Travel |

June 7, 2017

Here’s What You Can See From the Chrysler Building

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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.

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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.

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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 |

October 26, 2016

| OROGOLD

Awesome Attractions at LA’s Griffith Park

Situated in Los Feliz, on the eastern side of the Santa Monica Mountains, Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America, stretching out for an impressive 4,310 acres. Considered to be a wilder and more rugged version of New York’s Central Park by many, Griffith Park boasts an incredibly wide range of attractions, from the iconic Hollywood Sign to the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens to the one and only horse ranch in the greater Los Angeles area, placing it at the top of every to-do list for first-time visitors.

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Home to around 250 species of animals, totaling over 1100 creatures altogether, the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens were founded in 1966, and remain a popular attraction in the city. In addition to touring the many exhibits at the zoo, from the Elephants of Asia to the Campo Gorilla Reserve, visitors will also be able to explore the 800 plant species that live in the selection of botanical gardens here.

The Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood sign is one of LA’s most legendary icons, and this is located in Griffith Park. Standing at 45 feet tall and 350 feet long, the sign is surrounded by a 138 acre protected piece of land that ensures that no developments can block this world famous view. There are many different areas of the park that provide views of the sign, with some of the most popular being found on the many hiking trails that criss-cross around Mt. Hollywood.

Griffith Observatory
After it first opened in 1935, the Griffith Observatory quickly became one of the top cultural icons in the city, offering some of the best views of LA, stretching all the way from the Pacific Ocean to Downtown, and includes the Hollywood sign. The Griffith Observatory is also where you will find the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, the Zeiss Telescope and the Gottlieb Transit Corridor, all of which contribute to the observatory’s goal of inspiring people to “observe, ponder and understand the sky”.

Sunset Ranch Hollywood
The only horse ranch that is located within the greater Los Angeles area, the Sunset Ranch Hollywood provides visitors with the opportunity to enjoy a truly unique perspective of Griffith Park. There are a number of activities here that visitors can sign up for, from a horseback riding lesson to a Sunset Dinner Ride to a BBQ ride. For those who want to properly explore the park on horseback, there are a few different guided tours to choose from, with the one hour trail ride providing you with spectacular views of the Hollywood sign, and the two hour trail ride taking you to the top of Griffith Park to experience a 360 degree panorama of Los Angeles.

With so many different awesome attractions available, it is no surprise that Griffith Park receives millions of visitors each and every year. Whether you are looking for unparalleled views of the Hollywood sign, or want to enjoy a day out at the zoo, Griffith Park is, without a doubt, the best place to go.

Travel |

August 31, 2016

| OROGOLD

San Juan’s Paseos or Walkways

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There are not many cities that can boast their scenic walkways as one of their top attractions, but this is what helps to set San Juan apart from many other Caribbean destinations. From what is considered to be one of the most scenic walks in the world, and takes you along San Juan Bay, to a leisurely stroll beside a historic fort, these are some of San Juan’s most revered paseos.

Paseo de la Princesa

Paseo de la Princesa
Considered to be one of the most scenic walks in the world, Paseo de la Princesa is a beautifully restored European-inspired walkway that dates all the way back to 1853. Lined with trees that provide plenty of shade from the intense sun, Paseo de la Princesa is home to several different vendors and street stalls that are a joy to browse as you pass by. There are a number of different highlights to this walk, from the historic Puerto Rico Tourism Company building, which was built in 1837 as a prison, to the Raices Fountain, which signifies the rich cultural diversity found throughout the island. Once you reach the fountain, you will be able to enjoy incredible views back over Paseo de la Princesa, as well as across San Juan Bay.

Paseo del Morro
Part of the San Juan National Historic Site, Paseo del Morro stretches for 1.5 miles between Old San Juan and the harbour. Established as a National Recreational Trail in 2001, Paseo del Morro runs alongside the city’s looming stone walls and garitas, offering views across San Juan Bay. One of the highlights of Paseo del Morro are the scenic sunsets that can be enjoyed from here, especially as, on a clear day, you can see all the way out to Isla de Cabras.

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Calle del Cristo
While not an official seaside walkway, Calle del Cristo is a picturesque street in Old San Juan, and was the first paved road in the city back in the early 1500s. The best route for this walk begins at the Plaza del Totem, where you will find a 40 foot totem pole that symbolizes Puerto Rico’s ancient culture, even though the pole itself may only be 20 years old. From here, you can take a leisurely stroll down the street, stopping off at any stores or boutiques along the way that catch your interest. At the end of the road is Capilla del Cristo, which is an Old World chapel and landmark that dates back to the 18th century, and well worth exploring further.

While Paseo del Morro and Paseo de la Princesa may be two of the top walkways in San Juan, there are many other enjoyable walks to be had, whether along the coastline or through the heart of the city’s colonial buildings. There are many ways in which San Juan can be explored, but those who want to experience the unique nuances that give the city its one-of-a-kind charm should definitely consider taking a few of these walks, as they will provide you with an insight into the city that you would not have otherwise experienced.