Empire State Building
New York's famous Empire State Building on Fifth Avenue soars more than a quarter of a mile into the atmosphere above the heart of mid-town Manhattan. Located on the 86th floor, the Observatory offers panoramic views of the bustling streets and buildings of Manhattan from within a glass-enclosed pavilion and from the surrounding open-air promenade. One can tour the Observatory 365 days per year, day or night, rain or shine, for breathtaking and spectacular views of the city and beyond. Built in 1930, the Empire State Building is a splendid Art Deco masterpiece, a world-renowned landmark and the symbol of the great city that is New York. Our hotel, the Holiday Inn, was just around the corner.

We soared up to the observation deck at night and it was an impressive and striking sight to see the lights of Manhattan spread out at our feet like so many twinkling diamonds set in black velvet.

This is one of the few places in New York where one has an interesting and compelling 360-degree view.

Chrysler Building
In the summer of 1929, a "battle for the sky" ensued on the island of Manhattan. Automobile tycoon Walter Chrysler vied with the Bank of Manhattan Trust Company for the title of the world's tallest building. In the spring of 1930, just when it appeared that the Bank might be the winner, a small crew jacked a needle-thin spire hidden in Chrysler's building through the top of the crown to claim the title of the world's tallest building at 1,046 feet. Not only was the Chrysler Building the world's tallest structure at that time, it was also one of the most decorated. Walter Chrysler's skyscraper was decorated with hubcaps, mudguards, and hood ornaments just like his cars!

Only four months after the completion of the Chrysler Building, the world's tallest championship title would be claimed by a new structure, the Empire State Building.

Today, the Chrysler Building is recognized as New York City's greatest display of Art Deco, a decorative style characterized by sharp angular or zigzag surface forms and ornaments. It is located in the same city block as Grand Central Station.

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Picture by ForestForest

Constructed between 1858 and 1879, St. Patrick's Cathedral is the largest Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States and one of the biggest tourist attractions in NYC. Reportedly, over three million people enter through its doors each year. It is located on New York's famous Fifth Avenue.

There are many architectural wonders in this big city and this is one well worth visiting. With its grand gothic look and spires that rise 330 feet above street level, it is breathtaking at night as the nearby lights of other buildings light it up.

Within are three organs, and a seating capacity of twenty two hundred people. The Archbishops of New York are buried in a crypt under the high altar. The funeral of Robert F. Kennedy was held here in June 1968. On the day we visited, a wedding of a young Filipino couple was taking place. Anyone who chooses to marry at St. Patrick's has the general public observing their wedding as well as their invited guests!