If you could make a city out of a theme park, it would have to be New York City. There is so much to do that it would take several New York vacations just to see it scratch the surface. While I’ve been to the Big Apple several times, there are still a few places I personally enjoy, whether it’s looking out over the city from the top of the Empire State Building or flying the flight simulator at the USS Intrepid Museum. The possibilities are endless, but I’d like to share with you some of my favorite places.
The first I have already mentioned, the USS Intrepid. As a sailor, I always enjoy looking at old Navy warships and this one is no different. The USS Intrepid Sea Air and Space Museum is a unique journey filled with spectacular interactive exhibits and virtual multi-sensory technology. The World War II warship is filled with 30 restored aircraft, the former USS Growler submarine, and the British Airways Concorde. This is a great stop, especially for children. As a side note, I attended a party aboard the USS Intrepid in 2002, the curators really know how to treat guests. If you’re there during fleet week, don’t miss out on the coveted US Navy Leap Frog parachute team.
Let’s Not Forget Rockefeller Center If you’ve seen any movie featuring the most impressive Christmas tree and ice skating wonderland in midtown Manhattan, then you’ve already seen one of my favorite places, Rockefeller Center. Coming up from 5th Avenue and 50th, you can also wander this towering behemoth that gleams with genuine 1930’s architecture. Inside, you’ll be greeted by a crystal chandelier on your way to a glass-floored elevator ready to whisk you away. the top. It’s impressive from below, but you should see the view from above. (Only one track, if you have a New York Pass you can avoid the lines and walk to the top.) My advice, don’t leave the city without enjoying the view from the observation deck at night.
Times Square, need I say more. Between Street shows a sea of taxis and the biggest TV screens and ads I’ve ever seen, Times Square is a carnival full of good times where a constant hum of street music fills the air. Most of the major theaters are located in the immediate vicinity of Times Square, so you can eat at one of the many restaurants and then catch a popular Broadway show. During the day you can go to Ripley’s Believe It or Not and my next recommended stop is Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum is highly recommended by my wife as I couldn’t go last time. Madame Tussauds is conveniently located in the heart of Times Square and is filled with over 200 celebrities from the worlds of film, television, history, politics, music and sports, all lined up to give you the experience of a lifetime. If a wax museum seems boring again, Madame Tussauds has a 4D Theater that lets you experience movie attributes like cold wind, rain, snow and smell.
Lastly, rising a quarter of a mile above the ground is the pinnacle of NYC Vacations, the Empire State Building Observatory. Here you can enjoy breathtaking panoramas across the rooftops, avenues and byways of the New York metropolitan areas, up to four neighboring states. On the second floor you can also take a New York City Skyride. The Skyride is a simulated aerial ride over the city.
If you are interested in making the trip to the city, I would recommend it at least once. I just scratched the surface with these stops. New York City is a great mix of Las Vegas, Disney, and a trip to an American History textbook if you like, all rolled into one.