Times Square on New Years Eve 2015, Viewed around the World.

I discovered that you can watch and be part of New York City's New Years Eve countdown to 2015, by following the exciting celebrations on......http://www.timessquarenyc.org/events/new-years-eve/webcast/index.aspx#.VKQ1A-j46rV

Have a Happy and Safe New Year.

Festive Empire State Building 2014.

A festive treat I found on YouTube of The Empire State Buildings Holiday Light Show by Empire State Realty Trust and iHeartMedia.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6fYDrGFzN90

What is your favourite song at Christmas? My NYC Memories.

Every time I hear 'All I want for Christmas is You' by Mariah Carey. I am transported in my mind to Penn Station in Manhattan New York, where it was playing as we were getting tickets for the subway on our trip in December 2013.

I remember coming down the steps from 7th Avenue to the sounds of the Salvation Army Bell Ringers who were dancing and ringing their bells to attract people to donate for Christmas. We walked at a fast pace to keep up with busy commuters. We smelled welcoming, warming, aromas, that were wafting from various fast food establishments. People rushing, standing, waiting, eating. All nationalities mingling together, New Yorkers shouting pleasantries to each other. Everyone seemed friendly and helpful and it felt safe, with police dotted around the vast public thoroughfare which houses intercity trains by Amtrak, local commuter trains and the NYC Subway. 

Happy memories. And luckily every year at Christmas I will re live those memories.

Hazel.

New York, Our First Visit.

November last year (2013) we had our first trip to New York, we arrived two days after Thanksgiving.

The weather was perfect, cold but sunny. We stayed at the Hotel Pennsylvania, in the heart of Manhattan, its central location and historic feel made us fall in love with the Hotel and our room overlooked the Empire State Building! 

The size and scale of the buildings when standing in the street was breath taking.

Our short trip was so memorable, we took in the seasonal sights of New York City on a budget, walked through Central Park, took a ride on the Staten Island Ferry, saw the Statue of Liberty, visited Wall Street, took a stroll on the High Line, shopped at Macy's walked across the Brooklyn Bridge, absorbed the atmosphere of Times Square, visited museums, art galleries, ate in wonderful restaurants again on a budget, and lots more. 

We enjoyed using public transport, buses and subways using a MetroCard.

Our trip was a wonderful adventure we have been back since and are planning another one soon!

Our Stop off Visit to The Lincoln Center for Performing Arts NYC.

On one of our trips to New York City we stopped off at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, it gave off a captivating air and feel of art, culture, music, dance and performance. The complex has a spacious courtyard leading to various theatres alluring you in to enjoy a performance of your choice whether it be opera, ballet, orchestra, music venue, performing arts, a movie, high profile media event, exhibition, circus! dining, shopping etc.

Also the Lincoln Center is the home of the famous Juilliard School, from where many famous performers have graduated. The popular Film Fame made in 1980 and spin off TV series 'Fame' was also based on this high school for Performing Arts.

You will find the Center in the Lincoln Square Neighborhood of Manhattan in New York City. 

New York Speed Limit Changes to 25mph.

Today a new speed limit of 25 mph is being introduced to New York City. The plan from New York City Department of Transportation is to reduce tragic death on the streets of the City and 30mph traffic signs are being replaced to 25mph.

Highways and Parkways still have the higher speed.

Signs will be placed at airports to remind visitors of the new limit. 

Food Can Sculptures in New York for 'Canstruction' Event.

New York is hosting a 'Canstruction' Competition beginning November 6th 2014 until November 20th 2014.

The 'Canstruction' Charity has events all over the USA, Canada and Australia, gathering food cans for charity, which are first sculptured into amazing designs by local contractors, engineers, artists and architects. 

After being on display the cans are dismantled and donated to City Harvest.

http://newyork.canstruction.org/competition/ 

Fall in Central Park.

An Autumn scene in Central Park New York.

Halloween!

Have a Happy and Safe Halloween.

Manhattan's Chelsea Market.

We visited Chelsea Market on a Sunday Morning. 

In a historic building, this popular food hall has a great atmosphere with a real sense of history, the aromas coming from the various stalls and shops were a delight. 

It's well worth a visit, start early, walk through, picking up breakfast admiring the character of the old building, go for a pleasant stroll on the High Line (a linear park built on a disused elevated rail track) back to the market for coffee or lunch, and shop for some delights to take home with you.

Chelsea Market is in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan, has a great community feel and is very popular with tourists.

Watch NFL Game on a Floating Bar on the Hudson, New York.

Enjoy watching an NFL game on the floating sports bar on the Hudson River New York!

Check out the event schedule and give yourself an evening of fun, watching the game and highlights on TV screens on deck, while enjoying a beer and snack with great company and an incredible view.

http://www.nywatertaxi.com/tours/nfl-on-the-hudson

Departs from pier 16, South St. Seaport, Downtown Manhattan.

Don't forget to take over 21yrs valid ID!

On Location in Central Park.

Central Park is a popular place for making films, the actors have got to eat haven't they?

Taxi tip for Visitors to JFK Airport.

A quick tip for visitors arriving at JFK airport and needing a taxi to Manhattan, New York. 

Don't be talked into a taxi as soon as you leave the doors of the building! 

Look for the taxi stand and wait a few minutes in line to be directed to your taxi.

Dumbo by the East River, New York.

On one of our New York trips we visited the pretty Dumbo area across the East River from Manhattan. 

First, it has spectacular views of the New York City sky Line and Brooklyn Bridge. 

Second, it has a wonderful relaxed atmosphere, with a proud art and historic community feel. 

We were there on a sunny warm day, with lots of people, visitors and locals. We travelled on the subway from Manhattan and had a walk which was well signposted, through a residential area with attractive architected houses to the busy but pleasant Dumbo area.

Here you can take in the amazing view, catch a ferry, picnic on the well kept recreational area, eat at the restaurants, buy an ice cream from the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory and walk along to Brooklyn Bridge Park.

A panoramic shot...

The Magnificent Chrysler Building.

The Chrysler building in New York City made in Art Deco style.

Saxaphone in Central Park.

Beautiful ambience, a guy playing saxophone under a bridge in Central Park, NYC. 

A Few Events in New York, for Labor Day 2014.

Labor Day is almost here, Monday 1st September 2014. There will be plenty of things to do in New York for Labor Day weekend, over in Brooklyn the annual West Indian Labor Day Carnival will be being held, with many events taking place over the weekend, and the West Indian Caribbean American Labor Day parade on Monday 1st September.

In Bryant Park an outdoor event of Table games has been organised including a mah-jongg marathon.

Washington Square is hosting an Artwork exhibition.

On the Hudson River watch a maritime parade of tugboats, taking place on Sun Aug 31. At Pier 84, take a trip on a spectator boat or watch a spinach eating contest!

Then the following Saturday, 6th September the annual New York City's Labor Day Parade is being held on 5th Avenue and W 44th St.

A Visit to Roosevelt Island, New York.

The day we visited Roosevelt Island was a beautiful sunny day, therefore giving us amazing views from the Roosevelt Island Tramway (cable car) over the East river. 

Roosevelt Island is a quiet residential area, with the historic Roosevelt Memorial and ruins of the old small pox hospital, where time seems to stand still, it is situated in a lovely park with geese peacefully wandering around, and amazing views of New York's Skyscrapers.

Locals were taking their early morning jog and an excercise class from the local community was in progress.

A lovely place to visit with a tranquil atmosphere, it's hard to believe you are a stones throw away from the hustle and bustle of Manhattan and Queens.    

The tram can be boarded at 2nd Avenue and runs alongside The Queensboro Bridge.

 

 

John Lennon's, 'Strawberry Fields' in Central Park.

A picture of John Lennon's Memorial in Central Park. Close to the Dakota Apartments, where he used to live with Yoko Ono.

People gather and reflect at this atmospheric place.

New York Stuff for Children.

I came across a very handy website with lists and lists of free activities to do with children in New York.

Please go to 

http://mommypoppins.com/newyorkcitykids/100-free-things-to-do-in-nyc-with-kids-this-summer-august

Enjoy!

Visit the High Line in New York City.

Put the 'High Line' on the list of things to do in New York.

A very pleasant, memorable walk with great views, carefully maintained botanical gardens and nice atmosphere, this can be found on the High Line which is an old elevated rail line which is 30ft above New York City Street level!

http://www.thehighline.org/

Coffee and Cake

 A tasty treat on a busy sightseeing trip to New York from Billy's, at The Plaza Food Hall by Todd English, Plaza Hotel Fifth Avenue, New York City.

Who Delivers a Picnic in Central Park?

Want a picnic in Central Park? Now it has been made easy for you by https://www.delivery.com/ who have recently started a summer service to Central Park, between W. 66th and W. 86th Street. Order online or cell phone and the picnic can be delivered to you.

Also another delivery service, 'Perfect Picnic', offer a pickup location. And for an added cost, a butler service is available which can be delivered to you, set up and cleared away afterwards.

http://www.perfectpicnicnyc.com/

 

 

Artist Bicycle Sculptures in Manhattan,'Las Bicycletas' 2014.

An exhibition of bike sculptures will be shown around Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan for the summer of 2014.

The artist Gilberto Aceves Navarro from Mexico City along with the NY City's Transportation and Parks departments are keen to promote cycling in New York, they will place more than 100 Las Bicicletas in ten public locations which can be found on the map on the  event web site. 

Follow the map for a cycling day out to view these artistic pieces.

http://www.lasbicicletas.org

Lovely Washington Square Park, New York City.

If you find yourself in the vicinity of Greenwich Village, Manhattan, try and find a little time to chill out in the lovely Washington Square Park,

It's landscape is filled with beautiful trees, benched sitting areas, granite seats surrounding the Washington Square Arch and fountain and open area. 

A lovely green hilly shaped grass area for young children to roll and crawl around safely.

A 'play area' for large dogs, and another for small dogs, with sitting places and space for exercising your best friend.

There are chess tables to exercise your mind and meet with friends and new opponents.

The surroundings are a safe, calming, happy, friendly atmosphere with a communal spirit, music is played by buskers adding to the charm. Food and drink available at the park, rest rooms and a Starbucks at Faye's at 45 West 4th Street, in the area of New York University campus.

A subway is a short walk away.

 

Bryant Park a Haven in busy Midtown Manhattan.

Bryant Park is a small square at the back of the New York Public Library, it is a vibrant, relaxing, gathering place. We were there on a hot sunny day, around lunch time, surrounded by office workers, shoppers families and tourists, all stopping off for timeout on their busy day, to relax, eat, and mingle.

There is a big grass area in the centre of the square, with removable tables and chairs to place wherever you want on the gravel surrounding the grass. The perimeter is filled with well maintained and manicured gardens, attracting birds, butterflies and dragonflies.

There you are in the middle of Manhattan amidst traffic and the sound of the City looking up at skyscrapers but feeling tranquil.

Outside the restaurant live music is often performed adding so much pleasure to the atmosphere. I noticed a friendly security guard walking around keeping a watchful eye, event organisers busying themselves with details, park refuge guys emptying trash as it constantly built up.

Even the wash rooms are to be commended, the entrance has a beautiful floral display and the design of the interior has been well planned and very decorative, they are clean and well maintained.

All in all we loved our visit to Bryant Park and shall definitely return.

P. S. When returning home and researching I learned that the park is privately owned, by Bryant Park Corporation and has many events planned each year.

 

Staten Island Ferry Trip.

For a trip on the Staten Island Ferry, you enter the Ferry at the docking station just off Battery Park, Lower Mahattan. The transportation gateway is an impressive building with seats, food booths, toilets and a pleasant atmosphere. We went mid morning to avoid getting in the way of busy workers on their way to work, and were surrounded by tourists, we didn't wait long, then everyone started boarding with an air of excitement. 

We all found our spot and set off, safety announcements were made and plenty of notices telling you were to obtain a life jacket if you should need one! There is ample seating in or out on deck and plenty of standing room.

It was a beautiful sunny day, and everyone seemed to have a camera and were snapping pictures as we sailed along.

The view is spectacular of NYC and there are plenty of photo opportunities of The Statue of Liberty in all her glory and of Ellis Island, I felt an immense sense of history as we passed.

The journey itself is pleasurable as you cross the vast expanse of water, a cargo ship went past, reminding us that we were close to the Ocean.

We got to Staten Island and docked, again with safety procedures in hand! it was all very well organised.

Most of the passengers at this time were only there for the ride, and headed straight back onto the next ferry, us included. To catch the returning ferry you have to be quick and we were just about running to get their before the gates closed. It was a funny spectacle to take part in, people de-boarding and hurriedly breezing through the station for the next boat!

Safely back on board, the journey back was as scenic, we went to the other side of the boat for more photo shots of the amazing New York sky line.

To conclude, I found the experience, very pleasurable, interesting, scenic, fun and quite sociable! 

Thank you New York City Department of Transport for this free crossing of the Hudson River.

 

Big Apple Greeters, to Guide You in New York City.

For a visitor to New York, seeing as much as you can of the wonderful City is a must! 

If you had a guide, that was enthusiastic, friendly, knowledgeable, so passionate about the City that they lived in, enough to give up time to show tourists around for free, then, I give you the link to 'The Big Apple Greeters'....http://bigapplegreeter.org/  who offer you this service. 

There are many good reviews on Trip advisor worth reading, to understand what a great service these individuals do, because they 'want to' and care about what they do.

 

Cycling through New York in the TD Five Boro Bike Tour 2014.

Cycling is a very popular pastime in New York, whether it be for pleasure or for daily commuting and on Sunday May 4th 2014, the TD Five Boro Bike Tour will be taking place through the 'traffic free' streets of Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, and Staten Island.

Spectators can gather to watch and take part in the festivities along the route. 

Registration for riders is full, but there's always next year!

The tour is presented by REI, and co produced by Bike New York and the New York City Department of Transportation.

Earth Day NY, 2014.

Be aware of Earth Day activities in New York, Tuesday 22nd 2014, visit the face book page Earth Day New York. !

New York will Celebrate Maritime Services, Fleetweek 2014.

Stand by for Fleetweek on the 21st to 27th May 2014. New York will be alive with U.S. Navy Ships sailing up the Hudson River.

Sailors, U.S. Coastguard, Military Bands, Military Sealife Command, Parachute jump teams, will all be taking part. There will be military equipment exhibits, a flyover, Marine Corps Martial Art displays and much, much, more to celebrate and honour the United States Maritime Services.

To find out more here is a link to the Fleetweek New York Web site.......

http://www.fleetweeknewyork.com/fleetweeknewyork/

We're going back to New York.

I'm so happy, we are currently planning a return trip to New York!! Having achieved a lot of sightseeing on our first trip we have compiled a top ten of places we intend to see on this visit....

A trip on the Staten Island Ferry.

The Empire State Building Observation Deck.

The High Line Walkway.

The Guggenheim Museum.

The New York Botanical Gardens.

The  New York Library.

Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Central Park in the summer.

The Brooklyn Bridge 

and

Manhattanhenge which is the main reason of our trip !

These are just a few attractions we will take a look at, we intend to have many other experiences especially in the food and drink areas.

We shall be taking many photographs and no doubt share our experiences with you.

Charity Treasure Hunt for Faberge Eggs in New York.

There is an exciting Faberge egg hunt going on at the moment in New York. 

The event is taking place from April 1st to April 17th 2014.

This fund raising treasure hunt has bought together famous designers, artists, architects, photographers and big named Brands, to create 260 large egg sculptures which have been placed at secret locations around the City.

Participants can download an app, enabling them to take part in the hunt.

I found more information from The Big Egg Hunt on Facebook.

A Castle in Central Park Manhattan.

A strikingly beautiful castle folly can be found in the middle of Central Park. Belvedere Castle gives visitors spectacular views of New York from its observation deck

It was built in the late1860's from local Manhattan schist and gray granite.

 

Earth Hour in New York 2014.

New York will be involved with 'Earth Hour' which takes place on Saturday 29th March 2014. Organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) this event is growing yearly as Cities and Towns around the world promote awareness of the environment and saving energy from the worlds resources.

Landmarks and Businesses will be showing their support from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. 

Some of those taking part are listed below..

Chrysler Center, New York, 

Empire State Building, New York, 

Hearst Tower, New York, 

MetLife Building, New York, 

Rockefeller Center, New York, 

Walgreens, Times Square, New York, 

Individuals can also take part by turning off lights for the Earth Hour!

For more worldwide information go to the Earth Hour page on Facebook.

Wonderful Town! New York.

I heard on the radio the other day the song New York New York from the 1940's movie 'On The Town'. The song begins as three Sailors take shore leave from their ship during the Second World War. The clip stars Gene Kelly as Gabey, Frank Sinatra as Chip, Jules Munshin as Ozzie and depicts how exciting a day in vibrant New York can be, years on this still seems to be the case!

On the Town was first produced on Broadway in 1944 and was made into a film in 1949 by MGM.

I found a clip of the song on YouTube uploaded by Jacob Wingfield .....http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=x7CIgWZTdgw

Re-Use and Re-cycle Household 'Stuff' in New York.

If you have unwanted clothing etc. did you know that you can easily re-cycle? 

Re-fashioNYC is a program in partnership with Housing Works that are providing bins for people living in apartment blocks to dispose of their used clothing and accessories. If your apartment block does not have one of these bins, more information on this program can be found at.....http://www.nyc.gov/html/nycwasteless/html/stuff/clothing.shtml

Or....... http://www.nyc.gov/html/stuffex/html/donate/where_to_donate.shtml. To search for places throughout New York City where to donate, sell or buy any used household items no longer needed but could be re-used.

Summer in Central Park, Shakespeare for Free.

Every summer in Central Park people flock to The Delacorte Theater to watch a Shakespeare play for free, it has become a New York tradition.

In front of the theater is this Statue of Prospero one of the characters in Shakespeare's play the Tempest, given as a gift from George Delacorte.

Art and Museum Tours in New York.

ArtMuse is an organisation that have put together an itinerary of what's available on the Art and Museum scene of New York and other cities. Visitors and locals can plan ahead to book Tours, Events and Classes at this City which is home to hundreds of cultural institutions.

When researching I came across some great reviews on TripAdvisor.

So why not have someone in the know show you or your family and friends around New York City's art world and make it an entertaining and informative experience?

Here is a link to their web site...

http://www.artmuseny.com/

Looking back at The Sound of Music on Broadway.

After hearing about the death of Marie Von Trappe the last of the children of the family that inspired the creation of The Sound of a Music. I began to wonder about the history of The Sound of Music on Broadway in New York.

Marie Von Trappe passed away last week at the age of 99 at her home in Vermont. It has been said that she was a very kind and lovely lady.

The Sound of Music was written by Rodgers & Hammerstein and performed at Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, 205 West 46th Street in midtown-Manhattan in 1959. Opening Night was Nov 16, and went on to complete 1443 performances some of which were performed at the Mark Hellinger theatre. The show was awarded several Tony Awards and went on to entertain theatre goers all over the world. 

In 1965 because the show was so popular the Sound of Music movie was made and became huge hit.

In 1998 there was a Broadway revival at the Martin Beck Theatre. Opening night was March 12th, for a total of 533 performances.

The show continues in its popularity at many theatres and has become a household name.

Lower Manhattan's Charging Bull Statue.

In the financial district of New York we came across a huge sculpture of a charging bull! After a little research we found out that the statue has become quite a popular tourist attraction. So much so that we had to wait a while before we could get a picture, to add to our touristy collection! 

The story is, that a sculptor named Arturo Di Modica created the Bull

as a good luck gesture after the stock market crash of 1987. In 1989 it appeared in front of the New York Stock Exchange as a Christmas present to the people of New York. representing a 'charging' prosperous future, 

Police removed the Statue, but because it was so popular, a site was found nearby, by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation at Bowling Green near Wall St.

 

         

Fifty Years Ago When the Beatles arrived in New York!

In the last few days, if you hadn't heard, was the 50th anniversary of the Beatles landing in New York for the first time and causing quite a stir! 

On February 7th 1964 the four British musicians arrived at JFK airport to be greeted by hordes of screaming fans and reporters. 

After a press conference they were taken to The Plaza Hotel on 5th Avenue, where the news had gotten out and the Beatles were deluged again by huge crowds. They embarked on a quick sightseeing tour of New York taking in the chance of a photo shoot in Central Park which is close to The Plaza Hotel, they dined in the Boathouse restaurant and insisted on a cab ride to see the Apollo theatre in Harlem.

George Harrison missed out on the sightseeing tour, due to a high temperature and had to stay in the Hotel.

The band appeared on the The Ed Sullivan Show 2 days later live and in front of 73 million viewers! On February 11th the boys played at the Washington Coliseum a sports arena at Washington D.C. Then back to appear at Carnegie Hall, New York.

The Beatles then flew to Miami for another live TV broadcast and back home to England.

Leaving behind many fans who had experienced their first taste of Beatlemania!

At John F. Kennedy Airport there is now a plaque to commemorate their arrival on their Pan Am flight.

Disney's Lion King, Newsies, and soon, Aladdin on Broadway.

Disney on Broadway are currently presenting the award winning Newsies, a New York success story, a show filled with musical energy and dance at the Nederlander Theatre. Also The Lion King Musical, at the Minskoff Theatre and soon, Aladdin will be coming to Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre. 

These musicals are family shows with the added charm and expertise of Disney.

If you are a group and want to find the best Disney on Broadway theatre package with group benefits, I came across this web site that should help you....http://www.disneytheatricalsales.com/home

Run-up The Empire State Building!

The Empire State Building held its annual Run-Up on Wednesday 5th February 2014. Participants start in the lobby and race to the top of the famous skyscraper up 86 floors to the observation deck above 5th Avenue New York.

Five hundred runners registered to take part from all around the World.

The Empire State Building Run-Up is organised by New York Road Runners, who also bring you the New York City Marathon.

 

 

 

Hot Pies on a Cold Day in Manhattan.

There we were on a cold day in Midtown Manhattan, feeling a little hungry and chilled and walked past  a 'Pie Face' on 7th Avenue, it's warmth and enticing aroma stopped us in our tracks, we looked at each other and headed straight for the entrance. Through the door was a wonderful display of hot baked pies of various varieties. We made our choice found a table and indulged in a satisfying savoury delight, with a hot cup of coffee and to top off the pleasure experience a piece of pumpkin pie. 

The atmosphere was welcoming and the staff very friendly and accommodating. 

To add to my complete satisfaction the pies each have a face!

Well done Super Bowl XLVIII Communities.

All the best New York, NewJersey and NFL for putting on a great show for Super Bowl XLVIII many people and communities have achieved great things to provide a memorable and public spirited huge sporting event.

Filmed in New York, Person of Interest.

An American crime drama TV show filmed on location in New York called 'Person of Interest' has become very popular, and has built up a huge fan base, each episode has beautifully filmed shots of New York, bringing back many memories of our recent trip.

The series is about a former CIA operative who teams up with a curious and very clever billionaire who prevents crimes in New York City, using sophisticated surveillance technology, the screenplay is by Jonathan Nolan, and the stars are Jim Caviezel and Michael Emerson.

Where to get info on NY/NJ Super Bowl.

As the excitement builds for the NFL Super Bowl, Sunday 2nd February 2014, which is  being held at the MetLife Stadium New Jersey and the special events taking place in New York, look on the NY/NJ Superbowl Facebook page for up to date information. You can also find them on twitter.

Staten Island Ferry, For Free Glimpse of The Statue Of Liberty.

We clearly have to go back to New York! On our last trip we visited Battery Park walked along to the Staten Island Ferry Whitehall Terminal, walked past, took pictures of the Ferry and went on our way. 

We have since learned that it is 'free' to travel on the ferry, which takes walk on passengers, mainly commuters and sightseers to Staten Island St. George Ferry Terminal, passing The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island on route.

The journey is 5 miles and takes about 25 minutes each way.

If sightseeing it may be advisable not to travel at rush hour times!

Picturesque Ice Skating in Central Park, NY.

Ice skating in a picturesque setting in Central Park is a popular winter pastime for locals and visitors to New York.

There are two sites, the Wollman Rink which is at the southern end of the park and the Lasker Rink at the north end of the park. which in the summer becomes a swimming pool! 

Both are open from November to March and skates can be hired and lockers are available.

Wollman Rink

Not Just The Super Bowl!

On February 2nd 2014 the Super Bowl will be taking place at the MetLife Stadium New Jersey. The areas of New York and New Jersey are teaming up to put on an incredible show for the NFL end of season spectacular. 

Many events are taking place to lead up to the Super Bowl, the NY/NJ and the NFL are gathering communities together to host Charity Drives, Educational programmes etc. and in the area around Times Square and Broadway 'Super Bowl Boulevard' will open Wednesday January 29 and running through to February 1st, for fans to enjoy all things 'football'. Outside Macy's storefront every evening there will be a Super Bowl virtual theater and a 180 foot long 'Toboggan Run' in Times Square!   Banners and decorations will adorn the streets and teams of Volunteers will be on hand to direct visitors to there destinations.

The transport system of NY/NJ are prepared and ready to accommodate for the influx of fans and their families descending on them, helping to embrace and celebrate this magnificent sporting event.

Hot Chocolate at the Todd English Food Hall, Plaza Hotel.

If you're looking for a pleasant place to sit and have an enjoyable cup of hot chocolate or coffee we visited the Todd English Food Hall, 1 West 59th Street, situated at the concourse level of The Plaza Hotel, whose entrance is on 5th Avenue.

We were meeting friends, after a bike ride in Central Park, it was a Sunday morning in December, they recommended the Todd English Food Hall and we found it to be very welcoming.

It has a lovely atmosphere with a very nice food hall which instantly reminded me of Harrods in London, UK. Around the edges of the food hall are tables to casually relax, the food hall offers a variety of quality foods with a Bar and Restaurant and a grand ambiance.    

Characters we saw In New York.

When visiting Manhattan, to add to our excitement of viewing this amazing district we were impressed by how so many exude a happy and 'cool' air, everyone seemed so friendly and anything goes! We saw great characters, one guy on a skateboard whizzing down a traffic packed 7th Avenue, another riding by on a bicycle powered by a kite, guys on street corners selling there wares with a catchy rant, a guy telling jokes for a dollar, a couple of guys performing a rap routine in a subway station and because it was Christmas the Salvation Army street collectors, with their bells singing and dance routines and of course many talented buskers scattered around. They all seemed to be enjoying themselves and being a visitor I thank them all because it added so much to the vibrant spirited atmosphere in New York City.

Visitors to New York can view the Big Apple by Helicopter.

When in New York you cannot escape that Helicopter rides are a popular pastime for visitors, in busy Manhattan you are approached several times by ticket touts trying to sell Helicopter tickets, there are several companies in competition, so you do have a choice, basically all offer a trip ranging from 15 minutes to 30 mins on board and an incredible view, with commentary of New Yorks spectacular scenery.

You can book online.

There may be date alterations because of weather.

You probably will be sharing with other passengers.

There may be extra costs on the day.

A professional photographer is usually on hand for a souvenir picture for you to buy.

I've read a number of good reviews of people having this thrilling experience and they say it was well worth it, you can also find videos on YouTube of personal reflection.

There are even special packages available for couples that want to get married whilst on board a helicopter over New York!! 

With a marriage officiate provided and paperwork for legal matters.

The day we went to the Intrepid Air Museum at Pier 86 in West Manhatton.

I wasn't sure what to expect at the Air and Space Military and Maritime Museum that is housed on the USS Intrepid Aircraft Carrier.

As you board you are taken into a world of maritime and air history, that leaves an impression on you of magnificent achievements. Whether physical, emotional, engineering or mechanical. 

Starting on the flight deck, there are historic war planes, helicopters and recently the Space Shuttle Enterprise.

Below deck you have the opportunity to view the workings of the Aircraft Carrier and see how the crew lived whilst on board. Along the route are guides with expert knowledge who are eager to answer any questions and some who have served in the military with many stories to tell.

There are exhibits and interactive booths with working whistles, Morse code equipment, videos, sound experiences etc.

The exhibits also include submarine USS Growler, and British Airways Concorde G-BOAD.

Well worth a visit, but a fair weather day is recommended.    

Gapstow Bridge over the 'Pond' in Central Park.

Gapstow Bridge is one of the many picturesque bridges in Central Park. Pretty in the summer covered in green foliage, autumnal in the fall, and in winter beautiful in the snow.

The original wooden bridge which crosses over the 'Pond' was first built in 1874, but had to be replaced because of ware and tear in1896, by the stone bridge which stands there today. It is situated at the corner of Central Park South and Fifth Avenue near the Plaza Hotel.

It offers a peaceful scenic sitting area close to the hustle and bustle of City life where by you can calmly observe the ducks and bird life.