I Love New York-2) Grand Central Terminal

Designated New York City Landmark and a National Historic Landmark, Grand Central Terminal, often simply referred to as Grand Central, is a historic and iconic transportation hub located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. 

Grand Central Terminal was originally constructed in 1871 as Grand Central Depot, a railroad terminal. However, due to various expansions and renovations, the current terminal that we see today was completed in 1913.

The terminal's design is a blend of architectural styles, including Beaux-Arts and neoclassical influences. It was designed by the architectural firms Reed and Stem and Warren and Wetmore.

The exterior of Grand Central features a grand façade with a massive central arch flanked by columns and statues. The interior is equally impressive, featuring a large main concourse with a celestial-themed ceiling, a clock, and elegant marble finishes.

The main concourse is the heart of Grand Central Terminal. It's a vast and stunning space with a vaulted ceiling painted with constellations, making it look like a starry night sky.

The iconic four-sided clock, located atop the Information Booth in the center of the concourse, is a popular meeting point for visitors.

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The grand staircases that lead to the lower levels are a prominent feature of the concourse, and they are often used for various events and gatherings.

Grand Central Terminal serves as a major transportation hub for commuters and travelers. It primarily serves Metro-North Railroad lines heading to the northern suburbs of New York, including Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties, as well as parts of Connecticut.

The terminal also connects to the New York City Subway system, making it a crucial transit point for both local and regional travel.

Grand Central Terminal is known for its diverse range of retail shops and dining establishments. The lower levels of the terminal house the Grand Central Market, offering various fresh produce, specialty foods, and artisanal products.

Grand Central Terminal faced the threat of demolition in the mid-20th century due to the decline of rail travel and proposed urban development projects. However, a successful preservation campaign led by activists and historic preservationists, including Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, saved the terminal from destruction.

The terminal underwent an extensive restoration in the 1990s, which brought it back to its former glory. The restoration focused on repairing and cleaning the architectural elements, including the iconic ceiling.

Grand Central Terminal has appeared in numerous movies, TV shows, and works of literature, becoming a symbol of New York City and its history.

Christmas at Annapolis Maryland

Located on the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the Seven River, 25 miles south of Baltimore and 30 miles east of Washington DC, Annapolis is the capitol city of Maryland and home to the United States Naval Academy. Surrounded by the charming stores, restaurants, walkable streets and beautiful boats on Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis is a picture-perfect place and popular tourist destination. Photos were taken while walking around downtown Annapolis and the Naval Academy campus. 

Note that United States Naval Academy and Maryland Statehouse are considered a National Landmarks.

Around Downtown Annapolis

Maryland Statehouse

Naval Academy Campus

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Fort McHenry is a pentagonal bastion fort in Baltimore, Maryland.  It is significant for its role in the War of 1812, when it successfully defended Baltimore Harbor from an attack by the British from the Chesapeake Bay on September 13-14, 1814.

Right at the entrance you will see a huge statue of Orpheus, the hero of music and poetry on the lawn.  Across the lawn you come to a path in front of the Fort and right with water where the gees were enjoying themselves.  From there, you will also have a good view of Baltimore Harbor.

When walking on the walls of the Fort, you can be right there with the cannons that were used in the war.  

It was there when Francis Scott Key stood aboard the deck of an American ship on September 14, 1814 and witnessed Britain's twenty-five-hour bombardment of the Fort, and then the raising of the American flag.  This image inspired Key to write a song that later became "The Star-Spangled Banner"!