Private tour in New York City Gary D
5.0
(1) review
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Gary D.
5.0
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157
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I am a native New Yorker, born and raised on the Upper West Side, who's lived and worked my entire life almost exclusively within three blocks of my childhood home. I am the product of an insanely competitive family of "know it alls. " My parents, younger brothers and I all love New York City history and growing up, our dinnertime discussions were a chance to show off what you knew and get some parental attention for being historically correct and entertaining at the same time. I also old love movies, read up on Hollywood and Broadway history, studied old theaters and their architects, and ultimately threw all that into the dinnertime plea for attention. I'm the only one who ended up a New York City tour guide, so that gives you some idea of the depth of my passion for this place (or my desperate need for attention). Up until a few years ago, I owned and operated one of the largest independent movie rental stores in NYC, so unique and comprehensive that it was voted "Best in New York" by several publications including New York Magazine. In 2006, I petitioned the City of New York to rename West 103rd Street (between Broadway and West End Avenue) Humphrey Bogart Place to honor the late actor, whose childhood home on the block now bears a plaque with a dedication I wrote. That is me, by the way, with the late Miss Lauren Bacall in the picture to your left. Another New Yorker, she was just shy of 82 and was still breathtaking. Those eyes . . . I love this city and all it's peculiarities, and I love sharing it with new-comers, returning visitors or native New Yorkers—anyone who wants to know not only why Wall Street is called Wall Street, where is the "square" in Times Square or where are the batteries in Battery Park. I'll tell you these and other fascinating things you never knew about this amazing place I call home because "there are 8 million stories in the naked city" and I will share with you as many as possible. Licensed by The Department of Consumer Affairs of The City of New York. I am a veteran New York City tour guide. Proud member of the Guide Association of New York City.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Gary D.
Having lived here for my entire life, I fell in love with the fact that New York City has so many different architectural styles. Because of the competition for your attention, buildings had stand out or be lost in the view. Art Deco was not invented here but some of the worlds greatest examples of the style are in Manhattan. The often overlooked Bronx, one of the 5 Boroughs that make up the City of Greater New York, has some very hidden treasures. Young architects, looking to make a name for themselves, got their chance along the Champs-Élysées of the Bronx - The Grand Concourse. The area along the Concourse near Yankee Stadium is a treasure trove of deco. For whom where these structures built? Who were these treasures designed by? What happened that lead the development of the Bronx? Why did a NYC architect known for his luxury high rise apartment buildings in NYC design a middle-class masterpiece? I love sharing the answers to these questions and showing guests that there is more to NYC than Manhattan!
We will meet at the clock in Grand Central Terminal Then we will head outdoors and see just what some forward-thinking architects were able to create. Then to "Continental New York"- The Bronx where we will see some incredible civic and apartment buildings. -Grand Central Terminal -The Chrysler Building -The Chanin Building -Daily News Building Then the subway to The Bronx where we will see: -Yankee Stadium -The Park Plaza Apartments -An Emery Roth's Bronx masterpiece -The "Fish Building" -Bronx County Courthouse Then back to Manhattan to the financial district to see how a 1916 city ordinance had a hand in effecting architecture and design. There we will see: -The City Services Building -The New York telephone Building -The Western Union Building -The A. T. & T. Long Lines Building We will eventually end up back in Times Square. This is a walking tour. The total distance for the entire tour is 3. 5 miles spread out over 6 hours. IF THIS IS AN ISSUE, LET ME KNOW. At least 2 subway trips are required.
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Feet and the New York City Subway system.
New York, New York, United States
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide: Grand Central Terminal is accessible to the 4,5,6 and 7 trains as well as the Shuttle to Times Square which is a stop for the 1, 2, 3, N, R, Q, W, A, C and E trains. Let me know where you are staying and I will give you the best and easiest route.
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