| Empire State Building | | | | and dog walkers. In summer rowboats can be rented |
| Visitors can take an elevator to the lofty heights of the | | | | at Loeb Boathouse on the east side at 74th Street |
| Empire State Building and enjoy remarkable views of | | | | and in winter visitors can strap on ice skates at the |
| the city from the observatory. This structure was the | | | | Wollman Ice Rink on the east side of the park at 62nd |
| tallest building in the world when it was first built in 1931 | | | | Street. |
| and held that distinction for 41 years. The Empire State | | | | At the southeastern end of the park lies Central Park |
| Building is a prime example of the Art Deco style of | | | | Wildlife Center and Children's Zoo, featured in the |
| design that was popular during the 1930s. | | | | recent children's film Madagascar. The Children's Zoo |
| Art Lovers' Paradise | | | | portion is particularly delightful, with animals like sheep |
| New York is a paradise for art lovers, with many fine | | | | and goats to pet and feed, giant eggs and stone |
| galleries and some of the top museums in the world. | | | | rabbits for the little ones to play on and plenty of great |
| Among these the Museum of Modern Art is a | | | | photo opportunities. |
| must-see for its fine examples of contemporary art. In | | | | Shoppers Alert! |
| addition to stunning examples of painting and sculpture | | | | Finally, New York has seemingly endless choices for |
| by history's top names in art, the Metropolitan Museum | | | | the ardent shopper. For the luxury shopper, the area |
| of Art contains a wing with artifacts from Ancient | | | | uptown on Fifth Avenue between 50th Street and |
| Egypt, another with typical furnished rooms from | | | | Central Park is filled with stores like Tiffany's, Prada |
| hundreds of years ago, a costume wing with clothing | | | | and Versace as well as more accessible brands like |
| from the past and exhibits of ancient swords, guns | | | | Banana Republic. Those looking for a funkier, |
| and shining armor. | | | | downtown shopping experience should check out |
| In warm weather make sure to visit the rooftop | | | | Soho, Greenwich Village and the East Village. |
| sculpture garden, which offers a bar and great views | | | | Chinatown is filled with quaint shops with fun Chinese |
| of Central Park in addition to incredible works by Rodin. | | | | items like pottery, robes and chopsticks. For new |
| The Museum of Natural History is a perpetual favorite | | | | books the Barnes & Noble at 6th Avenue and |
| for all ages. The dinosaur and whale skeletons are | | | | 21st Street is a good choice, but for used books, |
| two of the most popular exhibits, but there are also | | | | remainders and overstocks the Strand at Broadway |
| interesting exhibits of the tools and of cultures from | | | | and 12th Street is the place to go. It boasts four floors |
| around the globe. | | | | of books. Also, the Strand Carries some new titles and |
| Let Go in Central Park | | | | a nice selection of reviewers' copies - books newly |
| Between the Museums of Art and Natural History lies | | | | out on the market that were given to book reviewers |
| Central Park, 843 acres of green in the middle of the | | | | and are now available at half price. |
| city. While best avoided at night, in the daytime it is filled | | | | More Attractions? Weekend Deals? |
| with picnicking families, roller bladers, frisbee tossers | | | | |