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You are walking down the street and you see a crowd of people in front of a building. What could all of this commotion be? You didnt plan on stopping anywhere, but you wonder what is going on and it sparks your curiosity. Thats right, Manhattan car rental customers; the Adidas Originals Store in New York is having a sale. What you see in front of you is a huge mass of people waiting for the doors to open so they can have their pick at all of the greatest items Adidas has to offer. People will choose from shoes, accessories, clothing and more just to make sure they get what they want and get the great deals this store has to offer. This store won the Best Sneakers of New York Award in 2004 and is a great place to get all of the shoes you need. Visit the store in the summer and you will love the sights, Manhattan car rental customers. This small boutique of great items opens up to the street like a garage door in the summer months for better access to its customers. What a great way for people to mingle with each other or with salespeople and relax in a lawn chair and enjoy the sunshine. Visit the Adidas Originals Store on your upcoming Manhattan car rental trip for great gifts, and shopping splurges.

A signature style

Adidas is not just about shoes anymore. You can enjoy the numerous products and items that this store has to offer and you may be surprised. Some of the signature pieces include headbands, T-shirts, wristbands and tracksuits. You can also buy tank tops, sweats and sandals. Are you going somewhere warm soon? If you are, you may want to invest in an Adidas swimsuit for your wet and wild occasion. There are many different options for people of all ages, shapes and sizes. Dont forget to pick up a pair of shoes on your Manhattan car rental vacation because, after all, that is the main selling point. Be sure to show off your wardrobe because it will be noticeable with the famous triple stripe, trefoil design or even both. Everyone will be envious of your metal watches, handbags or leather motorcycle jackets. Not everything in the store is cotton jersey and nylon; there are also linen and khaki pants and knits. You will be treated to some of the most famous clothing and the greatest deals a store has to offer. Another great bonus to the Adidas Originals Store is that you get a pick at the newest designs that you wont be able to find anywhere else!

Tied with fame

The Adidas Originals Store was founded in 1924 by Adolph Dassler. The first store was built in Germany and now they can be found all over the world. The concept is kind of like a flea market set-up where people can find whatever they are looking for. Everything you see in the store is fair game for you to purchase. Today, the store has come a long way since it was first founded. Dassler wanted to make the best shoes possible and Adidas has done that and so much more. This store also carries clothing and accessories from some of the famous people it partners with like Mohamed Ali, Karim Abdul Jabar and Missy Elliot. It is open Monday-Saturday from 11:00am-7:00pm and Sundays from 11:00am-6:00pm. You can pay with cash, American Express, Visa, MasterCard, Discover or Diners Club. There are so many choices at the Adidas Store and it is so worth you while that you just have to check it out on your upcoming Manhattan car rental vacation.

Have you ever wondered how NYC city slickers fulfill the need for outdoor fun and escape the concrete jungle of Manhattan? Well, ask anyone and they’ll likely tell you about a little place called Alley Pond. Located just outside of the City in Douglaston, New York, the Alley Pond Environmental Center is dedicated to providing urban dwellers with an awareness and understanding of natural issues. Designated as a National Environmental Study Area back in 1979, Alley Pond now functions as a valuable educational resource for more than 20,000 students each year. With more than 635 acres of marshes, woodlands and meadows, Alley Pond is an unusual tourist attraction for city residents and customers of AAMCAR New York Car Rentals. Millions of people have taken advantage of this natural playground since its opening day in 1972, so why hold back? Enjoy an afternoon of outdoor excitement during your upcoming AAMCAR New York Car Rentals vacation with a visit to the Alley Pond Environmental Center in Northeast Queens.

Escape the Rat Race and reconnect with Nature

An effort to save what remained of New York City’s natural heritage was begun back in the 1960’s. The Alley Pond Environmental Center was the result of this effort, protecting more than 635 acres of local vegetation and wildlife. A major natural resource for centuries, Alley Pond now functions as a living-learning laboratory for thousands of school children and visiting tourists. Operated in cooperation with the New York City Departments of Parks and Recreation, the Alley Pond Environmental Center proudly infuses NYC’s urban landscape with natural resiliency and life. Escaping the hectic atmosphere of the city is as easy as a visit to Alley Pond, so why not stop by during your upcoming trip? There’s always something fun happening at the Pond, so grab a friend and check it on your upcoming AAMCAR New York Car Rentals vacation.

Biodiversity at its best: Alley Pond Programs

Nature enthusiasts of all ages are encouraged to visit the Alley Pond Environmental Center for a wide variety of seasonal activities. From bird watching to trail hiking, you’re sure to find something fun happening along the Pond. Programs at the center include age-appropriate monthly courses for children 18 months to 10 years old, as well as a handful of special events and presentations. Children can even opt to host their birthday part inside the park, celebrating their special day in a completely natural setting. Other exciting programs include tree planting ceremonies on Arbor Day, summer Family Fun Days and spooky Halloween happenings. The center also features a fun petting zoo, providing customers of AAMCAR New York Car Rentals with an interactive experience for even the youngest of travelers. For more information on upcoming events and available programs please stop in at the newly renovated education center at the parks north end. Ongoing exhibits can be found within this facility along with daily programs and special offerings.

Leave the City and find Natural Bliss

If the city’s got you down, don’t worry – these simple directions will help you find natural balance in no time. The Alley Pond Environmental Center is located just east of the Cross Island Parkway. Take the Midtown tunnel to the Long Island Expressway. Follow the L.I.E. in your AAMCAR New York Car Rentals rent-a-car until you get to the Clearview Expressway exit. Take the Clearview northbound to the Northern Boulevard East exit. Make a right onto Northern Boulevard and go straight for about 3 miles. The Alley Pond Environmental Center will appear just past the Cross Island Expressway on your right.

If you need to reconnect with nature now is the time to contact the Alley Pond Environmental Center. For more details about upcoming events please visit the official Pond website at www.alleypond.com. Customers of AAMCAR New York Car Rentals can also contact the park by phone at 1-718-229-4000. Alley Pond is open year round, but closed on most major holidays. Admission to the center is free.

FAO Schwarz is a toy store in New York founded in 1870, and is one of the best-known toy stores. It is a must-see with your New York car rental. It was started by August Otto Schwarz, a German immigrant. He began by importing fine toys from Europe and selling them at his Baltimore shop. Then, in 1870, he relocated and opened the New York store on Broadway in lower Manhattan. The current location is at 58th Street and Fifth Avenue, moving here in 1986. Another store opened in Las Vegas in 1997 at Caesars Palace. FAO Schwarz is one of the oldest retail establishments. This is a must-see while you are in New York with a New York car rental. FAO Schwarz is open Monday through Friday 10:00am to 7:00pm, and Sunday from 11:00am to 6:00pm.

Once you park your New York car rental, there is much to see and do here. The Opening Ceremony invites people to participate in a magical experience. You can perform on the Dance-On-Piano, like Tom Hanks did in the movie Big. There is also story time, toy demonstrations, a Motion Simulator, fantasy characters, and treats. There is so much to see at FAO Schwarz, you might want to stop by “Spanky, the Gund Where Bear” to he’ll ask where everything is.

In the Newborn Nursery, you can adopt a baby doll to take home with you in your New York car rental. There is also a partnership with the American Kennel Club and Steiff to design purebred dogs and puppies. There is a collection of rare antique toys here, including gas-powered luxury vehicles for children.

On the lower level there is a Rec Room with tons of fun equipment. Staff members will show you how to use the skateboards, scooters, go-karts, and so much more. This is a lot of fun!

For girls, there is an entire Barbie department all in pink, and an extraordinary doll collection. The Collectables section has rare figurines, chess sets, jewelry, and much more.

The Book Monster holds all of the books at FAO Schwarz. You can go home with enough reading in your New York car rental to last a while. There is also a special section for Dr. Seuss fans. FAO Schwarz is even featured in some of the stories.

Before going back to your New York car rental, be sure to stop at FAO Schweetz, a candy store with premium ice cream, pastries, milkshakes, floats, and candy. Clear out the trunk in your New York car rental, you may be tempted to buy some toys or souvenirs. It is hard to go home without buying something here!

Shopping Tips

The best time to visit the store in on weekdays in the morning or early afternoon. If you must go on a weekend, the earlier in the day, the less crowded. If you would like, a personal shopper is a free and you dont need an appointment. If you are from out of town, you can have your purchases sent home or to your hotel.

Imagine you’re lying on a park bench; the sun is beating down on your skin. You can hear the gentle cooing of doves in the neighboring trees. A handful of area residents are huddled over a chessboard engaged in an afternoon game of technique and skill. The smell of fresh flower mingles with aromas from nearby restaurants. Where is this beautiful slice of tranquility you ask? Would you believe in the middle of Manhattan?! Washington Square Park is one of Manhattan’s most treasured public areas offering car rental NYX travelers a beautiful respite at the center of the city. From the lush landscape to the friendly fountain, Washington Square Park hosts a wide variety of vibrant attractions and unique amenities. A public park since the early 19th century, Washington Square is now one of the most popular public areas in all of Manhattan so what are you waiting for! Grab a friend and explore this urban oasis today!

Hangman’s Elm: A Quick History of the Park

Washington Square was used for a variety of purposes before becoming one of New York City’s most popular parks. Originally acquired by the City Common Council in 1797 as a burial ground, the park was also used as a place for public executions. Local legend pays homage to this historical fact, designating the large tree in the parks northwest corner “Hangman’s Elm”. The site was also used as the Washington Military Parade ground up until the area was designated a park in 1827. Since then the park has undergone a variety of revitalization efforts as well as beautification programs. Must-see attractions within the park include:

• The Washington Arch – Modeled after the Arc de Triumph in Paris, this beautiful architectural monument is located near the intersection of Fifth Avenue and Washington Square Park North. Originally built of wood and plaster in 1889, the arch celebrated the centennial of George Washington’s inauguration. The current marble arch replaced the wooden one in 1892.
• The Statues of George Washington – Car rental NYC travelers can now clearly distinguish these two art works thanks to a $3 million dollar 2002 renovation program. The statues portray Washington as President and as Commander-in-Chief.
• The Chessboards – A trip to Washington Square Park wouldn’t be complete without a visit to these permanent gaming receptacles. Board game enthusiasts are encouraged to challenge one of the locals to a do-or-die game, but be careful! The Washington Square Park players take their craft very seriously!
• The Robin Kovary Run for Small Dogs – Animal lovers of all ages are bound to enjoy this active area located at the heart of park. A larger dog run is also located elsewhere in the park.

Other attractions in the park include a World War I flagpole, a bust of steel manufacturer Alexander Lyman and a statue of Italian nationalist leader Giuseppe Garibaldi.

From Students to Street Performers, Everyone loves Washington Square Park!

Hundreds of car rental NYC travelers and local residents visit this park each day, making it NYC’s most popular urban green space. Located on the outer edge of New York University, the Park proudly hosts an eclectic mix of students, corporate suits and outdoor entertainers. Everyday is a new adventure inside Washington Square Park, so what are you waiting for! Stop by and recline by the fountain or enjoy an impromptu game of soccer with some friends. Washington Square Park has a little something for everyone!

If you would like to learn more about Washington Square Park simply log onto the official New York City Department of Parks & Recreation website at www.nycgovparks.org. Washington Square Park currently features over 9.75 acres of open recreation area. Park hours run from dawn until 1am daily. Admission is always free. Car rental NYC customer can find entrance to the park at Fifth Avenue and Waverly Place and on West 4th Street at MacDougal Street.

Wicked is a popular Broadway musical that you can currently see with your rental in New York. It is the untold story of the witches of Oz. This musical is a Tony Award Winner and Grammy Award Winner for Best Musical Show Album. This is a great play to see with your rental in New York.

Follow the yellow brick road

The story is based on the book more than the movie and is intended to be a prelude. It is set before Dorothy came to Oz from Kansas. Wicked explores the idea that the Wicked Witch of the West was a victim and misunderstood because of a wizard’s corrupt government. The green-skinned teenager, Elphaba Thropp, meets the beautiful Galinda Upland, who changes her name to Glinda the God later in the play, and the two become roommates. The show follows their friendship struggles to overcome personality difference, viewpoints, love interests, and Elphaba’s fall from grace. This is a very interesting take on a classic story and you can see it when you are in town with your rental in New York.

The show begins where the movie begins in Oz: Glinda tells the citizens of Oz that the Wicked Witch is dead. But then the Good Witch tells the story of the Wicked Witch, from her childhood rejection to her awkward college days. There was a lot of tension between the two witches throughout college, especially when Elphaba gets accepted in a class that Galinda really wants to take. Over time, Elphaba becomes known as the Wicked Witch.

Near the end of the play, you begin to see where the movie and book pick up. The Wizard is asked to leave the area. One of the characters is turned into the Scarcrow. The elements of the book are woven through this play that make it very interesting to see what happened before the book you loved as a child.

In the end, Elphaba needs to leave Oz forever and Glinda declares that she has helped the citizens through difficult times.

Wicked is a great play to see with your car rental in New York because it picks up on the book and movie almost everyone grew up with. You can see this with kids or adults – it is fun for the whole family.

Seeing a play on Broadway

Seeing a play on Broadway is a great experience with your car rental in New York. There are literally hundreds to choose from and they are all a lot of fun. Some might appeal to you more than others, or you might just want to see the ones that are the most talked about. Either way, there is a very easy way to get cheap tickets while you are here with your car rental in New York. For discount tickets, you can go to Duffy Square, near Times Square with your car rental in New York. Here, there is a ticket sales office called TKTS, which sells tickets at half price for same-day shows. This is a great way to take in more than one of these amazing shows that you might not otherwise have the opportunity to see.

Of all the iconic buildings located in Manhattan, the Woolworth Building is the oldest – and by far one of the most famous – New York City skyscrapers. Close to 100 years after its construction, the Woolworth Building continues to attract attention in its trendy lower Manhattan neighborhood. The Woolworth Building continues to outshine many of its modern counterparts with its stylish strength and eye-catching architecture. Labeled the “Cathedral of Commerce” during its unveiling ceremony, the Woolworth Building showcases a distinct neo-Gothic style of architecture, including a steeple like central spire. Named the world’s tallest building in 1913, the Woolworth Building is still recognized as one of the nation’s fifty tallest skyscrapers thanks to a 792 foot tower. Car rental NYC customer can get a closer look at this American architectural icon by simply driving down Broadway.

Reach for the Sky

The Woolworth Building is easily one of the world’s most recognizable buildings. Designed by famed architect Call Gilbert, the Woolworth Building was originally slated to measure just 625 feet. The anti was later upped in order to break the tallest building record. Opened on April 24, 1913 the Woolworth Building quickly attracted the attention of local, national and international visitors. An observatory was quickly opened on the buildings 58th floor in order to provide visitors with an exclusive view of the city’s rising skyline. While visiting the building during your upcoming car rental NYC vacation try to imagine what it would have looked like to an early 10th century audience. It truly must have been an inspiring sight! Designed with the splendor and resilience of a European Gothic cathedral, the Woolworth Building is expected to remain an astonishing work of architectural genius well into the 21st century.

Details and Dollar Signs – Interesting Facts about the Woolworth Building

• Frank Woolworth commissioned Cass Gilbert to build the Woolworth Building as his company’s new official headquarters. Construction on the building cost over $13.5 million. Woolworth paid the entire sum in cash!
• The Woolworth Building was owned and operated by the Woolworth Company until 1998. Venator Group (formerly the F.W. Woolworth Company) sold the building to Witkoff Group for a cool $155 million.
• The Woolworth Building leased space inside the building for nearly 100 separate tenants. Famous residents included the Irving Trust Bank. Columbia Records also unveiled their new NYC recording studio inside the building.
• The Gothic detailing located at the top of the Woolworth Building is massively scaled in order to be visible from the ground.
• Frank Woolworth’s private lobby has been preserved inside the building. It’s ornate designed included a rich French Empire feel and plenty of marble!

Combining Engineering and Architectural Genius

The Woolworth Building is truly a marvel of aesthetics and functionality. State-of-the-art installments on the building included a new elevator safety system, high-speed elevators and bedrock based caissons. Intended as a testament to both the Woolworth Company and American innovation, the building quickly became an international sensation. The unveiling of the building even attracted the attention of then President, Woodrow Wilson. President Wilson pressed a button inside the White House on April 24th, 1913, illuminating both the interior and the exterior of the building instantly. Car rental NYC customers will also note an amazing collection of artistic and architectural features inside the building. These include numerous gargoyles, a handful of murals and beautiful moldings. Humorous portraits of the buildings engineer, Gunvald Aus, rental agent Edward J, Hogan, and the president of Irving Bank, Lewis Pierson, can also be found inside the building’s main lobby.

The best way to learn more about the Woolworth Building is to drop by. The building’s main entrance can be found on Broadway between Park Avenue and Barclay Street. Car rental NYC customers are allowed to explore the buildings main lobby. Private tour companies also offer tours of the building offering car rental NYC travelers a behind the scenes look at one of the nation’s most influential high-rises.

The New York City skyline was forever changed on September 11th 2001, when the World Trade Centers were destroyed in an unforgivable act of global terrorism. Since that day New Yorkers have sworn to never forget the brave men and women who died during the senseless attacks, dedicating multiple memorials to the men, women and children who died as a direct result of the attack, as well as those who were lost during rescue missions. Plans for a monumental memorial are currently underway at Ground Zero, as designers from across the city and around the world ban together to create one of the worlds most inspirational architectural wonders. Designed as both a memorial and a symbol of strength, the New York City Freedom Tower and new World Trade Center Complex is slated for completion in 2009, so be sure to keep an eye out for further developments during your upcoming AAMCAR Car Rental New York City vacation. The building is projected to be ready for business occupancy as early as 2010.

The Freedom Tower and new World Trade Center Complex features a complex arrangement of park space and corporate office residency. Construction on the footings and foundations for this building are slated to begin early next year, while it is projected that steel for the building will be visible above grade by mid 2007. Originally designed with a myriad of complex features, the Freedom Tower design plans have undergone a wide range of revisions and repairs since the winning submission was selected in 2002. Initially designed with a centered spire, like those found on the Chrysler and Empire State Buildings, the Freedom Tower is now set to boast an off-centered spire, echoing that of the Statue of Liberty. The Freedom Tower will also feature a stunning observation deck at 1362 feet, providing AAMCAR Car Rental New York City travelers with breathtaking views of the surrounding skyline and neighboring New York Harbor. Upon its completion, The Freedom Tower will stand 1776 feet tall (symbolizing the year when the United States issued its Declaration of Independence), including 82 floors of commercial space, a restaurant, and large public lobby.

Other Memorials

Aside from the proposed Freedom Tower memorial, there are also two other monuments set to be built at Ground Zero including a Memorial Museum and two fountains entitled Reflected Absence. Built within the footprints of the previous Twin Towers, the Reflected Absence pools will each feature a beautiful waterfall design surrounded by a forest of oak trees. A wide staircase will descend beneath the pools showcasing a gallery with the names of those who were lost during the attack. Designed by Michael Arad and Peter Walker, the Reflecting Absence memorial was chosen from over 5000 entrants including hundreds of local designs, as well as international submissions. A Memorial Museum will also be erected adjacent to the two gigantic voids, covering over 100,000 square feet of underground space. This museum will feature a selection of powerful artifacts designed to recount the events of September 11th, along with a special memorial for those lost during the attacks. Future AAMCAR Car Rental New York City customers will be able to touch bedrock, as well as see the slurry wall that so vividly conveys the enormity of loss suffered by both New Yorkers and Americans in general.

If youre interested in making a donation to the World Trade Center Memorial Fund, or if you are interested in learning more about the memorial project, please feel free to visit the official memorial page at www.buildthememorial.org. This informative page features photographs, design plans, and survivor stories, so be sure to check it out before reserving your upcoming AAMCAR Car Rentals New York City rent-a-car. Temporary monuments are also located throughout NYC including specific locations in Battery Park, so please feel free to stop by and visit one during your upcoming AAMCAR Car Rental New York City vacation.

With your New York car rental, why not visit the Vietnam Memorial. The New York State Vietnam Memorial is a living memorial that commemorates the military service of residents of the state in Vietnam and Southeast Asia between 1961 and 1975. In particular, it is dedicated to those who lost their life are were declared missing in action. The Memorial is located in Albany, which is 145 miles northeast of New York City. This is a good trip that can be a day or more with a New York car rental.

The Monument

The Memorial features a state honor roll, a gallery with exhibitions, a courtyard, and a resource center. It seeks to foster increased public understanding and discussion of the Vietnam War and its aftermath. It can be found at the Justice Building at the Empire State Plaza in Albany, only 145 miles from New York City in a New York car rental.

War!

The Vietnam War was a conflict between the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (or the North) and the Republic of Vietnam (or the South). The United States was involved in the conflict beginning in 1965, and didnt officially withdraw until 1973. The wars roots are in the Cold War. The North was communist, while the South remained a democracy. At the start, France was responsible for this area through their colonies. However, pressure forced them to relinquish military control of the area, and the U.S. became influential in the area. South Vietnam wanted to maintain its governing power rather than reunify the country. Beginning in 1957, civil war broke out. Conflict soon spread to neighboring countries such as Cambodia and Laos.

Many of Vietnams allies, including the United States, wanted to stop the spread of communism throughout Southeast Asia. Vietnam itself was also fighting for decolonization as well as the ability to choose their own government. The United States under Truman, Eisenhower, and Kennedy supposed the South Vietnamese. Under President Johnson, the United States was once again at war. However, there was no outright declaration of war. Instead, there were incremental increases in the forces sent to the area to maintain security. The U.S. also hoped to avoid Soviet or Chinese involvement in the war, which happened in the Korean War. By 1965, Operation Rolling Thunder was put into place, in an effort to destroy the will of the North Vietnamese and lead to the Souths victory. The United States was highly involved in the war now.

When Nixon was elected as President, he promised to disengage the U.S. from the war. The plan was to build up the South Vietnamese army so they would not rely on American forces. Nixon gradually removed troops from the war until finally, in 1973, Nixon announced suspension of all offensive activities in Vietnam.

There were many protests against the war in the 1960s and 1970s. However, today the war has been immortalized in monuments and museums all over the country. Make a trip to Albany with your New York car rental to visit New Yorks contribution to the war.

The City of Albany

Compared to New York City, Albany is a small city of 96,000 people. However, it is worth the trip in your New York car rental. It is the state capital of New York, with all state institutions. There is also a little-known artistic community for the performing and fine arts. The area in which the Vietnam Memorial is located is also a large commercial center. Also, there is Division I NCAA college athletics in Albany, with many state universities located in the area. So take your New York car rental and visit the Vietnam Memorial and the surrounding area.

If music makes your world go round, AAMCAR Manhattan Car Rentals has the perfect vacation shopping destination for you and all you friends. From the latest releases to hard-to-find titles, youll find all the biggest hits right here in Times Square. So what is this musical mansion? Its the Times Square Virgin Megastore of course! Located directly across the street from the MTV studios, the Virgin Megastore is New York Citys is one of the hippest places in town to hang out. Music lovers of all ages are invited to roam endless racks of records, ranging in everything from popular music to timeless classics. No other store in the city carries an inventory like the Megastore, so why waste your time shopping anywhere else? From music and movies to books and games, the Virgin Megastore has everything you need to infuse your upcoming Manhattan car rentals vacation with hours of fun, so dont succumb to boredom. Plan to make a special trip to the Virgin Megastore during your upcoming trip.

Find what youre looking for

Finding your favorite albums, past and present, is easy at the Virgin Megastore in Times Square. This monstrous musical complex features three floors stocked full of merchandise, providing patrons with an unbeatable selection of new releases and greatest hits. But the Virgin Megastore isnt just about the music. Customers of AAMCAR Manhattan Car Rentals can also stop in and pick up movies, video games, magazines and books. Tons of entertainment is sold inside this exciting establishment, so remember to stop and look at all three floors. Exciting areas inside the store include an extensive singles selection, two levels of domestic and imported CDs and a huge video department. Customers of AAMCAR Manhattan Car Rentals can also enjoy a sneak peak at some of the hottest new musicals acts with a visit to one of the stores listening booths. A phenomenal number of these kiosks are located throughout the store, providing visitors with a quick listen to chart topping tracks. If thats not enough, the Virgin Megastore also features a quaint caf, a bookstore and a multiplex movie theater. Out of state AAMCAR Manhattan Car Rentals customers can even arrange airfare on Virgin Atlantic flights thanks to an onsite travel agency. Shopping has never been easier, so why spend hours at some lesser record store? Stop in at the Virgin Megastore today and youll be listening to your favorite album in no time.

The Stars all shine in Times Square

The Virgin Megastore in Times Square is always busy providing visitors with the ultimate music experience. From in-store events and celebrity promotions to performances and product launches, all of the greatest musical acts prefer to party at the Virgin Megastore. The calendar at this store is jammed-pack with celebrity book and CD signings so dont miss your chance to check it out during your upcoming Manhattan car rentals vacation. Celebrities also enjoy shopping at the Virgin Megastore in Times Square, purchasing exciting musical compellations alongside everyday customers. Celebrities cant help but shop at this exciting establishment thanks to the knowledgeable and friendly atmosphere, so whats your excuse? You never know who youll run into when youre browsing the stacks at the Virgin Megastore in Manhattan, so be sure to scan for famous faces. AAMCAR Manhattan Car Rentals also recommends contacting the store to learn more about upcoming scheduled celebrity appearances.

If your headphones are in need of something new during your upcoming New York vacation, AAMCAR Manhattan Car Rentals recommends visiting the Times Square Virgin Megastore. This iconic maze of music is located at 1540 Broadway and is open Sunday through Thursday 9am to 1am and Friday through Saturday from 9am to 2am. Customers of AAMCAR Manhattan Car Rentals can contact the store at 1-212-921-1020. A second Virgin Megastore is also located near Union Station at 52 East 14th Street.

What would the world be without New York’s Wall Street, the financial capital of the planet? This street is unlike any other street you’ll drive down in your New York car rental as it is home to the New York Stock Exchange, where millions of dollars can be made or lost in a matter of seconds. But Wall Street hasn’t always been the be-all and end-all of the financial district. In fact it was once a wall! Built in 1644 by the Dutch on the lower end of Manhattan “Island” was a wall used to protect the settlers from British attack. Years later this wall was torn down and the notorious Wall Street was born.

The first organized American stock exchange took place in 1792 under a buttonwood tree in Castle Garden (now Battery Park). Twenty-four men participated in the exchange, signing an agreement of rules, regulations and fees. From that day forward a building at 22 Wall Street was used to auction of securities to the highest bidder every weekday at noon. This original organization was called The Stock Exchange Office and was a very exclusive club of New York’s elite financial community. In 1817 the name was changed to the New York Stock and Exchange Board, which was once again changed in 1863 to its current title of New York Stock Exchange. The NYSE has had its share of ups and downs during its long history, the most notable low occurring on October 29th 1929 when the Stock Market Crashed, causing millions of dollars to be lost and many investors to be ruined financially.

Today the New York Stock Exchange is the world’s leading and most technologically advanced equities market. Buyers and sellers meet daily in an open and orderly market to access the complicated rhythm of supply and demand. On any given day an average of 1.46 billion shares valued at a mind boggling $46.1 million dollars will be traded of the NYSE! The NYSE is home to over 2,800 world-class companies that have a total global market value of over $20 trillion! Approximately 470 non-US companies invest in the NYSE from 50 different countries making Wall Street the home of the world’s largest market. Companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange range from private investors to well known “blue chip” organizations which include many of the world’s leading technology companies. All of these companies must meet stringent requirements before being allowed to partake in market business.

If you’re interested in learning more about the New York Stock Exchange, why not take a drive to Wall Street in your New York car rental and take part in a guided tour? The NYSE is one of New York City’s top 10 tourist destination and attracts over 700 000 visitors world wide each year! The New York City Stock Exchange tours are fun and educational, combining interactive displays with helpful information sessions. For more information regarding the guided tours please visit the New York Stock Exchange’s website at www.nyse.com or call 212-656-5165. Admission is FREE but tickets are first come first serve so be sure to drive over in your New York car rental early! Groups of ten or more require reservations. Special Private Trading Floor tours can be arranged for special occasions, but please not that all men must wear a jacket on the trading floor at all times!

If you would like to by some New York Stock Exchange souvenirs be sure to visit Wall Street in your New York car rental. There is a NYSE Marketplace Gift Shop which sells t-shirts, mugs and all sorts of other gift paraphernalia.