Grand Central terminal, New York City, what a place. Action is what it’s all about. Get into the rhythm of the walk and you’ll be just fine. Meeting someone? Not a chance of missing each other if you meet under the clock. Looking for food? Food is everywhere – upstairs, downstairs, all around the Station.
Find the Market on the Lexington Avenue side, and buy a meal, or groceries, at any number of inviting take-out places. Ah, which way to go after leaving the Market? That is the question. To the left is the subway entrance. But wait, stay awhile, don’t miss the speciality stores parallel to where you are. After that, you might want to walk towards the clock, but notice O for your olive oil. See the big clock? To the left are the ticket counters where you can purchase a ticket for Connecticut, Westchester, or the Hudson River Valley towns. Look above the ticket counters at the signs for gate number and time of departure.
Backtrack east for a moment along the ticket counters to a small window where pamphlets are waiting for the taking, along with a knowledgeable person ready to answer your questions about what-to-do around town. Found interesting information? Good. Now as you walk toward the Park Avenue side notice on your left the exist to exciting 42nd Street.
But don’t leave yet, we’ve only just begun. Are you in the middle of Grand Central? Look up. Now you’re facing the Park Avenue side. Walk up the steps, for a leisurely drink, wine perhaps, in a pleasant, relaxing setting. Oh, my, there’s so much happening at Grand Central. Have time for the New York Transit Museum? It’s also straight ahead, same level as the big clock. Get acquainted with this landmark building, look at the ceiling, walk around. Beautiful. Isn’t it? You can’t get lost here. Take in the energy, slip in and out of the crowd. You’ll pass Starbuck’s, Orens, Zaro for coffee and a quick something.
Ready for downstairs? Hope you’re hungry, there’s lots of tasty choices. But first the Restroom. Take the escalator in front of the New York Transit Museum. At the bottom of the escalator-left is the women’s, right the men’s restrooms. The restrooms at the other end are being renovated. Usually there’s a line for the women’s room, but it’s fast. (Of course, we all know no one has ever seen a line for the men’s room. Oh, well.)
You probaby don’t know at this point what you want to eat. Check it out. Take in the array of enticing foods. The many places to sit. Don’t worry someone is always getting up or sitting down. Chances are by the time you have your food someone will be getting up.
Can’t decide? Want to confuse yourself just a little bit more? The famous Oyster Bar& Restaurant is very close to where you are. Look for the sign. Found it? You’re getting good. Open the doors, to the right is a sit down counter where you can be entertained watching oysters being shucked, soup being made-perhaps a stool is waiting for you. Like coffee shop style? You can choose to eat at one of the circular counters nearby, or check out the Saloon. To the left of the entrance where you came in is the informal dining room. Perhaps you want to sit in the lounge between the two sections, sip a drink, talk to the bartender-take in the scene. If you find the Oyster Bar&Restaurant doors closed, it must be Saturday or Sunday. One less decision you’ll have to make, but do return during a weekday. There are more restaurants, upstairs and downstairs. Whatever, wherever you choose; it’s all good. There’s more, but you’re going to find that out for yourself. Don’t rush. Never rush. It’s not good for the digestion. Check it all out, pay attention to the signs and you’ll be just fine.
Pace yourself, enjoy. Grand Central Terminal – it’s a grand old building.
www.grandcentralterminal.com