Story Idea - Second Avenue Subway
NYC STORY IDEA - THE NEW SECOND AVENUE SUBWAY
After nearly 90 years of planning and 10 years of construction, the Second Avenue subway in New York City is now a reality, having opened on New Year’s Day 2017. The line, an extension of the Q train, runs under Second Avenue through Manhattan’s populated Upper East Side. It’s the largest addition to the NYC subway system since 1989, with three new stations (72nd Street, 86th Street and 96th Street), one renovated transfer station (Lexington Avenue-63rd Street) and two miles of new subway track.
The stations themselves are cultural attractions with collections of public art. New works include Chuck Close’s “Subway Portraits,” which are large mosaics of other NYC artists including singer-songwriter Lou Reed; Vik Nuniz’s “Perfect Strangers” portrait series which pays tribute to every day New Yorkers; and Sarah Sze’s “Blueprint for a Landscape,” which depicts blowing paper to invoke the idea of gusts coming from the subways.
“The Second Avenue subway stations are not just incredible additions to the infrastructure of New York City, but they each have a vibrant personality as mini-art museums,” said Fred Dixon, NYC & Company president and CEO. “The new subway system allows access to Manhattan’s Upper East Side, and it has never been easier for New Yorkers and visitors to explore all that the neighborhood has to offer, from museums to restaurants and shopping.”
NYC & Company, New York City’s official destination marketing organization, has highlighted attractions and restaurants across each new subway stop below. For more information, and information on planning your experiences in New York City and the Upper East Side, visit nycgo.com.
Lexington Avenue-63rd Street Station
Museum of Illustration
128 E. 63rd Street
The Society of Illustrators, which has counted Rube Goldberg and Norman Rockwell among its members, occupies this beautiful 1875 townhouse. See rotating art exhibits from the organization’s collection of more than 2,500 works. (societyillustrators.org)
Tavern 62
135 E. 62nd Street
Tavern62 by David Burke is a modern American tavern offering an all-day menu, bar, lounge, and private dining spaces. The menu features American plates as a reflection of Chef Burke’s contemporary approach to cooking, paired with a curated wine list, craft beers and a specialty cocktail program. (tavern62.com)
Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park
1 FDR Four Freedoms Park
Take a short walk over to 2nd Avenue to board the Roosevelt Island Tram and glide over the East River towards Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park on Roosevelt Island. The park is the first memorial dedicated to the former president in his home state of New York. The Park celebrates the Four Freedoms, as pronounced in President Roosevelt's famous January 6, 1941 State of the Union speech. (fdrfourfreedomspark.org)
Bloomingdale’s
1000 Third Avenue
The hundred-year-old iconic New York City shopping experience is still celebrated on 59th Street and Lexington Avenue. Look for both trendy and luxury clothes, shoes and handbags, and also reliable wedding gifts. Dining options are available as well. (bloomingdales.com)
Serendipity 3
225 E. 60th Street
It’s hard to have a bad time at this New York institution, where perfectly executed comfort food is simply the warm-up to decadent desserts, including a dozen different varieties of sundae and the famous Frrrozen Hot Chocolate. There may not be another spot on earth where you can enjoy a foot-long chili dog in a beautiful townhouse decked out with Tiffany glass lampshades and authentic Andy Warhols. (serendipity3.com)
72nd Street Station
Bohemian National Hall
321 E 73rd Street
This landmark building has a concert hall, movie theater and art gallery that showcase Czech culture. (bohemiannationalhall.com)
Orsay Restaurant
1057 Lexington Avenue
A charming and elegant atmosphere awaits guests at Orsay. Designer Jean Denoyer’s fondness of art nouveau, soft lighting and Paris antiques results in a space that is simultaneously sophisticated and welcoming. The Parisian-style brasserie features menu items for lunch, brunch, dinner, dessert, as well as cafe and bar; but the wine list, with its 225 options, is just as tempting on its own. (orsayrestaurant.com)
J.G. Melon
1291 3rd Avenue
A comfy atmosphere attracts a laid-back neighborhood crowd to this cash-only pub famed for some of the best burgers NYC has to offer. (jgmelonnyc.com)
Otte
1232 3rd Avenue
This high-end boutique in Nolita curates small and luxurious brands specifically tailored to its five Manhattan locations. Each shop features established and emerging designers of clothing, jewelry and shoes. (otteny.com)
Afghan Kebab House
1345 2nd Avenue
Kebabs get the special treatment in this simple restaurant. They’re fired in a charcoal oven and served off the skewer alongside basmati rice, flat Afghan bread, and a palate-cleansing lettuce salad.
86th Street Station
Gracie Mansion
E 88th St & East End Avenue
Originally a country home built in 1799, this Federalist-style building—set in Carl Schurz Park—has been the official residence of New York City’s mayor since 1942. It’s open to the public for tours on Tuesdays. (nyc.gov/gracie)
Carl Schurz Park
E. 84th- 90th Street & East End Avenue
The history of Carl Schurz Park is epic, and entwined with the history of New York City. This well-maintained park sits along the edge of the East River in the Upper East Side neighborhood of Yorkville. It contains a number of attractions, most of which (dog runs, children's playgrounds, a basketball court) sit in the park's "active" south. The "passive" north end of the park, conversely, offers long stretches of greenery for lazing and gazing out across river, with a series of modest groves and flower gardens separating the two. (carlschurzparknyc.org)
Schaller’s Stube
1652 2nd Avenue
An eclectic menu filled with German classics as well as chef curated “Quality Wursts” drawing on various local and ethnic flavors can be found here at this Upper East Side establishment. (schallerstube.com)
Two Little Red Hens
1652 Second Avenue
This cozy and laid back bake shop is known for its creatively flavored cupcakes and its delicious cakes. (twolittleredhens.com )
Let’s Dress Up!
345 East 85th Street
Head to Let's Dress Up with your children and spend an hour trying on the shop's vast princess wardrobe. Visit any day for a one-hour, castle drop-in playdate, complete with tea and crafts. You can host a birthday party here, or send your princess for some pampering at a princess mini-camp. (letsdressupnyc.com)
96th Street Station
Islamic Cultural Center
1711 3rd Avenue
The Islamic Cultural Center was the first building erected as a mosque in New York City. It contains the two primary elements that traditionally compose an Islamic house of worship: a mosque and a minaret. Within the mosque, the mihrab, or alter niche, faces Mecca, dictating the mosque's 29 degree angle from the Manhattan street grid. This alignment creates a traditional exterior court for worshipers to gather before services. (icc-ny.us)
Vinus and Marc
1825 Second Avenue
A relatively recent addition to the ever-evolving East Harlem neighborhood, this upscale restaurant has craft cocktails and Southern cuisine with French and Latin touches. (vinusandmarc.com)
92nd Street Y
1395 Lexington Avenue
92nd Street Y is a world-class cultural and community center where people all over the world connect through culture, arts, entertainment and conversation. (92y.org)
Annie & Company Needlepoint and Knitting
1763 2nd Avenue
Annie & Company Needlepoint and Knitting prides itself in its incredible and extensive selection of all things needlepoint and knitting. If you’re feeling brave, take one of their group crocheting courses and if you’re feeling shy, they offer one-on-one lessons in both needlepoint and knitting. (annieandco.com)
The Toolbox
1742 2nd Avenue
This low-key LGBT bar is a long-term neighborhood hot spot, drawing a diverse crowd for Monday night bingo, Wednesday karaoke and regular happy hours. (thetoolboxnyc.com)
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Contact: NYC & Company / Chris Heywood 212-484-1270
NYC & Company / Kim Klein 212-484-1270