An open space with a tradition of nonconformity, the park's fountain area has long been one of the city's popular spots for residents and tourists. Washington Square has been a center of the cultural life in New York since the middle of the 19th century. Artists of the Hudson River School, the country's first prominent school of painters, settled around Washington Square at that time. Samuel Morse and Daniel Huntington were tenants of the old University Building. (New York University once rented out studio space and residential apartments within the "academic" building.) Edgar Allan Poe, Mark Twain, Herman Melville and Walt Whitman contributed to the artistic climate, having notable interaction with the cultural and academic life of the university.

Experience the beauty of Queens Botanical Garden (QBG), the place where people, plants, and cultures meet. Set on 39 acres in theheart of New York City's largest borough, the Garden is an oasis of green space serving our nations's most ethnically diverse county. More then 60 years after its birth as an exhibit at the 1939 New York World's Fair, QBG continues to welcome an international audience with rose, bee, herb, and perennial gardens, changing displays, and public programs accessible to all. QBG is just steps away from some of the finest ethnic restaurants in New York City and the cultural attractions of Flushing Meadows Corona Park, home of the 1939 and 1964 New York World's Fairs

The Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper in New York City. Its name is derived from the nickname for the state of New York. It stood as the world's tallest building for more than forty years, from its completion in 1931 until the construction of the World Trade Center North Tower in 1972, and is now once again the tallest building in New York after the destruction of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

The Empire State Building has been named by the American Society of Civil Engineers as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. The building and its street floor interior are designated landmarks of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, and confirmed by the New York City Board of Estimate. Source

New York Times Travel Show. January 18, 2013 - January 20, 2013. There's no better way to learn more about travel than by gaining insights from the experts--and that's what you'll get from the fascinating seminars at the Travel Show. This year’s seminars promise much not-to-be-missed information. Be sure to sign up for e-mailed updates, become a fan of the show on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter to be the first to learn about seminars updates, deals, etc.
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center is a large convention center on the west side of Manhattan in New York City. It was designed by architects I. M. Pei and partners. The revolutionary space frame structure was built in 1986 and named for New York Senator Jacob K. Javits, who died that year.
The exhibit space is over 675,000 square feet (62,700 m2). Planning and constructing a convention center on Manhattan's west side has had a long and controversial history, including efforts starting in the early 1970s to produce a megaproject involving a redevelopment concept. On October 16, 2006, a groundbreaking ceremony was held to start construction of an expansion. The $1.7 billion dollar expansion project will expand the center's size by 45 percent, and include a hotel. The project is scheduled for completion by 2010, and when finished, will be one of the largest convention centers in the U.S.

The best way to connect to nature in New York City is by visiting the Bronx Zoo, the world’s largest urban zoo. With world-class exhibits such as the Wild Asian Monorail, the Tiger Mountain, the Congo Gorilla Forest and the newest exhibit, Madagascar, the Bronx Zoo features more than 600 different species, including mammals, birds, reptiles & amphibians and insects. Check the daily schedule of feedings and enrichment demonstrations and then customize your trip with their interactive trip planner. Find your inner animal on the Animal Activity Trail; watch amazing aerial tricks at the World of Birds; experience a very unique form of New York City transit when you ride a camel around Wild Asia Plaza; feed and watch Magellanic penguins come out of their dens and bob for fish; watch one of the most popular attractions, the Sea Lion feeding and training demonstration; visit the Butterfly Garden, a wild meadow and spacious greenhouse where you can identify different butterflies, smell the flowers and learn how to plant a nectar-rich garden. No matter how you plan your trip to the Bronx Zoo.

The L.I.C. Community Boathouse is a boathouse located in Long Island City, New York. The boathouse provides access to the East River for the local community through various programs such as kayaking, rowing and sailing. The boathouse is a volunteer-run organization that aims to promote the use of the waterfront for recreational, educational and environmental purposes. The boathouse offers a variety of programs for people of all ages and skill levels. The adult rowing program is a popular option for those looking to get in shape and learn a new skill. The youth rowing program is also offered to young people, providing a great opportunity to learn teamwork and discipline. Kayaking programs are also available for both adults and youth, as well as sailing programs.
In addition to these programs, the boathouse also offers waterfront access to the community through its kayak and rowboat lending program, which allows individuals to borrow boats for free during the boating season. The boathouse also provides space for community events such as parties, picnics, and other gatherings.
The boathouse is located on the East River in Long Island City, next to the Socrates Sculpture Park and the Queensbridge Park. The boathouse is easily accessible by public transportation, with the F train subway line stopping at the 21st St-Queensbridge stop, which is a short walk from the boathouse.
The L.I.C. Community Boathouse is a great place for the community to enjoy the waterfront and learn new skills, while also promoting the use of the waterfront for recreational, educational and environmental purposes.

Known for being the first house museum on Staten Island, this New York City museum is rich in history on many levels. Its name lies in honor for the peace conference of 1776, a commemoration. Constructed circa 1680 by Captain Christopher Billopp, this 2 story rubble-stone masonry masterpiece has been restored over the years, as needed for structural integrity. Its steep gable roof gives the essence of the period. By 1934, much work had been completed including the Colonial Rose Garden and planting 13 trees to represent the original colonies. House tours are offered Friday-Sunday at 1 pm. In the midst of a collection of artifacts from the era, it is almost like stepping back to the time when our great country was still forming. The beauty and serenity overpower you while walking the grounds. Spring and summer bring the vivid colors of the trees to life. Why not stop for a minute to quite literally “smell the roses”? When the sun is descending, gaze over to the waterfront to enjoy the unparalleled sunset that exudes tangerine hues amid a backdrop of amber with scattered tones of violet entice you to just stand in awe of the beauty that is happening right before your eyes.

This non-profit center encourages environmental and educational awareness. A Long Island oasis, it advocates sustainable environmental policies and practices. Entrance and parking are free! The nature trails have many environments to be explored. Some of these include ponds and salt marshes where one can see shore birds and many small animals. Alley Pond Park, in which this New York attraction is located, also features a children’s adventure course; New York City's largest ropes course, a zip-line, a rock-climbing wall, and balance platforms in a beautiful woodland setting. There are many places to BBQ, run, bike and watch birds. The park itself sits on a beautiful 657 acres. Easily accessible from virtually any neighborhood in the city by car, bicycle or public transportation, there is every reason to come and spend a day relaxing, learning and exploring in this sublimely serene setting. A slice of paradise right here in Queens, it is home to the tallest tree in New York City, known as the “Queens Giant”, a tulip poplar approximately 350-450 years old and a stunning 133 feet tall. You can also dip your toes in Oakland Lake, 15,000 year old glacial pond fed by underground springs. It’s easy to lose the cares of the day in the beauty of this vast, colorful and unique Queens natural attraction.

Kayak Staten Island is an all-volunteer organization providing free kayaking for the public at the shoreline on South Beach in Staten Island.
Depending on attendance, there may be a wait for a boat to become available. Try-outs are limited to 15 minutes; it is first-come-first-served but paddlers are allowed to get back in line for another spin.

The purpose of the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse, a 501c3 non-profit, is to promote human-powered boating and safe public access to the Brooklyn waterfront, to provide opportunities for people to learn about and participate in human-powered boating, and to promote environmentally sound policies that provide for and sustain human-powered boating in New York harbor.

A distinguished Smithsonian Affiliate, is Staten Island's premier destination for culture and entertainment. Set within a stunning 83-acre park-like setting, Snug Harbor presents a unique blend of gardens, museums, theaters, educational opportunities, and seasonal festivals.
Snug Harbor's historic grounds and Greek Revival buildings house arts organizations with the area's most vibrant and intriguing activities, providing numerous ways for visitors of all ages and backgorunds to explore. The richness of this captivating environment truly makes Snug Harbor the heart of Staten Island's social life and a must-see destination in the region.

From its inception, Bargemusic has been committed to attracting local audiences and enhancing the cultural life of New York by offering frequent, year-round performances of chamber music in a fittingly intimate setting—the type of setting in which chamber music is meant to be heard. To make that unique musical experience available to as many people as possible, Bargemusic presents 220 chamber music concerts annually—four days a week, 52 weeks a year—and offers free tickets to a variety of groups every week, plus a monthly free concert open to the community.

The Bronx is a microcosm of the story of America. The only one of New York City's five boroughs that is actually part of the mainland. The Bronx is home to 1.2 million people with a rich diversity of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Since colonial days, The Bronx has stood at the crossroads of American History.
The Bronx County Historical Society was founded in 1955 to preserve the heritage of this thriving community. The Society administers the colonial era Valentine-Varian House, which serves as the Museum of Bronx History; The Bronx County Archives; an extensive Research Library; and Poe Cottage, the final home of America's great 19th century poet and author, Edgar Allan Poe. Both historic houses are listed in the National Register of Historic Places

The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is located in Flushing, in the New York City borough of Queens and has been the home of the US Open Grand Slam tennis tournament played every year in August and September. According to the United States Tennis Association, the center is the largest public tennis facility in the world with 22 courts inside the facility and 11 more in the adjoining park. All 33 courts have used the DecoTurf cushioned acrylic surface since the facility was built in 1978. Source: en.wikipedia.org

The Greenbelt is a 2,800-acre conservation area in the heart of Staten Island, New York. It is a unique and beautiful region that offers a wide range of leisure opportunities and is a paradise for nature lovers. Home to a variety of habitats such as forests, wetlands and grasslands, it is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy the beauty of nature. Most of the greenbelt is New York Park and includes many natural areas and parks. Located directly on the Greenbelt, LaTourette, Willowbrook and High Rock Parks offer visitors a variety of activities including golf, archery, baseball, hiking and bird watching in the W.. Davis Wildlife Refuge. Greenbelt also has an exciting carousel that is a popular attraction for visitors of all ages. The Greenbelt is also a great place to explore the environment and nature. Environmental education, summer camps and special events and concerts throughout the year.Visitors can take a guided tour and learn about the different habitats, plants and animals that inhabit the greenbelt. The Greenbelt is a great place to see and explore nature, making it a great destination for both Staten Island residents and visitors.

From its inception over 50 years ago, a cornerstone of Brooklyn Center's mission has been a proactive community out-reach, bringing the Brooklyn Community into the Brooklyn College environment....letting the public experience a part of our campus. What better way than to open the Center's doors to the public with a standing invitation to experience the many hundreds of performances offered every season, but also, as a good neighbor, making the facilities of a great Performing Arts Center available to the Brooklyn community at large.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden, called “the premier horticultural attraction in the region” by The New York Times, is New York City’s natural wonder, where no matter what the season, something is always in bloom. Stroll the many gardens within the Garden. Enjoy the serenity of the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, tour the fragrant Cranford Rose Garden, bring the family to explore the children’s Discovery Garden, or visit the Steinhardt Conservatory, containing the world famous C.V. Starr Bonsai Museum. Visit the Terrace Café and Garden Gift Shop.

The New York Botanical Gardens is a premier educational institution. Located just a brisk 25 minute bicycle ride from Sound View Park via Dr. Theodore Kazimiroff Blvd, this NYC attraction is surprisingly bicycle accessible and encourages travel as such. The Gardens offers many educational programs including the opportunity to graduate with certificates in botany, floral design and horticulture, just to name a few. Ongoing hands-on gardening activities for the whole family are also available, so check their schedule online, or just give them a call. The Everett Children’s Adventure Garden is a year-round world of its own, boasting mazes, larger than life flowers, and many real time activities for your curious explorer. A prize bloom in the collection of Bronx attractions, it also actively participates in community outreach programs that expand nutritional education. Make sure you check out the Green Market, which carries a variety of produce available for purchase. Health-related screenings offered the 2nd Wednesday of every month by staff from both Montefiore Medical Center and St. Barnabas Hospital are another of the services that demonstrates their involvement in the surrounding communities. Their dedication to the conservation of the plants and fungi of the world through various scientific research associations places them on the world map.

At the beginning of the 2009 Major League Baseball season the new Yankee Stadium opened its doors when the Yankees hosted a workout day in front of fans from the Bronx community. The first game at this brand new ballpark was a pre-season exhibition game against the Chicago Cubs, played on April 3, 2009, which the Yankees won 7-4. The new Yankee Stadium is located in the Bronx, across the street from the original Yankee Stadium. It is built on a 24 acre area and has a price tag of $1.5 billion, which makes it not only the most expensive baseball stadium ever built but also the third-most expensive stadium of any kind.
Have the time of your life when you participate on the Yankee Inside Experience program, where fans are treated to a game day like never before. Guests attending the program are provided with an opportunity to meet with a player on the Yankees current roster followed by a guided stadium tour and buffet lunch.