It was well past my breakfast time and my blood sugar was hovering in a place between “ok” and “getting kind of snippy.” We were en route to Grand Central Station to find breakfast before our Summit One Vanderbilt tour when this little number practically yelled my name.
Isn’t she fun?
She reminds me of the Dancing Hippos in the Disney classic “Fantasia.” She was part of an installation outside Grand Central Terminal through December.
I’m a little sad to think she won’t be there for future visitors to enjoy but that’s the thing about a city that we don’t see so much in our more rural communities – things are always changing.
This larger than life bronze sculpture is the work of Danish artist Bjørn Okholm Skaarup.
If you visit New York City, one thing you really must do is visit an observation deck and take in the vastness of the city. There are a few to choose from and each offers some kind of unique experience.
Perhaps the most unique among them is Summit One Vanderbilt. It’s the fourth tallest building in the city with a spire at 1,401 feet and the observation deck is just over a thousand feet high, providing an extraordinary view.
However, this attraction includes more than city views. First you stand in a long line through security and to claim booties for your shoes and sunglasses for your eyes. Then they shoot you up to the 90-something floor where you emerge into a strange new world. It’s a an art installation that employs light, air, mirrors, technology and silver beach balls to create an intriguing and sometimes disorienting atmosphere.
The aforementioned booties protect the mirrored floors while the sunglasses protect your eyes and help to tone down the mirror effect. While three walls are windows, the fourth wall, ceiling and floor are all mirrored.
It is wild and makes for some great pictures. In fact, everywhere you go, there are people standing, sitting and even lying on the floor posing for those Instagram worthy shots.
We paid a little extra for some options including an observation deck with a glass floor. It was a bit of a wait to do this so my inner coward that didn’t want to do it in the first place happily said no when my friends didn’t want to wait.
We did take advantage of the other perk – a glass elevator ride up an additional 200 feet. Yup. They tacked a glass elevator to the side of that ginormous building and send you on an excruciatingly slow climb toward the heavens.
I lived.
There are two ways to enter Summit – one from the street and the other from inside Grand Central Station. This is the entrance we chose and I was so glad because it gave us an excuse to grab breakfast, explore a bit and shop the Christmas market. Read about Grand Central Station by clicking here!
Restrooms are a little hard to find in New York but they are available at Summit and there’s one particular ladies room that has an incredible view.
If you’re looking for an art installation with a view, this is an excellent option. If you’re just looking for a view, keep looking. This was a lot of extra time and bling just to see the city from up high.
Still, no regrets. We had a great time and I’m glad we went! Want to visit? Click here to get your tickets and to learn more.
Grand Central Station is one of those New York landmarks that everyone should experience at least once.
Built between 1903 and 1913, it’s a National Historic Landmark located in midtown Manhattan. We have Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to thank for that landmark status as she was influential in the declaration and in saving this incredible building from the wrecking ball in the seventies.
You’ve likely seen it featured on tv shows and movies.
Grand Central covers 48 acres with platforms that serve 43 tracks for passenger train service. There are also a variety of stores, restaurants and event spaces.
Step inside the main concourse and you’ll find a sea of humanity zig zagging every which way. In fact, a staggering 250,000 people commute through this station every single day.
There’s an iconic information booth in the center with a four sided brass clock that I completely forgot to photograph up close.
This space is cavernous and seems even more so when you look up at the fabulous ceiling which features a highly stylized star map.
The experience was even more special this time because it was all decked out for the holiday!
It’s a sight to behold even if you just want to step inside for a minute and look around. We were there to visit Summit One, an observation tower attached to Grand Central. We also had a quick breakfast here and shopped a pop up Christmas market. Stay tuned for more on our trip through Summit.
Here’s one more picture – one of many soldiers we saw.
It was a gentle reminder that not everyone makes it home for the holidays and to be grateful for those who serve our nation.
This little gem from Grand Central Station popped up while perusing pictures recently. It reminded me of a grand time in New York City several years ago.
Oh, how I long to go back! Actually, I long to go almost anywhere but I’ll have to settle for memories right now.
I have some thoughts on a few day trips and maybe some long weekends for the spring. Adventures will continue to be hampered this year but I’m sure I can manage to do some safe exploring anyway.
This little gem from Grand Central Station popped up while perusing pictures recently. It reminded me of a grand time in New York City several years ago.