DAY IN N.Y.C.

By: Kiki Gee
Photos: Allen Carrasco

The City of Golden Dreams. The Front Office of American Business. The Big Apple. No matter what you call it, New York City is many things to many people. And as the most populous city in the country, that’s a lot of people!

Many Manhattanites are drawn to the city because New York possesses the largest central business district in the United States. But what keeps them here is often the unique culture, rich history and virtually limitless entertainment possibilities. That being said, it comes as no surprise that New Yorkers play as hard as they work. We wanted to know if we could keep up. So we packed our bags and jetted across the country. Join us as we explore Manhattan in a day, ENJOY style!

Shopping District Fifth Avenue

Known as one of the most expensive streets in the world, Fifth Avenue is the epitome of wealthy New York. Fendi, Versace and, of course, Saks Fifth Avenue are among the designer shops you can find dotted along the premier shopping blocks between 49th and 57th Streets.But there is more to Fifth Avenue than shopping. Fifth Avenue is also home to New York’s Museum Mile which boasts the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art (aka “The Met”) among several other well known institutions. Other cool sights along Fifth Avenue include St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the New York Public Library and Trump Tower. Continuing north on your walk up Fifth Avenue, you will eventually be greeted by Manhattan’s true oasis: Central Park.

Diamond District

Nestled on 47th Street between Fifth Avenue and Avenue of the Americas (Sixth Avenue), Manhattan’s Diamond District is the spot to find big rocks for little dough.

Rockefeller Center

Along your walk up Fifth Avenue, be sure to stop at Rockefeller Center. Located between 48th and 51st Streets, Rockefeller Center is a popular tourist stop year round. Home to NBC Studios, you can expect to see morning crowds around Studio 1A seeking a glimpse of Matt Lauer or Meredith Vieira. Starting in May, the Today Show’s Toyota-sponsored Summer Concert Series boasts big name musicians such as Justin Beiber, Lady GaGa and Katy Perry. The free concerts typically take place on Friday mornings. So get there early to stake out a spot as space is limited! In the winter months, Rockefeller Center is home to an always packed ice skating rink. But what Rockefeller Center is best noted for come the holiday season is their famous tree lighting ceremony. For more than 75 years, Rockefeller Center has been delighting crowds with larger than life trees and celebrity-studded performances. For an unbeatable view of Manhattan, the Top of the Rock Observation Deck is the place to go. After whizzing up 70 floors, you will be treated to sweeping views of the city. So get your camera ready! Tickets can be purchased at www.topoftherocknyc.com. Just across the street from Rockefeller Center is Rockette territory. As the largest indoor theatre in the world, Radio City Music Hall has seen more than 300 million people! Visitors have been coming to the Music Hall to enjoy stage shows, movies and concerts since its opening in1932. Radio City Music Hall is best known for the Christmas Spectacular, featuring the world-famous Rockettes. Check out www.radiocity.com for show listings and ticketing information.

Central Park

Spanning over 800 acres in the heart of Manhattan lies Central Park. Opened in 1857, Central Park sees an estimated 35 million people each year making it the most highly visited urban park in the nation. Park activities and sight-seeing opportunities abound, but if you are time crunched, these are our Central Park musts!

1. Rowboating: April through October, Loeb Boathouse offers rowboat rentals. $12 for the first hour.
2. Ice skating: Open November through March, Wollman Rink makes for a great date spot. (Think Serendipity)
3. Carriage Horses: If your walk up Fifth Avenue tuckered you out, soak in the scenery from a horse-drawn carriage! A romantic way to view the park, horse-drawn carriages can be found year-round lined up along Central Park South between Fifth and Sixth Avenue.
4. Carousel: Open April through November, this is always a popular pick for kids.
5. Central Park Zoo: Home to more than 130 species (including Polar Bears and Red Pandas), the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Central Park Zoo is a fun pick for the whole family.
6. Public Theatre: In the summer months, Shakespeare in the Park is not to be missed! Visit www.shakespeareinthepark.org for show and ticketing information.
7. Model Boat Sailing: Not just for kids, model sailboat racing is a fun warm weather activity! www.sailthepark.com
8. Running: As the final 3.2 miles for the New York Marathon, Central Park is famously known as the running spot in New York.
9. Balto: The legendary sled dog that delivered life-saving medicine during a diphtheria epidemic in Alaska in1925 has been memorialized with a statue in Central Park.
10. The Obelisk (commonly referred to as Cleopatra’s Needle): Why does New York have an ancient Egyptian Obelisk? Because London and Paris got one. And now there’s one in Central Park for your viewing pleasure.

By the time you are done exploring, you will have most definitely worked up an appetite. With zillions of peacefully quiet spots, Central Park is perfect for picnicking. If you prefer a finer dining experience, the Loeb Boathouse on the lake is a popular choice.