Your Group Travel Specialist in North America

Presenting an Introduction to New York City

www.annecottrelltours.com

Destination New York City

NEW YORK CITY is one of the great cities of the world. Everyone knows the name but get to know it and you will find a city of many neighborhoods and famous landmarks around every corner. The lights of Broadway shine bright and iconic Times Square is mesmerizing on any day of the week. The famous yellow cabs that never seem to stop for you on a rainy day, TV and film crews around almost every corner, pretzel vendors and street musicians; all are just a part of the every day on the “Island of Manhattan.”

New York is a big city in every sense of the word. 12 city blocks stretch between the Hudson and the East Rivers and 200 city blocks range from the Financial District and Battery Park (former home to the World Trade Center Towers) to the northern point of Central Park… a welcoming green oasis amid the concrete towers and busy streets, and it is still true that more than 12 million people call the city home.

It is a city with a pulse unlike any other. Mayor Giuliani and then 9/11 brought the people together like no other place before it.

As a teenager my dream was to visit, even work in New York City, instead I found myself in Canada, resting finally in Toronto, another great city which I now happily call home.

At a mere one hour’s flight away, New York is the city I most enjoy to visit and being able to show it to others is always a pleasure…

Destination New York City

Clockwise from top left: Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Central Park, Yellow Cabs.

New York City – A City of Neighborhoods

Clockwise from top left: Chinatown, Little Italy, Greenwich Village, Shopping in Soho, Union Square, Upper West Side

Cultural Attractions – Year RoundEmpire State Building

The Empire State Building is the world's most famous office building. As an international landmark for more than 77 years, it continues to capture the awe and amazement and curiosity of its visitors.

Enjoy New York’s beautiful harbor with a 90 minute skyline cruise and view the magnificent architectural wonders and historical landmarks that make this the most famous skyline in the world. Or experience the magic of "the city at night" as you cruise gracefully past the skyline as it comes to life at sundown. A great way to get out of the hustle and bustle of the city streets and gaze upon Manhattan from the water.

New York Waterways

Top of the Rock Observation Deck

Perched 70 stories above the city at historic Rockefeller Plaza, the panoramic views offer an excellent alternative to the Empire State Building due to being able to secure a reservation time, unlike the Empire State where even with pre-booking the lines can still be very long.

Cultural Attractions – Year Round

MoMA – The Museumof Modern Art

The Met -MetropolitanMuseum Of Art

Guggenheim Museum

An internationally renowned art museum and one of the most significant architectural icons of the 20th century, the Guggenheim Museum is at once a vital cultural center, an educational institution, and the heart of an international network of museums.

From the sidewalk on Fifth Avenue, with its tall columns and windows, immense stairways and water fountains, The Met looks like it could be an emperor’s palace. The size and diversity of the artwork on display represents every part of the world, spanning the Stone Age to the twenty-first century.

Perhaps the most influential museum of modern art in the world. The museum's collection offers an unparalleled overview of modern and contemporary art, including works of architecture and design, drawings, painting, sculpture, photography, prints, illustrated books, film and electronic media.

Cultural Attractions – Year RoundAmerican Museum of Natural History

National Museum of the American Indian

The Tenement MuseumA New York City Museum that tells the stories of immigrants who lived in 97 Orchard Street, a tenement built in 1863 on Manhattan's Lower East Side that was home to nearly 7000 working class immigrants.

Explore the diversity of the Native people of the Americas and the strength and continuity of their cultures from the earliest times to the present with a wide a range of public programs—including music and dance performances, films, and symposia at the historic Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House located in lower Manhattan.

Located on the Upper West Side is one of the largest and most celebrated museums in the world. Located in park-like grounds, the Museum comprises 25 interconnected buildings that house 46 permanent exhibition halls, research laboratories, and its renowned library. The collections contain over 32 million specimens, of which only a small fraction can be displayed at any given time.

Cultural Attractions – Year Round

Radio City Music Hall Backstage Tour

Carnegie Hall Tours

Lincoln Center For the Performing Arts

Catch an insider’s glimpse of Carnegie Hall and experience a century-long performance tradition that has showcased the world's finest artists—from Tchaikovsky to Mahler, from Horowitz to Callas to Bernstein, even Judy Garland and the Beatles. Come and share in the history of America's most famous concert hall!

Get a back-stage view of An American People’s Palace, home to the world famous Rockettes (pictured). The house steals the show. It has been said of Donald Deskey's masterpiece of American Modernist design that the “Music Hall needs no performers.”

Celebrate the arts at America’s premier performing arts center and home to the world famous New York Symphony Orchestra, Metropolitan Opera House and the renowned Julliard School of Music to name but a few. Every year millions of visitors flock to Lincoln Center’s grand theaters to enjoy the world’s most distinguished opera and ballet companies, musicians, theater and films. Performances are also possible for bands and orchestras in the plaza.

Cultural Attractions – Year Round

Morgan Library and Museum

Apollo Theater

Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty

Located in the heart of Harlem, this world famous theater is so much more than a historic landmark - it is a source of pride and a symbol of the brilliance of American artistic accomplishment. Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, James Brown, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson are but a few of the stars that have added to its rich history and continued significance as the bastion of African-American culture and achievement.

Rembrandt and Picasso, Mozart, Bob Dylan, Dickens and Hemingway, Gutenberg Bibles, and Babar the Elephant are all to be found in midtown Manhattan where the Morgan houses one of the world's greatest collections of artistic, literary, and musical works, from ancient times to the Medieval and Renaissance periods to the present day.

The cheapest tour option is the “free” Staten Island ferry which runs throughout the day between Battery Park and New Jersey and offers excellent views of the Manhattan skyline and the famous statue (however there is no option to actually visit the Island).

For all visitors wishing to visit the Statue and Ellis Island Museum ferry fees are in effect and must be paid by all visitors.

Cultural Attractions – Year Round

United Nations Guided Tours

Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

The site of some of the most significant events in recent history, when you pass through the gates of the United Nations Headquarters in New York, you enter international territory. The land does not belong to just one country, but to all countries that have joined the Organization. The United Nations has its own security and fire forces, issues its own postage stamps and conducts business in its six official languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish.

Centered on the aircraft carrier Intrepid, one of the most successful ships in US history, now a national historic landmark and one of the most unique attractions in New York City, enjoy thrilling historical re-creations such as Kamikaze: Day of Darkness, Day of Light, to new interactive displays. Visitors also can ride in the A-6 Cockpit Simulator, visit the Virtual Flight Zone, and tour the inside of the world’s fastest commercial airplane, Concorde.

Cultural Attractions – Year RoundNBC Studio TourSince 1933, NBC has offered this historic tour through the halls and into the studios of NBC's NYC operations. Stop at the NBC Sharp History Theatre, and learn about NBC's early days in radio and then enter and visit some of the most famous studios, including: The Today Show, Dateline NBC, NBC Nightly News, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, and Saturday Night Live

Located at Chelsea Piers is this ultimate entertainment venue with 40 state-of-the-art bowling lanes and automatic scoring on plasma screens. Whether watching sports on super-sized video screens and sound systems or enjoying the lights experience; don’t forget to bowl. This attraction is on offer during the school year, Mondays to Fridays only, when they offer an excellent pizza lunch and bowling package.

300 New York Bowling

New Coming in 2010 - XanaduNow scheduled to open in early summer 2010 in Meadowlands, New Jersey, this 4.8 million-square-foot entertainment destination will offer a broad array of engaging experiences, including interactive entertainment venues, fine dining, outdoor amusements, runway fashion shows and its main attraction—America's  first Snow Dome for indoor skiing. 

Summer in the City

South Street Seaport

Enjoy music, art, performances, food and shopping amongst some of the oldest architecture in downtown Manhattan, including the largest concentration of restored early 19th-century commercial buildings in the city.

Visiting Central Park in summertime is a must, walking tours can be arranged, visit the Central Park Zoo, bikes can be rented and organized bike tours are also available…

Boat cruises on the Hudson or even around the island of Manhattan are available.. at various price points…

Six Flags Great Adventure

A 2200-acre park featuring awesome rides, great shows, and incredible attractions located 60 miles from Manhattan in Jackson, New Jersey. Open May to September. (bottom right)

Winter in the CityIn addition to the plentiful museums and iconic attractions, groups can enjoy skating at Rockefeller Plaza, Bryant Park or Central Park (pictured at left from top to bottom) – however, fees do apply…

Transportation – Academy BusOur preferred supplier Academy Bus provides professional charter service to groups of all sizes.

50-54 Passenger Touring Coaches (54 seat coaches are most suitable when large equipment is being transported)

47-54 Passenger Wheelchair Accessible Coaches

15 Passenger Mercedes Mini Bus

Note: As of the Spring of 2009 it is still not a requirement for all motorcoaches to have seatbelts... this is something being discussed but so far with no resolution.

54 Passenger Luxury Coaches 

Tour Escorts & Tour GuidesOur enthusiastic and informative tour guides are a bonus to any tour and offer that extra sense of ease as they take care of the day to day details.

Eliane Delettre and Sally KellyOur Chief Tour Escorts although based in Toronto, travel all through North America as well as overseas with some of our Canadian groups. They are particularly well versed in the major cities of the US, especially New York, Washington and Boston. Both are professional in every sense of the word and will take care of each group working closely with the group leaders. Whether a music tour or an educational visit, they are well briefed in every aspect. Supporting them in New York specifically, are our “Actor” Tour Guides, headed up by Tony Jackson and Jay Sharf, each of who have the knack of making the exciting city even more exciting and relevant to each age group.  You may spot Tony in an episode of Law and Order, so have your cameras ready. For those groups not requiring full time assistance, then Tony, Jay or one of their colleagues can take care of meet and greet and general assistance and tour guiding. 

Eliane

Sally

Featured Accommodations – ManhattanManhattan Upper West Side International Youth Hostel

Royal Park Hotel

Broadway Hotel Hostel

Situated near Central Park and Columbia University, the hostel is in an historic Victorian Gothic-style building on Upper West Side. Clean, modern co-ed and separate male/female dormitory style accommodation (four to twelve-bedded rooms) with shared bathrooms in the hallways. Linens, towels, and a housekeeping service are provided free of charge. Private rooms with and without baths are also available.

Newly renovated, this property offers private rooms with shared bath, available for twin occupancy with limited quad occupancy (sharing 2 beds), but it also offers twin rooms with private baths.. all at reasonable cost. Breakfasts are taken off site at local diners.

Shared rooms are dormitory-style ranging from 4, 6, and 8 beds, many ensuite with clean private baths. Also offered are private ensuite rooms for more privacy. Breakfasts are taken off site at local diners.

Alternate Accommodations - Manhattan

Novotel Time Square & Holiday Inn Midtown

Hotel Wolcott

Edison HotelThe Hotel Edison in Midtown Manhattan was built in 1931 in the same grand Art Deco style as Radio City Music Hall, and is situated in one of the most dynamic sections of New York City. Their lights literally shine on Broadway! Just steps from Times Square, walking distance to theaters, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, Shopping, and Dining, it’s an exciting place to stay in the heart of New York City.

The Wolcott is located in the center of Manhattan, within walking distance to Broadway’s Theater district and Times Square and features rooms with two and three single beds.

For adult guests with higher budgets, we are happy to recommend the Novotel Times Square (far left) and Holiday Inn Midtown (near left).

Featured Accommodations – New Jersey

Hampton Inn and Suites Newark Riverwalk Hotel

Situated only five miles from Newark Airport, guests are within walking distance of Newark's business district and a short trip into Manhattan. Recreational facilities include a fitness center, indoor pool and a fabulous Lobby Bar with spectacular views of the Newark Skyline and the Passaic River. Options for  traditional rooms include a two queen bedded room which can easily be shared by 4 persons if willing to do so for a less expensive option. All rooms have a microwave, refrigerator, work desk and complimentary high speed internet.

Alternate Accommodations – New JerseyHampton Inn Newark Airport

Situated near Newark airport, guests are only short trip away from Manhattan. The hotel features an exercise room and sauna and options for  traditional rooms include two double bedded rooms or two queen bedded rooms which can easily be shared by 4 persons if willing to do so for a less expensive option. All rooms feature TV, work desk and complimentary high speed internet.

Holiday Inn Hasbrouck Heights

Located in the Meadowlands area of New Jersey, the Holiday Inn is also a short trip into Manhattan. Recreational facilities include an outdoor pool and spacious fitness room. Room options include two executive or double bedded rooms, all of which can easily be shared by 4 persons if willing to do so for a less expensive option.

Hampton Inn - Secaucus

Located in the Meadowlands area of New Jersey, the Hampton Inn Secaucus offers a short trip into Manhattan. Recreational facilities include a fitness room and options for  traditional rooms include two double bedded rooms, all of which feature coffeemakers, refrigerators, microwaves and hair dryers.

Selected New York City Themed RestaurantsJekyll and Hyde ClubThe restaurant's theme is spooky horror, with detailed decorations, set pieces, and actors who roam the restaurant and entertain patrons. In addition to the live characters, there are a number of audio-animatronic props, sounds, and special effects which contribute to the overall atmosphere of the club.

Mars 2112Ever dream about going to Mars? Located in Times Square, this is a spectacular mingling of fantasy and reality, spread over 35,000-square-feet that catapults travelers to a completely new world.

Hard Rock Cafe

Located in the center of the city, heart of Times Square, the new Hard Rock Cafe New York will rock your senses with tantalizing food and drinks and an awe-inspiring rock memorabilia collection.

Ellen’s Stardust Diner

A retro 50s diner filled with nostalgic memorabilia. This unique blast from the past also features singing waitstaff and variety shows. Experience a never forgotten era as you enjoy the best in classic American cuisine (complimented with updated food items for the 2000s).

Planet Hollywood

Get a true taste of Hollywood whilst sitting amongst the best motion picture memorabilia from big screen hit movies old and new.

Selected New York City Dining AlternativesJohn’s PizzeriaDallas BBQ

NYC’s most popular BBQ restaurant offering great food at a great price. Enjoy their famous rotisserie chicken, succulent baby back ribs and other mouth-watering delights.

Since its doors opened in the late Twenties, it has become world-renowned and a legendary institution in New York City - a place where generations of New Yorkers and tourists alike have come to enjoy the finest pizza the city has to offer.

Kosher Deli DeluxePastrami, corned beef and all the usual NYC classics alongside Chinese food and a free salad bar! And all of it kosher.

Committed to preserving the traditional cuisine of their Eastern European heritage, Ben’s offers fresh food, freshly prepared and courteously served in a clean, well-maintained restaurant faithfully observing the Kosher dietary laws.

Ben’s DeliJohn’s ShanghaiServing the best gourmet Chinese cuisine at most reasonable prices in the heart of new York City

Instrument Rental

To avoid bringing large oversize instruments on the tour, groups should consider renting and we are happy to offer this service.

Also, keep in mind the difference in voltage… the US system is 110v as opposed to the European standard of 220v. Our preferred supplier of rental musical equipment and chair rental for specific performances is Carroll’s Music in Manhattan… who have served us well.

Items for rent include double basses, keyboards and amplifiers, tympani and bass drums… plus most other miscellaneous percussion items. Delivery and pick up can also be arranged and would be subject to quotation.

Please note they also offer rehearsal space, always of course, at a cost.

Selected NYC Performance Venues include:

Best times: Noon or 4:00 p.m on weekends, or 4:30 p.m during the week.

All have excellent audience potential at noon daily. Choice of location determined by availability.

Central Park Naumberg Bandshell

Bryant Park, Greeley Square and other city squares

United Nations Plaza

Usually performances take place at noon daily. Bands only.

New York offers a wide range of performance opportunities however those seeking indoor venues during the heat of summer will (as in Toronto) find it difficult to secure good audiences.

Summer Months i.e. May to September

Naturally outdoor venues are more conducive to concert bands, orchestras and small ensembles, however some dance groups and vocal jazz groups may also wish to consider these options.

Outdoor:

Selected NYC Performance Venues include:

Ferry fee required.

Ellis IslandIntrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum

Admission for the tour required.

Summer Months i.e. May to September

Outdoor:

Morgan Park Summer Music

South Street Seaport

World Financial Center

April to June 30 only.

A terrific venue located on Long Island. Long term notice is required to be included in program.

Perform in the Waterside Winter Garden.

Selected NYC Performance Venues include:

Choirs only. Noon Monday to Friday.

Unique opportunities may be available during summer school to perform for students in a closed hall environment. Suitable for all styles of ensemble.

United Nations FoyerBrooklyn Centre for the Performing ArtsNew York Waterways

Ferry Terminal BuildingIntermittent audience. 2 hour boat cruise must be purchased at discounted rate.

Year Round Indoor:

Selected High SchoolsXanadu Meadowlands Selected Senior Citizen & Assisted Living CentersYear round venues, largely

indoor (opening Summer 2010).

Both in New Jersey and a limited number of schools on the Island of Manhattan itself. These include performing arts schools of a fairly high standard, so it is important to establish the level of the visiting group.

Excellent facilities and reception for all styles of groups.

Selected NYC Performance Venues include:

Both located near Ground Zero. Choirs can perform at noon Monday to Friday.

Receives both choirs and orchestras by request. Audience potential is not great!

St Paul’s Chapel or Trinity Church

Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine

The Grace Church

A Gothic revival masterpiece.

Year Round Indoor:

Saint Patrick’s Cathedral

St. Bartholomew's Church The Riverside Church

Accepting requests for dates after end of 2011 when their renovations will completed.

About venues in New York City

Please note that without adequate advance information from each touring group that it can be very difficult to secure venues. Many performance venues in new York in particular are booked months, even years in advance.

Many city venues have the additional requirement of providing proof of between $1 and $2,000,000 in liability insurance which must name the venue and be provided in advance.

Special Opportunities for Dance Groups

It may be possible to arrange to attend workshops at the world famous Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, STEPS on Broadway or with a member of the New York Ballet Company. Of course, there would be costs involved…