Unusual Things to do in New York - Midtown Guide

A Local's Guide to Manhattan

Aug 17, 2009 Elizabeth Humphreys

New York has more to offer than the traditional, over-done, movie stereotypes. Here are some ideas that are unique to New York but a bit different from the cliché.

Going to the top of the Empire State Building, horse drawn carriages through Central Park, seeing a musical on Broadway; these are all examples of the typical and stereotypical New York vacation. While these are nice, fun and some would say necessary if one is to visit New York, there are many other activities which are slightly off the beaten trail. For the traveller who likes to feel like a local, or for a second or third time visitor, the following activities are truly New Yorker in character but are not strictly for tourists.

Grand Central Terminal

Often miss named Grand Central Station, Grand Central is not only a major hub of transport in New York, it is also a beautifully done building with ornate architecture and dozens of high end shops and restaurants. The ceiling is famous for its celestial mural with the zodiac signs backwards. When looking at the ceiling note the dark patch of blue amongst the lighter blue: this is a patch of the pre-restoration ceiling which was left to remind visitors of the care and dedication that went into making it look as it does today.

No visit to Grand Central is complete without a trip to the Whispering Gallery. This is located near the Oyster Bar & Restaurant. To experience the Whispering Gallery two people are needed. Each person stands on opposite ends of the archway and whisper into the wall. The acoustics of the arch will allow the two people to speak and hear each other perfectly, as if they were standing side by side.

Shopping at Saks and Dining with a View

Saks 5th Avenue is one of the most famous and most expensive department stores in the world. A step through those doors is a step into luxury and decadence. For those who can’t afford the steeply priced clothing and perfume, perhaps a trip to the top floor for some (admittedly still pricy) lunch or cocktails. The view from Café SFA is exquisite, and iconic of New York; that of St Patrick’s Cathedral and Rockefeller Center. These can both be walked to from Saks.

Around Christmas time Saks and the area around Saks (including Rockefeller Center which is right across the street) is particularly beautiful and bright. Saks has a different theme to their Christmas display windows every year.

RockefellerCenter and NBC Studios

Rockefeller Center is located directly across the street from Saks 5th Avenue. While the famous Christmas tree and the ice rink are international draws, there is much more to see at this famous destination. The Top of the Rock offers one of the best views in the City, some would say even better than the top of the Empire State Building (one bonus is the view of the Empire State Building from the Top of the Rock, and the full frontal view of Central Park).

Rockefeller Center is also home to NBC Studios, where shows like Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock are filmed. Backstage Passes can be purchased from the NBC Store located on Rockefeller Plaza. This is a must for anyone who enjoys television.

Drinks at the 21 Club

The 21 Club is a lesser known New York icon. 21 was a speakeasy during Prohibition, and successfully hid 2000 cases of wine in a secret wine cellar which was actually located at number 19. This club survived many federal raids due to its incredibly well hidden (literally invisible) cellar door.

The ‘toys’ in the bar room cover the entire ceiling, and actually contain some valuable souvenirs. Rare collector’s items, along with sporting goods from famous athletes (such as golf clubs from Jack Nicklaus) are amongst the quirky and eccentric collection.

The Jockey statues which line the entrance are famous and highly photographed. These jockeys have been donated overtime by racehorse owners and breeders which have frequented 21 since the 1930s. There is even one donated in honour of Secretariat.

http://www.21club.com/web/onyc/21_club.jsp

Pick a Restaurant, Any Restaurant

New York, particularly Midtown, is full of new, exciting, and unique restaurants. Simply pick, read a review, and enjoy. This is a particularly good time to try something new and different that might not be found elsewhere.

The copyright of the article Unusual Things to do in New York - Midtown Guide in NE U.S. Travel is owned by Elizabeth Humphreys. Permission to republish Unusual Things to do in New York - Midtown Guide in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

The Statue of Liberty

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