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New York in May

March 21st, 2010 by Holiday Lover in New York Breaks

Visiting New York in May time can be a great way to miss the summer crowds but generally the weather is warm enough to be able to walk around and see the sights of the big city comfortably. Some of the main attractions such as the Empire State Building and other main attractions are notoriously busy during the summer months, so taking a New York break in May can help alleviate some of the waiting around you will experience if you visit during those busier months.

New York in May

New York in May

The only real down side to visiting in May is that the summer programme of events is not in full motion so this may limit you on available things to do. However, if you are going mainly for sight seeing then May is as good as any of the summer months, minus the heat.

Weather

The temperature in May ranges on average from 12C to 20C although you should check the weather before travelling. There can be variances in weather either way so you may find it slightly colder or even warmer depending on current weather conditions. New York can have some rainy days in May so its advisable to take an umbrella and also a jacket as it may feel a little more chilly during the evenings.

Events in New York in May

The main event in New York in May is Memorial Day on the last Monday of the month. This is a day to commemorate those who have lost their lives in defence of America. Other events to watch out for is the annual Tribeca Film Festival, the Dance Parade and the ‘Toast of Town’ wine tasting event amongst others.

In summary, visiting New York in May can be an excellent choice. You can enjoy less queues and crowds, yet experience the city by walking as the weather tends to be warm enough to make it enjoyable.

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Times Square | Visit Times Square on your New York Break

March 17th, 2010 by Holiday Lover in New York Breaks
Times Square at Night

Times Square at Night

Times Square is synomous with the glitz and glamour that is New York City. If you go on a New York City break then doubtless you will have Times Square on your list of landmarks to visit. Times Square is made up of several blocks and can be found where Broadway intersects with 7th Avenue.

Times Square derived its name in 1904 after the New York Times moved in to a new skyscraper that had been built there. Since then it became know as Times Square. During the early 1900’s, Times Square soon became a centre for theatre, high class hotels and concert venues.

Times Square by Day

Times Square by Day

After the Great Depression of the 1930’s, Times Square because notorious for crime and, in the years that followed, became filled with adult shops and theatres. It became a symbol of the cities decline. In the 1990’s an effort was made to clean up the area and generally improve the areas security. This ‘clean up’ operation has made the area much safer and today its a symbol of the high life of New York.

Times Square probably most famous for its huge array of neon signs and lit screens which are best seen at night for overall effect. It’s certainly a great attraction which is something you will want to see on your New York break.

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Walk the Brooklyn Bridge on your New York Break

March 11th, 2010 by Holiday Lover in New York Breaks

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is something you have to do on a New York Break. Its a wonderful way to admire the skyline of Manhattan and best of all, its free!

Brooklyn Bridge is a big part of New Yorks history as well as being the first steel wire suspension bridge in the world! As well as being the main route to and from Manhattan from Brooklyn, it has a raised centre walkway which provides an excellent opportunity to take around a mile walk and see the sights of the big city on your New York break.

Walking the Bridge

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge on your New York Break

Walk the Brooklyn Bridge on your New York Break

Unless you want to walk both directions, its advisable to start the walk from the Brooklyn side as then you will be walking with the downtown Manhattan skyline in front of you all the way. Take an A train to High Street in Brooklyn, come out and head north up Cadman Plaza East until you reach the start of the Brooklyn Bridge trail. Once you reach the wooden walkway you are on the bridge proper.

As you walk down the bridge don’t forget to admire the huge granite, gothic towers which support the bridge. Also the Statue of Liberty will be visable on the left and even the famous Empire State Building poking above the rest of the skyline to the right. To the right also you will see Manhattan Bridge and even further away to the left past the Statue of Liberty, the huge Verrazano suspension bridge. Look out for the viewpoint guides and information plates dotted along the bridge which help you to identify what to look out for as you walk along as well as providing extra information on the bridge and its history.

The Brooklyn Bridge will take around 20-30 minutes to walk from end to end depending on your pace.

If you do wish to walk the other way from Manhattan, then take a train to City Hall and start your walk from there.

Whichever way you go, walking the bridge will be an unforgettable experience on your New York break.

A Few Bridge Facts

Height of towers above high tide: 276.5 feet
Bridge length end to end: 5.989 feet, 1.13 miles
Opened in: 1883

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