New York City: The Upper West Side
Once upon a time, Manhattan's Upper West Side was considered a haven for New York City's bohemian intellectuals. While the gentrification projects of the past two decades have changed the ambiance of this once unique neighborhood, thanks to historic preservation, shadows of the Upper West Side's artistic past can still be seen. Let's begin at the Lincoln Center of the performing Arts.Lincoln Center
The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts was developed with the hopes of renovating a once downtrodden neighborhood. In fact, the project, which was led by Mayor Robert Moses, had the somewhat insulting title of the Mayor's Slum Clearance Committee. When the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts was completed in 1969, people came from all over the world to see it. So should you. Even if you don't see a performance, you should explore the grounds, which are a perfect example of artistry in architectural design. Be sure to take a look at the Marc Chagall paintings in the lobby of the Metropolitan Opera. A magnificent fountain sits in the center of the various theaters. Damrosch Park and the Guggenheim Band Shell are situated behind the theaters. In the summer, there are a variety of concerts and crafts fairs. Your next stop along this tour is the Ansonia Hotel, which is located on 74th and Broadway. If you are in need of refreshment, cross to the east side of 72nd and Broadway and check out Gray's Papaya. Other New York businesses may come and go, but Gray's Papaya has been an Upper West Side tradition since the 1970s. If the thought of papaya juice is unappetizing, try their coconut juice or pina colada.The Ansonia Hotel
The Ansonia's history is as bizarre as its builder, Earl Stokes. He married a 16-year old girl who he fell in love with after seeing her picture in a photographer's window. Stokes set up a farm on the Ansonia roof and built a huge swimming pool in the basement. Many people lived at the Ansonia. Some of the most colorful residents included Enrico Caruso, Igor Stravinsky, Arturo Toscanini, Florenz Ziegfeld, Theodore Dreiser, and Babe Ruth. It eventually became a popular hangout for gamblers. In 1919, the plot to fix the World Series was hatched within the Ansonia's rooms. During the 1970s, the Ansonia's steam room was reconstructed in order to build the Continental Baths. This is where Bette Midler first built her cult following. The Ansonia is designed in the Beaux Arts style of architecture. As such, you will often see people outside the building taking photos of the intricate patterns of the stonework. Be sure to go inside and check out the lobby. The spiral staircase is the type of thing that you would expect to see in a 1930s movie. The Ansonia Hotel is located at 2109 Broadway. If you appreciate intricate and detailed architecture, head one block west to West End Avenue. Here, you will see many buildings that were designed under Franklin D. Roosevelt's WPA project. Speaking of architecture, don't leave New York City without visiting the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine.Saint John the Divine
As you enter the grounds of the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine, two splendid peacocks might greet you. This is not a dream. You are about to enter paradise. Designed in 1888, Saint John's is considered by some to be the world's largest Gothic cathedral. However, since various architects have worked on the Cathedral, you will also see traces of the Romanesque style of architecture. The construction of the Cathedral has been interrupted by two words wars, thus giving it the nickname of Saint John the Unfinished. However, in 1979, Reverend Paul Moore instituted a revival of the construction. This project proved to be beneficial to the surrounding neighborhood, since the local youths were given the opportunity to study the art of stone masonry. On Sunday evenings, the Cathedral holds torchlight Gregorian Chant Vespers Services. This is a perfect way to end your day in New York.Comments
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