Staycation Directory

Staycation In New York City Grand Central Station

January 21st, 2010

Grand Central Terminal (often inaccurately referred to as Grand Central Station) is a beautiful Beaux-arts building in midtown Manhattan. First opened in 1913, Grand Central Terminal underwent a massive restoration to restore it to its former glory, and is now both a transportation hub, as well as a destination in itself for visitors to New York City.Nearest Subways to Grand Central:4, 5, 6, 7 and 42nd Street Shuttle to Grand Central
Grand Central Terminal Admission Price Free.
Fares for Metro-North trains vary by destination. Grand Central Terminal Hours: Daily from 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.. Shops are open 8am to 9pm (though some retail schedules and holidays vary). Grand Central Terminal Photos: Grand Central Photos Grand Central Official Website: http://grandcentralterminal.com/ Grand Central Terminal Phone:

Metro-North Railroad information: (800) METRO-INFO
Grand Central event information: (212) 340-2210

About Grand Central: “I’ll meet you at the information booth at Grand Central.”

It’s the place to meet on your way to and through New York City, but there’s more to Grand Central than train tracks. (It’s not called “Grand” for nothing.)

The terminal, a thruway for millions of commuters every week, offers many a chance to conjure up to romance of train travel. Built in 1913 and recently revitalized with shops and restaurants, Grand Central holds many secrets that you only need to look closely to see.

Atop the station is Campbell Apartment, ’30s tycoon John W. Campbell’s hideaway office and a luxurious escape from the bustle below. For great dining views, check out Michael Jordan’s Steak House on the west side of the concourse and Metrazur on the east.

Below the tracks are levels of shopping and dining-from clothiers to florists to souvenir shops. And often in Vanderbilt Hall are visiting art exhibits and other events.

And don’t forget to look up in the main concourse. The illustrated blue-green cathedral ceiling offers a different view of the nighttime sky, with constellations and other heavenly bodies-sometimes highlighted with a periodic zodiac laser show you may be lucky enough to catch.

StaycationDirectory

Staycation Definition and History
A staycation (also spelled stay-cation, stacation, or staykation) is a neologism for a period of time in which an individual or family stays at home and relaxes at home or takes day trips from their home to area attractions. Staycations have achieved high popularity in the US during the financial crisis of 2007–2009 in which unemployment levels and gas prices were high.Staycations also became a popular phenomenon in the UK in 2009 as a weak pound made overseas holidays significantly more expensive.The term was added to the 2009 version of the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. Common activities of a staycation include use of the backyard pool, visits to local parks and museums, and attendance at local festivals. Some staycationers also like to follow a set of rules, such as setting a start and end date, planning ahead, and avoiding routine, with the goal of creating the feel of a traditional vacation.
Benefits of a staycation
Staycations are far less costly than a vacation involving traveling. There are no lodging costs and travel expenses are minimal. Costs may include transportation for local trips, dining, and local attractions. “The American Automobile Association said the average North American vacation will cost $244 per day for two people for lodging and meals… Add some kids and airfare, and a 10-day vacation could top $10,000″. Staycations do not have the stress associated with travel, such as packing, long drives, or waits at airports. Staycations may be of economic benefit to some local businesses, who get customers from the area providing them with business. In 2008, the tourism bureaus of many U.S. cities also began promoting staycations for their residents to help replace the tourism dollars lost from a drop in out-of-town visitors.