The Garden of Europe, Keukenhof
HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW NYC? In the never-ending pursuit of the latest hotspot, it’s often easy to neglect the people, places, and things that helped make the greatest city in the world exactly that. Take a peek at some of our favorite ways to experience the New York we love. Click here for more!
1) PJ Clarke’s
915 3rd Avenue
New York, NY
Note: Surrounded by skyscrapers, you might say that the two level brick building that houses the original PJ Clarke’s is a holdout. Opened in 1884, and rarely shut for more than a few hours since, Clarke’s has been serving some of the best bar food to some of the most distinguished guests for the past century. If you play your cards right, you might be able to grab a seat at Table 20, or as locals refer to it: Frank’s table (that’s Sinatra, of course)
2) The Campbell Apartment
15 Vanderbilt Avenue
New York, NY
Note: The former office of an early 20th century business tycoon, The Campbell Apartment has been restored to its original glory, even maintaining the original 5-ton steel safe. Cocktails are mixed by exceptionally qualified mixologists, and always pair well with a tasty bar snack. We recommend popping in on the weekends, right around closing time for the perfect nightcap.
3) The Morgan Library
225 Madison Avenue
New York, NY
Note: Fresh from a major refurbishment, the Morgan Library stands out as one of the most beautiful – and important libraries in New York. The kicker is though, it’s rarely on any must see lists, which is a shame as the space holds some of the most important pieces of paper from the last 2000 years, not the least of which are the scraps that Bob Dylan scribbled out “Blowin’ In The Wind” and “It Ain’t Me Babe”.
4)Fanelli Cafe
94 Prince Street
New York, NY
Note: If you looked at a graph of all the dimly lit bars we spend time in, an unreasonably large portion of it would go to Fanelli’s. Staffed by a motley crew whose checkered pasts are only surpassed by the bar itself, you’ll find yourself struggling to pull away from the incredible charm that Fanelli’s has to offer. Because of its location it tends to get a bit mobbed on the weekends, pick an off time and saddle up at the bar – you wont be disappointed.
5) 21 Club
21 West 52nd Street
New York, NY
Note: Former prohibition-era speakeasy, 21 has seen its fair share of bold face names, none the least of which are every president since FDR. The lesser known secret is that their wine cellar has held the private collections of some of New York’s most infamous celebrities, think Ernest Hemingway and Gloria Vanderbilt. Menuwise you’ll find the steak tartare is some of the best in town, just ask Michael Douglas in Wall Street.
6) The Ear Inn
326 Spring Street
New York, NY
Note: Consistently contesting their right to the “Oldest Bar in NYC” throne, The Ear Inn is certainly a landmark by any standard. Housed in the 1817 home of revolution supporter James Brown. Inside you’ll find nearly 200 years of paint built up, and the warmth of as many drunken stories told. Bearing the “Ear Inn” moniker only since the 1970′s, the bar has had many names – perhaps none quite as legendary as The Ear.
7) Carnegie Deli
854 7th Avenue
New York, NY
Note: Opening in 1937 with a borrowed name from the nearby Carnegie Hall, the Deli has earned its place in pastrami heaven. You’ll find all walks of life waiting in line for the mile high sandwiches, most of which come equipped with over a pound of meat. It’ll be a cold day in hell when you won’t have to stand in line to get your fill, but as long as they keep plating up one of the best sandwiches in town – we’ll be there.
8) King Cole Bar
2 East 55th Street
New York, NY
Note: We don’t normally call attention to hotel bars, but when one has a legitimate claim as the creator of one of our favorite drinks, it’s hard to ignore. The King Cole Bar alleges that they inherited the “Red Snapper” from Harry’s Bar in Paris, evolving the recipe into what we know today as a Bloody Mary. Say what you will, but there’s something special about drinking one in the heavily wooden room that started it all.
9) The Explorers Club
46 East 70th Street
New York, NY
Note: Arguably one of the coolest clubhouses in New York City, The Explorers Club has been the focus of inspiration for creatives such as Wes Anderson and Todd Selby (whose photo is pictured to the left) for good reason. The Club is technically private, offering a safe haven for all those curious and courageous - notable members have included Sir Edumnd Hillary and astronaut Neil Armstrong.
10) Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum
2 East 91st Street
New York, NY
Note: Housed in the Andrew Carnegie mansion, a tidy little pied à terre boasting a modest 64 rooms, the Cooper Hewitt is arguably one of the most beautiful the city has to offer, yet is also one of the least traveled. In 2011 it closed to undergo a $64 million restoration, but as luck has it 2013 marks the year that they will re-open. When they do, be sure to get your tickets early: this place is spectacular.
Ludwig II - in short - a dreamy king figure, strongly influenced by medieval sagas, Arthurian legends and Wagner’s opus, created a 5.000m2 recluse where he could live in his own reality.
He built the Neuschwanstein Castle - a romanesque revival architectural masterpiece. It’s walls, from the lower halls to the ceilings of the upmost floor are decorated with murals telling all those stories that helped him escape the mundane reality he detested.
Changing New York: Photographs by Berenice Abbott, 1935-1938
- Fulton Street Dock, Manhattan skyline, Manhattan
- Murray Hill Hotel, from Park Avenue and 40th Street, Manhattan
- Washington Square looking north, Manhattan
- Brooklyn Bridge, Water and Dock Streets, looking southwest, Brooklyn
- Greyhound Bus Terminal, 33rd and 34th Streets between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, Manhattan
- Jefferson Market Court, southwest corner of Sixth Avenue and West 10th Street
All images from the New York Public Library Digital Gallery
(via browneyedtragedyarchive)
Western and Eastern Hemispheres - National Geographic Magazine (1928)