Flatiron District

The Flatiron District is an area of Manhattan which cannot be missed. This area is home to restaurants, shopping, and the historical Flatiron Building. This portion of the city is a wonderful hotspot to entertain many.

The Flatiron Building is a very uniquely shaped, triangular building which was designed by Daniel Burnham. Located on the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, this building is one which stands out to tourists and locals alike. It was deemed the second skyscraper to grace New York City's skyline and is a wonderful location to take photographs.

Image of the Flatiron Building as taken by John Rivera.

Just across the street from the Flatiron Building is Madison Square Park. Madison Square Park was established in 1814 and was formally opened as a park in 1847. The park is a nice place to sit and relax after a long day in the city. Although it isn't as large as Central Park, this park does feature many trees, a quiet pond and unique art throughout.

Nestled in Madison Square Park is a well known burger joint called Shake Shack. Beginning as a hotdog cart in this park, it has now expanded with stores throughout New York and spreading to major cities such as Chicago. The official Shake Shack stand was opened in 2004 and stands in Madison Square Park. Lines to eat at the original Shake Shack location stretch throughout the park, but the wait is worth it for the quality burgers, fries and milkshakes.

Image of Shake Shack, as taken by Trinity Building. 

All in all, the Flatiron District is a very diverse area featuring some outstanding architecture, food, and scenery. Be sure to make a visit!


Sources:
https://www.madisonsquarepark.org/about-the-park
http://www.history.com/topics/flatiron-building
http://www.10best.com/destinations/new-york/new-york/flatiron-district/
http://www.matadorpress.com/wp-content/gallery/flatiron-building-new-york/flatiron-building-john-rivera.jpg
http://www.trinitybuildingusa.com/wp-content/uploads/Shack_MSP_7200-600x400.jpg

Statue of Liberty

Opened in 1886 the Statue of Liberty was designed by Fredric Auguste Bortholdi, Gustave Effiel, Euginr Viollet-le-Duc, and Richard Morris Hunt. The statue was a gift from France to the United States. The statue represents freedom due to the United States welcoming many immigrants arriving from abroad.
There are many things to do inside of the statue of liberty for instance visitors can make online reservations to visit the crown-The access is limited and visitors must be able to walk up 162 steps to get to the top!




Visitors are also provided with Park Ranger Tours, it provides visitors with a better understanding of the statue and the Island. all ages are welcomed and the tour is included when purchasing a ticket. The duration tour can last up to 45 minutes.
To add on Self guided audiotours are also provided it helps visitors learn about the Statue and the history behind it. Audio toursd are provided for everyone and the cost is also included when purchasing a ticket


Sources:
https://www.nps.gov/stli/planyourvisit/visit-the-crown.htm
https://www.nps.gov/stli/planyourvisit/things2do.htm

The High Line

The High Line is a unique public park located in Manhattan that provides visitors with views of the New York City skyline.

First opening in 1934, the High Line was originally a railway system created with intentions to be able to run through the center of blocks. By 1999, the purpose of the High Line was no longer for transporting goods and advocates pushed for the area to be used as a public park. After years of reconstruction, the High Line was open to the public on June 9, 2009.

While the High Line utilizes its railroad tracks to provide for a unique look, the landscaping done to transform the railroad into a park is extraordinary. A variety of grasses, shrubs, and trees were planted throughout to represent the vegetation that originally grew in the area.

There are many rules and regulations implemented in order to ensure that the High Line is maintained. While it is encouraged for visitors to walk along the High Line and take photographs, it is prohibited to walk along the rail tracks, gravel, or plants as well as to use bicycles and skateboards.

Many events are held at the High Line throughout the year. Stargazing is a popular event as you are able to view the sky through provided telescopes. To encourage the protection of the wildlife in this area, habitat and wildlife tours are done throughout the spring. Public art is also present throughout the High Line, providing visitors with a chance to see unique sculptors, murals and performances.

Image of the High Line as taken from The Guardian.

Source: 
http://www.thehighline.org/
http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/the-high-line
https://static-secure.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2014/8/3/1407076385188/First-section-of-the-High-014.jpg

Brooklyn Bridge

Opened to the public in 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge is a unique tourist attraction that many flock to daily.

The Brooklyn Bridge was created by John Augustus Roebling and successfully links the boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan. The project took a total of 600 workers, $15 million (an estimated value of $320 million today) and an abundance of steel suspension cables and granite blocks.

Today, the Brooklyn Bridge receives over 150,000 vehicles and pedestrians crossing every day.

Image of the Brooklyn Bridge, as taken from world-visits.com 

While many enjoy walking the Brooklyn Bridge, it is not the only way to view this sight. Next to the Brooklyn Bridge is Brooklyn Bridge Park, an 85 acre stretch of land that provides a space for recreational activities while providing an area for individuals to admire the New York skyline. The park includes Piers 1-6 where children and adults alike can partake in a series of sports throughout the year.


Sources:
http://www.american-historama.org/1881-1913-maturation-era/brooklyn-bridge.htm
http://www.history.com/topics/brooklyn-bridge
http://www.brooklynbridgepark.org/pages/history

Prospect Park

In Brooklyn Prospect Park is one of the most popular places to go to all year around, It is a a 585-acre public park which provides visitors with free events and different places to go to such as the carousel, playgrounds, tennis center and the zoo!

Image of the map of Prospect Park as taken from mappery.com

The carousel is one of the most popular attractions in the park. It was carved in 1912 by Charles Carmel, The carousel is a popular destination for kids and can be booked for special events and birthday parties. The admission cost is not expensive although prices may vary, children under the age of 12 can ride for free on Thursdays in August. The cost of one ride is $2 or $9 for 5 rides

. Hours may vary
Thursday through Sunday(+Holidays): 12-5 PM
Public parties for children are available for groups up to 60 people or 25 when during public hours.

Image of the lake at Prospect Park as taken from brownstoner.com

Sources: www.prospectpark.org

SoHo

SoHo is a neighborhood located in Manhattan that is notorious for its industrial styled buildings and stone paved streets. While many visit the SoHo area to shop, there are many other things SoHo is good for.

This neighborhood holds a wide selection of high end stores, making it a popular tourist attraction for many. There are not many places where you can walk down a street and be able to visit the stores of famous designers such as Alexander Wang and Kanye West in one day.

Not only are there high end stores, but there are many high end restaurants and small cafes in this area as well. Though it may seem as if these restaurants are hard to find, you can locate them on many side streets. Restaurants such as Blue Ribbon and Lure Fishbar are locations notorious for their seafood, while a restaurant such as Jack's Wife Freda is a good place to get home cooked meals.

If you are visiting SoHo and don't plan on spending large amounts of money on clothing and food , don't you worry! The SoHo area has a variety of art galleries for individuals to enjoy. One interesting gallery found in SoHo is The New York Earth Room, where a room is filled entirely with dirt.

SoHo is a photogenic location where many - teenagers and celebrities alike - come to in order to take pictures. The stone pavement and facade of the buildings provide a rustic feel, which is unique and cannot be compared to any other area in New York City.

Sources: http://www.nycgo.com/slideshows/must-see-soho

The Whitney Museum of American Art

The Whitney Museum of American Art was founded by Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney in the year 1930 and was opened in Greenwich Village in 1931. The museum was originally called the Whitney Studio, where Mrs. Whitney aimed to showcase artists whom were considered unconventional. Her studio was a success and eventually caught the attention of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, leading Mrs. Whitney to change her small studio to a museum. 

As the museum expanded, it began to outgrow its cramped building. In 1954, the museum expanded to West 54th street. By 1966, the museum purchased a building on Madison Avenue and 75th street. The museum uses a new building, which was acquired and opened in 2015 on Gansevoort Street. 

The new building of the museum was designed by architect Renzo Piano, taking a space next to the iconic High Line and the Hudson River. Though the original building is located on Gansevoort Street, The Whitney Museum has several installments of exhibitions throughout Manhattan.

The museum features a variety of artwork and exhibits. Permanently, The Whitney Museum is the host of more than 21,000 works and features over 3,000 artists. Along with these works, the Whitney provides a series of exhibits which are only open for a small time frame for the public to view. One of these exhibits, the Laura Poitras: Astro Noise exhibit, is currently open from February 5th to May 1st. 

Sources: whitney.org