Legions of people rush through New York’s Grand Central Terminal each day, bent on passing from Point A to B pronto. Pity. Because they miss the magic the grand old lady exudes – especially in wintertime.
Should you find yourself in the Big Apple during the coming holidays take time to explore. It’s more than a station, it’s a destination in-of-itself. Consider:
- Nov. 12 – Dec. 24 the Grand Central Holiday Fair brings together works from 70 artisans, craftspeople and small businesses in the greater New York area. On sale are artworks, clothes, handbags, jewelry, and bath and body products. This is one of those pre-Christmas must-stops for commuters, visitors and New Yorkers alike.
- Nov. 19, 2012 – Feb. 10, 2013 the Train Show at Grand Central harkens back to an era when railroading was magic, and when model trains encircled family Christmas trees and the planet was a more placid place. The Centennial version of the train show features a terrific new layout (the layout’s the thing in model railroading, the more realistic the better). Trains traverse a wintry landscape – suburbs, farmland and mystical places en route to he North Pole.
- Grand Central Market is the place locals and commuters come to shop for holiday food. From fresh fixings to organic ingredients to ready-to-eat meals, this is the epicenter of epicure.
- Grand Central Terminal Audio Tours are for folks who want to discover the lesser-known secrets of this Taj Mahal of 20th Century Transportation. Choose from either a one-hour or 30-minute self-guided tour of the terminal. Head to the GCT Tour windows on the Main Concourse to download the audio.
This is New York in its essence, in the perfect time of year.
