Dec
Bryant Park has been called “one of the most sensual, graceful open spaces in New York City”. There are many interesting areas to explore in the park once you leave your New York car rental.
First thing you may encounter once you leave your New York car rental is the lawn. The lawn is a garden within a city of skyscrapers. It is an oasis within the city that incorporates historical monuments and urban amenities. No matter what season it is, you will want to make this a stop on your New York tour with your New York car rental.
The park has been called Bryant Park since its inception in 1842, but it was recently transformed in the 1980s into what it is today. The park has an interesting history. In the mid-20th century the park was the site of frequent muggings and drug deals. The renovations have transformed the park and made it a place that you will want to visit with your New York car rental.
Gardens
There are six flower beds that border Bryant Park’s Lawn to the north and south. These gardens are planted each season with over 100 species of shrubs and 20,000 bulbs.
Promenades
On the north and south sides of the park there are twin promenades that are beautifully lined with London plane trees. These are the same trees that are found in the famous Jardin des Tuileries in Paris. As you step out of your New York car rental it is like stepping into historic Paris. These trees can get as big as 20 feet tall.
Lawns
The lawns are where people who are stuck in the office go for escape. On any given weekday, when you park your New York car rental here you will see thousands of workers enjoying their lunch here.
Special Attractions
One of the special attractions of Bryant Park is Le Carrousel. Interestingly, the word comes from a twelfth-century Arabian game of horsemanship. When it spread to France in the 16th century the game was changed slightly and evolved into tournaments. People began to carve horses, which the English converted in the 19th century to what we are familiar with today. The carousel in Bryant Park was created to complement the park’s French style and English and American traditions. There are 14 animals that spin to French cabaret music.
In the winter there is The Pond, an ice skating rink that is the centerpiece of the Christmas and holiday celebrations. Admission is free for skating, and there are lessons, special events, and other activities that regularly take place as well. There are also special holiday shops that open in mid-November where you may find that special souvenir. The items here come from all over the world and, following the European tradition, are found in a market.
Dec
Imagine spending the afternoon in a beautiful European piazza. Children laugh and play on playgrounds next to you, while shoppers browse the mouthwatering selection of greenmarket produce. You can here the barking of nearby dogs and can smell the tempting scent of neighborhood restaurants. Nothing can compare to perfect afternoon in the piazza, but why go all the way to Europe to experience? Union Square Park in New York City is a beautiful recreation European piazza located right at the heart of downtown Manhattan! A stone’s throw from neighborhoods like the East Village SoHo and Greenwich Village, the park provides car rental NYC customers with access to the softer side of the city. You and your car rental NYC companions are invited to enjoy an afternoon of fresh air and friendly merchants inside this landmark place, so why wait! Visit Union Square today and enjoy yet another side of NYC life!
From Lettuce to Lovers: You’ll find it all at Union Square
Union Square Park in New York City is well known for a variety of onsite amenities. Among these is the world famous greenmarket. Farms from all over New York and New Jersey come to this four day bazaar in order to sell their wares and promote their business. Car rental NYC travelers can find everything from fruits and vegetables to cheeses and meats inside this expansive marketplace, so why not stop in for some inspiration meal ideas? The seasonal selection at this outdoor market is unparalleled and the quality of the produce is a million times better than that of a supermarket. If you’re lucky you may even spot one or two famous faces browsing between the rows of leafy greens! New York’s finest prefer shopping here over ordinary grocery store, so be on the lookout for a few famous faces! Once you’ve purchased a few delicacies from the greenmarket, AAMCAR Car Rentals NYC recommends stopping in at the Luna park restaurant for a quick drink. This legendary bar and grill is located at the heart of the park, providing travelers with a stunning view of the surrounds greenery and activity. A great option for social gatherings and a light afternoon snack, the Luna is a prime place to exercise your people watching skills! The line can often be a little daunting outside this local watering hole, but don’t worry! Numerous other restaurants are also located within walking distance of the park. These include the Union Square Caf, the Blue Water Grill, the Zen Palate and the Coffee Shop.
The Everyman’s Park
If you’re looking for a microcosm of the city, look no further than the benches and walkways of Union Park Square! Hundreds of different and diverse people visit this public space everyday providing car rental NYC travelers with a quick look at city life. Common visitors include the hackey-sackers, skateboarders and protestors that dominate the south end steps; the dog walkers on the west side; and the New York Film Academy Students in the northeast corner. Children can also be found on any one of the three fantastic playground facilities. Annual events inside the park attract even more visitors, so be sure to check and see if any free dance performances of music concerts are slated to take place during your upcoming car rental NYC vacation.
If you’re interested in visiting Union Square Park during your upcoming car rental NYC vacation please feel free to visit the official New York City Department of Parks & Recreation website at www.nycgovparks.org for more details. You can also drop by the park on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays between 8am and 6pm in order to take advantage of the famous greenmarket. Admission to the park is always free, Car rental NYC customers are welcome to stay as long as they’d like as the park is open 24 hours. Union Square Park is located from 14th Street to 18th Street between Broadway and Park Avenue. For more information please call 1-212-460-1208.
Dec
If you’re looking for an innovative way to see the sights in New York City, look no further than the New York City Water Taxi! This unique form of transportation is designed to enhance the New York City sightseeing experience, providing AAMCAR Car Rental New York City travelers with a chance to witness the Big Apple from a different angle. Easy to use and exciting to ride, the Water Taxis of NYC are ultra safe and super affordable, so dont miss your chance to hitch a ride on one of these exciting boats today! The New York Water Taxi currently boasts ten locations, providing AAMCAR Car Rental New York City travelers with an endless array of water-top fun. A pivotal part of the New York City community for the past three years, the New York Water Taxi Company is ready and waiting to show you the shore, so be sure to park that AAMCAR Car Rentals New York City rent-a-car and catch a ride today!
The Fleet
The New York City Water Taxi Company currently features seven state-of-the-art water transportation vessels, providing AAMCAR Car Rental New York City travelers with service to and from some of the citys most popular destinations. These boast, which feature plush seating and giant picture windows, are designed to carry at least 27 passengers (the new Seymour B. Durst vessel can hold 149!), creating a comfortable traveling atmosphere for customers of all shapes and sizes. Each boat is equipped with a full-service snack bar, cabin air conditioning/heating systems, as well as convenient bike storage racks and pleasant observation decks. Named for the unsung heroes of New York Harbor, the vessels of the New York Water Taxi Company offer the perfect form of transportation for spontaneous sightseers, so go ahead and grab youre taxi ticket today!
Riding the New York Water Taxi
Catching a ride on the New York Water Taxi is quick and easy, thanks to conveniently located ticket booths, affordable prices and ultra-friendly staff. Whether youre commuting to work, or enjoying a tour of the Harbor, the New York Water Taxi is bound to have the route thats perfect for you and your AAMCAR Car Rental New York City crew. Loading and unloading ports are located throughout the Big Apple including the following key ports:
- Pier 45 at Greenwich Village
- East 34th Street in Midtown
- Pier 84 at West 44th Street
- Slip 6 at Battery Park
Ticket prices for the various routes range in price, with commuter fares costing approximately $5.50 each way. Tour tickets are either $20 for the Gateway to America Harbor Tour, or $25 for the Hop On/Hop Off route. AAMCAR Car Rental New York City travelers are also invited to charter a New York Water Taxi by calling 212-742-1969 for more details. New York Water Taxis can be charter for a variety of reasons including educational activities and leisure events, so be sure to consider this unique venue for your next Big Apple shindig!
If youre interested in catching a ride on the New York Water Taxi during your upcoming AAMCAR Car Rental New York City vacation, look no further than the companys official website fore more details. www.nywatertaxi.com currently features an extensive breakdown of available services, routes, and schedules, so be sure to surf on over for some up to the minute information. Sightseeing tickets can also be purchased online at the official New York Water Taxi site, so be sure to reserve yours now! The New York Water Taxi service is also proud to provide travelers with a variety of exciting walking tour routes, for those AAMCAR Car Rental New York City travelers who are looking to explore the Big Apple at their own pace.
Dec
Before driving away in your Manhattan car rental during your next stay in NYC, its important to get educated on the major roadways, tunnels and other transportation hubs in the city. A good place to start this learning process is at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey! The Port Authority is in charge of maintaining and managing major bridges, tunnels, bus terminals, seaports, PATH transportation and even bus terminals in the bi-state region, while at the same time playing a major role in trade capabilities throughout the area. The Port Authority is proud to provide New York residents and visitors with a variety of wonderful facilities and services, perfect for helping you navigate the busy metropolis of NYC. The Port Authority is proud to provide the city of New York with safe and efficient roadways and transportation links, creating a great environment for Manhattan car rental road trips!
A Brief History of the Port Authority
The port which separates New York and New Jersey was once an area filled with controversy, as both sides fought to own this vital source of trade and wealth. Throughout the 19th century political unease was a prominent feature of the area until an agreement was reached thanks to the Treaty of 1834. After years of fighting the people finally agreed that the port was, in effect, one community, and on April 30, 1921 the Port of New York Authority was established to govern the interests of both New York and New Jersey Harbors. In 1972 the agencies name was modified to more accurately and equally identify the role of this bi-state agency.
Port Authority Milestones and Major Businesses
- The Port Authority gained control of the Holland Tunnel in 1930 and is responsible for constructing monumental interstate crossings like the George Washington Bridge, Outerbridge Crossing and the Bayonne Bridge
- The Port Authority opened the first tube of the Lincoln Tunnel in 1937, before going on to complete 2 more tubes a revolutionary feat of engineering genius!
- During the 1940s the Port Authority planted the seeds for three of the worlds largest airports La Guardia, Newark and J.F.K International
- The 1950s and 60s were dedicated to expanding already successful projects, as a second deck was added to the George Washington Bridge and piers were rebuilt in the Brooklyn neighborhood. The Port Authority also opened the PATH rail system during this era, increasing trade and transportation to and from the district dramatically
- Today the Port Authority is proud to continue its commitment to the communities of New York and New Jersey, provide expansion programs and facility renovations throughout the area. Driving your Manhattan car rental truly is a pleasure when you take advantage of great Port Authority roadways, so be sure to check one out the next time your out for a drive!
The Port Authority Police
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey understand the importance of safety; thats why they are proud to offer a highly skilled force of officers at each and every one of their facilities. The Port Authority Police Force includes Emergency Service Units, Firefighting and Crash Emergency Response, K-9 Units, and even Motorcycle Patrols. The Port Authority Police force is made up of strong, dedicated professional men and women, ready to serve and protect you. If you would like to contact the Port Authority Police Force please call their offices at 201-239-3500 for general inquires.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is a vital part of every transportation service in the city, including your Manhattan car rental, so be sure to check them out during your stay in NYC. If youd like to visit their official website today, just surf on over to www.panynj.gov for more information. The Port Authority is also available by phone at 212-435-7000.
Dec
The Drowsy Chaperone is a homage to American musicals that you can see while you are here with your car rental in New York. The show will take you back to the time of Fitzgerald to the late 1920s.
Play a tune
When you come see the Drowsy Chaperone with your car rental in New York you will be introduced to Man on Chair, who is a Broadway fanatic who listens to an old phonograph of a stage show. The music takes the man to another, magical world. The apartment is decorated with seashell footlights, sparkly peacocks, glittery sugarplum trees, and fantastic costumes.
The plot thickens: better pay attention!
Within the story another story is taking place. It is about a showgirl who is about to marry a man she just met and the producer who doesn’t want to lose his starlet. The plot takes every twist and turn possible, to the point of almost being clichd. There are cases of mistaken identity, spit-takes, gangsters, and a full cast of characters. There is the English butler, Latino Lothario, and the cartwheeling heroine. Man on Chair is watching the action as it happens. He wants to keep watching, but also wants to add his own comments on the action.
A shot in the dark
Before you come see the play with your car rental in New York, you may be interested in knowing that the show got its start in 1999 when a spoof of old musicals was put together for a stag party. In this first version, there was no Man in Chair and the style of the musical ranged from the 1920s to the 1940s and the jokes were a lot more risqu. The play was later reshaped for the Toronto Fringe Festival, for which the Man on Chair was added as a narrator. The Broadway production which you can now see with your car rental in New York finally opened in 2006. This was the first musical written and composed by Canadians to open on Broadway in over 25 years.
Plan your trip
When you are here with your car rental in New York there are many attractions and restaurants for you to enjoy around the theater. Some of the noted restaurants that you may want to visit with your car rental in New York include Sardi’s, Angus McIndoe, Carnegie Deli, Bond 45 Italian Kitchen Streak, Chevys Fresh Mex, Mars 2112, and O’Lunney’s Time Square Pub. There are also many attractions nearby if you are here during the day with your car rental in New York. These include the Museum of Modern Art, Macy’s, the Empire State Building, Central Park, Time Warner, Grand Central Station, Radio City Music Hall, and many more.
The Drowsy Chaperone is a fun play that you can enjoy while you are here with your car rental in New York. It is unique in that it takes many old plays and combines many of the elements that people like.
Dec
Taking a family vacation is a great way to kick back and reconnect with the people you love the most. Planning a family vacation can get a little tricky though, especially if you have small children in need of constant amusement, or teenagers that think family outings are lame. So that is why we here at AAMCAR Discount Car Rental have taken the time to construct a Family Fun vacation page, filled with family oriented activities that will help make your Manhattan, New York City vacation a success!
Indoor Fun
If the weather isn’t cooperating during your trip to NYC, don’t worry, there are still plenty of things to do! Just grab that kids, hop in your New York car rental and head to one of the following locations. These Manhattan locales offer plenty of safe and affordable indoor activities for you and your little ones.
- The Toys “R” Us in Times Square
Located at 1514 Broadway, this Toys “R” Us store is like no other toy store on the planet! With more than 110,000 square feet of retail space, this store is truly a cut above any other New York spot! Inside the store you can find a 20 foot tall animatronic T-Rex, an amazing two story Barbie house, and even a 60 foot high Ferris Wheel that rotates 14 individually themed cars! Your kids will think you’re the coolest parent in the world if you choose to take them to this dreamland of toys, but just make sure that you have plenty of trunk space in your New York car rental you won’t be leaving empty handed! - The Freakatorium
If you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary, take a drive in your New York car rental to the Freakatorium located at 57 Clinton Street in the Gramercy Park/East Village neighborhood. The Freakatorium is filled with curiosities that kids just go wild over, like the gloves of Tom Thumb and the glass eye of Sammy Davis Jr.! There are over 1,000 artifacts at the Freakatorium museum showcasing some of the whorld’s craziest hoaxes and real life mysteries! For more information call the Freakatorium at 212.375.0475!
Outdoor Activities
New York is a beautiful city to explore during warm afternoons so be sure to check out some of the following kid-fun activities in the Big Apple!
-
- The Chelsea Screamer
Are you looking for a one of a kind New York City tour? Than you need to catch a ride on the Chelsea Screamer, a high speed boat tour of Manhattan. Keep your eyes peeled for tourist attractions like the Brooklyn Bridge, Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty and the New York Harbor! This boat tour is also known to get a little wet, making it the perfect adventure for a hot New York afternoon. For more information call 212.924.6262 or drop by Pier 62 at West 23rd Street in your New York car rental. Reservations are not required, so take a ride on the Chelsea Screamer today!
-
- The Rink at Rockefeller Center
The Rink at Rockefeller Center is a great place for families to interact in a safe and friendly environment. Open form late October to early April (depending on weather) this staple of NYC is a must visit for all winter travelers. Skating is first come, first serve, so be sure to round up the gang and pile them into the New York car rental early! Figure skate rentals are available onsite so don’t worry if you’ve forgotten to pack your own! Call 212.332,7654 for more details.
Teen Friendly Activities
Entertaining a reluctant teen is never an easy ordeal, but you’ll find it easy with the following suggestions!
- Visit Grand Central Station
This Beaux-Arts landmark is right at the center of all the Manhattan action at 42nd and Park. Take a free tour with your teen and then head downstairs to the massive food concourse. Pigging out on a high calorie desert with your son or daughter is a great way to bond in NYC! - See a Broadway Play
Broadway may sound a little stingy and stuck-up to your teen, but with shows titles like The Lion King, Hairspray and Rent it won’t take much to entice them into a matinee viewing! Taking in a show on Broadway is a once in lifetime deal for many people so pick up some tickets for you and your teen tonight.
Dec
AAMCAR New York Car Rental travelers looking to turn back the clock are encouraged to visit one of the citys oldest waterside communities. Hidden just beyond Pelham Bay Park in the Bronx, City Island is a treasured New York neighborhood steeped in a rich nautical history and multicultural roots. Connected to the mainland by the City Island Bridge, the community of City Island features picture-perfect postcard looks as well as a down-home New England sort of charm. The perfect place to escape to after a long week in the Big Apple, City Island radiates a comforting old world charm thats simply unlike anything else in NYC! Know for its stunning views and friendly atmosphere, City Island provides AAMCAR New York Car Rentals customers with a little something different, so dont miss your chance to check it out!
History
When City Island was first settled in 1761 it served as a seamans paradise, providing ruddy deckhands with a place to practice sail making, ship building and oyster fishing. A large part of NYCs coastal defense mechanism until the early 20th century, City Island also boasts a wide variety of historical artifacts and wartime stories. A designated port of inquiry for all East River bound steamers during the late 18th and early 19th century, City Island actually played a part in the infamous Fort Totten incident, whereby gunners actually fired an artillery shell at neighboring Fort Schuyler! In 1917 a steamer headed into Eastchester Bay failed to halt at City Island to take on a mandatory pilot, alerting the artillerymen at Ft. Totten. Gunners fired a warning shot across the ships bow, which would eventually ricochet off the water right into Fort Schuylers wall! AAMCAR New York Car Rental travelers interested in investigating the legitimacy of this old shipmans tale are encouraged to visit Fort Schuyler during their upcoming vacation damage and debris is still rumored to be located around the shattered wall!
Island Communities
City Island is currently home to a handful of exciting nautically themed communities including King Avenue, Minnieford Avenue, City Island Avenue, Fordham Schofield and William Avenue. Each area of the island boasts a unique architectural flare quite unlike the prominent skyscrapers of Manhattan. Prominent houses on City Island include the ostentatious castle-like mansion located on Cross Street and Pelham Bay, the North Wind Undersea Institute on the islands northern tip and the islands current skyscraper a residential 6-story apartment building located on Pickwick Terrace! City Island also features a wide variety of Victorian era houses, all of which are kept in mint-condition.
Interesting Facts about City Island
- During youre trip to City Island remember to take a drive down William Avenue if you cant find William, simply follow Willim. New York Citys Department of Transportation seems to have misspelled this prominent street sign some time ago!
- In 1962 City Island made it to the silver screen when a house overlooking Eastchester Bay and Pelham Park was utilized in the movie Long Days Journey into Night starring Katharine Hepburn. The house is still located at the end of Tier Street, just west of William Avenue (just look for the tell-tale whale shaped weathervane on the conical steeple!).
- First time visitors to the Island will want to check out the City Island Museum on Fordham Street, which features the worlds largest collection of maritime-themed books as well as priceless works of watercolor by Professor Harold Walsh. Rooms inside the museum are dedicated to City Islands rich history of boat building oyster fishing and yachting. The museum is currently only open on Sundays and is located in the old Public School 17.
If you would like to learn more about City Island before embarking on your upcoming AAMCAR New York Car Rentals vacation please feel free to the official City Island, Bronx homepage at www.cityisland.com. The City Island Chamber of Commerce also maintains a webpage at www.cityislandchamber.org.
Dec
If youre tired of telling your kids No, dont touch! the Childrens Museum of Manhattan is definite must-visit for you and your family! Located between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenue on West 23rd Street, the Childrens Museum of Manhattan is a strictly hands-on facility designed to encourage exciting educational interaction through a handful of innovative activities. Recommended for children between the ages of 2 and 12, the Childrens Museum of Manhattan boasts that it is bursting with unique exhibits and daily programs for family fun together. Toy-like displays provide even the youngest of AAMCAR New York Car Rentals travelers with hours of laughter and learning, so why not spend an afternoon indoors during your upcoming Big Apple adventure?! The Childrens Museum of Manhattan currently five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday from 10am to 5pm.
Attractions for Every Age
The Childrens Museum of Manhattan is proud to provide AAMCAR New York Car Rental travelers with the ultimate selection of family fun activities and mind-stimulating displays. Designed with bright colors, creative components and interactive enhancements, the exhibits at the CMOM are perfect for practically all levels of learning, especially for the pre-school and kindergarten crew. Previous displays within the museum have featured everyone from Winnie the Pooh and Dr. Seuss, to Dora the Explorer and the Magic School Bus, creating a familiar atmosphere of learning for all kinds of inquisitive minds. If youre considering on visiting the Childrens Museum of Manhattan during your upcoming AAMCAR New York Car Rentals vacation (and you really should be!), remember to do some research on the Time Warner Media Center, which is currently located on the museums second floor. Designed to mimic a big-time news room, the Media Center features two cameras, a news desk, interactive weather map, and a handful of television screens to capture all the hilarious high-jinks that happen on stage. The perfect place for kids to let loose any pent up energy, the Time Warner Media Center features exciting special effects designed to further stimulate your childs ever expanding mind. AAMCAR New York Car Rental customers planning on traveling with toddlers will also be excited to note that the Childrens Museum of Manhattan also features a third floor reading room specially designed to captivate little ones with exciting tales of friendship and fun. Parents are invited to either read with their children, or participate in any one of the museums group story hours.
Making the Most of your Visit to the Childrens Museum of Manhattan
If youre planning on visiting the Childrens Museum of Manhattan during your upcoming AAMCAR New York Car Rentals vacation remember to note the following tips and points from staff members and previous customers:
- Call the museum in advance, especially if youre planning on visiting during the summer months. The Childrens Museum of Manhattan often features in-house classes and camps which, when in operation, can often tie up many of the facilities most popular attractions. Calling the museum ahead of time will help you schedule around these events, providing you with plenty of time to experience every inch of the CMOM.
- Try to avoid the museum on rainy days. As tempting as it is, the Childrens Museum of Manhattan is always jam packed on rainy days, as local familys let their kids burn off energy theyd normally exert at the park. If you can afford to waste a sunny day inside AAMCAR New York Car Rentals encourages you to visit the CMOM as crowds will be much smaller, making attractions much easier to enjoy.
- Save the fun floors for last! The Childrens Museum of Manhattan is well worth the admission price ($8 for kids and adults, $5 for seniors) especially if you save the game floors for later on in the day. Educational exhibits are much more alluring to children earlier on in the morning so go ahead and check these attractions out first before letting your kids loose inside the fun zones.
If you would like to learn more about the Childrens Museum of Manhattan before reserving your upcoming AAMCAR New York car rental, please feel free to contact the museum by phone at 212-721-1234. The Childrens Museum of Manhattan also maintains an interactive website at www.cmom.org.