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Girl Gone Travel

Girl Gone Travel

North America, Travel
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August 21, 2014

A Staycation Full of New York City History

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The fast-changing pace of New York City makes it easy for those who visit, and even some of those who live there, to miss details of its history. It’s easy to walk past a landmark and not really notice its significance for being there, or into a restaurant and not even know about events that might have taken place years, if not centuries, ago.

New York City is not the oldest city in the state – that title belongs to Albany, founded in 1614, making it the oldest settlement North of Virginia. But it’s pretty old.

New Amsterdam, which is now New York City, was settled in 1624 on Governor’s Island before moving to Manhattan a year later.

That’s a lot of time for a lot of change to happen and a lot of history to form.

There are countless museums where one can explore the past and learn more about this wonderful city.

Some of my favorite museums to learn about New York history are the Museum of the City of New York, El Museo del Barrio, and The New -York Historical Society.

In addition to awe-inspiring exhibits, The New-York Historical Society has a beautiful library with printed and digital collections of the city’s history, information that can rarely be found anywhere else. It was during a recent tour here that I learned about the strong slave trade in New York coming through the ports of Wall Street.nyc staycations_girlgonetravel nyc staycations_girlgonetravel nyc staycations_girlgonetravelOne of my favorite collections on display is the Tiffany lamps, which highlight the work of Clara Driscoll, the artisan the spearheaded many of the designs of these beloved pieces of art.

It was also here that I learned that the beloved character Madeline was a New Yorker (Madeline in New York: The Art of Ludwig Bemelmans is ongoing till October 14, 2014). This is a place where I recommend that you allow plenty of time to visit and schedule a tour so that you get a general gist of the place before touring it on your own.

I assure you, you will feel more grounded and connected to the city after a visit here.

Your experience with New York City history doesn’t have to end there.

The Park Central New York is one of the most historic hotels in the city. Back in The Roaring Twenties, this was the place to be for celebrities and politicians of the time. Built in 1927, with its name honoring the nearby Central Park, The Park Central New York is full of fun tidbits, such as the fact that Eleanor Roosevelt lived in there for three years while her New York home was being renovated. I was amused that the basement used to have a pool and during celebrations, partygoers liked to jump from the 2nd and 3rd-floor balconies into the pool. Scandalous!park central new york_girlgonetravel

Because of its recent multi-million dollar renovation and modern amenities, it would be easy to overlook all of this. While cozied up in the soft beds and airy, contemporary-designed rooms, one would not even consider that this was the same place where celebrities such as Jackie Gleason, Frank Sinatra, and Mae West would come to party and rest too.

nyc staycations_girlgonetravel nyc staycations_girlgonetravel

That’s the kind of stuff that just makes me love New York, the places that linger on. The places that no matter how much else seems to change and disappear around us, stand tall, proud to remind us that we are visiting a special place.

My visit was part of a staycation that I was able to enjoy with my hubby. The hotel restaurant and bar is fabulous, no need to venture out if you don’t want to. The food and drinks are really, really good (try the Park Kitchen Steak and the Ahi Tuna Tacos, and pair it with any one of their 5 Boros cocktails – my favorite is the Manhattan made with Glen Thunder NYS Corn Whisky, Martini Bianco, Peach Bitters, and Sweet Pickled Baby Corn Garnish. Crazy delicious!

park central new york_girlgonetravelpark central new york_girlgonetravel

Off the premises, my husband and I ventured to the Todd English Food Hall in the Plaza Hotel, where we indulged in their brick oven focaccia and some risotto tater tots.nyc staycations_girlgonetravelTodd English Food Court has gone through an enormous expansion and renovation as well. It feels more like a small in-door market, in addition to the expanded food court, and is a great place to gather with friends for small bites in the city.

The Park Central New York is across the street from Carnegie Hall, another historic New York City landmark founded in 1891, and close to many other city favorites. On a beautiful day, I recommend taking the 23-minute walk from the hotel by Central Park to the New-York Historical Society, as there is a lot more to enjoy along the way.

Disclosure: I was a media guest of the Park Central New York. All opinions are my own. You can follow this and other adventures through my Instagram at Girl Gone Travel.

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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Barista training = Trial by fire. 🔥 This is the Barista training = Trial by fire. 🔥 This is the way. 

@shellyk_025 @the_garage_at_rye 

#baristalife #barista #coffeeislife
Woke up feeling rested after going, going, going f Woke up feeling rested after going, going, going for over a week…and grateful for the privilege that is living in such a beautiful region. There are so many points of access for relaxation and stillness here, including right outside my door. So before delving into the work day, I took a peaceful walk, stopped for brekkie (thanks, @ellasacreshomestead), and continued the day refreshed.

If 10 years ago…or even 5 years ago…you had told THIS Brooklyn girl that she would find joy living full time in rural NY, I would’ve laughed in your face. And while NYC will always be home and #1 in my heart, as I live through my 3rd year here, I have to say…yeah. I get it. 

#fingerlakes #newyork #citygirlinthecountry
When your bestie is also your boss and you share s When your bestie is also your boss and you share shifts at your barista jobs it’s easy to forget it’s WORK…☕️😅❤️ 

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A moment of zen, Finger Lakes edition. #citygirl A moment of zen, Finger Lakes edition. 

#citygirlupstate #upstatenewyork #fingerlakesnewyork
Love coffee as much as I do? Here is my (very, ver Love coffee as much as I do? Here is my (very, very) short list of fave coffee shops, from Manhattan to Brooklyn. 

I spend A LOT of time at coffee shops…whether in my job as a barista or during my free time exploring endless cafes during my travels, but especially around NYC and the Finger Lakes. These are the most noteworthy cafes I find myself returning to again and again in New York City.

📍@conwellcoffeehall in the old Life and Trust Building in the Financial District. An epic space, great brekkie and coffee, brought to you by the same folks of Sleep No More…who (separately but in the same space) offer similar interactive-style performances we know them for, this time revisiting the age of old money, big banks, and the stock market crash collapse of 1929.
📍The @bookclubbar is a bar, book store, and coffee shop in the East Village. Cozy, with outdoor seating, and a wonderful selection of books, booze, and brews. Very few people get all of these elements to work well. They nail it.
📍The @plantshednyc in the East Village. Airy space with a beautiful selection of flowers and plants, and big, bright windows whereby to enjoy your cafe choice. 
📍@DawnsTillDusk in Dumbo is a cafe by day and wine bar by night. It’s a Yes to both for me!
📍@Usaginy in Dumbo is an art gallery, with small bookstore and gift shop, and cafe…but their in-house freshly made onigiri is 😘👌🏾
📍@pplnyc in Williamsburg is rustic, and pretty, and cute…and yeah, the coffee’s good!
📍@bluebrown_nyc in Williamsburg stole my heart when I first visited last year on my birthday. I love the vibe of this community cafe and the creativity they bring to their pastries and drinks.
📍@Devocionusa (anywhere), though my local spot is Dumbo. I love that they are all about the coffee…and just the coffee. No fancy, trends here. Come for the impeccable coffee, and delicious pastries, and cool vibes. But mostly, the coffee.

This list doesn’t even make a dent on my long list of cafes but they are the highlights. Share your fave spots in the comments! ☕️

#nyccafe #coffeetiktok #coffeelover #coffeeshop
This is your reminder to PLAY. No matter your age. This is your reminder to PLAY. No matter your age. Play. Play with your partner. Play with your adult friends. Play with your kids, even the adult ones. Play with strangers. The world can be cruel and hard and deflating. So, when the opportunity comes…and even if you need a nudge from your loved ones…give your heart, soul, and mind a reprieve and play. 

Today me and mine played at the Keff Joons pop-up in Dumbo, Brooklyn. This is @cj_hendry latest art installation where they transformed a Brooklyn warehouse into balloon-filled dreamscape and playground for all. There is no fee and the earlier you arrive the shorter the wait. Once inside you become one with the art in a fun and dramatic way. But hurry! The installation is only up till April 20th! 

📍50 Gold Street, Brooklyn, NY

#nycart #artpopup #brooklynny #funinnyc #thingstodoinnyc

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