Our last day in New York

Our last day in New York was a wet one. We had been very lucky with the weather up until now so we really couldn't complain at all. Today was a day where we did separate things as Cheryl wanted to go to the Museum of American History which is the one featured in the "Night at the Museum" movie and  Peter and I wanted to do Central Park which as it happens is right opposite the museum. We caught a taxi there to save us walking in the rain and also as it was quite a way from the apartment and we hadn't mastered the subway at all.

As Peter and I walked in the park the rain started to get heavier and it wasn't a pleasant experience that's for sure. We had been looking forward to spending time in the park and seeing all the various places we had heard about.

Belvedere Castle

We did soldier on making our way to Belvedere Castle which was built in 1869 as a folly, which is basically an ornamental building with no practical purpose, they were very popular in England in the 1800s. It is the second highest natural elevation in the park and tops the natural looking woods of the Ramble and overlooks the Great Lawn and the Turtle Pond.

We left the castle to find Bow Bridge which Peter knew as an iconic bridge from reading about it's appearance in movies. It is a cast iron bridge that spans The Lake  and used as a pedestrian walkway. It has been featured in a number of movies including Manhattan and The Way We Were. From here we ventured into the park near The Lake to the Bethesda Terrace where we sort refuge from the rain for a few minutes. A couple of photos and it is time to get out of the rain.

Bow Bridge from a distance

Bethesda Fountain

We decided to get out of the rain and have lunch at The Loeb Boathouse which is an iconic building on The Lake in Central Park. Boating was popular on The Lake in the 1860's which lead to a need for a boathouse. Originally a two storey wooden structure was built and it lasted from 1873 until 1954 when it was torn down and replaced with a new red brick and limestone building and was opened in 1954 and was funded by Carl M Loeb.

We had a lovely lunch and even though it was raining the view was still very nice. Another tick off my bucket list.

View from our table

We made our way back to the apartment to pack and get ready to go to our final night dinner at the Empire State Building. We took a taxi to avoid getting wet and arrived and received our VIP wristbands to allow us access to floors that others who didn't purchase the package can't get to. Dinner was a set 3 course menu and was very nice a great way to end our time in New York.


We made our way to the observation deck on the 86th floor where Peter, Cheryl and John braved the windy conditions to take in the view. I didn't go outside as with the wind and the cold and still not feeling 100% so didn't want to make myself any worse. It was a great view from inside but I still wasn't going out in the cold. I know a big chicken.

We left the 86th floor and went via the original elevator to the 102nd floor where you really feel on top of the world. The view was unusual as with the mist from the rain and the lights it gave off a purpley/pink haze. Back down to reality and home to pack and our New York experience was over.

Our last view of the Empire State Building as we walked to the station.

Our next stop was Washington but not by but by train.