Where: New York, NY
When: 2005 and on
With: Lots of people
Most of the time, a train station is a train station. Time tables, people rushing around, coffee shops...oh and of course, trains. Living next to and traveling through Penn Station (the connector between NYC and NJ), I can confirm it was definitely nothing to write home about. But the first time I wandered into the Main Concourse at Grand Central, I knew I had found one of my top 5 favorite spots in all of Manhattan.
Opened in 1913, the station services Long Island and Connecticut (as well as several subway lines). I spent many years commuting to clients and Brooklyn through this terminal. And the food hall in the lower level is amazing (Shake Shack was a common lunch stop and Dave and I loved getting a dozen oysters after work before heading home at the Grand Central Oyster Bar). But for me, nothing can stop me dead in my tracks quite like the ceiling of the Main Concourse.
The first time I really remember being in there was New Years Eve 2006. I was...slightly intoxicated, and my friends and I needed to pass through here to catch a subway home. I was frozen upon looking up. I've always been fascinated by the night sky and I was rendered speechless by the perfectly blue ceiling. Covered in constellations with gently twinkling lights for the stars, I couldn't stop staring. It is gorgeous.
While my commute in New York City got old, this place would be the highlight of my day. It never failed to put a smile on my face and make me stop and appreciate it when I was passing through.
When: 2005 and on
With: Lots of people
Most of the time, a train station is a train station. Time tables, people rushing around, coffee shops...oh and of course, trains. Living next to and traveling through Penn Station (the connector between NYC and NJ), I can confirm it was definitely nothing to write home about. But the first time I wandered into the Main Concourse at Grand Central, I knew I had found one of my top 5 favorite spots in all of Manhattan.
Opened in 1913, the station services Long Island and Connecticut (as well as several subway lines). I spent many years commuting to clients and Brooklyn through this terminal. And the food hall in the lower level is amazing (Shake Shack was a common lunch stop and Dave and I loved getting a dozen oysters after work before heading home at the Grand Central Oyster Bar). But for me, nothing can stop me dead in my tracks quite like the ceiling of the Main Concourse.
The first time I really remember being in there was New Years Eve 2006. I was...slightly intoxicated, and my friends and I needed to pass through here to catch a subway home. I was frozen upon looking up. I've always been fascinated by the night sky and I was rendered speechless by the perfectly blue ceiling. Covered in constellations with gently twinkling lights for the stars, I couldn't stop staring. It is gorgeous.
When I can peel my eyes away from that ceiling, the rest of the Concourse is beautiful too. The large windows that perfectly light the marble walls in the day. The giant chandeliers that provide a soothing light in the evening. The old school ticket counters and clocks. I absolutely love standing on the top of the stairs overlooking this and just watching the world go by.
While my commute in New York City got old, this place would be the highlight of my day. It never failed to put a smile on my face and make me stop and appreciate it when I was passing through.
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