New York City Welcomes Visitors to the Destinations Greenest Borough

7/2/08

NEW YORK CITY WELCOMES VISITORS TO THE DESTINATION�S GREENEST BOROUGH


NYC & Company Highlights Top Attractions in One of the City�s Most Undiscovered Boroughs


New York City (July 2, 2008) Increasingly becoming known as the City�s greenest borough, the Bronx, comprised of 25% parkland, is well poised to attract record numbers of locals and visitors alike this summer.


"There has never been a more appealing time to visit the Bronx" said George Fertitta, CEO, NYC & Company, the City�s marketing, tourism and partnership organization. �The borough is enticing more locals and visitors to the destination than ever before, due to the incredible energy, rich historic culture and physical beauty."


Throughout the summer months, for the first time in the Bronx, visitors will have the chance to enjoy the warm weather at The Floating Pool. The pool, which accommodates up to 170 swimmers and features locker rooms, bathrooms and a snack bar, has moved to the Bronx from Brooklyn Heights where it was docked last year.


Also new this year, one of the borough�s most popular attractions, the Bronx Zoo, has recently opened its newest exhibit, Madagascar, at a cost of $62 million. Celebrating the island�s spectacular wildlife, culture, and natural history, the exhibit which highlights current conservation efforts to save the unique wildlife, is located in the former Lion House which has undergone a complete restoration.


Through November 2, 2008, visitors to the Bronx will have the opportunity to experience the largest outdoor exhibition of acclaimed sculptor Henry Moore's work ever presented in a single venue in the United States, Moore In America: Monumental Sculpture at The New York Botanical Garden will consist of approximately 20 major pieces positioned throughout the Garden's 250 acres and among its 50 gardens and plant collections.


Overlooking the Hudson River and Palisades, Wave Hill is a 28-acre public garden and cultural center in the Bronx. Celebrating the artistry and legacy of its gardens and landscapes, and boasting magnificent views, Wave Hill is dedicated to exploring human connections to the natural world through programs in horticulture, education and the arts.

Referred to as the �Bronx Riviera�, Orchard Beach is the borough�s most popular summertime meeting place. Located at Pelham Bay Park, the mile-long crescent beach is ideal for soaking up the sun and there is a boardwalk for people-watching, as well as a band shell where weekend concerts are held and tennis, paddleball and basketball courts.

Situated off the borough's northeast shore, east of Pelham Bay Park and Orchard Beach, is City Island. The picturesque destination looks and feels like a New England fishing village with its boatyards, sailmakers, antiques shops, art galleries and seafood restaurants and is home to a ribbon of white sand on the shore of Long Island Sound. In keeping with the charm of City Island, LeRefuge Inn is a seven room Victorian inn offering traditional French cuisine along with a perfect view of the 300-year-old harbor on City Island and is a great place for brunch, lunch or dinner.

In the heart of New York City�s Real Little Italy, Arthur Avenue, known as the Belmont Community, in the Fordham area of the Bronx, is home of the original, time-honored a href="?event=view.venuedetails&id=30712">Mike's Deli. Located in the City�s landmark Arthur Avenue Retail Market for over 50 years, Mike�s Deli offers Italian delicacies including freshly baked bread, garlic, coffee, cookies and aromatic cheeses.

A Bronx �must do event� is First Wednesdays Bronx Culture Trolley, a project of the South Bronx Cultural Corridor. Popular with locals and visitors from all five boroughs and beyond, the trolley makes a cultural loop through the lower Grand Concourse, providing an innovative way to travel free while giving its passengers the opportunity to sample several of the area�s hottest cultural attractions, dining establishments and entertainment venues. Taking place on the first Wednesday evening of the month (except January and September), the trolley ride and admission to participating venues along its route is free. Food, beverages and souvenirs are optional for passengers to purchase along the way.

For more information about visiting the Bronx go to nygo.com




About NYC & CompanyNYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide.



Contacts
Chris Heywood
NYC & Company
tel 212-484-1270
cheywood@nycgo.com
Emma Thomas
NYC & Company
tel 212 484 1270
ethomas@nycgo.com