Issue No.1 Fall 2010 MEMORIESOf New

NEWSLETTERYork

Welcome ~ Bienvenidos ~ Bienvenue ~ Willkommen ~ Benvenuto ~ Bem-vindo Welcome to New York City

Thank you for picking up the first issue of the Memories of New York Newsletter. We hope it will be informative, whether it is your first time visiting, or your tenth time, or even if you are a resident.

New York City is undeniably one of the most diverse cities in the world. From Times Square to Chinatown, Wall Street to Harlem, Central Park to Greenwich Village, the city is a melting pot of culture, history, and entertainment. It is rich with world-famous landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty, the Chrysler Building, the Empire State Building, and the Brooklyn Bridge. But most importantly, its people are what truly make it a wonderful place to visit, and we welcome you.

Included with this newsletter is a handy updated pocket map of the city – a $5 value, absolutely FREE for you! – made exclusively for Memories of New York. With a detailed guide to subways and streets, it lists many popular and unique attractions. Keep it and enjoy the city!

Remember 9/11 – This September 2010 marks the 9th anniversary of the World Trade Center tragedy. Every year since then, the Tribute of Light has shined from Ground Zero in honor and memory of those lost, and as a symbol of strength and hope.

NYC Headlines

Statue of Liberty Closing to the Public in 2011 – According to reports, the Statue of Liberty – its crown, base, and pedestal – will be closed to the public starting in the Fall of next year for extensive security upgrades. Visitors will still be able to visit the park surrounding the statue, but access will be restricted starting around its 125th anniversary on October 12, 2011. Fireproof staircases, elevators, and exits will be installed in the $26 million renovation. The statue had only just reopened in May 2009 after being off -limits since September 11, 2001. According to statistics, more than 5 million visit the landmark every year, with up to 20,000 tourists a day during the summer. So now is the perfect time to experience the Statue of Liberty! Tours depart from Battery Park in downtown NYC. Go to StatueCruises.com to book online in advance.

Public Art: “Naked Man” Statues – If you were anywhere near Madison Square Park these past few months, you would have noticed several naked, iron men standing in and around the park, and on the rooftops and ledges of nearby buildings. Part of an exhibit called “Event Horizon,” they were the work of London artist Antony Gormley. Twenty-seven of these statues – made from a cast of his own body – were scattered around midtown

Manhattan, and even one of them was perched

on the ledge of the Empire State Building. They became the center of attention for tourists, who delighted in taking snapshots with them and pointing upwards, searching for them against the

skyline. Even though they could be easily mistaken for someone about to jump, most New

Yorkers remained unfazed as usual. .

Tourism in NYC

Tourism is one of New York City’s top largest industries, contributing about $30 billion a year to the economy, and in 2010, it is set to break its own records by reaching an estimated 47.5 visitors. In 2009, the city drew 45 million tourists, making it the top tourist destination in the U.S. for the first time in twenty years. The first half of this year has already drawn 8.75% more tourists compared to a year ago. The projected estimate by the end of 2010 is 47.5 million visitors, a total not matched since 2008. What’s more, we’re seeing a rebound in international visitors as well. Mayor Michael Bloomberg aims to reach a goal of 50 million by 2012. In anticipation, the city has spent $1.2 billion on expanding the Delta Airlines terminal at John F. Kennedy airport, one of the busiest airports in the nation. Serving 11 million passengers annually, it will get nine new international gates, a larger baggage claim area, and more aircraft parking space.

Statistically, the average foreign visitor spends more than a domestic visitor. But despite the economic downturn, as tourist spending fell to approximately $28 billion last year from $32 billion the previous year, it is still a positive sign, for every aspect of accommodating the influx must rise to the occasion. According to official reports, about 4,000 hotel rooms were added within the past year, and in June alone, 60 hotels were under construction. Hotel occupancy had also gone up from 77% to 83%. YEAR VISITORS New restaurants open every month, Broadway 2000 36.2 mil theater ticket sales are consistently strong, and 2001 35.2 mil souvenir and gift shops have become a billion

dollar industry of their own. With many reasons 2002 35.3 mil to keep coming back, repeat visitors are also

2003 37.8 mil contributing to the city’s success. Employment 2004 39.9 mil opportunities are obviously also affected, as one in nine workers in NYC is employed in 2005 42.6 mil hospitality jobs at places such as hotels, 2006 43.8 mil restaurants, and theaters. Even though prices that have been lowered to attract consumers 2007 46.0 mil bring down tax revenues, staffing is always 2008 47.0 mil required and visitors still spend money on 2009 45.25 mil much-needed everyday services.

Museum Events & Exhibitions

Who says that fun can’t be educational? Here are some choice exhibits that are on for a limited-time, so check them out while you can!

Metropolitan Museum of Art: Italian Drawings from the Tobey th th Collection. Italian Old Master drawings from the 16 to 18 centuries and covering the principal centers of Italian art will be on display for a limited time. Now through September 19, 2010. 1000 5th Ave. at 82nd St., 4/5/6 to

86th St.; closed Monday, open Tues-Thurs 9:30am-5:30pm, Fri & Sat 9:30am- 9:00pm, Sun 9:30am-5:30pm; admission: adults $20, seniors $15, students

$10, kids free. www.metmuseum.org

Museum of Modern Art: Matisse: Radical Invention, 1913-1917. – View some of the most enigmatic, abstract, and experimental works of Matisse’s career. Now through October 11, 2010. 11 West 53rd St., between 5th and 6th Aves, E/M to 53rd, B/D/F/M to 47-50 Sts. Rockefeller Center; closed Tuesday, other days open from 10:30am-5:30pm; admission: adults $20, seniors $16, students $12, kids (16 & under) free. www.moma.org

American Museum of Natural History: Lizards & Snakes Alive! – View an extraordinary collection of live lizards, snakes, and frogs from all over the world! A great opportunity to get up close to exotic creatures like never before. Now through September 20, 2010. 79th St. & Central Park West, B/C to 81st St. station; open daily 10am-5:45pm; admission for this exhibit includes access to the rest of the museum: adults $24, kids $14, seniors/students $18. www.amnh.org Discovery Times Square Exposition: King Tut and the Golden Age of the Pharoahs – For the first time in 30 years, the legendary boy king’s remains and treasures are being shown exclusively in the heart of New York City! Now through January 2, 2011. 226 West 44th St. between 7th & 8th Avenues, subways to 42nd St. Times Square or 49th St.; open Sun-Thurs 9am-9:30pm, Fri & Sat 9am-10:30pm; admission: adult $29.50, kids $19.50, seniors $26.50. www.kingtut.org

On Broadway

Act fast to take advantage of these Fall deals on Broadway and off- Broadway. Many shows, including a number of Tony winners, have been reduced to up to 50% off!

STOMP -- $34 (reg. $72.50) * includes Orchestra seats from Sept. 7- Dec. 22

La Cage Aux Folles -- $40.50 (reg. $66.50) * Tony-winning show starring Kelsey Grammer, Sept. 7 - Oct. 3

Chicago -- $45.25 (reg. $89) * Tony-winning show starring John O'Hurley, Sept. 6 - Nov. 7

West Side Story -- $66 (reg. $120) * includes Orchestra & Front Mezzanine seats, Sept. 7 - Oct. 8

Avenue Q -- $55 (reg. $89.50) * includes Orchestra & Front Mezzanine seats, Sept. 6 - Oct. 31

Mamma Mia -- $64.50 (reg. $127.50) * includes Orchestra & Front Mezzanine seats, Sept. 13 - Oct. 31

In the Heights -- $66 (reg. $120) * includes Orchestra & Front Mezzanine seats, Sept. 6 - Oct. 30

Phantom of the Opera -- $66.50 (reg. $121.50) * Tony-winning show; includes Orchestra & Mezzanine seats, Sept. 7 - Nov. 6

Rock of Ages -- $69 (reg. $119.50) * includes Orchestra seats, now through Oct. 30

Promises, Promises -- $79.50 (reg. $126.50) * stars Sean Hayes; includes Orchestra & Mezzanine seats, Sept. 7 - Oct. 31

Memphis -- $81.50 (reg. $126.50) * 2010 Tony Award winner for Best Musical, Sept. 7-Nov. 21

Visit http://www.travelzoo.com/entertainment/new-york for discount codes and theater info, or the TKTS booth in Times Square for even more savings!

Sightseeing Deals by Bus

There are many ways to see the city – by bus, ferry, bicycle, or even helicopter. Here are the best ways to get around and experience the city, whatever your budget.

CitySightsNY.com – This hop-on hop-off bus tour will take you around neighborhoods of your choice starting at $44 ($34 for kids). Book online and save!

NewYorkSightseeing.com – Ride the iconic red double-decker tour bus on routes of your choice starting at $39 ($29 for kids).

BigTaxiTours.com – You can’t miss this bright yellow checkered bus! Packages start at $29 ($19 for kids), and include trips via bus, Water Taxi, and helicopter. Screentours.com – NYC has been the backdrop of many popular movies and TV shows, from Sex and the City to Ghostbusters. This bus tour will take you to some of the most iconic locations. Tours are daily and cost $40 for a 3.5 hour tour. (212-209-3370) Also check out CityPass.com – purchase a booklet that offers you access to up to SIX major attractions, including the Empire State Building and the Museum of Modern Art, for only $79 ($59 for kids). Booklets are available online or at any CityPass attraction, which includes the Empire State Building, the Museum of Modern Art, the American Museum of Natural History, Circle Line, the Museum of Modern Art, the Guggenheim Museum, and Top of the Rock Observation Deck. This is one of the best deals in town.

Helicopter, Bike, & Walking NYC #s

311 – Provides LibertyHelicopter.com – These helicopter package free, quick access tours start at $150 per person and take you above the to information city and include either a walking tour through about city services neighborhoods such as Wall Street or the East 24/7 in 170 Village, or a 90 minute cruise. languages. NYTours.us – These 15 to 20 minute helicopter 411 – For directory tours offer some of the most breathtaking views of assistance. NYC, from the Statue of Liberty to Central Park. Rates start at $149.95 per person. 911 – For police, fire, or ambulance. AllNewYorkTours.com – The Manhattan Sky Helicopter Tour takes you above Lady Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, and more. Price is $159.99 if you book in advance online. NYC WWWs

HeliNY.com – Basic through deluxe packages start NYCgo.com – at $139 per person and take you up the Hudson river The official guide to include views of the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings. to the city and all it has to offer CentralParkBikeTours.com – Go green and see the city on a bicycle! These packages will allow you to iloveny.com – explore more than just Central Park. From Harlem to The official New Brooklyn, these all-day tours start at $49. York state

BiketheBigApple.com – See and learn about a tourism site variety of areas, from culturally rich ethnic neighborhoods, to the best of Brooklyn. If you bring FlatironBID.org – your own bike, you get $10 off the package price. Official site for the 23rd St. WalkingToursManhattan.com – Want to explore Partnership & NYC on foot? Take your pick of neighborhoods that interest you, whether it’s food-based or culture- Flatiron District based, there’s something for everyone. Rates start at $24 per person. NY1.com – 24hr news channel BigOnion.com – This offers many historical walking tours, from the immigrant experience to the MTA.info – Bus neighborhoods where the “Gangs of New York” once and subway roamed. Rates start at $15 per person for tours that maps and info last about two hours. No reservations required – just show up at your meeting site of choice!

Visitor FAQs: Getting Around NYC

How much is a cab ride? How much is a MetroCard? The standard rate is $3 upon A MetroCard is a reusable card that entry, plus 40¢ per per mile or you use to pay for fares on subways minute, or if stopped or slow. and local buses, and is the cheapest There is a $1 surcharge for peak way to get around the city (short of hours Monday through Friday walking). One way fare is $2.25. Up from 4pm to 8pm. 50¢ will also to three children 44 inches tall and be added as a nighttime surcharge under ride for free with a paying from 8pm to 6am. If any of that is adult. You can purchase a confusing, don’t worry – cabs MetroCard at any subway station have an electronic meter installed booth or vending machine with on the dashboard. A typical ride credit card, debit card, or cash. Some with minimal traffic would cost merchants like convenience stores or from $6-$12. gift shops may sell them as well.

There is a flat fare of $45 from You have several convenient options JFK airport to Manhattan. A $15 to choose from, depending on the surcharge applies to fares to length of your stay, or how often Newark Airport, in addition to you’re going to be using the public tolls – the estimated total would transportation system. be around $70-$75. Fares to LaGuardia are about $25-$30.  The Pay-Per-Ride card allows you to buy as many Fares to other boroughs vary. The rides as you want starting at $4.50 and is refillable at Bronx: $40-$50. Brooklyn: $35- $40. Queens: $20-$25. Staten any MetroCard vending Island: $50-$55. machine. Put $8 or more on your card and receive a And remember to tip your cabbie! 15% bonus!  1-Day Fun Pass costs $8.25 for unlimited rides from first use until 3:00 a.m. the following day.  7-Day Unlimited Ride costs $27 for unlimited rides until midnight, 7 days from first use.  14-Day Unlimited Ride costs $51.50 for unlimited rides until midnight, 14 days from first use.

Take the Kids!

It’s not easy to keep a child entertained, even if you’re tTvisiting one of the liveliest cities in the world. So here are a few places where kids – and adults, too, of course – can have a great time!

Coney Island – Want a day at the beach or a ride on a rollercoaster? Head out to Brooklyn to the historic boardwalks and NYC Sights for FREE! newly invigorated Luna Park. Get a famous Nathan’s hot dog, play some skeeball, and Staten Island Ferry – Cross behold the Wonder Wheel. Visit the New York Aquarium, too! Luna Park open Mon- the Hudson River to Staten Fri 12pm-12am, Sat & Sun 11-am-12am; Island and back again to get Aquarium open Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, gen fantastic views of the NYC admission adults $13, kids $9, seniors $10; skyline and Lady Liberty. D/F/N/Q to Stillwell Ave. Take the 4/5 to South Ferry, R to Whitehall St., or 6 to Sony Wonder Technology Lab – Got a Bowling Green, then walk whiz kid? Here is where only the coolest of south to the ferry terminal. science and technology can be experienced Ferries depart every 30 in four floors of hands-on exhibits. Sony minutes and last 25 minutes Plaza, 56th St. & Madison Ave., 4/5/6/N/R th th each way. to 59 St. station, or F to 57 St.; Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-pm to 5pm, closed Mon;

Walk Across the Brooklyn admission is free, but book in advanced to Bridge – Enjoy the view guarantee entry! (212) 833-8100 or (800) from the most iconic 421-1220. www.sonywondertechlab.com structure that links Brooklyn Central Park Zoo – No visit to NYC is to Manhattan. Take the complete without saying hello to the sea 4/5/6 to City Hall-Brooklyn lions and polar bears. The adjoining Tisch Bridge, J/Z to Chambers St., Children’s Zoo also offers opportunities to or the R/N to City Hall. feed and pet friendly goats and bunnies. Follow the concrete ramp Located near the southeast corner of from Centre Street or Park Central Park between 63rd & 65th Streets; Row. Stay clear of the bike N/R/Q to 59th St. station, or 6 to 68th St. lane, and wear comfortable Hunter College; open daily, 10am-5pm, to shoes for the 45-60 minute 5:30pm on weekends; admission: adults stroll. Need a ride back? $12, kids $7, seniors $9. Take the A/C at High St. www.centralparkzoo.com station at Cadman Plaza E.

Hotels in & Around the Flatiron District

Memories of New York is proud to support our neighbors in the Flatiron District. Be sure to check out more hotel listings in other neighborhoods in future issues! Ace Hotel 20 West 29th Street (212) 679-2222 www.acehotel.com

The Carlton 88 Madison Avenue (212) 532-4100 www.carltonhotelny.com Setai Fifth Avenue th 400 5 Ave. Gershwin Hotel (877) 247-6688 7 East 27th Street www.setaififthavenue.com (212) 545-8000 ext. 7421 www.gershwinhotel.com Broadway Plaza Hotel 1155 Broadway Hotel Giraffe (212) 679-7665 365 Park Avenue South www.broadwayplazahotel.com (212) 685-7700 www.hotelgiraffe.com Comfort Inn 18-20 West 25th Street Latham Hotel (212) 645-3990 4 East 28th Street www.comfortinn.com (212) 685-8300 www.thelathamhotel.com Hotel Roger Williams 131 Madison Avenue The MAve Hotel (212) 448-7000 62 Madison Avenue www.hotelrogerwilliams.com (212) 532-7373 www.themavehotel.com Wyndham Garden Hotel Manhattan 37 West 24th Street (212) 243-0800 www.wyndham.com

Sports in NYC

If you’re a sports fan, there are lots of events to check out in venues around the city.

We’re still in the midst of baseball season, so how about catching a Mets or Yankees game? Even if you’re not a fan (perish the

thought!), it’s the experience that counts.

Besides, they could be playing against your own hometown team, so be sure to represent!

The Mets play at the brand new Citi Field, which

was completed just last year, in Queens. Getting there is easy by subway – simply take the 7 train to Willets Point Stadium.

The Yankees’ home is at the new Yankee Stadium, which also opened in 2009, in the Bronx. Take the 4 train from the East side of Manhattan, or the B/D from the West side, all the way up to 161 Street.

Or if you prefer tennis to baseball, then you can always catch the US Open. The tournament lasts until September 12, so reserve tickets now. The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center can be reached by the 7 train to Willets Point.

Why is the Big Apple Called on a tree, but there’s “The Big Apple”? only one Big Apple,” that one being There are a number of urban Manhattan. But a legends that surround this question. horse-racing One common theory is that the writer named John J. Fitz Gerald phrase most likely originated in was the first to use the phrase in showbiz circles, since NYC has print in the 1920s, after hearing it always been a prominent part in the used by African-American stable entertainment world. Jazz musicians boys working at a race track. He and vaudevillians in the 1930s had a used it often since then, and the saying that “There are many apples nickname became popular slang.

Memories of New York

If you would like to send us questions or feedback about this newsletter, please feel free to email us at [email protected] or visit us online at our website memoriesofnewyork.com. Tell us what you would like to see in the next issue! About the Flatiron This newsletter will be available in our store at 206 Fifth Avenue, and also in District Flatiron District hotel lobbies and throughout the city. If you would like to th keep receiving this newsletter in print In the late 19 century, this form, email us your name and address, historic neighborhood was and we will send one to you every once the center of activity in month free of charge. Additionally, you New York City. So named can sign up to receive this newsletter because of the uniquely online. shaped Fuller Building, which was completed in 1902 and is There is only one Memories of New better known as the Flatiron York store in the city, and in the world. Building, it is where Broadway It is not a chain, and that is why we and Fifth Avenue intersect at strive to be the best in providing our the corner of Madison Square customers with not only quality NYC Park. Landmarks dot the area gifts and souvenirs, but the finest in with history. There is the American classic icons. gilded sidewalk clock on Fifth

Avenue which has stood there Thank you for reading, and remember to look us up on Facebook and Twitter! since 1859. General Worth Square is one of the few

structures in NYC that is also a FREE GIFT WITH PURCHASE! mausoleum. And Theodore Receive a free gift (1 per Roosevelt’s birthplace is at 28 family) with purchase at East 20th Street, marked by a brownstone building built in Memories of New York 1923 to recreate the original 206 Fifth Avenue / NY, NY 11010 structure.

All content © 2010 by Memories of New York. All rights reserved.