On Monday, April 30, 2012, at approximately 2:00 p.m., the Port Authority will mark a major milestone in the construction of One World Trade Center with the installation of steel columns that will make the skyscraper the tallest building in New York. When the columns are put in place, the building will officially surpass the height of the Empire State Building, which currently is the tallest structure in New York City.

Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden will kick off its roster of 2013 events on January 12 with a concert by the Vincent Ruggieri Jazz Quartet and an exhibition of the work of two unique artists from the Snug Harbor Artist Residency Program (SHARP). The jazz concert, the first in the Island Sounds Music Mash-Up series will be from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Main Hall, Building C. The SHARP exhibition will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art in Building G. Refreshments will be served. Admission to both events is free. The Snug Harbor campus is at 1000 Richmond Terrace in Staten Island.
A short ferry ride away from Manhattan's powerful downtown financial district sits one of New York City's best kept secrets, The Staten Island Botanical Garden. Nestled within the grounds of the Snug Harbor Cultural Center, The Staten Island Botanical Garden with its Victorian charm and stately elegance is a "must visit" that should be on every tourists' list.

In the heart of Manhattan, right next to the Central Park, stands the most exciting toy store in the world. FAO Schwarz, now celebrating its 150 anniversary, is a magical toy emporium that features extraordinary, one-of-a-kind toys from all over the world. It is the oldest store in the United States, drawing thousands of visitors each year, who are seeking unique, high-quality merchandise and timeless treasures. FAO Schwarz has been synonymous with quality and innovation, offering an unparalleled selection of extraordinary toys that enchanted generations of children.
Take one of the two guided store tours led by an official FAO Schwarz Toy Soldier. Whether you chose the 45-minute Private Breakfast, schedule one hour prior to store opening at 9:00 AM, where you share memorable moments in the store’s history and have opportunities to test some great toys, finishing with a continental breakfast at the Big Piano, or take the Class Trip/Group Tours, offered during store hours, where they provide an overview of the brand’s heritage, hands-on play and exclusive time at the Big Piano. A visit to FAO Schwarz is always a thrilling experience unlike any other.

The particular cleft is the valley and brook between Emerson and Grymes Hills. This valley was deepened by the glacier 20,000 years ago. The brook which ran through the valley originated in Clove Swamp and ran to the Kill Van Kull. The damming of this brook over the years created the different lakes and ponds in the area.

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

The Queens Zoo, also known as the New York City Wildlife Conservation Center, is a wildlife park in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, New York. It was inaugurated in 1992 and covers an area of ​​18 hectares. Dedicated to showcasing the animals and habitats of the Americas, Queens Zoo features species native to the Americas, including Andean bears, moose, cougars, and emerald tree boas, among others. The zoo is the Chilean flamingo exhibit, home to a large flock of these distinctive birds. In addition to exhibiting a variety of animals, Queens Zoo is also dedicated to educating visitors about wildlife conservation and animal behavior. The zoo offers a variety of educational programs, including animal encounters and behind-the-scenes tours, as well as interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. Overall, the Queens Zoo is a unique and educational destination that offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about America's animals and habitats. It's a great place for families and visitors of all ages to explore and discover the wonders of wildlife.

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.

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.

The Staten Island Zoo, also known as the Staten Island Children's Museum, is a zoo located in Staten Island, New York. The zoo was founded in 1936 and is home to over 1,200 animals from around the world. The zoo's mission is to educate visitors about the importance of preserving wildlife and the natural world.
The zoo features a wide variety of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Some of the most popular exhibits include the African Savanna, which features zebras, giraffes, and ostriches, and the Rainforest, which is home to monkeys, parrots, and tropical fish. The zoo also has several aquariums, including one that features sea turtles and another that is home to a variety of sharks.
The zoo also has an extensive education program, offering classes and programs for visitors of all ages, as well as a summer camp. These programs aim to educate visitors about the importance of preserving wildlife and the natural world.
The Staten Island Zoo is a great destination for families and animal lovers. Its location in Staten Island provides a great opportunity for visitors to explore the area and to take in the beauty of New York City from a different perspective. The zoo also has a playground and a carousel which makes it a great place to spend the day with kids.
The zoo is open year-round and there is an admission fee to enter the zoo. However, the zoo offers free admission on Wednesdays during the winter months. The zoo is easily accessible by public transportation, and there is also a large parking lot on site.

Let your wild side reign free as you explore the many faces of some very unique creatures at this Brooklyn museum of life. Venture deep into the jungle as you see the animals up close. Dare to spend the day with the valor of a lion roaming with his pride. A family spending time together, appreciating nature in all its ferocious glory is what this NYC museum is all about. Take the children to the discovery center where they can try their hand at some basic veterinary skills while conducting check-ups on real live animals. Then, head over to the young naturalist camping area, cook food on a "campfire", and explore using field guides for animals that one might see on a camping trip. Feeling the urge to feed some of the animals’ springtime is the perfect time to head over and feed the sea lions - they just love the attention too. Weekends are an ideal time to visit as you can chat live with the zookeepers and learn how they care for the animals. Maybe even find out what your favorite animal does when you're not there. Overall, this taste of the wild offers a wide variety of things to do, see and learn. Spring/Summer 2012 is a great time to come see this gem.

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.

Bargemusic is a unique concert venue located in Brooklyn, New York, moored just under the Brooklyn Bridge. The venue is housed on a renovated coffee barge and offers a wide range of musical performances up to five days a week, every week of the year. The intimate wood-paneled concert hall has a capacity of around 150 people, providing a truly unique and special experience for concert-goers.
The acoustics of the hall are excellent, making it the perfect venue for chamber music. The venue is praised for its acoustics by both critics and performers alike. Critics have called it "the perfect chamber-music hall" while artists say that it is "unlike any other place in the world to perform." The concert hall also offers stunning views of lower Manhattan, making it an ideal location to enjoy a concert while admiring the Manhattan skyline.
Bargemusic is a unique and exciting venue that offers a wide range of musical performances, from classical to contemporary, and the experience of the concert is enhanced by the wonderful views and acoustics of the hall. The experience of attending a concert at Bargemusic is truly one-of-a-kind, and it is a must-visit destination for music lovers visiting New York City.

Governors Island is a 172-acre island located in New York Harbor, just a short ferry ride from Manhattan and Brooklyn. The island has a rich history, having been used as a military base, a quarantine station, and a Coast Guard station over the centuries. In recent years, it has been transformed into a public park and recreational destination. The island features several notable attractions, including the Governors Island National Monument, which includes the historic Castle Williams and Fort Jay, both of which date back to the early 19th century and offer a glimpse into the island's military past. The island also has a number of outdoor sculptures and art installations, including "The Hills," a series of man-made hills that offer panoramic views of the harbor and the city skyline. Governors Island is also home to several parks and green spaces, including Hammock Grove, which features over 50 hammocks for visitors to relax in, and the Island's 14 acres of public parkland. It also has several playgrounds, sports fields, and courts for basketball, soccer, and handball. Governors Island is also home to several cultural institutions such as the Figment Festival, an annual arts festival, and the Figment Art Park. It also hosts various events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and outdoor movie screenings.
Governors Island is easily accessible by ferry, with a ferry terminal located at the Battery Maritime Building in Manhattan and at Brooklyn Bridge Park. The island is open to the public from May to September, with free ferry service from Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Governors Island is a unique destination that offers a mix of history, culture and recreation, making it a great place to spend a day with family and friends. Its location in New York harbor makes it an ideal spot to take in the panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty.

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.

Citi Field is located on Roosevelt Avenue in Flushing, The stadium is conveniently accessible by subway and Long Island Railroad. You can also take the bus, ferry or drive.

Coney Island is a New York City neighborhood that features an amusement area that includes 35 or more separate rides and attractions; it's not a centrally managed amusement park like Disneyland or Six Flags. As a result, specific questions about rides, filming privileges, etc., should be directed to individual businesses. This website is maintained by Coney Island USA, the not for profit arts organization that runs the Mermaid Parade, the Sideshow and the Coney Island Museum, among other programs.

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 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

In 1960, the Perkins-Freeman family deeded Wave Hill to the City of New York; Wave Hill, Inc., was formed in 1965 as a non-profit corporation. Today, as one of 33 City-owned cultural institutions, Wave Hill provides an oasis of serenity and offers programs in Horticulture, Environmental Education, Woodland Management and the Visual and Performing Arts. Through the arts and sciences, Wave Hill seeks to foster connections between people and nature.