5 Hidden Gems in NYC
I love NYC. Many people think that it’s just a city of high rises and lights. But the city that never sleeps has rich and interesting history and parks hidden in it’s midst! Breathtaking waterfalls, old tiles, and creamylicious sweet sensations may now be what will fill your mind when you think about New York City.
1. Greenacre Park- or as I like to call it, the Secret Waterfall! This 25 foot, man-made waterfall takes you into another world. Located in the heart of the City at 217 East 51st Street, but the city seems to disappear. It is surrounded by foliage, which grows a calming atmosphere that NYC does not always show. This is a great place to bring a book and relax. There are a lot of tables and chairs on the terraces, and at night, the waterfall seems to glow.
2. The old City Hall subway stop used to be the crown jewel of the subway system in 1904. But still, you can see the amazingly old station, even though the stop is no longer in operation. Just stay on the 6 train past the City Hall stop. A subway worker might come to you and ask you if you want to stay on the train. Say that you want to see the old subway stop. Make sure you stay looking out the window so that you don’t miss it. Once you can see the station, admire the once-polished arches and skylights. The new subways could not make a turn that comes shortly after the station, so the MTA closed it down. The subway may stop there for a few minutes and then returns to the station you just left. Then, you can go out onto the streets and explore the modern City Hall stop!
3. Ample Hills Creamery definitely makes the list! Though it is tucked away in a distant corner of Brooklyn, my real motivation any time I walk across the Brooklyn Bridge is Ample Hills Creamery. Whenever I am walking in the heat, I am reminded of the sweet, perfect, and creamy ice cream that you get when you go to Ample Hills. My favorite flavor is the Munchies- pretzel-infused ice cream with clusters of Ritz crackers, potato chips, pretzels, and mini M&Ms. The one I love to go to is at 305 Nevins St, Brooklyn, NY 11215, but all of them have the same crazy flavors! Their URL is: https://www.amplehills.com/
4.The Manhattan Bridge is the best place to go from Brooklyn to Manhattan or vice versa. Not only is it not crowded, but it still has the amazing views that walking on the Brooklyn Bridge would offer. It is a great scenic walk, and it is less crowded, so if you pass out from the view, there will not be many people to trample you.
5. Taking a Watson Adventure is one of the most NYC things you can do even though it is not specific to NYC! My family and I love to explore on our own, but this is a great way to pack many hidden gems into a day. We took an awesome scavanger hunt adventure at Grand Central Station! Finding secrets of places in NYC in the form of a scavenger hunt is so much fun, and there are different selections of hunts, for adults and kids alike! Their URL is: https://www.watsonadventures.com/
