Category: Discovering NYC

Bronx Zoo

Bronx Zoo is one of the most renowned metropolitan zoos in the world. The Bronx Zoo is the home for animals such as elephants, tigers, monkeys, and many more. The offers attractions like Wild Asia Monorail and for you to see them you would have to be accompanied by a tour guide, some of the animals are very wild and some are very friendly. As I was walking towards the zoo there was something that catch my attention. On the floor of the side walk heading towards the zoo there were several animals that were been designed on the side walk with words of interactions between the animals which was amazing. I will encourage everyone to visit but if you are not a lover of animals that might not be the place for you.

River Park

River Park is small public park located in the Bronx, New York City, which is along the Bronx River. It is part of larger Bronx River Greenway, series of parks and pathways were designed to provide access to and preserve the Bronx River. River Park is a place you can go to relax and observe the beautiful nature around. I have heard a lot about River Park being a beautiful site to visit so I decided to experience it for myself and yes it was a very beautiful site to visit but we can do better with the place when it comes to preserving the place for tourist attractions. Fishes are supposed to be in the river, which is supposed to be the home for fishes but there was none due to the way the River has become uncleaned and the surroundings was not very appealing but its a very relaxing place to be.

On October 29th, my aunt, uncle and I went walked the High Line, eventually reaching the Vessel. After some curiosity, we decided to go to this infamous location. It’s at the end of the High Line and next to the Edge observation deck. This was around the time it had recently reopened, and we paid $10 a person – a rip-off by New York City resident standards. The Vessel’s history is bit morbid, so there were security precautions everywhere, a metal detector, some staircases were closed off and there was netting all around. This would interest a tourist who may be curious as to what the structure is and the potential photo opportunities.

Step into a magical gingerbread village at Columbus Circle Mall, 59th and Broadway in NYC, where the holiday spirit truly comes alive. This village is inspired by the charm of New York City and is made from thousands of pounds of real gingerbread, icing, and candy. It features colorful houses decorated with candy, creating an atmosphere that has warm memories and a sense of joy. Each home is designed, showcasing a level of detail that makes this holiday display feel like a small winter wonderland. Created by Jon Lovitch, the Guinness World Record holder for the largest edible gingerbread village, this delightful installation combines creativity, craftsmanship, and festive cheer. Whether you’re admiring the candy decorations or just soaking in the holiday ambiance, it’s an experience that will fill you with holiday joy and nostalgia.

On December 14th, I originally meant to go to the Waterfront Museum on the Red Hook Waterfront. Unfortunately, the museum barge was closed, and the website made no indication that it was closed. The area, however, was really pretty and my mom and I got to take some cool pictures of the Statue of Liberty. Due to the proximity, we caught a glimpse of Ikea and their ferry landing from the ledge that the museum is located on. Although this is what most people consider out of the way, I feel like it’s one of those hidden spots in walking distance to Ikea. The ledge that the museum is on is monitored which you will see on the sign next me lol.

Located on Madison between 37th and 36th is the Morgan Library, an independent research library. It began as a personal library for Pierpont Morgan (J.P. Morgan) and is now an open museum filled with collections of manuscripts, rare books, music, drawings, and other works of art. I had a day off of work to wander around the city and I decided to see what they had in here, not much but I had never been.

At Industry City there was a Japanese Holiday Market by Niji that was on the second floor of the Japan Village building. They have a variety of jewelry, apparel, stationery, and food. The vendors have a table with their merchandise displayed out. It pop-up was a two day event December 14 & 15. After the holiday market I explored Industry City as there is various things to do with shops, exhibitions, and pop ups.

Walking through the city, I noticed this church I had never seen before—the St. Mark’s Church has 350 years of history. It’s one of the oldest sites of religious practice and the 2nd oldest church building in Manhattan. It was built as a family chapel which is why it is skewed from the City Grid. In 1799, Alexander Hamilton helped incorporate the church as the first Episcopal parish independent of the Trinity Church in the U.S. Today is still used as a church and an event space for the community every week. They just had a Thanksgiving dinner in the Welcome Center, a lunch-in, a family advent crafts and Christmas music event, and a St. Nicholas Party. They soon will be having a Christmas pageant, caroling, and cocoa, a St. Mark’s Rocks Christmas Concert and more. The lion represents Mark the Evangelist, the traditional symbol.

Dyker Height have been a famous christmas light that alot of tourism come here to see the christmas light and while walking around in my neighborhood I saw some house decorated it with christmas lights and decoration as one of the house was use Alien decorations mix in with a christmas theme. This event with the christmas light is so popular that me and my familly start to join in this festive event in the first picture.

While walking around Columbus Circle I stumbled upon this sculpture near The Time Warner building. It was done by the late Boaz Vaadia and he named it “Asaf and Yo’ah.” Vaadia was from Israeli descent and lived in Manhattan. Studied at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. I thought this sculpture really stood out in a sea of metal, glass, and copper as it is made out of bluestones and boulders. It has been there since 2000.