In 1802, Alexander Hamilton built a country home in the pastoral fields of a neighborhood now known as Hamilton Heights. It was the only home he ever owned, and is where he resided when he famously lost his life in a duel with Aaron Burr. American history lovers will appreciate Hamilton's Federalist style home, and it's also off the beaten path for people who want to see a more residential, quieter face of New York City.
Parking and public transportation at Hamilton Grange
Parking may be difficult in this neighborhood; public transportation is the most convenient option. Take the 1 train to 137th Street, or the A,B,C, or D to 145th Street. Several city buses also serve the area.
Best and worst time to go to Hamilton Grange
The restored period rooms on the second floor can be toured only with a park ranger present, so visits should coincide with those slated times, or with one of the guided tours that take place throughout the day. School groups are given priority on Wednesday through Friday mornings. Call ahead during these times to confirm that you'll have access to the upstairs rooms.
Admission to Hamilton Grange
Admission and tours are free.
Must see/do at Hamilton Grange
The ground floor features an exhibit and film, which recap Hamilton's sometimes forgotten legacy. Plan to spend about 30 minutes here before touring the second floor, where some artifacts on display were actually used by the Hamilton family. Another short film is shown upstairs, which describes how the house was moved in 2008 to its current location.
Other places to visit near Hamilton Grange
Morris-Jumel Mansion is New York City's oldest house, where Hamilton attended a cabinet dinner hosted by President George Washington. City College is a scenic campus more than a century old, and The Grange Bar & Eatery is a popular local restaurant.
Insider tip for visitors to Hamilton Grange
In addition to his home, New York City has many monuments to Hamilton, including a granite statue in Central Park, the U.S. Custom House in Lower Manhattan, and a bronze statue that sits on the original site of the Hamilton Grange.
Author's bio: Michele DeBella is a freelance writer based in New York City. She loves the history of Upper Manhattan, which also happens to be her neighborhood. Follow her on Twitter.
Central Park's urban oasis draws millions of visitors, and there's plenty of space for all to spread out a blanket and enjoy a lazy afternoon picnic. Nature lovers can spot birds along the quiet woodland trails, and sports enthusiasts will find something to do in every season: ice skating and cross country skiing in the winter, yoga and swimming in the summer, and jogging and biking no matter what the weather happens to be. When the warm months descend upon the city, Central Park hosts free concerts, movies at dusk, and world-renowned plays.
Parking and public transportation at Central Park
Located in the heart of New York City, Central Park is easy to access by car, public transportation, or bicycle. If riding a bike inside the park, be sure to stick to designated bike paths and obey the street crossings. Metered parking spots are available on the streets surrounding the park, but empty spaces are hard to come by.
Best and worst time to go to Central Park
The most picturesque time of year is early spring, especially when the cherry blossoms scattered throughout the park begin to bloom, usually in mid to late April. March brings soggy grounds and unpredictable weather, and features the park at its least colorful.
Admission to Central Park
Admission is free. Certain attractions within the park charge a fee, such as the zoo, the carousel, ice skating, and boat rentals.
Must see/do in Central Park
Visitors to the Lake have a lot of options. They can lounge on its banks while watching rowboats glide under the lovely arched Bow Bridge, wander the paths that wind around it, or kick back with a cold drink at the lakefront Loeb Boathouse. For stunning park views, follow the Ramble to Belvedere Castle, which also doubles as one of the park's visitor centers. Bethesda Terrace is a lively plaza where street performers and artists hang out. It's also home to Bethesda Fountain, a neoclassical wonder of a sculpture, also known as Angel of the Waters.
Other places to visit near Central Park
Because Central Park spans 843 acres, you can end up in various parts of the city depending on where you exit. Some of the city's most famous museums are located on Museum Mile, which stretches along the eastern border of the park on Fifth Avenue. Those who exit at 59th Street and Fifth Avenue will be in front of the Plaza Hotel, whose Food Hall has a delectable choice of gourmet eateries. To take the path less travelled, head toward the Harlem exit at 110th Street, and you'll find yourself at the lower tip of one of New York's most vibrantly historical neighborhoods.
Insider tip for visitors to Central Park
The only difficult thing about Central Park is keeping up with all the events, so do a little research before you go. Chances are, there's something special going on when you go, whether it's tango lessons at the Shakespeare statue, a roller disco party with a live DJ, or a free Metropolitan Opera concert. Two good websites to keep up on the park's events are http://www.centralpark.com/ and http://www.nycgo.com/
Author's bio: Michele DeBella is a freelance writer in New York City, where she vows to stay until she stops getting lost in Central Park. Follow her on Twitter @MicheleDeBella.
The Empire State Building was the world's tallest building when it was built, and its observation deck still offers visitors one of the best perspectives on New York City's streets and skyline. Before heading up to look down on the streets, look up at the lobby ceiling, where Art Deco-style ornamentation includes the stars and planets detailed in gold leaf.
Parking and public transportation at the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is in the heart of midtown, on famous Fifth Avenue, so it's easy to get to. Buses run down the avenue, and there are several subway stops nearby. Street parking is difficult, but you'll find parking garages in the neighborhood.
Best and worst time to go to the Empire State Building
You can visit the Empire State Building at almost any time; the building stays open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., with the last elevator up at 1:15 a.m. Go before 10 a.m. or after 10 p.m. for fewer crowds. Whatever time you go, make sure the weather's clear so you'll get the best view.
Admission to the Empire State Building
If you just want to peek at the lobby, you can do that for free, but you'll pay admission to head to the higher levels. There are two observation decks, one on the 86th floor and one on the 102nd; there's an extra charge for getting as high as you can go. Children and seniors get discounts. Depending on the package you select and the ages in your party, admission ranges from about $30 to about $75. There's separate admission of about $45 for the Skyride attraction.
Must see/do at the Empire State Building
The main reason for visiting the Empire State Building is to take in the views of New York City. It's the second tallest building in the city, so you'll have an unobstructed view all the way, whether you look uptown, downtown, toward the east side, or towards the west side. The Skyride lets you virtually step out of the tower and soar above the city.
Other places to visit near the Empire State Building
There are other famous buildings near the Empire State Building, like the Flatiron Building and the Chrysler Building. You can walk up Fifth Avenue to the New York Public Library, and keep going up Fifth to find elegant shopping.
Insider tip for visitors to the Empire State Building
The 102nd floor observation deck is enclosed by glass, so taking photos can be challenging. You can get better photos from the 86th floor level, which is outdoors. Even if you visit during the day, be sure to look for the Empire State Building at night, when its top level is illuminated; the colors change daily to honor different special occasions.
Author's bio: Elissa Gilbert is a New York native. She blogs about her travels outside of the city at http://www.elissaexplores.com.
Famous for standing on the site where George Washington took his presidential oath, this building is now a museum and memorial devoted to the birth of the United States government. It is run by the National Park Service.
Best and worst times to go to the Federal Hall National Memorial
The area surrounding Federal Hall can be crowded and crazy when traders are entering or leaving the nearby Stock Exchange, so it's best to avoid entering or leaving the building at 9:30 a.m. or 4 p.m.
Must see/do at the Federal Hall National Memorial
Don't leave Federal Hall without a glimpse of the George Washington Inaugural Bible, which is on display in the Inaugural Gallery on the first floor. And note that although the tours provided by the National Park Rangers may take longer than the self-guided tour, they are well worth your time.
Admission to the Federal Hall National Memorial
Federal Hall is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; it is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday of November) and Christmas Day (December 25). Admission is free.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Federal Hall National Memorial
Note that because of security concerns, no cars are allowed on the section of Wall Street immediately outside of Federal Hall. In addition, street parking in lower Manhattan is extremely limited and parking garages in the area are expensive. Therefore, public transit is the best option when you are visiting Federal Hall. By subway, take the 2 or 3 to Wall & Williams Streets; the 4 or 5 to Wall Street & Broadway; the J or Z to Broad Street; the 1 to Rector Street; the R to Rector Street; or the A or C to Fulton Street. Or take the M5 bus.
Insider tip for visitors to the Federal Hall National Memorial
Federal Hall has long been a focal point for free speech and new ideas, and the National Park Service encourages citizens to exercise their First Amendment rights. As a result, you will often see protests and demonstrations on the front steps.
Other places to visit near the Federal Hall National Memorial
Federal Hall is located on Wall Street in New York City's financial district, just steps away from the Museum of American Finance and the New York Stock Exchange. A short walk will take you to the 9/11 Memorial and the ferry to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
Author's Bio: Victoria Franzese is a proud New Yorker who owned, operated, and wrote for a successful online travel guide for 15 years. Now, thankfully, all of her travel is purely for fun. See where she's going next at @VOFranzese.
This brownstone townhouse in the Grammercy Park area of Manhattan is actually a reconstructed version of Teddy Roosevelt's boyhood home. Now administered by the National Park Service, the house offers an excellent view of New York City life in the mid-1800s, as well as a treasure trove of information about our 26th President.
*It is currently closed for renovations and will re-open in 2016.
Best and worst times to go to the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
Since this site is closed for renovations, you can only see the outside right now. So choose a sunny day and enjoy exploring the neighborhood.
Must see/do at the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
Be sure to take a tour if it is available. Note that although the actual building in which TR grew up was demolished in 1916, a group of prominent citizens purchased the site after his death in 1919 and reconstructed Roosevelt's boyhood home as a memorial. TR's widow and two sisters carefully monitored this process to ensure that the house was accurately restored.
Admission to the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
Admission hours and fees will be available when the museum re-opens in 2016.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
The Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site is located on the south side of East 20th Street, between Park Avenue South and Broadway. There is limited street parking and public parking garages in the area.
By subway, take the 6 train to the East 23rd Street station on Park Avenue South; or the
N and R train to the East 23rd Street station on Broadway.
By bus, take the M6 and M7 on Broadway; the M1 on Park Avenue South; or the M23 on 23rd Street.
Insider tip for visitors to the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
While the birthplace is closed, consider a visit to the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Hall at the American Museum of Natural History or to Sagamore Hill, aka "the Summer White House."
Other places to visit near the Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace
Although getting into the privately-owned Grammercy Park requires a key, you can get a nice look at the gardens through the fence. The National Arts Club (where TR was a member) often has exhibitions and events that are open to the public.
Author's bio: Victoria Franzese is a proud New Yorker who owned, operated, and wrote for a successful online travel guide for 15 years. Now, thankfully, all of her travel is purely for fun. See where she's going next at @VOFranzese.
The Empire State Building was the world's tallest building when it was built, and its observation deck still offers visitors one of the best perspectives on New York City's streets and skyline. Before heading up to look down on the streets, look up at the lobby ceiling, where Art Deco-style ornamentation includes the stars and planets detailed in gold leaf.
Parking and public transportation at the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building is in the heart of midtown, on famous Fifth Avenue, so it's easy to get to. Buses run down the avenue, and there are several subway stops nearby. Street parking is difficult, but you'll find parking garages in the neighborhood.
Best and worst time to go to the Empire State Building
You can visit the Empire State Building at almost any time; the building stays open from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., with the last elevator up at 1:15 a.m. Go before 10 a.m. or after 10 p.m. for fewer crowds. Whatever time you go, make sure the weather's clear so you'll get the best view.
Admission to the Empire State Building
If you just want to peek at the lobby, you can do that for free, but you'll pay admission to head to the higher levels. There are two observation decks, one on the 86th floor and one on the 102nd; there's an extra charge for getting as high as you can go. Children and seniors get discounts. Depending on the package you select and the ages in your party, admission ranges from about $30 to about $75. There's separate admission of about $45 for the Skyride attraction.
Must see/do at the Empire State Building
The main reason for visiting the Empire State Building is to take in the views of New York City. It's the second tallest building in the city, so you'll have an unobstructed view all the way, whether you look uptown, downtown, toward the east side, or towards the west side. The Skyride lets you virtually step out of the tower and soar above the city.
Other places to visit near the Empire State Building
There are other famous buildings near the Empire State Building, like the Flatiron Building and the Chrysler Building. You can walk up Fifth Avenue to the New York Public Library, and keep going up Fifth to find elegant shopping.
Insider tip for visitors to the Empire State Building
The 102nd floor observation deck is enclosed by glass, so taking photos can be challenging. You can get better photos from the 86th floor level, which is outdoors. Even if you visit during the day, be sure to look for the Empire State Building at night, when its top level is illuminated; the colors change daily to honor different special occasions.
Author's bio: Elissa Gilbert is a New York native. She blogs about her travels outside of the city at http://www.elissaexplores.com.
