Many people would love to vacation on an exotic island but it’s only a short ferry ride away to Ellis Island, home of The Statue of Liberty. Are YOU brave enough to climb all the way up to Lady Liberty’s crown? In need of a few good laughs? Venture over to the Ed Sullivan Theater for a live taping of the Tonight Show. While you’re on Broadway, walk a few blocks downtown to see a Broadway show. The hardest part will be choosing which one to see first! For an intriguing and emotional experience, visit the 9/11 museum in Lower Manhattan. Learn more about what transpired on that unforgettable day in 2001 while honoring the lives lost as well as the brave and selfless actions of the NYPD, FDNY and all other first responders. It is an undeniable piece of American history which has affected so many and has had a great impact and strengthening effect on NYC and it’s people.
Aside from what I’ve already mentioned and the countless other attractions, landmarks and restaurants that would turn this blog into a novel, there are 4 other boroughs of New York City to explore. Take the subway uptown to The Bronx, where you can visit the infamous Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden. While you’re there, why not check out Yankee Stadium and root for the Bronx Bombers! Queens also has many exciting things to discover. The newly renovated Citi Field is a great place to catch a baseball game, especially if you’re not a Yankee fan. In 1964, the World’s Fair was held in the Flushing Meadows-Corona Park section of Queens. Now the same location is home to the New York Hall of Science. It’s a great opportunity for children and adults to learn about science in a fun and thrilling environment. The southernmost borough, Staten Island, is not only the greenest of the 5 boroughs (9,300 acres of parkland to be exact) but also home to some great attractions. The Staten Island Children’s Museum and the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden are amazing experiences to say the least. Taking a walk on the North Shore Waterfront Esplanade will give you an opportunity to take pictures of the Lower Manhattan skyline typically only seen on postcards. Last but not least is Brooklyn, an amazing place full of culture and personality. If you’re wondering just how far the New York City transit system has come then visit the New York Transit Museum which is housed in the decommissioned Court Street subway station. You can catch your favorite recording artist or cheer on the Nets at the newly built Barclays Center in downtown Brooklyn. A short train ride away is Coney Island which is home to many different rides and attractions including the world famous “Cyclone”. Lastly, your visit to Brooklyn would not be complete without indulging yourself a little at Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs or L&B Spumoni Gardens.
Whether you choose to stay focused on exploring Manhattans many sites and attractions or you want to go off the beaten path and check out the outer boroughs, New York City has infinite possibilities for all ages. On your way home, you will already be planning your next trip back.
Matt Bariexca
[tg_masonry_gallery gallery_id=”5248″]