Art Tour - New York City (Day 5)

If you're lucky enough to spend your last day in Manhattan on a Friday you must seek out a tour with Justin Ferate. Mr. Ferate is truly a New York gem. He leads tours on Friday afternoons out of the Whitney Annex across from Grand Central Terminal. The tours are free of charge and fascinating.

Mr. Ferate was recently voted one of New York's 50 Essential Secrets by Time Out magazine, He is the modern equivalent of a Renaissance man. He looks like a college professor, and has an intellect to match. Part showman and part trivial pursuit player he has an encyclopedic knowledge of New York City.

I contacted him about my interest in Beaux Arts architecture in Manhattan and wound up joining his tour of Grand Central Terminal and it's neighborhood. During our 3 hour tour he provided a dizzying amount of information on not only the architecture of Grand Central Terminal, but also the thought process that went into the building. Everything is done on a human scale. You really have to hear his description yourself, you'll be riveted. And...if you're lucky he'll call you out of the crowd to help demonstrate his point. I know this sounds a bit embarrassing, but when he does it you feel like a movie star whose just had a spotlight shined on you. A quick demonstration, a gracious bow and you are released back into the crowd.

After the tour stop for a cocktail at either Cipriani Dolce or Metrazur, both are great spots for people watching. Set up on either side of the main concourse they allow you to look out over the people heading home during rush hour. If The Campbell Apartment is open, you should have a drink there. Built as an office for John W. Campbell in the 1920's it will take you back to another era. Afterwards stop by the Oyster Bar & Restaurant for dinner. They've been serving since 1913 and some of their oysters are the size of your fist!