Tourism Tuesday – TAO Restaurant

If you are looking for an amazing atmosphere and good food, the place you want to be is TAO Restaurant. Specializing in authentic Asian cuisine, the food is enough to satisfy any craving, and the atmosphere makes the meal into an experience. Tao has three different levels of dining, with each level offering a unique experience. The atmosphere in the restaurant is one that can’t be found elsewhere, friendly and inviting. It is not your typical Asian restaurant, and it offers more than just your typical meal.

The Atmosphere

With 300 seats, Tao Restaurant is full to brimming, every night filled with a friendly atmosphere. The restaurant is located in a former movie theater, and the space has been transformed into a restaurant with a large, friendly, and open feel to it. Presided over by a 16 foot tall Buddha, it offers more than just an excellent meal, it offers an experience. The beautiful décor within the restaurant takes over the senses and adds to the meal in a unique way. Rock gardens and bamboo shoots surround the tables, making this restaurant more of a location than a building.

The Asian Feast

The menu itself is inspired by all things Asian. From Japan to Thailand and everything in between, no matter what kind of Asian cuisine you are looking for, you will find it at Tao’s. The menu includes a long list of delicacies, and the food is tantalizing to all taste buds. Not only does the regular menu include a list of sushi rolls, Tao includes a sushi bar as well. With the promise of good food, good company, and good drinks it is no wonder Tao is packed every night.

A Unique View

Since the restaurant has been separated into levels, it provides a unique view for diners. From the different levels, the restaurant changes, creating a new atmosphere depending on your placement. From the bottom floor to the top is an excellent experience, and a different way at looking at food, atmosphere, and the restaurant itself. Whether you sit at the feet of the giant Buddha, or sit above looking upon him, the view provided is unique in every way. And, located at 42 East 58th St. near Madison Ave., the view from the ‘Skybox’, or top, level of dining offers a view that is unparalleled in New York. The food is good, the atmosphere is excellent, and each of the three different views completes the experience in a different way, making a night at this restaurant a night to remember.

A meal should be more than just food. While good food should be the center piece of every good meal, the atmosphere should be a part of the experience as well. Tao Restaurant takes that to heart, providing an experience that is as unique as it is amazing. From the top of the ‘Skybox’ to the bottom of the Buddha’s feet, there is no experience like the one found at Tao Restaurant, an experience that will leave you wanting to come back again and again.

Tourism Tuesday – FAO Swartz

There is a child in all of us just waiting to be let free, and there is no better place to let that child out than the FAO Schwarz Flagship Store. FAO Schwarz is a company that thrives on that child inside us all, and providing wonder and joy to our imaginations.

The History of the Company

Founded in 1862, FAO Schwarz is the oldest toy store in the United States. It has survived for over a hundred and fifty years, a survival it has earned, and one that it definitely deserves. Known for its unique toys, life-sized stuffed animals, and more the FAO Schwarz brand is one that doesn’t go unnoticed. In 1870, just eight years after it was founded under the name ‘Toy Bazaar’, Frederick August Otto Schwarz opened a New York City location. At the time it was known as the ‘Schwarz Toy Bazaar’ and though it moved twice around the city, by 1897 it had reached fame that lead Schwarz to be described as ‘the largest dealer in toys in this city’ by The New York Times.

Since that time, the store has occupied many locations and has been described in many ways, including as the ‘original Santa Claus Headquarters’, and eventually the company settled into the name we know it by now, FAO Schwarz. In 1986 the company opened a flagship store. That store has remained the flagship store for the company since that time, and has continued to inspire children of all ages with its beauty and ingenuity.

The Flagship Store

Since 1986 this Fifth Avenue store has set the bar for toy stores, creating an atmosphere that cannot be duplicated. From the Muppet Whatnot Workshop, to the well-known floor piano, the store itself is an experience that can’t be missed. Add to that the FAO Schweetz store, offering hundreds of different types of candy and the FAO Café, offering a variety of foods from many of New York City’s eateries, and you have a toy store that is for so much more than toys. Here, imagination can thrive, and finding the right toy isn’t about walking hurriedly through aisles. This store is an experience, and it’s one that should not be missed.

As An Icon

Children aren’t the only ones who take notice of the FAO Schwarz flagship store. It has been featured in many popular movies, and has become an icon of New York City. From the 1988 film Big to the 2011 film The Smurfs, many movies set in New York just wouldn’t be the same without their FAO Schwarz scenes. As such the store, and the famous floor piano within it, have become an icon in today’s world.

A toy store shouldn’t just be about toys, and the FAO Schwarz brand has been proving that for over a hundred and fifty years. The flagship location hasn’t been around quite that long, but it began by setting the bar high, and has only raised it over the years. It is truly a magical toy store, full of wonder and imagination.

Tourism Tuesday – American Museum of Natural History

Located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the American Museum of Natural History is not only one of the largest museums in the country; it is one of the largest museums in the world. It is made up of 27 interconnected buildings and 45 permanent exhibition halls, as well as a planetarium, and a library. It isn’t difficult to see why it averages almost five million visits annually. While they aren’t all on display at all times, the museum collections contain over 32 million specimens, from plants to human cultural artifacts and everything in between.

The Halls

The main attraction of the museum are its many ‘Halls’ or themed rooms full of artifacts and specimens. Among these are:

  • African Mammal Hall. Since its opening in 2936 this Hall has been considered one of the world’s greatest museum displays. The dioramas in this Hall do more than just evoke specific sites. They replicate specific animals in specific locations at specific times, with a detail that had never before been seen, and which has resulted in realistic, vivid reproductions.
  • Bernard and Anne Spitzer Hall of Human Origins. The Hall of Human Origins, once known as the Hall of human Biology and Evolution, this hall presents an in-depth investigation of human evolution. When it was first opened, it was the only major exhibition of its kind, and it continues to be one of the best there is.
  • Milstein Hall of Ocean Life. The most notable exhibit in this hall is the 94 foot long blue whale model, suspended from the ceiling. There are many other notable exhibits, such as the Andros Coral Reef Diorama, but since it appeared in 1969 the blue whale has captured the attention of anyone who walks into the Hall.
  • Fossil Halls. The fossil collection of the museum is incredibly extensive. Just the small fraction that is open to the public covers the entire fourth floor, as well as a separate exhibit in the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Hall, which is the museum’s main entrance.

Rose Center and the Planetarium

The Hayden Planetarium is one of the most popular exhibits in the Rose Center. The Original Planetarium was founded in 1933, but was demolished and replaced in 2000. The building consists of a six-story high glass cube enclosing an 87 foot illuminated sphere. This sphere is supported by truss work, but it appears to float, and has been referred to as a ‘cosmic cathedral’.

Research Library

The museum isn’t only about exhibits; it also contains an extensive research library, open to staff and public visitors. The library collects a vast amount of materials and contains many retrospective materials, some going back to the 15th century, that are nearly impossible to find elsewhere.

Renowned not only in New York, but also in the world, it is easy to see why this museum attracts millions of visitors every year. It is a fun and educational place to visit, full of exhibits that entice the mind and tickle the imagination, sparking a desire to learn more about the amazing things seen within the Halls of the museum.

Tourism Tuesday – Ground Zero

There are some parts of history that are so tragic that we cannot ignore them. We may wish that they never occurred, or dream of a world in which they aren’t a reality, but we cannot ignore or forget the tragedy. The September 11 attack is one of those moments. Those who were old enough to understand will never forget where they were on that day, the first time they heard what was happening. The site of the once proud Twin towers, the World Trade Center, has been known since the attack as Ground Zero.

The World Trade Center

Sitting on 16 acres in Lower Manhattan, the World Trade Center once stood on the site tall and proud. The Twin Towers rose above the surrounding buildings. They were a part of the New York Skyline, and were an iconic site in New York. Until they were destroyed on September 11, 2001. Since then the site has been known as Ground Zero, a fitting term. Used to describe the point of a detonation closest to the Earth, the term can be used to describe both the physical location, and the reactive fires that spread through the people left behind.

The Memorial Museum

The National September 11 Memorial Museum is the country’s principal memorial to commemorate the September 11 attacks. Located on the former location of the Twin Towers, the Memorial is a monument to those who died in the September 11 attacks, as well as to those who died in the World Trade Center bombing of 1993. It was constructed as a reminder of those lives that were lost, and of the scars that have never quite healed. It will remain there, where the Twin Towers fell, a reminder of what once was, and where we must go now that it has changed.

Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives when the Twin Towers were attacked, and they should be remembered. The Memorial stands as a reminder not only of the victims who were within the towers, but also those who died attempting to rescue those within. On September 11, 2011, ten years after the original tragedy, the dedication ceremony was held at the memorial. The Memorial official opened the next day, allowing the public to remember. Within three months of the opening, more than 1 million people have visited.

More than twelve years have passed since the fall of the Twin Towers in the September 11 attack. Despite that, there are very few who do not feel the emotions with a fresh tang every time it is mentioned, every time thoughts stray to that 16 acre stretch of land. The scars of that day will never fully heal, and the memories of that day will never truly fade. Those who lost their lives that day should not be forgotten. This tragedy in the past should reflect itself in the way we live, in the way we strive to create a better future. Ground Zero will forever be a reminder, a memory of the things we want to outgrow. The Memorial Museum, and the other new buildings being constructed, will rise up to take the place of those that fell. They will stand as a reminder of what we’ve lost, and of the perspective that we have gained.

Tourism Tuesday – Holland Tunnel

Originally known as the ‘Hudson River Vehicular Tunnel Project,’ construction for the Holland Tunnel began over 90 years ago, on March 31, 1922. The tunnel is a marvel of engineering, and was at the time a new design. It took years to complete the tunnel and to make it into the high traffic landmark that it is today. The tunnel itself was almost a bridge, as that would have cost less to build, but with passing ships, the bridge would have needed to rise nearly 200 ft. above the water, which was simply not feasible. Instead, the tunnel was imagined and eventually created. It took years of planning and construction in order to make it what it is today, a National Landmark

Designing the Tunnel

The design of the tunnel was begun by Clifford Milburn Holland, the man who eventually had the tunnel named after him. His vision provided the engineering genius that is the tunnel, a design that was revolutionary for its time. He put years of his life into the tunnel, and into making sure that it was the best of its kind. However, fate was not kind to him, and he died before he could complete his work. After he died, another engineer took on the job, but he too died shortly after. The third and final engineer, Ole Singstad, finished the tunnel and turned it into the National Landmark that it is today.

The Ventilation System

When the tunnel was being constructed, one of the largest obstacles was coming up with an adequate ventilation system. Since the tunnel was being designed to accommodate automobile traffic, the carbon monoxide levels were a concern, since no similar project had ever been constructed. The third engineer for the project, Ole Singstad, was the first to believe that ventilation was even possible, let alone to accomplish the feat. By creating a test tunnel and closely monitoring volunteers within it, he solved the problem along with the help of Yale University. The tunnel is ventilated transversely, an entirely new concept when it was first built. The circular tunnel has an automatic ventilation system with four ventilation buildings, two on each side of the Hudson. 84 fans provide a change of air every 90 seconds, keeping air quality within acceptable limits. Indeed, when it was first constructed many people claimed the air quality was better within the tunnel than it was on many New York streets.

A National Landmark

On its first day of operation 51,694 vehicles passed through the tunnel, and traffic hasn’t stopped since. Though the tunnel has been shut down to accommodate some major storms, it has continued to be used since the day it opened, and has become known as one of the most valuable contributions to tunnel design and construction. Due to this, the Holland Tunnel was designated a National Historic Civil and Mechanical Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil and Mechanical Engineers as well as being designated a National Historical Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Unlike many public works projects, this bridge isn’t named after a famous or incredibly influential individual. Originally known as the ‘Hudson River Vehicular Tunnel Project,’ the tunnel eventually became known for the name of its first engineer, a man who died before completing his work. The tunnel itself has become more well-known than the man, as it is an engineering marvel and a National Landmark. Far surpassing the designs of its time, this tunnel has set the bar for many tunnels that have been created since, making it the first of many of its kind.

Tourism Tuesday – The Lincoln Tunnel

Everywhere you turn, there is a history that can be told; this is especially true for the history behind the great constructions of all time. The History of the Lincoln Tunnel dates back to March, 1934 when construction began for this landmark.

The First Central Tube

Originally donned the Midtown Vehicular Tunnel, the Lincoln Tunnel as we now know it to be, was planned to be and was the first of its kind. This 1.5 mile long tunnel connects Weehawken, New Jersey to Manhattan, New Your City by a pathway that was constructed under the most famous, Hudson River. Designed by Ole Singstad, it was funded by the New Deal’s Public Works Administration. Construction began in March of 2934 and would be opened on December 22, 1937, charging travelers fifty cents per passenger car; the cost of this architectural landmark was $85,000,000.

A Marvel Design of its Time

Designed to be as two tubes, the construction on the second tube has been delayed in 1938 and then resumed in construction in 1941; due to a shortage of materials caused by World War II, it would not be completed until 1945. The construction of this second tube’s cost was $80,000,000. It was on February 1 of 1945 that Michael Catan, also known as Mr. First who was given this nickname after attending 525 opening day events, was asked to lead the way in and through the newly opened tube; over time it would be noted that a third tube could possibly be opened to create a better way of travel through the Lincoln Tunnel. After some negotiation, a third tube was constructed and opened on May 25 of 1957; located south of the two original tubes that sit side by side, the third tube is located a block away on the New York side of the tunnel.

Using the Tunnels Today

The cost of the toll today for cars using the tunnel going eastbound is $12, using cash; with E-Z Pass it costs $9.50 during the peak hours and $7.50 for the off-peak hours. In comparison to the past, there are 110,800 daily tunnel users. The tunnels are 21.5 feet wide, with each tunnel having two lanes, and a vertical clearance that measures 13.5 feet. The tunnels today are maintained by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; 2012 marked the 75th anniversary of the tunnel opening up. The Holland Tunnel is found in nearby New Jersey and is ten years older than the Lincoln Tunnel. Both tunnels are found to be prime terrorist targets, they require extra monitoring on a daily basis.

During rush hours, the center tube has a one traffic lane called XBL used as an exclusive bus lane. It is during the morning rush hour that the central tunnel is used only to go in the direction leading to Manhattan and during the evening rush hour, the central tunnel is used only to go in the direction that leads to New Jersey. Aside from that, outside of these rush hours, traffic is directed to flow in both directions. Each toll is collected on the New Jersey side and does not require any collections on return trips; each morning during rush hour, the tunnels see 1,700 buses and 62,000 commuters.

Tourism Tuesday – George Washington Bridge

Standing high above the Hudson River, the George Washington Bridge is found at stands its eastern end and rests on the shores of Manhattan; and its western end is found in New Jersey’s wooded bluffs of the Palisades. Being twice as long as previous suspension bridges, it was and still is a wonder of beauty of its time. To many it will always be the greatest of all bridges past and present. It spans the river to connect New York City and New Jersey; it gave many challenged planners and engineers, like Othmar Ammann, who was the brilliant minded, Swiss-born architect and engineer that proposed his bridge design and vision in 1923 to make something extraordinary that had ultimately been chosen above any and all other designs and ideas.

The Plan behind the Design

The Port Authority Construction was set to begin in October of 1927, with Ammann as the new chief engineer. It was Ammann’s design, so bold and with great foresight, it was to be an extraordinary 3,500-foot center span that was to be suspended between two 570-foot steel towers and have the strength to carry two levels of roadway or rails. In his vision, the physical construction of this bridge was itself to be a marvel of engineering. Designing is so that the four main cables were each composed of a single strand to be carried back and forth across the river at a high travel count of 61 times. Ammann thought that each strand itself should be a bundle of 434 individual wires-wraps around a stranded shoe in the anchorage before looping back toward the opposite shore; giving it the strength it would need. Each shoe was designed to be connected to a bar sunk deep into the anchorage that would hold the strand in its place.

Construction Continued…

Prior to anything else being done both of towers were built first; once the two towers were put into place, the four main cables, all four measured a yard in diameter, were then strung up from shore to shore and up over the top of each of the towers. Next, steel suspenders were hung from the main cables, to support the roadway. Finally, came the time for the bridge men to construct the road and foot by foot, out from the shores they hung it from steel suspenders as they worked.

Tidbits about the Structure of the Bridge

Anchored to the New York anchorage, it consists of 110,000 cubic yards of concrete; it weighs approximately 260,000 tons. The main cables are tied into the rock of the Palisades in front of the Hudson River; at the time of its construction it required an excavation of 200,000 yards of solid rock. The George Washington Bridge first opened up to traffic in 1931, a year later during the first year of operation, in 1932 over 5.5 million vehicles used the original constructed six-lane roadway; as the demands of traffic grew, an additional construction was deemed necessary. In order to find an easy solution to the growing demand, the two center lanes on the bridge that had been left unpaved its original construction, were then finished and opened up to traffic in 1946; increasing its capacity by one-third. In later year, six lanes of roadway on the lower roadway of the bridge were completed in 1962.

Tourism Tuesday – The Brooklyn Bridge

When you think of New York several things come to mind; one of these things more often than not is, the Brooklyn Bridge. If you have yet to have the chance to experience New York and the great city it is best known for, you are missing out on one of the best experiences of your life. New York, also known as the “Big Apple”, is the mecca state of excitement and much more.

As a tourist, I have always believed that in this great country of ours, New York City is the place to be, at any given time of the year; to visit and take in the attractions such as the Brooklyn Bridge. The creation of this beautiful piece of living art began in 1870 and completed in 1883; one of the oldest suspension bridges known in the US, the Brooklyn Bridge has been one attraction that draws in the crowds each day. The size of this famous bridge, it spans across the East River at nearly 1600 feet; the Brooklyn Bridge was also the longest bridge until the year 1903.

The Location of the Brooklyn Bridge and Nearby Subways to the Brooklyn Bridge

Connecting lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, the Brooklyn Bridge gives access to the pedestrian walkway in two ways; the first one coming from Brooklyn at Tillary Street and Adams Street or by a staircase located on Prospect Street between the Cadman Plaza East and West. In Manhattan you can access the Brooklyn Bridge near City Hall Park at Park Row and Centre Street. Aside from the foot traffic, the ease of access to the Brooklyn Bridge is highly regarded as an experience that is unlike any other.

In order to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge from Manhattan, you can take the 4/5/6 to the Brooklyn Bridge at City Hall, or if you rather you can travel from N/R to City Hall; and the last option would be the 2/3 to Park Place.

In order to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge from Brooklyn, you can take the A/C to High Street or the 2/3 to Clark Street; either way, the access to the bridge is not very difficult. More than anything, it will be the foot traffic you will have maneuver. Also take note of the hours and admission.

The Brooklyn Bridge is open 24 hours. There is no charge for walking across and no toll if driving. You can find more information at the Brooklyn Bridge Official Website by visiting, http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/bridges/bridges.shtml#brooklyn

Let me tell you about the Brooklyn Bridge

There is so much for you to learn about the Brooklyn Bridge; more than anything the experience of walking across this iconic bridge. This historic monument has been a part of New York City since 1883, it is the most used of New York’s East River bridge crossings; with its highly talked about views and architectural features of the Neo-Gothic Towers. The traffic pattern alone at either end of this bridge is a boardwalk unlike any you will ever see. Do not forget to bring your camera; this experience, for many, only happens once in a lifetime.

Tourism Tuesday Featuring Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

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If you have a penchant for architecture, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum should be right up your alley. Although the regular admission might seem a little steep at twenty-two dollars, it is well worth it. The Guggenheim Museum is an art powerhouse. It is nestled on the Upper Eastside of New York City and has a prize winning collection of modern and contemporary art.

The Guggenheim got its start because of Mr. Solomon R. Guggenheim and Hilla Rebay. Mr. Guggenheim had a collection of nonobjective artwork that continued to grow and Hilla Rebay nurtured his love for artwork. Eventually this collection grew so large; Mr. Guggenheim decided to start a museum. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum was completed in the year 1959, but it underwent several renovations in the 1990’s and in the early 2000’s. The Guggenheim was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, a famous and celebrated architect and is considered an architectural masterpiece. This museum was commissioned by the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation and serves as a beacon for contemporary and non-objective art. Within its walls, you can see all sorts of mediums and techniques. From paintings to sculptures to drawings, the Guggenheim showcases it all.

The Guggenheim remains current partly because of its contribution to society. It is regarded as the most impressive modern day art collection on the planet. The art housed within it is timeless. The Guggenheim is internationally renowned and held in high esteem by all artistic communities. Works that are housed within the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum are of a very high caliber. Today artists are thrilled to be included, but in the beginning there were doubts. Some artists did not want their pieces showcased within the Guggenheim because of the odd architecture. They were afraid that their works would be diminished by Mr. Lloyd Wright’s unique and interesting design. Although the weird layout of the Guggenheim put off some, others were intrigued. Eventually artists overcame the Guggenheim’s off kilter design, and today admittance is highly competitive. Only the best are considered.

Although the Guggenheim is decades old, it remains culturally relevant today. No matter where you go or what you choose to watch, you can’t escape the Guggenheim. It has a profound effect on the art world. This is especially true in New York. It is immersed New York’s art culture and it has also invaded our mainstream media. There have been several references to the illustrious Guggenheim for years in our pop culture. The most famous example of this is Men in Black. This movie was extremely popular and was seen by hundreds of millions of viewers. The Guggenheim was also used in Mr. Popper’s Penguins, Bye Bye Birdie and Ugly Betty.

For all you modern art fanatics, the Guggenheim is the place to be. Come check it out. You’ll be glad you did.

By Melissa Cooke

Tourism Tuesday Featuring Yankee Stadium

alg-yankee-stadium-jpgFor all you baseball fans out there, Yankee Stadium has a lot to offer. Don’t let the curse of Great Bambino scare you off. The Yankee baseball dynasty is here to stay. The Yankees have always had a competitive and dominant team and this epic empire is housed in a jewel of a building. Yankee Stadium is lush and exciting. It can house over fifty thousand people and is located in the southern section of the Bronx in New York City. Whether you go there for a great time or great game or both, you won’t leave disappointed. Even if by some chance you aren’t a baseball fan, Yankee Stadium hosts other events like concerts and even graduation services.

Yankee Stadium is a place of legend. It is one of the meccas of baseball,  housing one of the most prestigious baseball teams of all time. Although the Yankees have been around for quite awhile, the current Yankee stadium is relatively new. The new Yankee Stadium which is built next door to the older one was completed in 2009. It took a lot of time and effort to complete and cost over four hundred million dollars. This was in addition to the expense of the rebuilding of the New York Mets Stadium as well. Although the new layout is fairly similar to the older version, Yankee Stadium has been updated with some fantastic perks.

In the new stadium, the seats for everyone are roomier and now there is a cup holder at every seat. There are also more bathrooms. All of these are big improvements, but the biggest and most lucrative one is the inclusion of a lot more suites. These suites and skyboxes can be rented out at any time during the year. It does not have to be baseball season. For all you tried and true baseball fans out there, the Yankee’s franchise has a lot of history. You can witness it all first hand at their museum which is located on the lower level near gate six.

When you come to Yankee Stadium there is a lot to do. Of course if it is in season, you can watch a spectacular game. But, even if it isn’t baseball season, there is a lot of action to be had at Yankee Stadium. For all you food lovers, there is a lot to choose from.  You can get baseball staples like hot dogs and cracker jacks or more eclectic selections like candy apples and even sushi. At Yankee Stadium, there are over 25 fixed food stands and over a hundred mobile ones. You are not limited to just stale hot dogs or greasy burgers, there is a lot of food to choose from.  Yankee Stadium even houses an upscale steakhouse and Hard Rock Café.

No matter what your life style or your personal interests are, Yankee Stadium has something to keep you enthralled and entertained.

By Melissa Cooke