‘Fall’ In Love With NY This Autumn: An All American Affair
With The Hotel @ Times Square
If the patriotism and pride shown in the UK this summer has sparked an interest in the heritage of neighbouring countries, then head stateside this autumn, as the US is next in line for some nation-changing political and historic events – from patriotic parades to pagan celebrations - and even serious politics. Located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan in New York, The Hotel @ Times Square ensures a prime location for all the forthcoming events and famous landmarks.
Kick starting modern US history when he arrived in the Americas back in October 1492, Christopher Columbus changed the face of the country forever. Nowadays on 12 October, New York celebrates a national holiday with the Columbus Day Parade – the largest parade in the US. The city showcases its melting-pot heritage with colourful floats and music, attracting nearly one million spectators.
However, that’s just the start of the fun, as later in October America marks its most popular festival period – Halloween. Originally a Celtic celebration, the US has embraced the Halloween ‘spirit’ wholeheartedly. Don’t miss the Halloween Extravaganza and Procession of Ghouls, which takes place every year at the largest Gothic cathedral in the world; the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Manhattan. This celebration has become a New York institution, providing Halloween entertainment for a myriad of costume-clad New Yorkers.
Another favourite occasion is Thanksgiving Day, which was made an official day of national feasting and gratitude by President Abraham Lincoln, in the midst of the Civil War. New Yorkers are lucky enough to be on the front row for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on the last Thursday of November, which kicks off the holidays with unparalleled pomp and pageantry. More than 3.5 million spectators attend the parade route, while 50 million viewers tune in to the TV broadcast, which showcases marching bands, performance groups, giant helium balloons and breathtaking floats.
However, New Yorkers will not only be remembering history this autumn: they will be making it too, as the forthcoming US presidential election is taking place on 6 November. Whether you back Barack Obama or think the Republican challenger Mitt Romney stands a chance, there’s bound to be an atmosphere of change in the autumn air! What’s more, the US Senate election will happen in New York on the same day, so all eyes will be on the nation’s favourite city.
Finally, as if all this pomp and circumstance isn’t already enough to offer a visitor a glimpse of American culture and history in the making, the world-famous Statue of Liberty National Monument is set to reopen in late 2012, after undergoing a year-long $27.25 million renovation. Located on Ellis Island, which has been coined America’s ‘Golden Door’, or ‘Island Of Hope’, this was the first stop for immigrants who arrived over 100 years ago, searching for the American Dream.
The Hotel @ Times Square is cheap, chic and located close to Central Park – a must see in fall when the leaves are turning. This budget-friendly hotel is also sandwiched between Times Square and Fifth Avenue, close to the parade routes. Hotel facilities include complimentary breakfast, free wi-fi and national phone calls, a fitness centre and bar. Stays in October start from $274.99 per room, per night (£88 per person based on two sharing) and $254.99 (£81 per person based on two sharing) in November.
To book, call freephone 0808 178 6363 or visit www.thehotelattimessquare.co.uk. Flights with DialAFlight to JFK this autumn start from £361.
Jo Dey
E-mail - jo@citruspr.co.uk
Office - 01590 676 432
www.citruspr.co.uk
citruspr
Travel PR agency
Anchor House, Bath Road, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 3YJ
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