On 41st Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue, leading westward toward the New York Public Library's main building at 41st Street and Fifth Avenue, is a sidewalk, studded with shoe leather buffed bronze plaques bearing illustrated quotes of literary 'celebrities' that allude to New York, its citizens and its offerings.
It's not a destination, just one of those discoveries you should notice, if you keep your eyes open as you walk the streets around Grand Central Station, The Chanin Building, Socony-Mobil Building, the The Main Library and 'Alice and Olivia'.
Most profound to me, particularly for these times in which the President of the United States of America bad mouths, slanders, ridicules, defames and teases almost everyone he fears, is this one by Langston Hughes, an African-American poet, social activist, novelist and playwright:
"There are words like liberty / That almost make me cry. / If you had known what I know / You would know why."
Unless you are Donald Trump.
Ninety-six bronze plaques sculptured by Gregg LeFevre, a Greenwich Village sculptor feature quotations from other famous writers like Albert Camus, Mark Twain, and Dylan Thomas. Artwork illustrates their words.
Like Jenny Holzer's work for the AIDS Memorial in the West Village, such installations are likely to be overlooked by fast-paced New Yorkers, faces buried in smart phones, ears glued to cell phones, twisting and turning like dancers, oozing through otherwise impenetrable crowds.
Find your way with 301 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
In the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas in NYC hang some significant tapestries by Lichtenstein & a large bronze homage to capitalism by Otterness...
by
The MTA in NYC offers subway "nostalgia rides" during the summer months on old cars from the '30s and '40s. Book your ticket now!
by
"Teranga" in New York City, in the Africa Center, is a restaurant as well as a library. It feels musical and maintains a feeling of communal comfort...
by
"Grand Bazaar" NYC is the city's largest outdoor market, also with an indoor section. Here you can find absolutely everything and for bargain prices!
by
S&P Sandwich Shop, opened in 1928, serves Jewish classics like matzoh ball soup and latkes in a nostalgic setting that feels like stepping back in time. A must-visit!
by
Games of Professional Baseball in New York doesn't just mean watching the Yankees play and paying 100s of dollars: watch a Class A game for much cheaper!
by
"Rubenstein Atrium" in New York's Lincoln Center has a free performance every Thursday night. I recommend you try to arrive around 18:30 to catch a seat.
by
"Gray's Papaya" in New York equals classic hot dogs. This place has been here at least 45 years, and it's easy to see why. Great people-watching spot too.
by
"Revson Fountain" at the Lincoln Center in NYC is one of the results of the renovation that started in 2006. It's spectacular and a must-see!
by
"Paris Cinema", est. 1948, is the last single screen cinema in NYC today; what irony that it was saved from closing by Netflix itself...
by
The White Clam Sauce linguine is classic. So much is served that what can’t be eaten on the spot can be taken home and easily reheated the next day,
by
301 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 301 Insider Tips