Blog

A truly divine experience awaits you at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Manhattan. Whether it’s the church’s history, the stunning architecture or the building’s religious message, there’s just no describing the sensation you feel when you first lay eyes on this New York City icon. Built in the years between 1858 and 1865, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest decorated gothic-style Catholic Cathedral in the nation, providing hundreds of New Yorkers with a celebrated place of worship. Known internationally for its beautiful rose window and Tiffany & Co, designed alter, the Cathedral is currently one of NYC’s most popular religious tourist attractions. Millions of visitors make the pilgrimage to St. Patrick’s Cathedral every year, participating in weekly services and parish programs. Now you too can be a part of the St. Patrick’s experience thanks to public worship and cathedral tours. You don’t have to be religious in order to appreciate this New York City icon, so don’t miss your chance to see it up close. Plan to visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral during your upcoming car rental NYC vacation!

Architecture Inspired by Heaven

St Patrick’s Cathedral in downtown New York City is one of the nation’s most photographed tourist attractions. Modeled in the Gothic Revival style of architecture, the Cathedral features a stunning array of marble, glass and steel. Designed by James Renwick Jr before the dawn of the American Civil War, the Cathedral is easy to recognize. Built of white marble quarried in New York and Massachusetts, St. Patrick’s Cathedral boasts a beautiful 330 foot spire, and encompasses all of the space between 3rd and 7th Avenue and 44th and 59th Streets. Beautiful windows also characterize the Cathedral thanks to the expert work of artists in Chartres, Birmingham and Boston. Car rental NYC visitors will also note the gigantic rose window created by Charles Connick. The architecture continues inside the Cathedral thanks to the stunning St. Michael and St. Louis altars (both of which were designed by Tiffany & Co.) and the St. Elizabeth altar which was crafted by Paolo Medici of Rome. You and your car rental NYC companions will also be left speechless after viewing the Cathedral’s pieta representation. The pieta inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral is actually three times larger than the famous one crafted by Michelangelo. Other impressive features inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral include a bust of Pope John Paul II and two of the world’s most beautiful organs.

If These Bones Could Talk

Car rental NYC customers may be interested to note that numerous bodies are buried inside the religious facility. These burials include the eight deceased archbishops of New York, six of which were Cardinals. When you’re inside the Cathedral make sure to take a moment and look for the Cardinal’s honorary hats, called galeros. They are hanging from the ceiling directly above their tombs. Other burials inside the Cathedral include Archbishop Fulton Sheen and the man responsible for the reconstruction of St. Peter’s Church, Pierre Toussaint. Car rental NYC customers are encouraged to view the burial markers of these important religious figures while inside the Cathedral. A number of famous New York City citizens have also had their funeral at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. These have included baseball legends Billy Martin and Babe Ruth, football coach Vince Lombardi, and singer Celia Cruz. Memorial masses for Yankee legend Joe DiMaggio and the prolific artist Andy Warhol were also held here.

Worship at St. Patrick’s

Car rental NYC customers are encouraged to participate in one of the weekly mass sessions held inside St. Patrick’s Cathedrals. Weekly masses are held mornings at 7:00, 7:30 and 8:00 am. Afternoon sessions begin at 12:00 noon, 1:00 and 5:30 pm. Saturday masses are held at 8:00 am, 12 noon and 5:30 pm (fulfills Sunday’s obligation). Sunday Masses are held at 7:00, 8:00, 9:00 and 10:15 am. Afternoon programs re also held at 12:00 noon, 1:00 and 5:30 pm.

If you would like to learn more about St. Patrick’s Cathedral before embarking on your upcoming car rental NYC vacation please log onto the official Archdiocese of New York website at www.ny-archdiocese.org. Potential visitors can also contact the Cathedral by telephone at 1-212-753-2261.

For generations now New Yorkers have had their own special way of celebrating major holidays ‘ from the lighting of the tree in Rockefeller Square at Christmas, to the dropping of the ball on New Years Eve, the city that never sleeps has always known how to throw an unbelievable party! This tradition of celebration and excitement includes most international holidays as well, as the city comes together to honor the area’s cultural conglomeration of immigrant residents and international visitors. One such celebration is that of the Irish religious holiday St. Patrick’s Day. Each and every year scores of Irish citizens make the trip to NYC in order to take part in gloriously green celebration, filling the city with an atmosphere of utter jubilation and never-ending excitement. From the morning church service to the afternoon parade and all day pubs, New York City is sure to have the perfect venue for your upcoming St. Paddy’s day celebration regardless of age, race, gender or sexual orientation.

The Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

If you happen to be out and about in your AAMCAR New York City Car Rentals’ rent-a-car during the afternoon of March 17th, be sure to stop by 5th Avenue between 44th and 86th Street, home to the world famous NYC St. Patrick’s Day parade! This monumental undertaking, which begins at noon, features everything from marching bands to military escorts, creating a unique atmosphere of fun and enforced order. Based upon the original pilgrimage of NYC Irish Society members to their respective Roman Catholic venues of worship, the current St. Patrick’s Day parade now features thousands of Irish and non-Irish participants joined in the communal process of celebration. Some of the most prominent supports and participants in the parade include the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the thirsty Irish County Societies and various Emerald, Irish-Language, and Irish Nationalist groups. The parade also opens each year with a unit of soldiers from the Irish 165th Infantry (originally the 69th Regiment of the 1850’s), symbolizing the cultures historical struggles and eventual triumphs. Floats, exhibits and automobiles are not allowed to participate in this yearly celebration, but that has done little to dissuade the more than 150,000 marchers who take part every March!

Painting the Town’ Green!

If you’re planning on being in New York during the annual St Patrick’s Day celebration be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the time-tested tradition of ‘green-atizing’ the city. From green beer and bagels to green clothing and flowers, NYC is practically overrun with a festival sheen of emerald excitement on March 17th! Even the Empire State Building is bathed in green light, further commemorating the city’s acceptance of international immigrants and travelers. Other greenery in the city includes water fountains, storefronts, headwear and yes ‘ even animals! AAMCAR New York Car Rentals’ customers are all encouraged to wear green on this exciting annual holiday so remember to pack some emerald charm into your holiday suitcase!

Where to Celebrate

New York City currently hosts one of the world’s largest St. Patrick’s celebrations, ranking a close second behind Ireland itself! If you’re looking to have a ball during your upcoming St. Patrick’s Day AAMCAR New York Car Rentals’ vacation remember to check out the following festive venues:

St. Patrick’s Cathedral ‘ This gothic architectural structure is one of NYC’s most stunning tourist destinations, attraction millions of visitors every year. In past years the Cathedral has hosted a special service every St. Patrick’s Day, teaching sold out crowds about the traditional importance of the yearly celebration. To learn more about the church please feel free to visit the official Archdiocese of New York website at www.ny-archdiocese.org or call 212-753-2261.

Irish Pubs ‘ Nothing says St. Patrick’s Day like an icy green beer, so why not hustle up some of your fellow AAMCAR New York Car Rentals’ rent-a-car friends for an afternoon pub-crawl! Popular NYC Irish pubs include: the Blarney Star, Clancy’s, Dempsey’s Pub, Doc Watson’s, Kate Kearney’s, Murphy’s Pub, McSorley’s Ale House and O’Neil’s.

New York City’s biggest little zoo is an oasis of excitement and fun for nature lovers of all ages. Opened in 1936 as the first “educational zoo” in the nation, the Staten Island Zoo initially focused on the study of reptiles. Today car rental NYC travelers can continue to enjoy the zoo’s scaly preoccupation by visiting the award-winning Serpentarium. Other exciting exhibits also showcase the zoo’s collection of 400 animals, as well as important community programs and research projects. The Staten Island Zoo is a great vacation destination for family vacationers and cute car rental NYC couples so don’t miss your chance to go wild during your upcoming Big Apple vacation! Plan to visit New York City’s favorite zoological park today!

Honoring a Commitment: Creating the Staten Island Zoo

The Staten Island Zoo first opened its doors in 1936 at its current location in Barret Park. The land for the zoo was willed to City of New York by an environmentally conscious woman, Mrs. Edward E. Hardin. The city’s economic depression had little effect on the zoo’s creation and it wasn’t long before people began flocking to this exotic island retreat. Mrs. Edward E. Hardin’s dream for a zoological park was quickly granted and her memory is still honored to this day thanks to the zoo’s active outreach program. New and improved attractions also add to the zoo’s appeal, providing car rental NYC customers with a fun way to learn about exotic animals. Exciting exhibits on display at the zoo right now include the Ralph J. Lamberti Tropical Forest, the internationally acclaimed Serpentarium and the N.Y. State Senator John J. Marchi Aquarium. You and your car rental NYC crew can also get lost in the wild inside the African Savannah at Twilight facility. From rattlesnakes and lizards to antelopes and baboons, the Staten Island Zoo provides car rental NYC customers with access to all their favorite animals.

Are We There Yet?

If you’re looking to entertain the kids for a day during your upcoming car rental NYC family vacation, look no further than the Staten Island Zoo! Kids can’t help but have fun inside this multi-faceted facility! Special activities and planned petting areas allow kids to safely interact with the zoo’s collection of animals, while friendly trainers provide young minds with plenty of captivating information. Kids can even get active during their time at the zoo thanks to the newly built outdoor Children’s Center. Designed like a New England farm, the Children’s Center features a pony ring, domesticated farm animals and a beautifully renovated duck pond. Kids can also choose to mark a milestone at the zoo thanks to special Birthday Party packages. Designed for kids four years and older, these fun parties feature animal demonstrations, crafts and a story. Kids can even opt to have pizza and cake with some of their favorite animals! Making your upcoming car rental NYC vacation fun for both you and the kids is easy thanks to the Staten Island Zoo, so don’t forget to stop by for a fun-filled afternoon!

Two Ways to Staten Island Fun

There are currently two ways to access the Staten Island Zoo. These include:

• The Verrazano Narrows Bridge: Follow 1-278 to the Slosson Avenue exit in your AAMCAR car rental. Turn right. Follow Slosson until you get to Martling Avenue. Turn right again and continue to Clove Road. Free parking for the Zoo will appear on your right hand side. The Zoo’s entrance will be straight ahead.
• The Staten Island Ferry: Once arriving on the Island turn right and proceed along Richmond terrace. Turn left onto Broadway. The Zoo’s entrance will be straight ahead.

An afternoon of wild and crazy fun is waiting for you inside New York City’s biggest little zoo, so what are you waiting for! Plan to visit the Staten Island Zoo today! Admission to the Staten Island Zoo is just $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and $4 for children. Zoo hours run from 10am to 4:45pm daily. Curious customers can learn more about the Zoo by calling 1-718-442-3100.

If youre looking to embark on any exciting AAMCAR New York Discount Car Rental adventure, look no further than the neighboring metropolis of Staten Island. Located on the west side of the Narrows at the entrance to New York Harbor, Staten Island is currently one of the most ethnically homogenous boroughs in NYC. Referred to as somewhat rustic and suburban by other New York City residents, Staten Island is actually home to some of the citys most stunning vacation destinations and romantic hotspots. By far the least populated of the boroughs, Staten Island offers big city vacationers a temporary respite from the chaos of Manhattan, so dont miss your chance to check it out during your upcoming AAMCAR New York Discount Car Rental vacation. Home to countless museums and numerous golf clubs, Staten Island is sure to appeal to practically any type of NYC vacationer. If youre looking to enjoy some R&R during your upcoming AAMCAR New York City Car Rental vacation look no further than the shores of Staten Island; so dont delay plan your getaway today!

Things to do on Staten Island

Staten Island is currently home to a variety of exciting attractions providing visitors with tons of intriguing attractions and establishments. Travelers of all ages are sure to enjoy this scenic island, so be sure to bring the whole family on your next AAMCAR New York Discount Car Rental rendezvous! Museums, parks, galleries and recreation areas abound on Staten Island along with numerous historic landmarks and even a zoo! Staten Island also boasts an impressive nightlife scene composed of various bars and restaurants specializing in everything from Mexican cuisine to cosmopolitan thirst-quenchers! Sightseeing tours are also popular, along with sandy beaches and shopping outlets, so come prepared for one full afternoon of Island fun! If youre planning on visiting the shores of Staten Island, AAMCAR New York Discount Car Rentals encourages you to utilize the legendary Staten Island Ferry, free of charge! Since 1905 the Staten Island Ferry has provided New York City travelers with a scenic route across the sound so dont miss your chance to experience the ferry first hand! The trip lasts approximately 25 minutes and often provides clear views of numerous New York City landmark establishments including Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

Exciting Vacation Itinerary Ideas

If youve never been to Staten Island before remember to visit the following stand-out attractions during your upcoming AAMCAR New York Discount Car Rental vacation:

• The Staten Island Zoo A family vacation to Staten Island wouldnt be complete without a stop at the Staten Island Zoo, so be sure to set aside an afternoon of animal-induced fun! Open from 10AM to 4:45PM the Staten Island Zoo features an exciting African Savannah exhibit, a new North American River Otter environment, and oh, so much more! Kids of all ages are bound to enjoy this slice of wilderness, so go ahead and get wild during your upcoming Staten Island travels.
• Wolfes Pond Beach and Park If youre looking to lounge around during your upcoming Staten Island getaway look no further then the Wolfes Pond Beach and Park. This stunning green-space is comprised of over 170 acres of land, including ocean beachfronts, picnic grounds and a charming model-yacht pool. Salt water fishing is currently permitted between the months of October and May, so remember to grab a fishing rod before heading out in your AAMCAR New York Discount Car Rental. Outdoor fireplaces and miles of stunning waterfront add an extra touch of class to this Staten Island Park, along with wooded areas and open fields.

Still looking for more Staten Island Info? Why not check out www.silive.com? This instructive website is dedicated to providing you with the latest in Staten Island news and event information, so be sure to check it out before embarking on your next Staten Island adventure.

New York City is, without a doubt, the worlds corporate capital; big-name business and chain-store conglomerates can be found on every street corner and within every high-rise apartment. But there is hope! For decades AAMCAR New York Car Rental customers have been frequenting one of the Big Apples best kept independent retail secrets, purchasing one-of-a-kind merchandise for nearly 85% less than list price! Are you intrigued yet? With two locations in NYC this exceptional store is a definite must-visit for AAMCAR New York Car Rental customers of all ages, so grab the kids and get ready to do some old-fashion rack rummaging! Still cant picture the store? Well, heres one more hint they sell books, LOTS of books! The legendary Strand Bookstore is one of NYCs most popular retail store, providing AAMCAR New York Car Rentals customers with a staggering eighteen miles of books as well as review copies, bargain titles and out-of-print works. Unquestionably the best bookstore in all of NYC, The Strand features bargain basement pricing on practically its entire inventory, selling virtually nothing at list price. An exciting place for readers of all ages, The Strand currently features two outstanding locations including the enormous warehouse location at the corner of Broadway and 12th Street, and the smaller Fulton Street Store in the Financial District.

The Strand History

Created by Benjamin Bass in 1927, the original Strand Bookstore was located at the heart of 4th Avenue better known as New Yorks famous Book Row of America. Named in honor of the famous London, England publishing street as well as an only literary magazine, The Strand quickly became one of NYCs most treasured book nooks. Basss son Fred turned The Strand into a family business in 1956 when he took over the stores management after a tour of duty with the army. AT this time Fred was forced to move the every expanding Strand collection to its current warehouse location on Broadway, purchasing 4,000 square feet of display space and storage. Now, just four and a half decades later, Fred owns the entire building, providing AAMCAR New York Car Rentals customers with over 5 floors of endless reading material. A fiercely independent/family owned business, The Strand currently employs some 200 knowledgeable staff members including Freds daughter Nancy. With nearly 18 miles of bestsellers, non-fiction and reference material, The Strand is sure to have the perfect book for everyone in your upcoming AAMCAR New York Car Rentals crew.

Interesting Facts about the Strand

• Interior decorators or reading enthusiasts can opt to buy or rent books by the foot at The Strand. Simply give a staff member your list of specifications and theyll help tailor a collection thats perfect for your personal library all priced by the linear foot!
• The Strand is proud to features New York Citys largest rare book collection, containing first and signed copies of many modern and antique publications. Hard-to-find art and photography books, as well and original manuscripts and collectibles can be found on the third floor of the Broadway location.
• Unlike chain bookstores and retailers, The Strand features a comforting haphazard arrangement designed to make book-hunting even more fun! Intimate rows and random stacks create a friendly environment perfect for the bookworm in everyone!

If you’re interested in learning more about The Strand Bookstore before embarking on your upcoming AAMCAR New York Car Rentals vacation please feel free to call The Strand at 212-473-1452 or visit The Strand online at www.strandbooks.com. If you’re already in the New York area please feel free to drop by The Strand kiosk in Central Park (located at 60th Street and 5th Avenue) or drop in at either the Broadway outlet or Financial District location. If you cant find it anywhere else, chances are you’ll find it at The Strand for half the listed price, so dont delay grab some friends and check out one of New York City’s best kept retail secrets today!

Finding glamorous gifts and sensational souvenirs is easy in New York City, especially if you make your first shopping stop at Saks Fifth Avenue. A major NYC retailer since 1924, Saks Fifth Avenue is one of the nations finest upscale department store establishments. Shoppers of all ages are welcome inside this magnificent designer marketplace, so why wait another minute. From fragrances and jewelry to cosmetics and clothing, Saks Fifth Avenue is the place to find unique items for everyone in your AAMCAR Manhattan Car Rentals travel group. Although there are now more than 50 Saks locations in the nation, theres only one Saks Fifth Avenue, so dont miss your chance to check it out in person during your upcoming vacation. Plan your Saks shopping trip today.

More than a store: The pop culture status of Saks

Saks Fifth Avenue is one of the nations most recognized retailers. In fact, Saks is practically a pop culture icon of its own. Customers of AAMCAR Manhattan Car Rentals may recognize the Saks Fifth Avenue name from a handful of films, including Clueless and Shall We Dance. Saks Fifth Avenue is also mentioned in Steve Martins novella Shopgirl. Parodies of the popular store have also colored pop culture productions including Shrek 2 and White Chicks. Not all of Saks Fifth Avenues publicity has been beneficial though. Customers of Saks Fifth Avenue may remember a shoplifting incident involving award-winning actress Winona Ryder. Ryders mishap took place at a Saks Fifth Avenue location in Beverly Hills, California.

Shop with sophistication during your upcoming NYC trip

The Saks Fifth Avenue flagship store in New York City currently offers shoppers a number of exceptional services and amenities. Shopping is no longer a chore inside this outstanding establishment thanks to wardrobe consulting, studio services and an onsite spa/salon. Customers of AAMCAR Manhattan Car Rentals can even take a break to enjoy some mouthwatering tastes at the Caf SFA. The Caf SFA serves brunch, lunch and afternoon tea. The elegant coffee shop serves a wide variety of soups, salads and sandwiches, all set against views of Rockefeller Center and St. Patricks Cathedral. Once youve refueled its time to hit the racks. Saks Fifth Avenue features ten floors of designer merchandise, ranging from lingerie to gifts. Saks Fifth Avenue also boasts wedding services, a designer shoe salon and a special childrens section. Customers of AAMCAR Manhattan Car Rentals are also invited to take advantage of the exclusive SERVICEFIRST program at Saks. This exciting concierge service includes coat and package check, gift cards, complimentary package delivery to any location in NYC and local messenger service. Shoppers can even arrange hotel, theater, airline and restaurant reservations through this convenient program.

Planning your shopping strategy

The Saks Fifth Avenue store in New York City features a ten-floor layout. The first floor is dedicated to jewelry, cosmetics, fragrances and accessories. The second floor is devoted entirely to designer sportswear. Youll find more designer clothing on the third floor, as well as the eveningwear salon, fur salon and Fifth Avenue Club for Women. The fourth floor at Saks Fifth Avenue features shoes and swimwear, while the fifth floor is all about contemporary styles and denim. Fashionable men will find all the hottest trends on the sixth floor and seventh floors. Wedding services, gifts and gourmet food items are located on the eighth floor. Lingerie can be found on the ninth along with petite sizes. Plus sizes are located in the Salon Z on the tenth and final floor.

Saks Fifth Avenue is one of New York Citys most popular shopping centers. If you would like to learn more about this exciting retail establishment simply stop by during your upcoming AAMCAR Manhattan Car Rentals vacation. Saks Fifth Avenue is open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 8:30pm and Sunday from 11am to 7pm.Customers of AAMCAR Manhattan Car Rentals can contact the store directly by calling 1-212-753-4000. Saks Fifth Avenue is located at 611 Fifth Avenue at 49th Street.

If you recognize the name Carrie Bradshaw, chances are youll love NYCs exclusive Sex and the City television show tour! Fashioned after the revolutionary HBO television series starring best friends Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall), Charlotte York (Kristin Davis), and Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon), the Sex and the City tour is a definite must-see experience for shoe-savvy socialites! Tour participants are invited to take a glimpse into the lives of New York Citys most infamous band of bachelorettes while visiting some of the shows most prominent locations and trendiest hotspots. The perfect vacation getaway for a group of AAMCAR New York Car Rental girlfriends, the Sex and the City tour is ultra affordable, providing tour-goers with access to over 35 as-seen-on-the-show locations! Hosted by New York Citys premiere movie and television tour company, On Location Tours Inc, the Sex and the City tour is currently recommended for AAMCAR New York Car Rental customers over the age of 21.

What to Expect

AAMCAR New York Car Rental customers interested in embarking on the Sex and City tour can expect an afternoon jam packed with show trivia, familiar locations and plenty of frisky fun! Some of the stops featured on the tour include:

• Carries favorite shoe shopping boutique Jimmy Choo!
• The store where Charlotte purchased the legendary Rabbit!
• Steve and Aidans bar AAMCAR New York Car Rental customers can even indulge in a cosmopolitan during their visit! (ID is required)
• The gallery in SoHo where Charlotte worked
• Tasting cakes and cookies at the bakery where Miranda stuffed cupcakes into her mouth!
• The New York Sports Club where Miranda works out
• The area in West Village where Sarah Jessica Parker and her Husband Matthew Broderick currently live with their family.
• And much, much more!

This lighthearted and humorous tour departs daily from in front of the Pulitzer Fountain by the Plaza Hotel between 58th and 59th Streets (if you have trouble finding the group, simply look for someone wearing a bright pink boa he or she will be your tour guide). AAMCAR New York Car Rental tour participants will be treated to a chic air conditioned bus complete with certified Sex and the City tour guides. An unbelievable experience for die-hard Carrie and Co. fans, the Sax and the City Tour runs daily at 11am and 3pm, as well as on Saturdays and Sundays at 10am, 11am and 3pm. Tours must be booked at least two days in advance.

AAMCAR New York Car Rental customers interested in booking a spot on an upcoming Sex and the City tour are encouraged to contact On Location Tours Inc, by calling 212-209-3370. Tour participants will be treated to approximately three-and-a-half hours of show- and star-related facts, including information on Sarah Jessica Parker, her husband Matthew Broderick and other key Hollywood stars. Tickets for the tour cost approximately $35 (plus a $2 tour fee) and include a free cupcake at the Magnolia Bakery. AAMCAR New York Car Rentals customers can also receive 20% off the tours ticket price by purchasing a New York Pass (which provides travelers with exclusive discounts at numerous Big Apple attractions). AAMCAR New York Car Rental participants are also invited to purchase a number of Sex and the City souvenirs during the trip, including exclusive t-shirts, horseshoe shaped necklaces and yes, even nipple enhancers! A fun time for Sex and the City fans of all shapes and sizes, the Sex and the City tour is ready and waiting to show you all of the hottest former haunts of HBOs most fashionable foursome! To learn more about the tour and scheduled stops please feel free to log onto the official On Locations Tour Inc website at www.sceneontv.com. AAMCAR New York Car Rentals customers are also encouraged to visit the official Sex and the City homepage at www.hbo.com/city/.

Nothing says winter in New York like a romantic skating date at Rockefeller Center, one of NYC’s most popular outdoor skating and entertainment pavilions. AAMCAR New York Car Rental customers of all shapes and sizes can truly enjoy an afternoon on the ice in NYC, thanks to the city’s numerous outdoor and indoor skating facilities and training complex. Whether you’re training for the Olympics or simply looking for an easy afternoon of activity, the rinks of New York City currently offer a wide variety of free-skating programs perfect for skaters of all levels and experience. Skating in New York City is a cheap and easy way to get out and enjoy some of the areas most stunning sights, so why not grab a friends and enjoy and afternoon of invigorating outdoor fun! Top New York City skating centers include:

• Bryant Park Ice Rink: The Bryant Park Ice Rink (better known as ‘The Pond’) is one of New York City’s newest outdoor skating complexes. The centerpiece to the Fetes de Noel, The Pond features free public skating in addition to a range of special events and activities. Skaters of all levels are welcome on the 170’x100′ ice surface, which is open every day and evening. Skate rental are also available for $7.50 a session. For more information on The Pond please call 1-866-221-5157.
• The Wollman Rink in Central Park: Another of New York City’s finest outdoor arenas, the Wollman Rink currently hosts daily and nightly skating sessions. Opened in 1950 thanks to the donations of philanthropist Kate Wollman in memory of her parents and siblings, the Wollman Rink also features a stunning view of the surrounding NYC skyline. Amenities at the Wollman Rink include skate and locker rentals along with private lessons and park vendors. To learn more about the Wollman Rink please call 212-439-6900.
• The Lasker Rink and Pool in Central Park: Located mid-Park between 106th and 108th Streets, the Lasker Rink and Pool is one of Central Park’s most popular year round tourist attractions. Used as a huge swimming pool in the summer, the Lasker Rink is open seven days a week with an admission of just $4 per adult and $2 per child. To learn more about the Lasker Rink and Pool please call 212-534-7639.
• Rockefeller Center Ice Rink: By far the most famous NYC ice pad, the Rockefeller Center Ice Rink is located between 47th and 50th Streets and 5th and 7th Avenues. Open from Columbus Day weekend through early April, the Rockefeller Center Ice Rink is a definite must-see for AAMCAR New York Car Rentals’ winter rent-a-car travelers. Ice skate rentals at the center cost a bout $8 per session, while admission to the ice rink can cost anywhere from $17 to $9 depending on the time of year. Lessons are also offered on the rink for approximately $32. To learn more about skating at the Rockefeller Center Ice Rink please call 212-332-7654.

Inline Skating in NYC

If you’re planning on reserving a rent-a-car from AAMCAR New York Car Rentals during the summer months you may wish to check out one of the Big Apples exceptional inline skating clubs and arenas. Numerous venues are currently located throughout Manhattan and the other four boroughs, each with its own unique flare and style. AAMCAR New York Car Rentals recommends visiting the Chelsea Piers Skate Park and the Pier 26 Skate Park in Manhattan; the KCDC Skateshop in Brooklyn; the Mullaly Park Center in the Bronx; the Rockaway Skate Park and the Forest Park Skate Park in Queens; and the Inline 1 Sports Center and the Rampage Skate Park on Long Island. All information on public skate parks run by the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation can be found on the official Parks and Recreation website at www.nycgovparks.org.

Since the dawning of time mankind has built monuments in order to symbolize power, prestige and achievement. From the Mayan pyramids to the castles of Europe, every civilization takes pride in their individual marker of success. In America, that marker is the modern skyscraper! Since the beginning of the 20th century, the skyscraper has eclipsed all other modern advances in the world of architecture, becoming the American symbol of prestige and influence. New York City is proud to be at the center of the high-rise revolution providing travelers with exclusive access to iconic structures like the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. But wait! A brand new building has recently been added to the city’s lengthy list of high-rise accomplishments and it’s earning unprecedented amounts of praise! What is this building you ask? It’s the new Skyscraper Museum in lower Manhattan of course! Established in 1996, the New York Skyscraper Museum is the only facility of its kind dedicated to the study and appreciation of high-rise buildings. From apartment buildings to office towers, the Skyscraper Museum has all the information on all your favorite American and international skyscrapers. There’s no better place to reach for the sky then inside the Skyscraper Museum in lower Manhattan, so why wait! Plan to visit this exciting new institution during your upcoming car rental NYC vacation!

Exploring the Vertical Metropolis

The Skyscraper Museum in New York City is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the study of high-rise buildings. Fittingly located in the world’s high-rise capital of New York, the Skyscraper Museum celebrates the forces behind high-rise design and the individuals who have designed and shaped international skylines. Informative displays and exciting exhibits help car rental NYC travelers explore the buildings of NYC from a variety of angles. From design plans to landmark locations, the Skyscraper Museum takes you inside the world of high-rise construction and tower technology. Besides exhibits, the Museum also presents numerous publications, presentations, programs and lectures, all of which are associated with the art of high-rise creation.

Chronicling the Rise of Skyscraper Design

The Skyscraper Museum of lower Manhattan currently hosts a variety of exciting exhibits dedicated to high-rise design right here in New York City. From the black and white photographs capturing the creation of New York’s iconic Empire State Building, to undersized models of the proposed Freedom Towers, you’ll find it all inside the Skyscraper Museum! Other exciting displays have included the inaugural “Building a Collection” exhibit, the “City of Change” demonstration and the “World Trade Center Monument” exhibit. You and a friend can also enjoy an exclusive look at the original WTC model, as well as elaborate drawings of the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and the shanghai World Financial Center. Eager car rental NYC travelers can also log onto the Skyscraper Museums cool new “Downtown New York Web Walk” which offers four interactive virtual walking tours of lower Manhattan. A special exhibit is also dedicated to one of the world’s most influential architects, Mr. Frank Lloyd Wright.

The Skyscraper Museum is proud to provide car rental NYC guests with a fresh look at some of the city’s most familiar landmarks. If you’re interested in learning more about the Skyscraper Museum simply log onto www.skyscraper.org for more information. You can also drop in and visit the Museum anytime during your upcoming vacation by stopping by their new galleries at 39 Battery Park. Admission to the facility is just $5 for adults and $2.50 for students and seniors. If you would like to learn more about upcoming events, lecture series, exhibits and/or walking tours please call 1-212-968-1961. The Skyscraper Museum is recommended for car rental NYC customers of all ages. Museum hours are 12 noon to 6pm Wednesday through Sunday. The Skyscraper Museum was founded in 1996 by Carol Willis, museum curator.

SoHo is a neighborhood in Manhattan that is bounded by Houston Street to the North, Lafayette Street to the east, Canal Street to the south, and Varick Street to the west. The name comes from the famous London, England shopping district with the same name. The name is justified by the name South of Houston Street. Today the area is trendy, but it was once known as the Cast Iron District.

SoHo History

SoHo was supposed to have two elevated highways for the two lower branches of the Lower Manhattan Expressway. The highway was built to take traffic through Manhattan to the Williamsburg Bridge and the Holland Tunnel. However, there was a preservation movement that started with the destruction of Pennsylvania Station that sought to preserve the historic structures. The 19th century cast-iron structures would be threatened by the highway. The project was successful, and when you drive through the area with your New York car rental, you will not see these structures.

The result of the preservation of the old buildings was a number a buildings that were not very good for commerce or manufacturing. Instead, many of the upper floors in these building became lofts, attracting artists who liked the natural light and the cheap rent. Originally these buildings were not built for people to live in, and in fact they were doing so illegally. This was ignored for a while, until the artist population grew and something needed to be done about the problem. The area was not suitable for manufacturing, and it then became residential space. AS factories left and people moved in, there was a lot of space available for cheap rent. Until the 1980s, living here was still somewhat illegal. The area was not zoned for living still, and often people had to convert the space into livable areas with their own money. However, after the 1980s there was a rapid rise in the image of the neighborhood, and the artists began to move out and galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and young professionals moved in. Today, as you drive though with your New York car rental you may also notice this trend.

Visiting SoHo with your New York Car Rental

Many people come to SoHo with their New York car rentals to shop in the fashionable boutiques and see quaint galleries. Most of the stores are clustered in he north area of the neighborhood along Broadway, Prince, and Spring Street. Sidewalks can be crowded with people selling goods and walking through the area. The southern part of the neighborhood by Canal Street and Grand Street still have some of the old SoHo feel and is much less crowded than the touristy north.

SoHo is an interesting place to visit with your New York car rental. It is a brilliant mix of old and new: the old factories that have been rejuvenated with new life. It is well-known in popular culture and is interesting to experience. Every visit to New York should include a visit here with your car rental!