Travel |

June 5, 2017

Running in New York

Couple running on Brooklyn Bridge

Running has always been a popular way for New Yorkers to stay fit, and there are so many different routes to choose from. Whether you are seeking a classic run through the heart of the city, or a leisurely jog through meadows of wildflowers, here are some areas to consider if you have been looking for a few new running routes in New York.

Sunken Meadow State Park
The Sunken Meadow State Park boasts a wide range of topography, as well as incredible views out over the Long Island Sound, with Connecticut in the distance. There are several trails to choose from here, including the 3.7 mile Sunken Meadow Loop Trail, the two-mile Greenbelt Trail, or simply just running along the three-mile beach.

Joggers in Central Park

The Central Park Loop
For those who want an easily accessible run in the heart of Manhattan, but away from traffic, the Central Park loop is idea. The scenery that you will see within the park is varied enough to be interesting throughout the run, which stretches out for just under ten kilometres, and there will also be easy access to facilities, from restrooms to water fountains, as well as many other runners to provide you with some extra motivation.

The East River Run
The East River Run is the route to take if you are hoping to catch some gorgeous city views along your way. This run starts off at the top of Central Park, before going over the RFK Bridge to Randall’s Island, and then returning back again. This is a long run, measuring just over 16 miles, but there are ways to cut it short, such as by skipping Queens. The route itself is great as it avoids a large amount of traffic, meaning that you will be able to maintain a steady stride throughout.

The Five Bridges Run
The Five Bridges Run is another long route, measuring just under 17 miles. This route will take you to so many places around the city, and will have you crossing five bridges, including the Manhattan Bridge, the Williamsburg Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge. Alternatively, you can shorten the route to just two bridges, the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan Bridge, which takes the journey down to just over three miles. While this is a great route for those who want to see more of the city, it does take you through some heavily populated areas, so you are best doing this run early in the morning if you want to avoid large amounts of traffic, both road and foot.

NattyC / Shutterstock.com

Prospect Park
For those who enjoy running in parks, but find Central Park too busy, Prospect Park in Brooklyn is your next best option. The route stretches out for just over three miles, and takes you past some of Brooklyn’s most popular landmarks, from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Arch to the Grand Army Plaza.

Fitness and physical activity is such an important part of staying healthy, and New Yorkers have long since recognized this. From the greenery of the Sunken Meadow State Park to the skyscrapers of Manhattan, these are some of the best running routes in the city.

Travel |

June 7, 2017

| OROGOLD

Here’s What You Can See From the Chrysler Building

Marc Venema / Shutterstock.com

One of New York City’s most famous skyscrapers, the Chrysler Building was, at one short point in time, the tallest building in the world, before it was overtaken by the Empire State Building eleven months later. However, although it may not be the world’s tallest building any more, it is still one of the tallest in New York, meaning that it offers some of the most incredible skyline views in the city.

The Lobby
The lobby of the Chrysler Building is the only part of the building that is officially open to the public, although there are still several ways to access the top floors. The lobby is open on weekdays from 8am to 6pm, and is an incredible example of Art Deco design, from the mural on the ceiling to the custom designed elevators.

Central Park
If you manage to make your way to the top floors of the Chrysler Building, one of the first features that will catch your eye is Central Park. This green oasis is the heart of the city, and the aerial view that you will have of it, surrounded by tall buildings and the grid layout of New York, will definitely impress.

pisaphotography / Shutterstock.com

Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is the busiest train station in the entire country, but your view of this iconic station from the top of the Chrysler Building will give you the opportunity to see it without all of the crowds. The station itself is over 100 years old now, making this a truly historic part of the city.

The East River
A salt water tidal estuary, the East River is actually a waterway rather than an official river, and connects Long Island Sound to the Upper New York Bay. From the Chrysler Building, you will be able to see all of the twists and turns that the East River takes, and, on a clear day, you may also be able to catch a glimpse of the Roosevelt Island Tramway snaking its way around the river.

Tinnaporn Sathapornnanont / Shutterstock.com

Times Square
New York’s Times Square is world-famous, and is one of the most popular attractions in the city. However, just like with the Grand Central Terminal, this is an attraction that tends to be filled with people, so those who want to experience it from a quieter point of view can do so from the Chrysler Building. While you will not be able to really take in the vibrancy of Times Square from above, you will still be able to see its flashing lights and exuberance, and you will soon understand exactly why it is so popular.

While there used to be a public observation deck at the top of the Chrysler Building, this was closed in 1945, and the top floors are now only accessible by the businesses that reside there, as well as those who are visiting said businesses. However, many determined urban explorers have still managed to find their way to the top of the building, and while it may take a bit of effort, the view that you will be rewarded with is most definitely worth it.

Travel |

May 19, 2017

| OROGOLD

Must See NYC Landmarks

New York City is filled with a mind-boggling array of famous landmarks, making it quite difficult for the first-time visitor to figure out which ones are actually worth seeing. From the Statue of Liberty to Times Square, these are a few of New York City’s must-see landmarks.

Luciano Mortula – LGM / Shutterstock.com

Times Square
Many would consider Times Square to be the most frenetic part of New York City, as this area of flashing lights and pushy crowds can definitely cause sensory overload. However, this is also one of the most iconic parts of the city, making it well worth a visit, although, if you do not tend to like chaos, you may want to keep this visit quite short.

Chris Parypa Photography / Shutterstock.com

Statue of Liberty and Battery Park
The Statue of Liberty was gifted to America by France in 1886, and is not only still one of the greatest of American icons, but is also famous for being a world symbol of freedom. This is the largest statue in the world, standing at just under 152 feet tall, and weighing an impressive 450,000 pounds. While it is possible to visit Liberty Island and see the statue up-close, those who would prefer to view it from Manhattan can do so from Battery Park, which offers splendid views of New York Harbor. This is also the spot at which you can catch a boat to take you to the statue, as well as to Ellis Island.

softdelusion66 / Shutterstock.com

The Empire State Building
Just like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building is another of the city’s world-famous landmarks, and first opened its doors in 1931. While the exterior of the building is already impressive, it is well worth taking a trip to the two observation decks at the top of the building. On a clear day, you will be able to see up to distances of 80 miles, and can even peek into the neighboring states of Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Jersey and Massachusetts.

meunierd / Shutterstock.com

The Brooklyn Bridge
When the Brooklyn Bridge was first completed in 1883, it made record books for being the longest suspension bridge of its time. While many other bridges have since overtaken it, the Brooklyn Bridge is still a much-loved landmark in the city. To make it even better, the bridge is easy to walk across, and offers spectacular views no matter which side you begin on.

T photography / Shutterstock.com

Central Park
One of the largest city parks in the world, Central Park is a lush, green oasis in the heart of New York, with many considering it to be the green lungs of the city. Within the boundaries of the park are a number of different attractions, from the Lake, which can be paddled in in the summer or ice skated on in the winter, to the Central Park Zoo to the Strawberry Fields. While it is easy to walk around the park, bikes are available to rent for those who would like to get from site to site a bit quicker.

New York City is home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world. From Central Park to the Statue of Liberty, these are just a few of the landmarks that you simply have to see when visiting the Big Apple.

Travel |

October 5, 2016

| OROGOLD

Famous New York City Attractions

New York is constantly pulsating with an exuberant energy, and it is no surprise that the city has frequently been ranked as the top travel destination in the world. From the iconic Empire State Building that towers over Gotham to the sprawling oasis of Central Park, these are some of New York City‘s most famous attractions.

Empire State Building
The second tallest skyscraper in New York, the Empire State Building was built in 1931, and while you may have to brave long queues before being able to reach the top, it is definitely a worthwhile experience. After taking in the art deco design of the lobby, you will then be whisked up 86 floors by the elevator to the first observation deck, or to the 102nd Floor Observatory where you will be 1250 feet above the city. From here, on a clear day, you will be able to enjoy views out across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and, of course, New York.

Central Park
New York City’s lush green playground, Central Park is another iconic feature of the city. Each year, millions of visitors descend on this 843 acre plot, which has everything from tranquil woodlands to open meadows. Ice skating here is a classic winter activity in New York, while the Central Park Zoo is always a hit with younger visitors.

Statue of Liberty and Liberty Island
Built in 1886, the Statue of Liberty was France’s gift to America, and, standing at 152 feet tall, is the largest statue in the world. Since this monument is located on Liberty Island, you can only access it by boat, but there are many ferry operators to choose from, as well as a wide variety of tours. Also on Liberty Island is the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, where you will be able to learn about the history of American immigration.

Metropolitan Museum of Art
Known locally as the Met, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the largest, and most visited, art museums in the world. With over two million pieces of art that span five centuries, this museum is a must-visit for any art enthusiasts out there, as it offers a collection that simply cannot be seen anywhere else in the world.

The High Line
The only elevated park in New York, the High Line stretches out for 1.4 miles, and was first opened to the public in 2009. Created on an abandoned railway track, this park snakes over the Meatpacking District, Chelsea and Hudson Yards, providing visitors with panoramic views of downtown New York and the Hudson River. With the sweet scent of flowers and greenery filling the air, the High Line is at its best during the summer months, but is still worth a visit at other times of the year.

New York is home to an astounding array of different sights, from the arty to the historic, meaning that just about anyone will be able to find a famous attraction that appeals to them in the city. While each of these attractions are a must-see, keep in mind that they are also always popular with every other tourist that visits the city, so you will need to plan your trip carefully if you want to avoid the majority of the crowds.