The theme song of 30 Rock plays in my head as I walk up to Rockefeller Center.  I half-expected a frazzled Liz Lemon to come storming through the doors.  30 Rockefeller Plaza is the art-deco style skyscraper icon for Rockefeller Center, which also houses CBS Studios.

The iconic golden Prometheus is found in the lower concourse of the Rockefeller Center, surrounded by international flags.  This statue serves as a beautiful backdrop for ice skaters in the winter.

Come to think of it, Rockefeller is mostly photographed in the winter holidays due to the incredible Christmas tree that is put up annually.  So what  is it like in the summer months?  Interestingly enough, there is a plaque locating where the tree is anchored.

A running fountain surrounds the base of Prometheus, and a restaurant replaces the skating rink.

Highlights of the Visit

Look at this view!  To get this photo, you basically have to be right on 5th avenue.  You will also have to crouch and time it perfectly when no one is walking by.  A little patience goes a long way when it comes to taking pictures in a metropolis like New York City.

The Statue of Atlas is another iconic statue that I visit each time I’m in the area.  Between Atlas and Prometheus, there is certainly a substantial amount of influence from mythology.  Being an English Honours major and art lover, I am definitely drawn to this area each time.  Not to mention that the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is blocks away – but that’s a separate blog entry.  I visit this for sentimental reasons; my mother lived in New York in her early 20s, and she has a photo of this in her album.  Atlas is right on 5th Avenue, across from another highlight of the area.

St. Patrick’s Cathedral is across the street from Atlas and is also worth a visit!  Its history, its vast size, its beautiful architecture and symmetry are just some of the reasons to step into the cathedral.  I will have to make a separate post to do its architecture and history justice!

Not-So-Secret Spot:  6 ½ Avenue

You read that correctly.  6th and a half avenue.  New York City dedicated an entire block to become a pedestrian walkway, and rather than name it after someone, they continued to follow their grid of numbers.  The walkway lies from W 51st St. to W 57th St., right in the middle of the 6th and 7th Aves.  No traffic is permitted on this street (there is no actual road), but there is enough clearance for pedestrians to maneuver more efficiently through the concrete jungle.  Patios and lunch areas are also available through the 6-block stretch.  This quirkiness always brings me back to the city.  Adventures and treasures like this are everywhere!  Consider it an Easter egg hunt of sorts.

This wraps up my entry on Rockefeller Center.  Have you been?  If so, what were your highlights?

Are there any other not-so-secret quirks that I’ve missed in the area?  Let me know and connect with me!

xoxo,

Judianne