The first inhabitants of New York were the Lenape Native Americans, who were present when Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano arrived in the region in 1524. Verrazzano was under the commission of the French crown, and upon his discovery, named the town “New Angouleme.” However, European settlement did not begin until 1614, with the founding of a Dutch Fur trading settlement, known as New Amsterdam, on the southern tip of present-day Manhattan.
It took until 1664, when the British conquered the city, that the now famous and recognizable name of “New York” was ascribed to this region. The city was named after the Duke of York, who would later become King James II of England. Under British rule, New York became an important trading port and a growing economic center in the colonies. The city was transformed by immigration during the 19th century and 20th century, and quickly became a melting pot of cultures from across the world.
The city’s infrastructure developed throughout this period as well. For example, the Commissioners’ Plan of 1811 laid the geographical foundations of what encompasses modern-day Manhattan. The development of the New York City subway in 1904 helped ease transportation across the city, and in turn connected businesses and districts. In the 1920s, New York City flourished culturally with the arrival of African Americans from the South during the first Great Migration. Soon afterwards, a cultural movement known as the Harlem Renaissance took place. During this period, New York also developed economically and structurally, experiencing major changes and modern developments in its skyline. The Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building were both completed by 1931; both buildings would spend a period of time as the tallest building in the world.
However, with the onset of the 1929 Stock Market crash and the Great Depression after WWII, New York experienced numerous difficulties. The city managed to recover economically shortly after the conclusion of World War II. New York City also welcomed a new wave of immigrants during this postwar period, mostly from Europe.
During the 1990s, with Wall Street symbolizing America’s economic strength, immigrants from Asia and Latin America came to New York in search of the American Dream-another migration in a long line of cultural additions to this global city. On September 11, 2001, the city suffered a devastating attack by terrorists on the World Trade Center, which claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people. Nevertheless, New York’s resilience has shown through by the unity and collaboration experienced by its residents after the attacks. The Freedom Tower will be built in the place of the World Trade Center, and will become one of the tallest buildings in the world.

Howard Johnson Express Inn

 

262 Mott St 10012
Tel: 1646 613 0100

382 Lafayette St

The Atelier is located in the Ritz-Carlton Central Park, a place where you will be surrounded by serene atmosphere both inside and out. Not only does Central Park’s green surrounding provide a great mini-escape from the Manhattan’s hustle and bustle, but the interior of the restaurant is so silent and soothing that you can truly enjoy the sumptuous dishes. Give the blue fin tuna or venison medallions a try!

268 Sixth Ave

67 Mott St

Central Park. With its lovely carousel, a zoo, two ice-skating rinks, and numerous playgrounds and ball fields, Central Park is a children's wonderland. Bronx Zoo Wildlife Conservation Park. This is one of the great zoos in the world -- and you don't have to be a kid to love it. Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum. Climbing through a retired battleship beats the playground any day. With real planes on deck and interactive exhibits inside, kids are never bored here.

The Brooklyn Museum is the second largest in New York City, after the Met, and one of the largest in the United States.  In recent years it has struggled somewhat with its identity and stagnant attendance figures (around half a million per year), but it is still a world class museum.  The Egyptian and pre-Colombian collections stand out, but their modern collections are also excellent.  Recently the museum has received some criticism for its exhibitions, including one about Star Wars.  There is a perception that they do not coincide with its mission.   Located at the northern end of Prospect Park, the Brooklyn Museum is one of the oldest in the United States.  It opened in its current location, a magnificent Beaux-arts building, in 1897.  In addition to the museum, Prospect Park offers other fun attractions.  The Brooklyn Botanical Garden is a relaxing place to spend a few hours and features a very cool coy pond and Japanese garden.  There is also a zoo, miles of trails, and an Audubon Center in the historic Boathouse.   Location: 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, New York 11238 Telephone: (718) 638 5000 Website: http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/ http://www.prospectpark.org/ Hours: Wednesday-Friday 10:00-17:00; Saturday-Sunday 11:00-19:00
Suggested Contribution: $10.00 Adults $6.00 Students/Seniors (62+) Free for children under 12. First Saturdays offer free admission to the museum from 5 p.m. until closing at 23:00.  

The design and quality of the food at this Mexican restaurant is rather upscale. However, the prices are very moderate, so you are surely in for a bargain. The fresh guacamole prepared in front of the diners is a treat in itself, so be sure to order this appetizer. The fave dish is the ten-shile barbecued baby back ribs. Yummy!

The New York Botanical Garden is located in the Bronx, just across Route 1 from the Bronx Zoo.  It sits on 250 acres land once owned by tobacco magnate Pierre Lorillard and opened in 1891.  In addition to hosting thousands of species, the New York Botanical Garden is one of the world’s premier research centers into botany and plant genetics.   There’s a lot to see while you’re here.  The Enid A. Haupt Conservatory features plants from all over the world, including rain forest and desert.  Tune up your senses for an assault of color, texture, and scent as you stroll through the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden.  A fifty acre patch of virgin forest includes trees that are more than 200 years old.   The New York Botanical Garden is easily accessible by subway.  There’s no better place to escape the hustle of Manhattan than here.   Telephone: (718) 817 8700 Website: www.nybg.org Hours: Open daily 10:00-18:00 (March-October); 10:00-17:00 November-February Closed Mondays Admission (includes admission to Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, any exhibition, Everett Children’s Adventure Garden, and Tram Tour): $20.00 Adults ($6.00 for basic admission) $18.00 Students/Seniors $8.00 Children (2-12)