Historic NYC Landmarks

How would one describe New York City at the turn of the century? Shows like the Gilded Age give us a glimpse of the hustle and bustle of the streets, the society norms, and the developing city emerging in Manhattan. Many of the iconic buildings we see today were constructed during this time creating the nightlife of midtown including Park Central Hotel (est. 1927), a hotel(s) near Carnegie Hall. Have your typical night out do double duty as a historical tour, too.

Start With Tea

The Russian Tea room is the only cultured way to get acclimated into NYC society. Lift a pinky finger and choose from four delectable options for afternoon tea service. Classic tea sandwiches, caviar tastings and a glass of prosecco are the perfect accouterments. There’s even a children’s option for the younger ladies and gents. While sippin’ on tea, take in the decor and art deco architecture of the 1827 building lush red hues covering booths and the carpet, large (once candlelit) chandeliers, and gold accents. Originally catering to the Russian ballet dancers, the clientele to broadway, music, fashion, and art personalities when the Philharmonics moved up north to the Lincoln Center. Even after several owners, potential changes and proposed location moves, it still holds its original history.

Take in A Performance…

At Carnegie Hall in the main space, the Isaac Stern Auditorium. Six stories of beautiful Italian Renaissance architecture, ornate ceilings and expertly designed acoustics. Stepping into the auditorium, you’ll feel the sense of awe as you take in the center stage and high ceilings. All types of performances have headlined here: jazz, New York Philharmonic, Billie Holiday, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and comedic greats (Groucho Marx, Steve Martin, Robin Williams).  It is hard to believe this historical landmark was almost demolished in the 1950’s! 

Grab A Nightcap

Walk, Uber, cab after the show six blocks east to P. J. Clarke’s for a nightcap to send you to sleep and cap off your history lesson for the day. One of the oldest bars established in 1884, a Mr. P.J. Clarke started working as a bartender in 1902, serving mostly Irish immigrant patrons. Ten years later, he purchases it from the owner and renames it with a more ‘fitting’ name. Chilling their beers by 200 pound blocks of ice up until the late 1980’s. Talk about keeping traditions! P.J.’s survived the prohibition years with bathtub gin and bootlegged scotch from the north, emerging into the next decades as a staple barstool for names like Buddy Holly, actor Richard Harris, and Frank Sinatra. These faces and more can be found on the wall of the original location on 3rd and 55th telling a story of years past. 

Don’t worry we won’t test you later.