Posted: Apr 9, 2016 | 4:34 PM
From a parent's social media post:
"Unforgettable memories were created on this trip to NYC and I couldn't be more thankful for everyone who was a part of it [including the performing arts Tour Operator]. From singing at Carnegie Hall [that the Tour Operator arranged] to singing on a subway [Jared's idea and encouragement], I will never forget this trip. A special thanks to our tour guide Jared who led us around via lightsaber and shared with us his passion for the city."
By the way, some groups prefer not to have a light saber, so I adapt.
Another parent wrote to my Tour Operator client:
"Thank you Jared Goldstein for the most amazing tour.
You made our five days in NYC the most wonderfully fun, positive experience and
we could not be more appreciative of you! I'm singing [the] "Announcements" [tune]
in my head as I type this ... we miss you"
I sing a brief three-word Announcement ditty to get the student group's attention, and some of them joined in, which was fun and got them to focus. Not all groups want me to sing three words like that; I adapt to what works for different groups.
My Group Leader sent this evaluation to my Educational Tour Operator client:
"We had THE BEST time! Jared was beyond wonderful, we were so lucky
to have him [as our NYC Tour Director]. He made such a difference in the ease of our trip. Our chaperones
were able to focus on making sure the kids were all together instead of finding
their way around, it was excellent. He was such a treat to have and everyone
loved him. His light saber was hysterical and very useful, we just felt so
fortunate to have him with us.
....
The trip was so inspirational for the kids, myself and our parent
chaperones. I can not begin to tell you how much it has changed our choir
program.
....
The kids kept on saying that they had talked with
other choir kids at Carnegie Hall and they were comparing tours and they kept
saying how lucky we were to do all the things we did, have an easier travel
day, our tour guide was so fun and they got to see two shows. It was nice to
hear them express their excitement and gratitude so early on in the trip.
....
Now that I have my first tour under my belt, I feel so excited for
future tours...
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for such a fabulous
experience. The whole group had the best time and we are just basking in the
glow of our amazing trip.
[From Performing Arts Director, Teacher and Group Leader]
Then my NYC Tour Operator concluded:
"GLOWING REVIEW!
Thank you Jared for
being the icing on the cake a the cherry on top! You're awesome!! Thanks again
Jared!!!"
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Posted: Mar 5, 2016 | 5:48 PM
by Jared Goldstein
Here is my latest New York City Sightseeing Guide License with my 'star level' exam score.
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Posted: Feb 3, 2016 | 10:23 AM
by Jared Goldstein
I got recertified for Adult and Pediatric First Aid / CPR / AED on February 2nd 2016 . Certification lasts two years.To verify visit http://RedCross.org/confirm and enter certificate ID: gsq923
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Posted: Dec 26, 2015 | 8:13 PM
by Jared Goldstein
2015 in NYC Attractions:
One World Observatory opens.
The newest Whitney Museum of American Art opening.
The suspension (closure?) of Carnegie Deli.
The new, 469th, Subway station, the Hudson Yards' new #7 terminus.
The East Village gas explosion.
The destruction of the Renaissance Ballroom in Harlem.
Sea Glass Carousel in Battery Park.
Opening of Battery Park after years of renovation.
Battery Park renamed The Battery to differentiate it from Battery Park City.
FAO Schwarz (and soon the Toys R Us flagship in Times Square) close.
The original Palm Steakhouse closed.
The expansion of Brooklyn Bridge Park, including new restrooms under the Manhattan Bridge part of it.
Thanks to my Tour Guide facebook friends for helping with these:
The new hit musical, "Hamilton."
New Rizzoli bookstore near Madison Square.
New pro sports team in the 5 boros: Islanders Hockey at Barclay's arena.
The openings of the Staten Island Museum in Snug Harbor Cultural Center and the National Lighthouse Museum at Lightouse Pointe.
The opening of the Kings Theater on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn - a restoration of one of the five "Wonder" theaters built by Loews that opened just before the Stock Market crash of 1929.
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Posted: Dec 6, 2015 | 2:23 PM
by Jared Goldstein
Today is Santa Claus' 205th Birthday.
We learn all about that on my NYC Santa Claus tour, "Santa Claus: the NYC Tour."
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Posted: Dec 2, 2015 | 4:31 PM
by Jared Goldstein
Santa Claus was invited to America to replace old St. Nick, the Dutch Sinterklaas on December 6th 1810, on St. Nicholas Day at the NY Historical Society.
December 6th - 25th 2015 is prime season for a New York City Santa Claus tour with Jared the NYC Tour Guide.
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Posted: Dec 2, 2015 | 4:26 PM
by Jared Goldstein
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Posted: Nov 24, 2015 | 4:58 PM
by Jared Goldstein
To paraphrase Andy Warhol: "You can put a little of the country in New York City, but you can't put a little of the city in the country."
One can write a book* about Central Park, its symphony of colors and picturesque views, sometimes with the exciting backdrop of the skyline; its amazing history; the over 300 movies and shows filmed there; its gorgeous architecture and landscaping (it is the birthplace of American Landscape Architecture); how the park is a glorification of NYC's pristine water system; and how a visit to Central Park is like little visits to China, Japan, and Italy.
My favorite part of the park is the middle: Belvedere Castle, the Ramble, Strawberry Fields, Cherry Hill, the Great Lake, Bethesda Fountain, Conservatory Waters / Boat Pond, and the Mall. I also like the southern end, and I like the the top of the northern end's Meer, Huddlestone Arch, and the Blockhouse. You can make a tour out of the sights that I listed.
Here's a tip: most of the light posts have four digits on them. The first two digits indicate what street that part of the park is near. For example, 7209 would be near 72nd Street if you stepped out of the park. However, unlike most of Manhattan, Central Park is 'off the grid,' so I recommend preparing yourself with a map and/or an app.
If you google "Central Parks Conservancy" you can get a map and an app. That website also has blurbs about each of the sights I listed. That site also offers affordable tours on their own schedules, or you can hire me.
If you are really enamored with the "Park of the People" "the Emerald Jewel of New York," "the Center of New York City," or "the Lungs of the City," read some of Sara Cedar Miller's *books about Central Park. The Central Parks Conservancy that she works for has raised $750 million to save and enhance the park, and it funds around 80% of the park's annual budget. They know what they are doing and talking about.
If you like birds, come early. The Boat House has a log of the 700 species that have been sighted. Sunsets are beautiful.
Don't go at night unless you are attending a special event, and, if so, stay with the crowd. Speaking of crowds, the park gets crowded on weekends when it is full of New Yorkers, so try a weekday, but if you can't, the weekend is still wonderful and you get to see New Yorkers playing congas, bicycling like maniacs, or recreating with their families.
Central Park is great right after a snowfall. The outdoor skating rink near 65th Street and 5th Ave has wonderful views in the winter, and is much larger than Rockefeller Center's rink.
Note: during winter, there are fewer bathrooms available in the areas that don't have concessions.
The Central Park Loeb Boat House has a great, affordable snack bar cafe. In warm weather you can rent a rowboat!
Central Park is as indispensable to the NYC experience as the Subway, the Skyline, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
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Posted: Nov 10, 2015 | 9:53 PM
by Jared Goldstein
"Thanks for a perfect tour yesterday. Perfect restaurant choice too. [the new Gallagher's Steak House] Best regards s. and H."
UK visitors to NYC for the day
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Posted: Nov 10, 2015 | 9:48 PM
by Jared Goldstein
"Hi Jared
Thanks so much for the tour - people really enjoyed it....
Definitely will book you next time in the city - hopefully April unless the Canadian dollars continues to shrink.
Regards,
[Tour Director from Toronto]" who took my Manhattan Sights Orientation MSO coach bus tour
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