New York City has a found a lasting place in my heart. I loved visiting there as a child, my oldest son now lives there, and I helped out in the days after the 9/11 tragedy eight years ago. So, on this fateful anniversary, I thought I’d take a moment to reflect on some of my favorite things about New York City.
The Statue of Liberty – instantly adopted by everyone the moment she arrived from France, she’s the penultimate symbol of what it means to be a part of this New World experience, and she always makes me feel proud to be an American.
Ellis Island – Always humbles me and reminds me of how so many of us got here.
Fifth Avenue – The exuberance refreshes me (capitalism is not dead!)and the seasonal displays in the winter are gorgeous.
The Ice Rink/Rockefeller Center – A landmark, it’s that simple. Skate, eat, watch – everyone has something to do.
Central Park – Really America’s front lawn, relax and breathe in the air.
Museums – For lovers of everything that can be cataloged and/or displayed, the city has multitudes of possibilities, pick one and start…
China Town – Good food, an exotic experience.
The Little Red Lighthouse – I still remember my son’s face almost breaking in joy when we took him to see the real thing depicted in the children’s story.
SoHo/The East Village area – My son lives here, ‘nuf said. But I’m also drawn by the sheer creative energy that infuses the area.
The Botanical Garden in Brooklyn – a tropical oasis in a sea of urbanity.
The Chrysler Building – The epitome of Art Deco elegance, South Beach has nothing on this.
Macy’s – Gotta go at least once between Thanksgiving and Christmas – Borrow a child if you have to and see Santa’s workshop.
Times Square – Lights – Who has more, Vegas or this little corner?
The Great White Way – The only sharks you have to avoid are ticket scalpers. A great excuse to get decked out and going to see a show is like going back to another era.
The Oak Room – Old World opulence.
And that’s only a partial list of what I love about New York City. Please share your favorites in the comments.
(Photo: Luca5/Flickr Creative Commons)
