Category: General

We decided to put together a list of our favorite facts about New York City! Make sure you let us know if you have any facts or pieces of wisdom that we should add to the list!

 

Oysters were so popular in New York in the 19th century that the shells were used to pave Pearl Street. They were also used for lime for the masonry of the Trinity Church.

New York City became the first capital of the United States in 1789.

The New York Public Library has over 50 million books! Have you been to visit? It’s only a ten minute walk from our hotel at Grand Central so there’s no excuse!

Times Square got its name from the New York Times! Before they moved their offices there, the area was known as Longacre Square.

The first subway line was opened in New York in 1904. Today, the subway system is the largest mass transit system in the world with 468 stations and 1355 km of track.

There are over 13,000 licensed medallion taxis work the streets of New York City, so you’ll always be able to catch a cab!

The Statue of Liberty as many already know was a gift from France, given to America in 1886. However, what you might not know is that from the ground to the top of the torch the statue measures 93 metres, and weighs 204 metric tonnes. The statue was shipped as 350 pieces in 214 crates and took 4 months to assemble at its current home on Ellis Island.

The price of a slice of pizza and the cost of a subway ride are almost always the same. Back in the 1980’s, New Yorker’s began to notice that the price of a subway ride and a slice of pizza are almost always equal.

Brooklyn is the most populated borough in New York City.

It is said that there are 800 different languages spoken in New York City!

25% of the world’s gold bullion is stored in the Federal Bank Reserve’s vaults.

The ice cream cone, pasta primavera and eggs Benedict were all invented in New York City.

 

If you’re planning a trip to New York, make sure you check out our Special Offers at Fitzpatrick Hotels New York.

What’s on in New York City: August Edition

New York City is known for being the city that never sleeps for a reason. There is always something to see, hear, or eat. Make the most of your trip and check out some of the events happening this month. There’s something for everyone whether you want to take in some art, catch a game, or looking to be entertained.

ART: If you’re the artsy type, these events will certainly pique your interest.

Guggenheim Tuesdays running through Sept. 11

The Guggenheim is always worth a visit but this summer Tuesday’s are the night to go. Every Tuesday the museum extends their hours for a special public program like the conversation series Summer of Know. All exhibits are still on view and no advance tickets are required.

The Met Heavenly Bodies Exhibit running through Oct. 8

For anyone enamored by this year’s Met Gala theme, it’s necessary to see the inspiration behind some of this year’s most stunning looks. Fashion has long taken style cues from the Catholic Church’s propensity for ritual drama and flair. The cornerstone of this show are papal robes and accessories from the Sistine Chapel. Many of these pieces have never been displayed before so this might be your only chance to see them in person.

Free Walking Tours in the Garment District running through Dec. 30

Fashion is art and this tour gives you an insider perspective. Every show is unique and you might visit a private showroom or a sample sale, all while learning about this historic neighborhood’s background.

Sports: Knicks. Yankees. Giants. These teams are the heart and soul of the city but we suggest taking in some fresh events that won’t disappointment.

Brooklyn Cyclones running through Sept. 3

Come see where the big stars get their start. The Brooklyn Cyclones play in Coney Island and provide the chance to hit the beach and the pier before the game. This team is known for their odd promotional days with upcoming events including a Star Wars jersey giveaway, Harry Potter night, and a tribute to the Office. Make sure to visit for an experience that can’t be provided at CitiField.

U.S. Open running from Aug. 21- Sept. 9

This event only happens once a year so if you’re in the city during this tournament, it’s where you want to be. The U.S. Open is the only Grand Slam in the country and the only time to see the biggest stars in tennis. Will Serena Williams win another Grand Slam? Who will be victorious between Nadal and Federer? The answers to these questions await at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

New York City Football Club running through Oct. 28

If you’re a fan of sports, a trip to the city should include a visit to Yankee Stadium but we don’t suggest watching a ball game. The New York City Football Club is the city’s newest club and Yankee Stadium has become their temporary home creating a unique experience to watch a soccer game. Join the Third Rail, their local fan club, to cheer the team on in a thrilling match.

 

Entertainment

Movies with a View running through Aug. 30

The title movies with a view isn’t an understatement. Take in gorgeous views of Lower Manhattan’s famed skyline while watching a diverse line-up of movies in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Next up is last year’s blockbuster, Wonder Woman, which is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Metropolitan Opera Summer HD Festival running through Sept. 3

Head to Lincoln Center Plaza to see the Opera’s prominent stars get their moment on the big screen. There are thousands of seats but they will fill up for this FREE festival so make sure to get there early.

Coca-Cola Generations Jazz Festival running through Oct. 7

This festival kicks off at the end of August but will provide the city with 6 weeks’ worth of entertainment from the best and brightest in the jazz world. The lineup was crafted to inspire young and old generations of jazz fans so this means that there is something for everyone to enjoy and new acts for fans to discover.

Heading from event to event is tiring work so don’t forget to rest up at the Fitzpatrick Hotel. We have delicious food, tasty drinks, and comfy beds to keep you energized for your entire stay.

New York is famous for its shopping! Whether you want designer goods or vintage pieces, you’ll find everything you want and need in New York City! We’ve put together our TOP 5 places to shop when you visit the Big Apple!

1. Macy’s
Macy’s Herald Square is one of the largest department stores in the world, it covers almost an entire New York City block. With an amazing selection of brands to choose from, including Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and Levi’s, there is something for everyone and you’ll spend hours wandering the 9 floors! A shopper’s haven!

2. Bloomingdales
Located on Lexington Avenue, you may recognise the name from Rachel’s time in Friends, but Bloomingdales has been a New York Institution for over a century. You’ll find all your favorite designer brands here, including Gucci, Burberry, Michael Kors and many, many more!

3. Century 21
Century 21’s Flagship store can be found in lower Manhattan. Century 21 is a large discount department store, they offer up to 60% off some of the top designer brands. If you love a good bargain then this is the store for you!

4. 5th Avenue
Stroll down 5th avenue and you’ll find all of your favorite brands as well as passing some of NY’s most iconic landmarks including The Plaza, The Rockefeller Centre & St.Patrick’s Cathedral. You’ll find world famous stores such as Bergdorf Goodman, Tiffany & Co and Saks Fifth Avenue on your walk down one of the world’s most famous streets! Remember to check out Saks Fifth Avenue’s Holiday Light Show if you’re visiting during the Christmas Season!

5. SoHo
From shoes to homeware, clothes to accessories, you’ll find everything you need in SoHo. There’s something to suit all budgets! You’ll find lots of vintage stores in SoHo and if you’re ready to search you can get some amazing bargains! You’ll find brands such as Opening Ceremony, Second Time Around and What Goes Around Comes Around.

If you’re planning a shopping trip to New York soon, we would be delighted to welcome you to Fitzpatrick Hotels New York, why not check out our amazing Eat, Sleep, Shop, Repeat offer

No trip to New York is complete without a visit to Central Park, located between Fifth Avenue and Eighth Avenue and running from 59th Street to 110th Street, it is the most visited urban park in the United States. We’ve picked some of our favorite spots for you to visit!

Central Park Zoo
Central Park Zoo has been a New York Institution since 1860, when it was first opened as a menagerie. Nowadays, a walk around the Zoo’s five plus acres will take you through a variety of habitats, all carefully designed to recreate the natural environment of the animals they house.

Metropolitan Museum of Art
Located on 5th Avenue, on the east side of the park, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the world’s most renowned museums. With over 7 million visitors a year, it is the world’s fifth most visited museum. You will find art from all over the world and with many different exhibitions, there is always something new to see. If you are going to visit ‘The Met’ as it is affectionately known by locals, then prepare to spend a few hours wandering the different exhibitions. Also if you visit during the summer, be sure to check out their rooftop, the views of Central Park are not to be missed!

Ice-skating at Christmas
The Wollman Rink is located on the east side, very close to the Central Park Zoo. People from all over the world travel to New York at Christmas time and ice-skating in Central Park with the backdrop of the New York City skyline is a must! The Wollman Rink offers ice hockey, a skating school, party facilities, skate rentals, and lockers.

Belvedere Castle
Named for the Italian meaning “beautiful view”, Central Park’s Belvedere Castle offers park goers exactly what its name implies. With its two balconies, it supplies wonderful panoramic views that include some of Central Park’s most beautiful and famous landmarks. It now serves as Henry Luce Nature Conservatory.

Bethesda Terrace Arcade
Bethesda Terrace Arcade is the arched, interior walkway in the center of the park that links the Mall to Bethesda Fountain and the Central Park Lake. This was created in the 1860s as a part of the Park’s main architectural feature. The highlight of the arcade is the magnificent Minton Tile ceiling, which features than 15,000 colorful, patterned encaustic tiles.

Different Movies
A number of world famous movies feature scenes shot in Central Park, we have listed a few but there any many more, just ask us if you want to identify any of the famous New York landmarks featured in your favorite films.
– The Thomas Crown Affair
– Maid in Manhattan
– Godzilla
– Fatal Attraction
– Stuart Little
– When Harry Met Sally
– Elf
– Home Alone

If you want to fit in a visit to Central Park on your next visit to New York, why not check out our ‘Stay Longer, Save Bigger’ and get 10% off! 

New York Coffee Festival
Love coffee? Well, then you’re in luck! The New York Coffee Festival is a weekend-long fest featuring tastings, interactive workshops and barista demonstrations from more than 85 coffee-industry insiders. It runs from Friday October 13th – Sunday, October 15th!

Ice Skating at the Rockefeller Center
The rink opens in October, so get your skates on! With only room for 150 skaters, there may be long lines but ice-skating here is a truly memorable experience in a unique setting!

Pumpkin Flotilla
Taking place on October 28th at 4 pm, don’t miss out on this New Yorker favorite! Taking place in Central Park, enjoy ghost stories, check out a costume parade and partake in the pumpkin carving. Afterward, the Central Park Conservancy will partake in a traditional Pumpkin Flotilla, where 50 gourds will take a sail across the Harlem Meer at twilight.

The Village Halloween Parade
Head to The Village Halloween Parade. NYC’s creative and spooky procession—is one of the best Halloween events in Greenwich Village. More than 50,000 zombies, ghouls, witches, giant puppets and more things that go bump in the night take the streets for a night of costumed revelry. The parade takes place on October 31st from 7.00 pm-10.30 pm, on 6th Avenue, running from just North of Spring Street to 16th Street! This year’s theme is I Am Robot!

Catch a game at Madison Square Garden
Catch a New York Rangers game when they are playing at home in Madison Square Garden! The atmosphere will be electric as New Yorker’s cheer on their team at home!

About Halloween
Halloween is an annual holiday celebrated each year on October 31. It originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts and evil spirits. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, dressing up and eating sweet treats.

The Village Halloween Parade
Head to The Village Halloween Parade. NYC’s creative and spooky procession—is one of the best Halloween events in Greenwich Village. More than 50,000 zombies, ghouls, witches, giant puppets and more things that go bump in the night take the streets for a night of costumed revelry. The parade takes place on October 31st from 7.00 pm-10.30 pm, on 6th Avenue, running from just North of Spring Street to 16th Street! This year’s theme is I Am Robot!

Pumpkin Flotilla
Taking place on October 28th at 4 pm, don’t miss out on this New Yorker favorite! Taking place in Central Park, enjoy ghost stories, check out a costume parade and partake in the pumpkin carving. Afterward, the Central Park Conservancy will partake in a traditional Pumpkin Flotilla, where 50 gourds will take a sail across the Harlem Meer at twilight.

Take a Ghost Tour
There’s lots of different ghost tours to do in New York, each with their own exciting offering. Some different options include The Haunted Broadway Walking Tour, Candlelight Ghost Tours of Manhattan’s Most Haunted House and The Greenwich Ghost Tour! Joining any of these tours is a spooky way to spend Halloween Weekend!

Wander the City
New Yorker’s take their Halloween decorations very seriously! For some amazing house decoration, a visit to the Upper East Side is a must! Houses covered in cobwebs, giant witches and ghosts and perfectly carved pumpkins will all greet you on your adventure!

Visiting New York this November? Well we’ve compiled a list of our top things to do and see in the city this month!

Winter in Bryant Park
1st November
With ice-skating, over 170 holiday shops and some of the best food stalls around! Winter in Bryant Park is a must for those visiting New York City over the Winter season! Enjoy a hot chocolate as you browse the Christmas gifts or watch everyone ice-skating

Fitzpatrick Oyster Festival
1st – 15th November
Join us for our annual Oyster Festival on the patio at The Wheeltapper! Each day we will have a different Oyster Special, including Deep Fried Oysters, Chicken and Oyster Gumbo and Herb Baked Oysters! A truly delicious festival, so make sure you stop by to say hello!

New York City Marathon
4th November
First run in 1970, The New York City Marathon is now the largest in the world, with more than 50,000 finishers last year. The 48th New York City Marathon course goes through all 5 boroughs! Even if you’re not taking part, it’s worth taking to the streets to cheer on the marathon runners!

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
22nd November
The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, the world’s largest parade, is presented one of our favourite department stores Macy’s! This 3 hour event is one not to be missed if you are visiting New York City! Starting at West 77th Street & Central Park West, the parade travels through Manhattan finishing up at Macy’s Herald Square!

Hit the Sales on Black Friday
23rd November
After Thanksgiving come the Black Friday Sales! If you want a bargain, Black Friday is your best option to get one! Head out with the crowds and hit the sales!

Rockefeller Tree Lighting Ceremony
28th November
A symbol of the start of Christmas in New York! The tree lighting ceremony this year takes place at 7pm on Wednesday 28th November! Make sure you head along to enjoy music and the Christmas atmosphere!

In many American households, the Thanksgiving celebration has lost much of its original historical significance; instead, it now centers on cooking and sharing a bountiful meal with family and friends.

Thanksgiving takes place this year on Thursday 22nd November, so we decided to share some of our favorite Thanksgiving Traditions with you.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, the world’s largest parade, is presented one of our favorite department stores Macy’s! This 3 hour event is one not to be missed if you are visiting New York City! Starting at West 77th Street & Central Park West, the parade travels through Manhattan finishing up at Macy’s Herald Square! It’s one of Teddy Fitz’s favorite things to do on Thanksgiving Day before he heads to the hotel to meet all of our guests so make sure you keep an eye out and say hello to him if you pass him!

Try some of our Favorite Dishes
Thanksgiving is a time for friends and family to get together to share a meal with one another. Some of our favorite dishes include:
Turkey – this is a staple at any Thanksgiving table.
Stuffing – A delicious addition to any meal!
Pumpkin Pie – A seasonal dish that over the years has become the dessert choice for Thanksgiving.
Sweet Potato
Mac ‘n’ Cheese – This was an addition by Teddy Fitz, he’s loves this and make sure he adds it to his Thanksgiving Day table.

The Wishbone
If you’ve enjoyed a turkey Thanksgiving, you will be left with a wishbone. This is to be snapped between two people, the person who gets the bigger end will have their wish granted in the coming year.

Take A Walk Around The City
One thing Teddy Fitz always recommends is a post dinner walk around the city. He loves to see the city on a quieter evening after the crowds from the parade have gone home for their dinner.

Football
A lot of people will spend the afternoon watching the Football games with their families. The first Thanksgiving Day football game took place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Thanksgiving Day of 1869 and it has been a Thanksgiving Day tradition ever since!

All of us here at Fitzpatrick Hotels would like to wish you, your family and your friends a Happy Thanksgiving.

Are you planning a trip to New York December? We’ve put together a list of our must-see sights this December!

Winter in Bryant Park

With ice-skating, over 170 holiday shops and some of the best food stalls around! Winter in Bryant Park is a must for those visiting New York City over the Winter season! Enjoy a hot chocolate as you browse the Christmas gifts or watch everyone ice-skating.

5th Avenue

5th Avenue comes alive at Christmas! Stroll down one of the world’s most notable shopping streets and take in the Christmas buzz! First stop, Tiffany’s – their Christmas lights display is a sure sign that Christmas in New York has kicked off! Next stop off at Rockefeller Center to view their iconic Christmas tree and ice-skating rink! The Christmas windows that line 5th Avenue are always a treat and some of our favorites include Lord & Taylor, Henri Bendels and Saks Fifth Avenue!

Ice-Skating

Why not try your hand at ice-skating if you’re visiting the city this December? New York has a number of ice-skating rinks including Wollman Rink in Central Park, Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park and Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers.

Go See A Show

Going to see a show in December is a great Christmas treat! Some of the classic Broadway Shows include The Book of Mormon, The Lion King and Wicked! Or if you really want to get into the Christmas spirit, why not go and see the Christmas Spectacular Starring The Radio City Rockettes which runs for the month of December.

With Christmas just around the corner, we’ve decided to share a list of our favorite things to do in New York this Christmas.

Christmas Display Windows

Christmas is the time when all of the stores in New York go all out for their Window Displays! Some of our favorites include Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Macys and Lord & Taylor! (Make sure you check out Lord & Taylor’s window display if you are in New York this year as the store is due to close their 5th Avenue location in 2019!)

Ice Skating

We may have mentioned this before but only because it’s a wonderful winter experience to enjoy while you visit the city! Some of our favorite locations include Bryant Park, Central Park and the Rockefeller Center!

 Rockefeller Center

Visit the famous Christmas Tree at the Rockefeller Center! It’s almost a New York tradition to take a photo in front of the tree! Although, if you are looking for the biggest Christmas Tree in New York, head to the New York Stock Exchange!

Go to see The Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at Radio City

This show runs through to January 6th and is a New York Tradition! The show is 90-minute long and features more than 140 performers combining singing, dancing, and humor with traditional scenes.

Light Show at Saks Fifth Avenue

The light show at Saks Fifth Avenue is one not to be missed! Running every few minutes and accompanied by music, it is a showstopper and you will often find a number of people stopped on 5th Avenue to watch the show!

Visit More & More Antiques

Located on the at 378 Amsterdam Avenue, More & More Antiques transforms from an Antique Store to a Christmas Shop each year! It’s filled with hundreds of ornaments and the perfect Christmas gifts!