It seems that homo sapiens alone learned to walk without bending their knees and hips, the way all quadrupeds do when trying out bipedal locomotion. The illustrative text was ' …in the same way Groucho Marx walked.' Remember his comical drop-kneed, high-velocity gait?
That quip reminded me of his famous brain teaser 'Who is buried in Grant’s Tomb?’ which not everyone on his show could answer correctly, despite pre-screening.
That in turn caused me to one day ride up to 122nd Street (it’s a nice, flat roadway along the Hudson River, but ascends at its end) to find out for myself if the common answer is actually correct. There are CitiBike stations to drop off your bike at 120th and Claremont and 122nd and Broadway, both about one block distant.
The tomb interior is nearly a replica of Napoleon’s Tomb at Les Invalides, in Paris, right down to the red granite.
The tomb, North America’s largest mausoleum, still compares unfavourably with Les Invalides as it does not contain even bathrooms, apparently a directive of Julia Grant, buried in the mausoleum beside her husband.
I think it was Groucho who made Grant’s Tomb famous and being famous is reason enough for some people to want to go. If that includes you, know that you will be very close to the Manhattan School of Music, Riverside Church, Columbia University and the western edge of Harlem’s 125th Street and, as you will have ridden a bicycle, all will be at your easy disposal.
Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our New York guide.
"Central Park Benches" in NYC (apart from their comfort) are known for their commemorative plaques. One of them is dedicated by the citizens of Liverpool...
By
You can find "BANKSY in New York" in the Upper West Side. 'Boy With a Hammer' is the only one of his pieces that hasn't been 'repurposed'...
By
"Silvana" is a large cafe, boutique, shawarma and falafel bar in NYC that also offers live music performances on their downstairs stage. Great acts!
By
The menu is simple: hamburgers, French fries & toppings. No over-the-top ingredients, no superfluous adjectives, and high-value food at rock-bottom prices.
By
"Elizabeth Street Garden" New York: formerly the site of a large, important school house, it was reclaimed in the '90s and turned into a sculpture garden.
By
One block away from a 21st century LinkNYC WiFi tower on Broadway sits one of three West End Avenue working telephone 'booths', the last in NYC...
By
After, "Anthony & Son" Panini Shoppe's Italian-style super-sandwiches, no regular New York sandwich will ever taste as good again...
By
"Dutch Kills" in New York isn't hiding it's one of the best bars in the city, but it isn't publicizing the fact, either. No password to enter, however!
By
"Bund on Broadway" is one of the most popular restaurants on Astoria's restaurant row in New York. I always go straight fo the famous pork soup dumplings.
By
The "Conference House" in New York is a perfect place to escape modern life if you're interested in what life was like in the 1600s...
By
"Vite Vinosteria" in New York is the Italian restaurant where, ever since I moved to Astoria, I've celebreated nearly every birthday & anniversary...
By
0 Insider Tips from Locals
Authentic Stories
Escape the Crowds
Full Access to our Art & culture Blog & App!
✓ 0 Hidden Gems only Locals know
✓ Full Access to the Art & culture City Blog & App!