Many New Yorkers have their own story as to the origin of the nickname but the most popular ones came from very different backgrounds. First, in the early 1920's, there were many important horse racing courses in and around NYC. "Apple" referred to the prizes (like an apple for a horse) awarded at these races. A journalist, John Fitzgerald, got the term from New Orleans jockeys and trainers who yearned to race in the "Big Apple"-in other words, the tracks in NYC. Secondly, around 1930, jazz musicians in NYC began referring to the city as "the Big Apple" since it was THE place to perform. This referred back to an old show business saying- "There are many apples on the tree, but only one Big Apple." Then, in 1971, a tourism campaign adopted "The Big Apple" as an officially recognized reference to NYC, hoping that the rosy red apples would serve as a "bright and cheery image of the city" countering the dark and dangerous perception many people had. The slogan finally applied to all of New York City and was embraced by the city, state, nation and world as tourism soared.
We spent New Year's Day exploring "The Big Apple" pedestrian-style. The first thing we learned was traffic lights and "Don't Walk" signals are merely suggestions. If there is no traffic, GO! Strolling 3.8 miles over the course of the day, we shopped, saw a show and people-watched.
Our first stop was Macy's at Herald Square near where the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade ends. From the outside, it looks pretty much like any other Macy's store. The window displays depict the "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus" story with hordes of people crowded around to watch the animated figures. The inside of the store... sparkles... and glitters... with decor... with smiling sales people... with lots of stuff! The store is nine stories tall plus a "lower level" and a "cellar"- all with merchandise. The floors are not unusually small but seem rather average size. The sign outside says this is the "largest store in the world!" and I would believe it! The escalators to the top three floors are ancient, wooden ones about 2/3 the width of more modern ones. They are rickety, swaying back and forth, and quite noisy- almost an "E-ticket" ride!
From the revolving front doors to the architectural details and wooden escalators, this Macy's is a visit to yesteryear.
Ringing in the New Year at Times Square was something I've wanted to do for a long time; seeing a Broadway play in the "Big Apple" was another. Our next stop was the Nederlander Theater in Times Square's Theater District to see the fabulous play Million Dollar Quartet- the true story of the only time Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins played together (it was an impromptu jam session at the recording studio). Nothing was "pre-recorded", the actors played their instruments and sang. How many people can play the piano upside down while lying across the top of the piano like Jerry Lee Lewis? I bet that casting call was pretty short! The play was an entertaining trip down memory lane- definitely two-thumbs up! The theater, originally named National Theater, was built in 1921. Crown molding, wood banisters, velvet draperies tied back with thick gold cords and old-style box seats on the side are characteristic of the time and delightful to look at. The only downside is the seating area itself- I've had more legroom on a capacity-filled US Airways flight!
A trip to "The Big Apple" just wouldn't be complete without standing on the sidewalk eating a hotdog from a street vendor. Street vendors aren't hard to find- if you miss the bright red cart, just follow your nose! My hotdog had mustard, onions and sauerkraut while Richard prefers mustard and relish. No matter how you dress it, they were de-lish!
After waiting in a line around the side of the building, we finally made our way into the two-story M&M World along with thousands of other tourists. Dispensers of M&M's of every color and type imaginable lined several walls and for only $13 per pound you could fill a bag with your favorite mix. We didn't stay long since it was more claustrophobic-feeling than Times Square had been the night before.
We strolled along the sidewalk watching people. Couples walking arm in arm. Families laughing together, pointing out the Empire State Building. New York's "men in blue"... lots of them... some on horses. College students out for night of clubbing. After walking several blocks, we found ourselves at Rockefeller Center where we happened upon a gorgeous sculpture of red Christmas ornaments in a fountain.
The ornaments together with the white-lighted trees in the area were very festive, indeed!
After stopping for pizza at a coal-fired pizzeria, we walked back to our hotel. We enjoyed our time in "The Big Apple"... it is a lovely place to visit and I can't wait to go back!
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