Reena Rose Sibayan, Associated PressOne World Observatory is set to open May 29 in New York City. The three-level observation decks are located on levels 100, 101 and 102 and offer a panoramic view of the city.
Leo Sorel, Baltimore SunThe circa-1697 Trinity Church was the first Anglican Church in Manhattan; not many can claim that George Washington prayed in their pews. In recent times, their choir has been Grammy nominated - well, it is New York. Inside its dramatic facade is breathtaking architectural detail and interesting exhibitions. Don't miss the Trinity Church graveyard, the resting place of notables ike Alexander Hamilton. (Broadway and Wall Street, trinitywallstreet.org)
Kena Betancur, Getty ImagesSince 1886, Statue of Liberty has presided over the New York Harbor, inviting the world to our doorstep and visitors to invade her priceless copper body. For the full experience, opt for the Crown Ticket, which includes Statue Cruises ferry transport, an audio tour, access to the panoramic-view pedestal and the 154-steps to the torch. Tip: To avoid lines, pre-book the 9 a.m. access ticket and catch the earliest ferry from Battery Park. (nps.gov/stli)
The Metropolitan Museum PhotoThe collections at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the MET), the U.S.'s largest art museum, span evolution, life and legend from 8000 B.C to present day; you could easily spend a week here and not see everything. The Egyptian rooms are guaranteed crowd-pleasers and the museum shop is one of the finest in the world. (1000 Fifth Ave., metmuseum.org)
Emmanuel Dunand, AFP/Getty ImagesOften called a field guide to the entire planet, the Museum of Natural History is perhaps the world's greatest warehouse of dinosaur bones, including an intimidating Tyrannosaurs Rex skeleton and about 30 million other impressive artifacts. Don't miss the Rose Center, with its planetarium and theaters. Also, through Aug. 10, 2014, poisonous frogs are on display during "The Power of Poison" exhibition. (Central Park West at 79th St., amnh.org)
Bruce Bennett, Getty ImagesIn 2009 the 42,000-seat, state-of-the-art Citi Field replaced Shea Stadium as the home of the NY Mets. Aside from an impressively frenzied fan base, two not-to-be-missed attractions are: 2KSports FanFest - Open from 2.5 hours before game time through the 7th inning, this venue features a DJ, dunk tank and batting cages, and Mets Hall of Fame and Museum chock-full of interactive displays, World Series trophies and plaques for each of the members of the team's Hall of Fame. (123-01 Roosevelt Ave., Flushing Meadows, Queens newyork.mets.mlb.com)
Stan Honda, AFP/Getty ImagesIt's a shame but many visitors miss the spectacular art collection housed at grand estate home of Henry Clay Frick. As the furnishings and decorative embellishments, many still arranged where Frick placed them, so rival the exhibits; you won't know where to look first. (1 East 70th St., frick.org)
Credit Queens Museum, Baltimore SunThe Queens Museum has recently reopened sporting a total renovation and 50,000 square foot expansion. Its exhibitions depict contemporary international art that reflects the Queens' diverse population. (Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens, queensmuseum.org)
Lloyd Fox, Baltimore SunInspired by the circa-1923 Yankees Stadium, this new ballpark is housed beholds some of the original stadium's beloved charm: limestone and granite facade. the iconic curved frieze above the upper deck and views of the subway speeding by. While it's possible to tour the stadium while the Yankees aren't playing, you shouldn't miss the opportunity of watching the Yankees win on their home field. (One East 161st Street, Bronx, yankees.mlb.com)
Amy Davis, Baltimore SunIn industrial spaces converted to stark white gallery walls dwell some of New York's most up-and-coming and well-established artists. Chelsea's Galleries range from the enormous Gagosian Gallery to international talent David Zwirner or contemporary works by Cheim & Read. Many of the galleries are free, allowing visitors to stroll at their leisure or leave if the art is a little too avante garde. (www.chelseagallerymap.com/)
Emmanuel Dunand, AFP/Getty ImagesThe New York Botanical Garden spans some 250-acres of Bronx Park and is home to some of the world's leading plant laboratories. Don't miss the spellbinding aromatic Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden. (2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx, nybg.org)
Photo by Shannon Stapleton, ReutersOverhear whisperings of diplomats or see where ambassadors shake hands at the United Nations Headquarters. Tours of the Security Council Chamber, the Trusteeship Council Chamber, and the Economic and Social Council Chamber highlight the building's innovative murals and architecture as well as human rights history. Unfortunately, the General Assembly Hall where all 193 Members States convene to discuss global issues is closed until fall 2014. (47th Street and 1st Avenue, New York, www.visit.un.org/)
Chris Chambers, Getty ImagesIt's practically a sin to go to New York and not go to the theater for a show. Don't miss seeing the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. New on Broadway in 2014 is the jazzy After Midnight, starring Fantasia; Beautiful: The Carole King Musical; and Ethan Hawke starring in Macbeth. You can brave the weather for discounted seats at TKTS (Times Square, tdf.org) but the best-kept-discounted-seat-secret is the ticket center inside the Marriott Marquis at 1535 Broadway, (americanatickets.com). For more on Broadway's 40 theaters, go to spotlightonbroadway.com.
Joshua Bright, Baltimore SunWave Hill House, once home to luminaries like Teddy Roosevelt, Arturo Toscanini and Mark Twain, has been renovated and reopened this fall. The lavish house with intriguing period detailing, surrounded by four-season public gardens, is well worth the $2 subway trip to the Bronx. (675 W. 252nd St, Bronx, wavehill.org)
Baltimore SunOccasionally controversial, often avant-garde, always cutting edge, The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is considered the finest institution of contemporary and modern art in the world. A favorite in the permanent collection is the astonishing array of important impressionist works. (11 W. 53rd St., moma.org)
Al Bello, Getty ImagesThe new Brooklyn-based Barclays Center bills itself as a venue premiering "the world's most thrilling sports and entertainment events." While Madison Square Garden devotees might boast about watching the Knicks in its billion-dollar renovated seats, (Barclays hosts Brooklyn's Nets), no one can dispute that Brooklyn's new arena can emit an equally-authentic New-York-State-of-Mind-vibe - the piano man himself, Billy Joel, is played here. Heck, the place even has its own subway stop. (620 Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, barclayscenter.com)
Mario Tama, Getty ImagesVisitors can take a tour of Rockefeller Center's history or plan ahead to see Saturday Night Live. As a spring and summer alternative to ice skating, enjoy the sun at the Channel Gardens and Rooftop Gardens. For 360-degree views of Manhattan, check out the observation deck upstairs at the Top Of The Rock, pictured above (topoftherocknyc.com). (30 Rockefeller Plaza, at 49th Street rockefellercenter.com.)
Sal James, Baltimore SunThe Tour takes place in a custom-built motor coach that offers street-facing views through floor-to-ceiling glass on a tour of New York City's neighborhoods and landmarks.
Mario Tama, Getty ImagesIt makes sense that Apple would do it up grande style in the Big Apple. The trendy tech leader has five stores in New York City and its newest outlet at Grand Central Terminal offers a whopping 23,000-square-foot retail space. But it's the giant glass cube at its flagship Fifth Avenue store that continues to beckon visitors. Take the floating glass staircase - or the glass cylinder elevator - down to the subterranean sales floor. Best of all, this location is open 24 hours every day of the year. (767 Fifth Ave. near General Motors Plaza, apple.com)
Stan Honda, AFP/Getty ImagesAt 560,000 square feet, the Brooklyn Museum is one of the largest - and oldest - museums in the U.S. The beautiful Beaux-Arts structure houses more than a million acclaimed works in its collection. The pre-Columbian collection and contemporary American painters - including the likes of Georgia O'Keeffe and John Singer Sargent is especially worthwhile. (200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, brooklynmuseum.org).
John Moore, Getty ImagesOnce the world's tallest building, the iconic art deco Empire State Building, presides over midtown Manhattan like a proud big brother. After checking out the lobby's famous 23-karat gold celestial ceiling mural, whiz up the 1464-foot tower to the dizzying observation decks on the 86th and 102 floors for a birds eye view of the shimmering city. (350 Fifth Avenue, esbnyc.com)
Andrew Burton, Getty ImagesPart beach, part amusement park, part sideshow, Coney Island is still a popular destination for the masses. You'll see just about one of everyone here (and that's the free sideshow) cheering on the Nathan's hot-dog-eating-contestants, riding the historic Cyclone, playing the amusements on the boardwalk or catching some rays on a park bench by the beach. (Surf Avenue between Ocean Parkway and W. 37th Street, Brooklyn,coneyisland.com)
Chris Hondros, Getty ImagesHarlem is the globally renowned center of African-American culture. Not to miss sites include the Apollo Theater (253 W. 125th St); Canaan Baptist Church of Christ (132 W. 116 Street); authentic soul food at Sylvia's (328 Lenox Avenue); and the Hamilton Heights neighborhood (Convent Ave between 138th and 150th St). (harlemtourismnow.com)
credit Racked NY, Baltimore SunNew styles often don't arrive into stores from designer showrooms for six months after Fashion Week; but you can beat the crowds and be flashing your inner fashionista (at a serious discount) by shopping the New York Sample Sales. The stylish set know that finding the Who, Where and When quickly is the key to scoring the best stuff, and that it's easy-peasy on the Racked.com website, which updates its listings throughout the day. (racked.com)
Mario Tama, Getty ImagesIn a country where imports ruled for so long, it's refreshing to tour and taste the respectably hoppy handcrafted beer and ale at Brooklyn Brewery - and toast that it's being exported to some 20 countries. Most popular is Monster Ale and Brooklyn Brown. (79 11th St., Brooklyn. brooklynbrewery.com)
credit Julienne Schaer, Baltimore SunFew things evoke a sense of New York more than walking (or bicycling) over the Brooklyn Bridge. Once there, check out the 85-acre Brooklyn Bridge Park, running 1.3 miles along the East River and providing breathtaking skyline vistas. Be sure to check out the newly reopened and historic Jane's Carousel. (334 Furman St., Brooklyn, brooklynbridgepark.org)
Theo Wargo, Getty Images for UNICEFOf course, practically everyone knows about Dylan's Candy Bar, the popular sweet spot opposite Bloomingdales (1011 Third Avenue, dylanscandybar.com), but the hip downtown set and kinderlach with their bubbies go to The Sweet Life, a toothsome, kaleidoscopic candy land, where every confection can be dipped into their very own chocolate machines. (63 Hester St., sweetlifeny.com)
Laura Cavanaugh, Getty ImagesTouted "The Marketplace of the World," The Jacob K. Javits Center, hosts globally acclaimed high-profile conventions, trade and consumer shows, including New York Fashion Week and The International Auto Show. In 2014, it will unveil the completion of its 110,000-square-foot expansion and what is expected to be the largest green roof in the Northeast. (655 W. 34th St., javitscenter.com)
Emmanuel Dunand, AFP/Getty ImagesEllis Island is still undergoing renovations after damage from Superstorm Sandy, but some parts have reopened on a limited basis. Visitors can enjoy the free audio tours guiding you through the immigration station where many began their lives in America; the exhibit "Journeys: The Peopling of America 1550-1890" and the Immigrant Wall Of Honor. (nps.gov/elis)
Spencer Platt, Getty ImagesWhy would anyone opt to go to a mall when they're in Manhattan? Because it's the Time Warner Center, New York's only destination where you can dine at multiple Michelin-star restaurants, sleep in a five-star hotel and shop your addictions like the new H&M store with its first-ever men's suit shop and Hugo Boss' flagship store. There will be lots of hoopla in 2014, when center celebrates its 10th anniversary. And because this is New York, of course there's a view, courtesy of a soaring glass entrance wall overlooking Columbus Circle. ( theshopsatcolumbuscircle.com)
Reena Rose Sibayan, Associated Press
1 of 30
One World Observatory is set to open May 29 in New York City. The three-level observation decks are located on levels 100, 101 and 102 and offer a panoramic view of the city.
ExpandPUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
Want to visit Ralph Lauren’s Polo Bar? Have an inkling to do some designer shopping at Century 21? What about a nice walk along Fifth Avenue or a stroll in Central Park?
New York City is a short train ride from Baltimore and Amtrak is offering two ways to save on your trip. The sooner you book, the more you save.
A three-day sale that starts today and ends Thursday, April 16, will get you from Baltimore to NYC for $39 one-way when you travel between May 19 and June 11. Tickets purchased are non-refundable. Blackout dates are May 22 and 25. You can travel from Baltimore’s Penn Station or from BWI/Marshall.
Travelers can also save with Amtrak Saver Fares, where trips are now 25 percent or more off the lowest fares when you book 14 days in advance. Simply choose the “Adult” or “Child” passenger type when booking to receive the discounted fare. One-way tickets on the Northeast Regional from Baltimore to New York City are $52 with the savings. There are some blackout dates, but otherwise no specific days that you must travel as long as you book in advance.
If you have a discount, savings promotion or sale that we should feature, send an email with details to [email protected]. But remember, we only want the real deals!