A Guide to Unusual Places in NYC
New York City is one of the most exciting and vibrant places in the world, and although some of the first things that come to mind when you think about visiting it are the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Fifth Avenue, or Times Square, there are some less touristy and yet equally interesting landmarks. So, if you want to experience the Big Apple from a completely different, and even more authentic perspective, here’s a guide which will offer you an amazing glimpse of the City That Never Sleeps. Let’s take a bite.
The Earth Room, SoHo
If you’re fed up with all the concrete, steel, and glass, there’s a loft in New York City’s trendy SoHo district which is filled with 280,000 pounds of soil. Walter De Maria, an artist and sculptor who was briefly a member of The Primitives, a band which later evolved into The Velvet Underground, created this installation in 1977. It was initially supposed to be on display for three months, but as of 1980, it became permanent. It’s fascinating to see something that has been so static and virtually intact since the 1970s as opposed to the ever-evolving city hustling and bustling outside that 3,600-square-foot apartment frozen in time.
Sipping cocktails, anywhere in NYC
The City of Cocktails
Cocktails are an inevitable part of the New York lifestyle. In fact, some of the most famous cocktails were concocted right here, which means that there’s no better place to taste them. Manhattan, the signature cocktail of the city, was invented back in the 1870s, and this mixture of whiskey, sweet vermouth, a dash of bitters, and a Maraschino cherry will make you feel like a true New Yorker. Another iconic cocktail which originated here is Martini. According to local lore, this refreshing combo of gin, dry and rouge vermouth, and bitters was first served in New York’s Knickerbocker Hotel. In time, experts of mixology in NYC took cocktail making to a whole new level and turned it into an art form, so make sure that you enjoy at least a couple of their creations.
Tribeca’s Dream House
As amazing as it is, New York City can also be hectic and overwhelming, especially for people who work long hours. The “Dream House” is a place where locals come to relax and wind down after a manic day at the office. It’s actually an art installation created in 1993 inside a Tribeca apartment, and for a small fee at the entrance, you can spend as much time as you like in a room filled with otherworldly music, composed by La Monte Young, and dreamy visuals, conceived by Marian Zazeela. This is the right place to shut down your senses and clear your mind of everything that bothers you.
City Hall Station
The City Hall Subway Station, source
Closed back in 1945, the City Hall subway station is a must-see when you’re in New York. Its stunning vaulted ceiling is a testament to the architectural marvels of the past. You can only visit it during the New York City Transit Museum’s tours, but the problem lies in the fact that there’s a waiting list that fills up quickly. Luckily, you can hack the system and see this wonderful fragment of history whenever you like. Take the 6 train to Brooklyn and don’t get off at the last stop. The train has to turn around by traveling through the old City Hall subway on its way uptown, and you’ll get a chance to take a look at it.
The Brooklyn Superhero Supply Store
Tutoring center in Brooklyn, source
If you’re a superhero aficionado, and if you prefer Gotham to New York, then this store is your dream come true. It stocks all the necessary props, superpowers, costumes, books, and different superhero items. But it also has a secret identity of its own. Namely, behind the secret door, there’s a huge tutoring center for students aged between 6 and 18. They can get help with their homework and participate in various creative writing workshops. Although this is actually a nonprofit which helps kids unleash their most important superpower – knowledge, you can still grab a couple of cool items for your collection.
The best way to experience the Capital of the World is to explore these hidden gems of this city and visit the places that only true New Yorkers know about.