Although I am attending Stevens, I am actually from Connecticut (where I often have to defend against the armies of the New Jersians here in Hoboken). However, one of the only ways for me to get back home is to take the PATH over to Manhattan and take the Metro-North New Haven Line from Grand Central. In the many times I have walked from 34th to 42nd St., I have learned of a treasure cove of excellent restaurants, parks, and excursions in such a short walk. Explore the wonders of the center of Midtown with me.
Outside the PATH station on 34th St. is a lovely outdoor space called Herald Square — named after the now-closed newspaper, the New York Herald, as the headquarters of the once powerful media magnate. Within Herald Square is a small park with benches and some statues of historical figures, like that of Horace Greenly, publisher of the New York Tribune, which joined the New York Herald. Additionally, Herald Square houses Macy’s flagship location, the largest in the United States.
Moving uptown from Herald Square towards Grand Central, I typically walk along the base of the Empire State Building, the Harry Potter: The Exhibition New York City, or the countless shops and restaurants that adorn Avenue of the Americas, more commonly known as 6th Ave. The entire neighborhood embodies the grandeur that New York City has come to be known for.
Once onto 42nd St., the next step would be to take a right and walk towards Grand Central — however, I often stop and enjoy one of my favorite spots in the city: Bryant Park. Bryant Park’s history goes back to 1847 (it was called Reservoir Square after a nearby reservoir). Featuring Bryant Park Grill, the Winter Village, delicious bakery pop-up shops, and the immaculate Schwarzman Building branch of the New York Public Library, Bryant Park is a must-see destination no matter the time of year (though in the summer, there are free Broadway performances, the winter has ice skating!)
As I reached the end of my journey to Grand Central, I saw two of the most famous Manhattan buildings: the Chrysler Building and Grand Central Terminal. Both architectural wonders make what is already a fantastic walk that much better.
Although it is not a destination in itself, the walk from Grand Central to the PATH train is a delight, and given one side of it is the PATH train, it is also straightforward for Stevens students to get to. For anyone going to the Long Island Railroad, Metro-North, or just enjoying the city, take a quick walk and see the wonders.
