Empire State Building

Last week as I fly into La Guardia, I was able to see the Empire State Building from where I was seated on the plane.  I am always in awe of the Empire State Building.  This iconic landmark is in the middle of Manhattan.  As the taxi made its way into the city, the building was lit up white.

The building is always lit up for special occasions, such as red and green for Christmas; green for St. Patrick's day; red/white/blue for July 4th; blue for Hanukkah and etc.

Whenever I see the Empire State Building, I always think of the movies "An Affair to Remember", "Sleepless in Seattle" and "King Kong".  In "An Affair to Remember", Deborah Kerr told Cary Grant as they were setting up their reunion to meet, "The Empire State Building is the closest thing to heaven in this city".  In 1957 when this movie was produced, it was the tallest building in NYC.

Construction started on the building on March 17, 1930 and it opened on May 1, 1931.  It is a 102 story skyscraper located on Fifth Avenue.  There are 86 flights and 1,576 stairs to the first observatory.  The art deco throughout is something that everyone needs to see.

Several years ago, when I lived on Long Island and I would drive into the city, I always loved seeing this landmark.  I always wondered if the other drivers were amazed by this building as I was.

My hotel was directly across the street from the Empire State Building.  Every time that I walked out, I could look up and see this massive structure.

I didn't go to the observatory on this trip.  I have done it many times and  I have enjoyed the views during the day as well as during the night.  It is spectacular!  On a clear day, you can see at least 80 miles from every direction.

This is another must see when you are visiting New York!