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Holiday in The Bearkat Guide to a

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A Bearkat's Guide to the Big Apple

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Page 1: SHSU Holiday in New York

Holidayin

The Bearkat Guide to a

Page 2: SHSU Holiday in New York
Page 3: SHSU Holiday in New York

Welcome to the

Sam Houston State University Alumni Association

Holiday in New York City

Tuesday, November 27–Friday, November 30, 2012

Thursday, November 29, 2012Alumni Reception 7:00 PM

Dinner 8:00 PMThe Waldorf Astoria New York

301 Park Avenue • New York, NY  

800.283.7478 • alumni.shsu.edu

Page 4: SHSU Holiday in New York

Christmastime in New York City is magical. From the tree lighting ceremony at Rockefeller Center to the amazing store windows of Fifth Avenue, there is no better way to experience the holiday season.

The November 2012 Alumni & Friends “Holiday in New York” trip should be one of the most memorable alumni events of the year. Dinner and hotel accommodations are booked at the world famous Waldorf=Astoria.

Please join me in New York City and share in the camaraderie of fellow alumni as we celebrate the start of the holiday season.

Yours truly,

Dana GibsonPresident

Page 5: SHSU Holiday in New York

301 PARK AVENUE NEW YORK, NY

ACCOMMODATIONS

As one of the first 'grand hotels' to combine elegance with luxurious amenities and services, The Waldorf Astoria New York has been world renowned for over a century.

The hotel offers luxurious guest rooms and select, spacious suites. Cheerful bedrooms, oversized marble bathrooms and original Art Deco motifs give the rooms a delightful residential ambience.

The Waldorf stands as a unique dining destination, with four distinctive restaurants, three lounges, and of course, 24-hour room service. Superior hotel amenities and services include booking privileges at the incomparable Guerlain Spa at The Waldorf Astoria New York.

Guests are encouraged to explore the hotel, a New York City landmark and considered an extraordinary living Art Deco museum.

Page 6: SHSU Holiday in New York

HOLIDAY WINDOW DISPLAYS & NYC SHOPPING

Every year NYC’s biggest and best stores dress their windows to the nines to spread holiday cheer in the Big Apple! Whether you’re ready to do some serious Christmas shopping or simply want to stroll through Times Square or down Fifth Avenue and feel the holiday buzz, New York City department store windows are a must-see on your holiday visit. Everyone will love the fun and imaginative displays which are truly works of art. You will find some of the best window wonderlands at Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord and Taylor, and Bergdorf Goodman.

Don’t forget to visit FAO Schwartz, and try to tap toes on the giant floor piano keyboard at New York’s most famous toy store.

Tip: Go to FAO Schwartz when it opens, preferably on weekday to avoid the crowds.

Page 7: SHSU Holiday in New York

THE WORLD’S GREAT MUSEUMS

American Museum of Natural History (AMNH)The AMNH is one of the largest and most celebrated museums in the world. Whether passionate about dinosaurs, enchanted by the night sky, or curious about oceans deep, AMNH has something to discover.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET)With nearly two million works of art spanning more than 5,000 years, The Met is one of the world’s largest and finest museums, presenting the best of human creativity from around the globe.

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum (The Guggenhiem)Frank Lloyd Wright designed this building in 1959, now designated the youngest New York City landmark. As you walk the spiral walkway toward the dome above, you will view works from artists of the 19th and 20th centuries including: Brancusi, Calder, Chagall, Giacometti, Kandinsky, Klee, Miro, Picasso, and Van Gogh.

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)Often identified as the most influential museum of modern art in the world, the MoMA started from an initial gift of eight prints and one drawing. The collection has grown to include more than 100,000 paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, photographs, architectural models and drawings, and design objects.

Tip: Wear comfy shoes!

Page 8: SHSU Holiday in New York

ROCKEFELLER CENTER TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting is officially scheduled for Wednesday, November 28, 2012.

Nothing marks the beginning of the magical holiday season in New York City like the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, and, while no information is available regarding who will be appearing for the event at this time, you can rest assured it will be full of festive performances.

TREE FACTS

The Rockefeller Center tree is recycled once the holiday season is over and 3 tons of mulch are donated to the Boy Scouts of America.

The first out-of-country tree was used for the Christmas tree lighting in 1966 when Canada donated a tree to honor the centennial of its Confederation.

A large portion of the tree trunk each year is donated to the United States Equestrian Team in New Jersey to be used for obstacle jumping.

Page 9: SHSU Holiday in New York

LANDMARKS

Empire State BuildingTired of staring up at New York City skyscrapers? Check out the view of the city from atop the Empire State Building. The Empire State Building is a classic attraction, and offers visitors wonderful views of New York City and the surrounding area.

Statue of LibertyThe Statue of Liberty was a gift to the United States in honor of the friendship established during the French Revolution. The Statue of Liberty has become an American symbol of freedom and welcome to the immigrants who come to the USA looking for a better life. While the interior of the Statue of Liberty is closed for improvements, you can still visit Liberty Island and nearby Ellis Island.

9/11 MemorialThe National September 11 Memorial is a tribute of remembrance and honor to the nearly 3,000 people killed in the terror attacks of September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center site, near Shanksville, Pa., and at the Pentagon, as well as the six people killed in the World Trade Center bombing in February 1993.

Page 10: SHSU Holiday in New York

ICE SKATING IN CENTRAL PARK

You might think ice skating in Rockefeller Center is where it’s at, but the rink is small and often crowded. Wollman Rink in Central Park offers an equally idyllic setting, without the wait time with more reasonable fees.

Ice skating is a long-standing and beloved tradition in Central Park – as old as the Park itself. The first part of Central Park to open to the public was the Lake, in 1858. That same winter, it filled with skaters. Soon after, skaters filled the 59th Street Pond as well.

A century later, these water bodies closed to skaters. Wollman Rink opened in 1950, a 33,000-square-foot venue built with a gift from Kate Wollman. With its romantic backdrop, Wollman Rink puts visitors beneath the magical New York City skyline by day, and its twinkling lights by night. You can see why Wollman has been featured in films such as Love Story and Serendipity.

Page 11: SHSU Holiday in New York

BROADWAY MUSICALS

Make your stay in NYC even more memorable by getting tickets to see some of the very best theater in the world.

The Lion KingWith a pulsing spectacle driven by primal African rhythms, unforgettable tunes and a jaw-dropping display of exotic African wildlife, there are good reasons why The Lion King won a half-dozen Tony Awards in 1998.

WickedA vivid reimagining of the classic The Wizard of Oz, Wicked spotlights the untold stories of Oz’s most famous characters, the Wicked Witch of the West and her unlikely friend, Glinda the Good. Our own alumna Katie Clark portrayed the role of Glinda.

Spider-Man Turn Off the DarkOne of the most technically elaborate Broadway musicals of all time, Spider-Man brings the Manhattan skyline to life and features incredible aerial stunts, a rock score penned by U2 musicians Bono and the Edge, and inventive costumes and effect of Julie Taymor.

See all the shows Broadway has to offer and find tickets at www.broadway.com

Page 12: SHSU Holiday in New York

RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR

The Radio City Christmas Spectacular is an annual musical holiday stage show presented at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The show features over 140 performers, lavish sets and costumes and an original musical score.

The 90-minute revue combines singing, dancing and humor with traditional scenes in spectacular stage settings. The star performers are the women’s precision dance troupe known as the Rockettes. Since the first version was presented in 1933, the show has become a New York Christmas tradition seen by more than a million visitors a year.

The 2012 production will celebrate both the production’s 80th Anniversary and the 85th Anniversary of the Rockettes. The production has integrated digital mapping of the theatre and 3D animation to bring an entirely new dimension to this already spectacular show.

Page 13: SHSU Holiday in New York

FAMOUS GOOD EATS

Gray’s PapayaGray’s griddles the tastiest, snappiest $1.50 hotdog in town. The most famous of the famous NYC dogs, Gray’s has been featured on the big and little screens, being a late night treat for the characters in You’ve Got Mail, Sex in the City, and How I Met Your Mother to name just a few.

Lombardi’s PizzaEstablished in 1905, Lombardi’s claims to be America’s first full-fledged pizzeria. Their coal oven thin crust pizza is touted by many to be the best in Manhattan . Waits can be an hour or more to sit down, although weekday lunches and mid-afternoon on the weekends are less busy.

Jing Fong Dim Sum Banquet HallFolks looking to experience the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong dim sum will love Jing Fong–the large banquet room is buzzing with energy and the dim sum carts circle endlessly.

Katz’s DelicatessenKatz’s is renowned as one of the best NYC delis. You may remember this restaurant from When Harry Met Sally when Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan dined here...you know the scene.

Page 14: SHSU Holiday in New York

GRATIS

Staten Island FerryOne of the world’s greatest and shortest water voyages departs from lower Manhattan regularly and it’s free. The 5 mile, 25 minute ride provides a majestic view of New York Harbor, a perfect view of The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and an opportunity to get some photos of Manhattan skyline.

Central ParkLeave your New York hotel and enjoy a stroll or ride a bike through one of America’s most famous parks. There are plenty of recreational activities and there’s always something special going on in the park. From Strawber-ry Fields to Belvedere Castle, the park is full of interest-ing sights and beautiful landscapes.

Be a Part of a Studio AudienceAttending the tapings of popular television shows is fun and free. The wait for tickets can be long, so it’s best to plan ahead. Still, many shows have standby options if you’re willing to wait in line. The Today Show, Good Morning America, Live with Kelly, The Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Daily Show, and The Colbert Report are all popular op-tions. Chick online for audience requirement and ticket information: http://www.nycgo.com/articles/tv-show-tapings

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LIST OF RESOURCES

ACCOMMODATIONSwww.waldorfnewyork.com

LANDMARKS AND MEMORIALSwww.911memorial.org

www.centralparknyc.org

THEATREwww.broadway.com

www.newyorkcitytheatre.comwww.radiocitychristmas.com

Tip: To get same day discount tickets find a TKTS booth. Tickets can be deeply discounted, the downside is there are no guarantees and you will have to stand in line sometimes for an hour or more.

www.tdf.org

MUSEUMSwww.metmuseum.org

www.amnh.orgwww.guggenheim.org

www.moma.org