The View from the Top of the Rock

As you all know, I love taking in the views all over New York and it has been on my NYC To-Do list to experience the view from the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center.

I recently went with New York City Vacation Packages (NYCVP) to visit the Top of the Rock and look out upon all of Manhattan from the 3-story observation deck. I happened to visit this site when the weather was perfect and the views of the city were nice and clear! An NYCVP voucher allowed me to skip the lines at this popular destination located in the heart of Midtown, close to Radio City Music Hall and Times Square.

When I reached the Top, I went straight to the south side of the observation deck where I caught my first glimpse of Manhattan in a sweeping panorama that included the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building and the Freedom Tower in Lower Manhattan.

Every view that followed was like something from a movie or television show. The surrounding landmarks, fresh air, open space and the entertainment of people-watching presented an almost cinematic scenario.

As I peered through the clear panel walls of the observation deck, looking at the surrounding architecture and the outer boroughs, I picked out the recognizable buildings and familiar locations, seeing them from this new and exciting angle.

The westward view from the 2nd floor observation deck 

Capturing the Empire State Building from every angle

Central Park sunbathers in the distance
Another view of Central Park here

The Empire State Building and view toward Lower Manhattan

3rd floor observation deck

A photographer's view

Having fun people watching and taking pictures

Instagraming in action?

Santacon NYC!

Santacon was this past Saturday and the red and white crowds gathered in Williamsburg Brooklyn, New Jersey, Staten Island, Astoria Queens and Manhattan—all before dispersing around the boroughs throughout the day. I heard that most had gathered in Washington Square Park so my photo-blogging friends and I ran down to the West Village and got some great pictures of the red and white sea of Santas, reindeer, snowflakes and even elves!

Santas gathered in Washington Square Park in the West Village

note: they are all actually IN the fountain!
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Radio Santa blasting some dance tunes

An inebriated Santa leaving the Bohemian Beer Garden in Astoria

Check out my flickr photostream for more Santa pics, including the one I dubbed, "Office Chair Santa."

Radio City Music Hall revisited

I've posted about Radio City Music Hall a few times before (in one post I even say that I have no desire to attend a show there!), and now I'm revisiting it. Actually, I visited it.

I got to attend the MTV Video Music Awards on Sunday, September 13th and I snapped away whenever a celeb actor or musician was on stage performing or presenting! I wrote about the show more in detail here on my other blog. 

Now I am glad to have made it inside this amazing music venue that I claimed I'd never bother to step foot in. Next year, if the VMA's are held in New York City again, count me in!

My view from the far right of the theater

Cameramen situated on a platform to stage left

The host, British actor Russell Brand, making his entrance, following a 

performance by Katy Perry and one of the guitarists from Aerosmith

Screenshot of Taylor Swift's performance to her Moon-man award winning 

"You Belong With Me" outside of Radio City Music Hall on Avenue of The Americas

Radio NYC

One of my favorite places in NYC - Radio City Music Hall - though I have no desire to attend a show or concert here, heh.

Oh, Radio

Radio City Music Hall is such a beauty! One of the most well-known landmarks in NYC, it's neon shade of blue cannot be matched. Throw in some magenta-pink and of course the classic yellow type and it makes for one of the most impressive sights on Avenue of The Americas (6th Avenue).

And you know the coolest thing? It appears to be a small venue. When I walked past it I was surprised to learn that it isn't a skyscraper, just a basic building (or I was delirious because it was election night 2008 when I took this picture and I'd been standing with the crowd in Times Square for four hours awaiting the election results and so maybe I was just seeing things!)

Radio City Music Reflection

Got this wonderful view while walking west on 51st Street toward 6th Ave. This is Radio's reflection in the window of a cafe located across the street!