New York History
Indians would describe Henry Hudson’s ship as a wigwam floating on the water. Perhaps the gods had sent a messenger, they thought. Prior to landing in New York, Hudson had tried to find a passage through the polar sea from Europe. This time instead of sailing through icebergs outside of Greenland, he sailed up the river that would bear his name. Today, the excitement of the city that never sleeps lies in its unpredictability––to make dreams come true even as fortunes have been lost. Whatever your desire there is something here for everyone. Bask in her history, marvel at her artistry and enjoy the show––whether on Broadway or a spontaneous grand piano concert on a sidewalk in Central Park. You are about to fall in love.
Chelsea Market
A short walk from the Hudson River, in the Meat Packing District of Manhattan The Chelsea Market is a little slice of foodie heaven complete with a bakery of Fat Witches and you-name-it locally sourced produce and nuts, with more variety than a Broadway show. This place has everything––from Sushi to gourmet wine, cheesemongers, and artisanal products. Memorable lunches can be had at in the ultimate place for people watching. You’ll enjoy strolling in Chelsea’s mostly residential neighborhood, home to hundreds of art galleries and Fashion Avenue––the historic birthplace of the city’s fashion industry where sewing machines nearly outnumbered people. Live like a local with a trip to the famous Chelsea Piers, what was supposed to be the ultimate destination of the RMS Titanic.
Art in Brooklyn
Brooklyn Unplugged gives private graffiti tours and workshops. The road less traveled type of tour will expose Brooklyn’s little-known culture, neighborhoods, art, and history. Specializing in street and graffiti art this is sure to please the teenagers on your trip. Lessons are given by local accomplished artists. Enjoy seeing The Big Apple from the perspective of a local. Get it the way you want it, trendy and laid-back or gritty and hip––Brooklyn has it all. Whether graffiti or boutique galleries, Brooklyn’s burgeoning art scene is ready to inspire. The Bushwick Collective is a great setting for the best Instagrammable graffiti selfies in NYC. While there, take some time to enjoy Banksy’s work.
Lunch in Central Park, 5th Avenue
Lunch at Tavern on the Green gives the day an old-school vibe and features some of the most breathtakingly beautiful landscape architecture in the world. The day begins and ends where you choose with a number of stops along the way to admire the park’s various sculptures. Be sure to tour the four-acre Shakespeare Garden, designed to resemble his native English countryside. Breathe in some inspiration along with the fresh air. The mixture of art and nature helps to focus body, mind, and spirit. After strolling in The Park, the allure of Fifth Avenue is undeniable. A stroll down the famous 5th avenue, the one-time playground of advertising’s elite, fills visitors with curiosity, wanting to take in all the city has to offer––artistic window displays, sample sales, and trendspotting.
Wandering, Broadway
Wander down the High Line, a one-time railway turned park––a Manhattan must. Afterward, take your pick of favorite iconic places to visit, including Radio City Music Hall, the Statue of Liberty, Rockefeller Center, Times Square, and the 9/11 Memorial. Dinner at The Russian Tea Room before your favorite musical on Broadway is sure to be a highlight of the trip.
