2015 Advanced Pediatric Emergency Medicine Assembly | Top 5 Things to Do In Midtown NYC
Top 5 Things to Do In Midtown NYC
The City's most iconic skyscraper has entranced New Yorkers since its completion in 1931. Lit up every night (and in a variety of colors to mark holidays and special events—red, pink and white for Valentine's Day; lavender for Pride Week; green for St. Patrick's Day), the Empire State Building is visible from much of Manhattan and its environs, acting as a landmark for tourists and locals to orient themselves. Visit the 86th- and 102nd-floor observation decks (immortalized in King Kong and An Affair to Remember) for spectacular and panoramic views of the City by day or night.
87 E. 42nd St., 212-340-2347
Meet me under the clock! The romance of New York, the lure of arrival and departure—all this is captured in the beautiful interior and exterior of Grand Central Terminal, one of the few remaining historic train stations in the United States. A two-year restoration project (completed in 1998) returned the station to its 1913 grandeur, including the ceiling's blue and gold-leaf zodiac mural, illuminated with thousands of lights. Visit the famous Grand Central Oyster Bar; stop by the many restaurants, pubs and shops in the terminal; and, of course, catch a train for a getaway. After taking it all in, head one block east to check out the iconic Chrysler Building, the tallest building in the City at the time of its construction in 1930. One of the gems of the New York City skyline, the art deco skyscraper is adorned with details that reference the company's cars, including replicas of hood ornaments and radiator caps perched on the corners of higher floors. The lobby—also an art deco masterpiece—is open to the public.
3. Rockefeller Center
Rockefeller Center, a 22-acre complex of stores, commercial offices and open space, is famous for its annual Christmas tree lighting and for its sunken ice-skating rink (which, during summertime, serves as the stylish watering hole Rink Bar). Take in the impressive view of NYC from 70 stories high at the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, or try to get on camera behind Meredith Vieira, Matt Lauer and Al Roker at a taping of the Today show. An NBC Studio Tour in the GE Building (also known as 30 Rock) takes visitors behind the scenes to the sets of some of their favorite shows, while the NBC Experience Store, one of the many shopping choices in the center, sells DVDs and souvenirs from hit TV shows both old and new, including Friends, The Office and, naturally, 30 Rock.
There's no better place to experience the excitement of New York than Times Square. Surrounded by neon lights, giant billboards, Broadway theaters, electronic ticker tape and television studios, Times Square is truly the heart of Midtown. The recently reopened TKTS Discount Booth (where theater tickets are sold at up to 50% off face value) is topped with a giant red staircase, open to visitors daily until 1am. Walk to the top of the steps and you'll be rewarded with a sweeping view of the area, including the site of the annual New Year's Eve Ball Drop. Elsewhere in Times Square, the City has created several new pedestrian-only zones furnished with chairs, perfect for people-watching.
For Gossip Girls and Eloises of certain generations, The Plaza was the local hangout of choice. The upper crust of the Upper East Side drank tea at The Palm Court, danced at debutante balls and flirted over cocktails in The Oak Room. Even for New York newcomers, the hotel has always been a symbol of having arrived—it's no surprise that Truman Capote, one of the City's most socially ambitious immigrants, chose The Plaza for his Black and White Ball in 1966. After a recent renovation, The Plaza has some new flourishes, including the Todd English–run Food Hall and other worthy complements to its legendary restaurants and bars.
Want to discover more? Check our this Client Spotlight on Commonwealth Emergency Physicians...just one of our many groups that offer opportunities for Pediatric Emergency Physicians.
