Guide to New York Zoo

If you are visiting the city of New York then one of the most iconic attractions is the Central Park Zoo. The zoo has gained this status through a number of appearances in celebrated and popular literature such as J.D. Salinger’s novel The Catcher in the Rye, in Robert Lawson’s Mr Poppers Penguins and more recently the animated Madagascar films.

Zoo

The zoo is relatively small, covering just 6.5 acres and is actually part of a group of four zoos and the aquarium which are integrated. There has been a zoo in Central Park since the 1860’s when it was opened as a menagerie and became the city’s first official zoo. There were several developments throughout the 20^th century but it was the renovation that took place during the mid-1980’s which totally transformed the zoo from housing animals in cages to fully naturalistic and interactive environments that you see today.

The zoo consists of three primary areas; polar, where there is the polar bear pool and the cooled penguin room. A temperate area and tropical area which has an indoor rainforest with fruit bats, an ant eater exhibit and leaf cutter ant colonies. The zoo is also home to several endangered species including red pandas, tamarin monkeys and thick billed parrots. The zoo also made history in 2009 when it displayed a snow leopard, making it one of the very few places in the world people were able to see this severely endangered animal.

Visiting the Empire State Building

When one thinks of the most iconic buildings in the modern world the Empire State Building is one of those which immediately springs to mind. Even in the New York skyline where there are masses of tall buildings there is something about the Empire State building which makes it stand out from the others, a charisma, a personality and a history which has fascinated people for decades. The Empire State Building has been the focal point of many films, videos and songs over the years, and the great news for those visiting New York is that the building is open to the public to enjoy.

Visiting the top of the Empire State building is an absolute must for all those who visit New York as the view from the observation deck is simply breathtaking. Whether you take your own viewing implement or make use of those which are provided, the view from this vantage point will leave you mesmerised and even more in love with this fabulous city. For those concerned about having to walk all of the way to the top there is absolutely no need as lifts can be taken up ensuring that you can save all of your energy for the various tourist activities within the building.

As well as the view, the main visitor features are the retail shops, the restaurants which overlook the city and the opportunity to learn all about the building, its history and the ground-breaking energy systems which it employs. You can purchase tickets in advance to or on the day, but timed ticketing is often in place.

The Empire State is an iconic and symbolic building in the Big Apple and given the views from the viewing area, this is one attraction you really should not miss!

Further Information:

• Tickets and official Empire State website: http://www.esbnyc.com/

Building History

A Visit to the Statue of Liberty

Most cities and towns have one or two structures or monuments which people associate with that place, but New York City has a number. One of these landmarks is the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbour. For thousands of people who entered New York via boat into Staten Island the Statue of Liberty was the first thing they saw. For them it was a signal of freedom and hope for the life they were about to start.

Since the Statue of Liberty was erected in 1886, the visitor numbers to the site have grown significantly. There are not many who visit the city who do not want to at least view the statue, whilst for most people viewing it is not quite enough, they like to

Statue of Liberty

actually visit and ascend it. In order to visit the statue one must take a ferry from the mainland out to Liberty Island, but the cost of this journey is cancelled out by the fact that entry to the statue is free of charge all year round.

The most exciting aspect of visiting the Statue of Liberty in New York City is the opportunity to climb to the very top of it and enjoy the views of the city below. Unfortunately, due to logistical restrictions, only a couple of hundred of people a day can make the journey to the top of the statue, an experience which has an associated cost. Journeys to the summit can be booked quite far in advance, a tactic which is recommended as a way of avoiding disappointment.

Best Decorative Street Clocks in New York

America in general is not considered to be the most historic of countries, especially in comparison to many European countries. Despite this, there are still a number of aspects of American culture which have historical and cultural relevance. New York, for example, has a number of decorative street clocks still on display. Here is where you can find some of them:

5th Avenue building at Madison Square: This large and charming street clock has been part of the furniture in this street since 1909. Its gold appearance and traditional face provide a traditional feel to an otherwise modern area. Manhattan Avenue: The Bomelstein clock is the legacy of Bomelstein’s jewellers which used to operate next to the spot. It is now a landmark within the city and is often used as a meeting place or point of reference.

New York clocks

Bartham Jewellers: Perhaps an obvious place to find a high quality clock, this clock is somewhat unique and is held highly in the affection so New Yorkers who walk along Maiden Lane. Embedded in the pavement, this 1884 clock posses an old world charm beyond its time.

Jamaica Avenue: In this unfashionable area of New York you can find this highly fashionable street clock which has served the residents of the area for decades. The gothic style design certainly has a significant presence. 

Taking a Day Out in Coney Island

Less than an hour away by train from Manhattan a very different world awaits. Coney Island has been engraved in collective memory though countless films, songs and popular culture references. Its famous amusement park and indeed the whole area fell into decay in the 1990s, but a over the past decade it has been spruced up and given a new lease of life.

It is during summer of course that Coney Island comes alive, as New Yorkers head to the Atlantic Coast to find some relief from the sweltering city. The famous Barnum and Bailey Circus sets up camp here every summer, this year with a show inspired by Coney

Coney Island in NY

Island itself. Another big attraction is New York’s Aquarium and its walrus feedings. On Thursday evenings during summer free concerts will be held opposite the aquarium complex featuring top artists including Brenda Lee and The Beach Boys.

Coney Island has traditionally been known for its oddities and even in the politically correct 21^st century many of them are still around. ‘Shoot the Freak’ invites you to knock down, well human misfits. For more fun park nostalgia, check out Coney Island Arcade where original amusements such as Skee Ball and Pokeroo can be played. More memorabilia can be seen at the Coney Island Museum, which also shows old sci-fi and fantasy films and hosts talks on the history of Coney Island.

Of course the bracing Atlantic air is often good enough reason to head to Coney Island. Its famous boardwalk has been pleasing crowds for generations, and has earned its rightful place as a true New York icon.

Experience The Beast Speed Boat

If you are a true daredevil you definitely have to go on board with ‘The Beast’. Captain Mad Dog guides his speedboat through the harbor during a half hour race. Skyscrapers and other sights passes you. By the Statue of Liberty, ‘The beast’ stops for a short while to give you the opportunity to shoot some nice close-up photo’s of the Statue.

Before you know it, you are back on track with a high speed of 90 kilometers per hour. ‘The beast’ can hold 145 passengers at a time and is the largest and fastest speedboat in New York. It has more than 90 speakers, and people are entertained with popular music. Many people from all over the world are coming to New York to experience this

Beast speedboat NYC

crazy mad boat ride only daredevils can handle. You can make a ride with Captain Mad Dog every weekly day from the 3rd of May until the 28th of September from noon to sunset.

In the month October, people can also enjoy ‘The beast’ during the weekend. The boat departs from the Hudson River in midtown Manhattan. The departure time is every hour from 12pm to 7pm and the departure time are on a first-come first-served basis. The ticket price for adults is $21.99 and the price for children is $15.99 per ride. The return is the same has the departure point.

Top 5 famous buildings in New York

If you happen to be visiting New York, a must see are 5 famous buildings in New York. This includes the highest tower of the United States, the oldest building in and the highest skyscraper of New York.

1. Chrysler Building – The Chrysler Building is one of the highest and most striking buildings in New York. Allegedly, this building is inspired to the bonnet of the first Chrysler car. It has 77 floors, is 319 meters high and in 1930 it was the highest building of the world. One year later the Chrysler Building was in height defeated by the Empire State Building. Address: 405 Lexington Avenue, New York.

2. Empire State Building – The Empire State Building is now, with its 380 meters, the third tallest building in the United States. It has 86 floors that offers a breathtaking view. Since 9-11, this building again is the highest building of New York. Address: 350 5th Avenue, New York.

3. Columbia University – Columbia University is the oldest institute of higher education in New York and the sixth oldest university of the United States. It was established in 1754 by King George II of England. In 1784, the name of

Chrysler Building in NYC

the university has changed in Columbus University, named after Christoffel Columbus, who discovered America. Now the institute has about 23.000 students. Address: 116th Street and Broadway.

4. Flatiron Building – The Flatiron Building which is situated on Broadway is one of the most famous skyscrapers of New York. The form of the building explains the name. The Flatiron Building opened its doors in 1902 and was one of the first skyscrapers in the world. It is a good example of the Chicago style with a renaissance façade.
Adres: 175 Fifth Avenue, New York

5. Freedom Tower – After the terrorist attacks of 9-11, which has destroyed the WTC towers, people wanted a new skyscraper to symbolize the pride and immunity of America. The tower is designed by the architects Daniel Libeskind and David Childs and will be 541 meter high.With 90 cm thick walls in the stairways, biological and chemical filters in the ventilation system, a 61 meter high pedestal of concrete and steal against bombings, this tower will be the safest skyscraper in the world. The Freedom Tower is expected to be ready in 2011.

Empire State building run up

The Empire State building run up is an annual event that is found in 1978 by the New York Road Runners Club.

Each year, hundred invited runners from all over the world come to New York to take part in this event. During this race, participants run up 86 floors and 1.576 steps before they reach the ‘Observatory deck’ on the top floor. The vertical distance from lobby to the 86th floor is about 320 m.

Only invited people can join this race and the participants will be selected, based on athletic ability and background. They have to be familiar with “Tower running”. This is a sport which involves running up tall structures such as

The Empire State building

skyscrapers. The record of the Empire State Building Run Up is on Paul Crake’s name, who is a Australian professional cyclist. He did the job in 9 minutes and 33 seconds in 2003. Suzy Walsham completed the woman’s race in 2007 in a record time of 13 minutes and 12 seconds. Normally, visitors of the Empire State Building reach the top floor within 1 minute by elevator…

During the last edition of this event, 249 participants raced up the 86 floors. People of all ages were standing at the starting line, ranking from to 75 years old. There is no entrance price for this event, only that invited people can participate. Since the start of the race in 1978, 3.662 were finishers.