A Bite Out of the Big Apple
Published January 9, 2012 | 
Like many English holiday goers, I have been travelling around Europe so much so that my relationship with the continent is almost marital. This past year though, I have been enticed by the allure of the most seductive mistress. I have cheated on Europe with New York.
As in any affair, the excitement of the neon lights of Times Square coupled with the romance for the city that has been bred from Hollywood exposure was too much to resist. Since booking my flights to New York I have never looked back.
Initially, when you arrive at JFK airport and catch a cab downtown, you can’t help but feel overwhelmed by all that is going on around you. As you drive through the streets and avenues your pupils are a blur, darting around at whatever catches your eye next. It’s tourism on steroids.
Like any good story, it starts with a famous landmark. The Empire State Building was originally built for office rental space in the deep depression. Subsequently nicknamed ‘The Empty State Building’, it accrued more revenue in its first year as an observation tower from its 81st floor. Thus making it a must see for any visitors to the great state.
To New York….
Most people that visit Manhattan do three things – shop, eat and go to shows. If you enjoy shopping, Times Square will play host to the biggest bender of retail therapy you can possibly imagine. Brands like Gucci, Fendi and Louis Vuitton along with all of the high street brands are at your fingertips. But more than this, the shopping experience will blow your mind. When you step foot into Abercrombie and Fitch I grantee, no matter how much you shop, you will never have encountered anything like this before. There’s music, dancers and bright lights that create more of a spectacle than a retail service. It truly is mind blowing.
The New York Rockefeller centre is the perfect place to retire to once you have had your fill of shopping. There are cafes to take in landscape in the summer and an ice ring with the most famous Christmas tree in the world in the winter.
One of my particular favourites when I visited New York was Madison Square Garden. Home to the Rangers and Knicks, there is always something to watch. Even if you aren’t a sports fan, the gravitas that enshrouds the place is too much to ignore.
Central Park is Manhattans escape to the countryside. The greenery is the perfect break from the concrete jungle that surrounds it. Horse drawn carriages are available through some of the tourist agents that are based there. A great way to discover what is surprisingly a large park.
Finally, we have one of the most famous landmarks in the world, the Statue of Liberty. For many Americans, the structure is a symbol of freedom. A ferry gives access to Ellis Island, which you will have to pay a small fee for. However entry to Lady Liberty is totally free. Like the Empire State Building and Rock Observation Deck, the Statue of Liberty has fantastic views across the city.
As far as I can see, there is only one downside to the Big Apple. That being you simply can’t take a big enough bite out of it and the taste in your mouth will leave you wanting more.
Hello-ween!
Published October 27, 2011 | 
With Halloween clawing its greasy, half dead fingers around the doorframe of your vacation home, there are a few treats to be had where terror tricks are rife.
On the face of it, the tradition of Halloween is somewhat a ridiculous debacle where adults dress up in costume and partake in fright fun. But there are some places that offer more scare thrills than others.
The Village Halloween Parade in New York City is said to be one of the largest events for the 31st October celebrations. More than 2 million people attend the festival a year and with a host of giant puppets, stilt walkers and marching bands, it’s easy to see why. There is even the opportunity to take part and volunteer carrying a puppet. The event is also free of charge making the celebrations cost effective for large parties as well as enjoyable!
The best places to visit at Halloween.
The Eastern State Penitentiary’s Terror Behind the Walls in Philadelphia is a real spectacle, showcasing Hollywood like effects and employing around 220 actors whose occupational duties are to scare the life out of those who participate in the thrills. The building itself is enough to make the hairs on back of your neck stand on end. Founded in 1829, the prison that housed notoriously dangerous convicts provides the perfect setting for Halloween. Vast in numbers, the actors play on the event’s setting dressing up as insane prisoners and sadistic guards. This is one Halloween event that might be too much for children under the age of 14, though there are family nights available as well providing far less fearsome nights.
But if it’s the not so scary you’re after at a place where the focus is young children then Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disney World Resort offers the perfect setting. Though on any other given day children over the age of 9 years old are not able to dress up, except on Halloween. So if there’s no better reason to go, it’s to be at the number one tourist destination in the world on the day where their normal rules don’t count. As always you can expect an impeccable experience at Walt’s World Resort, though it will cost you a buck or two.
Finally, for a destination you may not have considered as a Halloween host. Kentucky may not be the top US destination in the states, but the Louisville Zoo hosts the world’s biggest Halloween party, as the complex gets completely transformed into a children’s fantasy with characters like Captain Jack Sparrow and Shrek. There’s rides and other attractions too, including a hillside awash with 150 plus pumpkins carved by artist whom themes them to stars like Elvis and John Wayne.
Despite what many believe to be another act of commercialistic opportunity, Halloween presents great spectacles across the world that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
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