Spring Bloom in Central Park in New York City

A few visuals of Central Park & Bethesda Terrace during the spring bloom in New York City.

Friends Apartment in Greenwich Village NYC

Located at 90 Bedford Street in Greenwich Village, the Friends apartment building featured extensively in the TV show as the exterior location of the apartments of Rachel, Monica, Joey, and Chandler. In addition to numerous restaurants and cafes reminiscent of Central Perk, the location is still a major draw for fans of the 90s sitcom. Friends enthusiast or not, Greenwich Village is a beautiful area to capture some quintessential New York City street scenes. 

 

John Lennon, The Dakota & Strawberry Fields

On December 8, 1980 John Lennon was murdered outside of his home at the Dakota at 1 West 72 Street on the Upper West Side in New York City. The nearby Strawberry Fields and Imagine Mosaic in Central Park were built as a memorial to the iconic musician and Beatles singer, and to this day you'll still find fans and buskers paying tribute to Lennon and his music here. 

 

Seinfeld Restaurant in New York City

Tom's Restaurant, the location made famous as Monk's Cafe on Seinfeld, is still attracting crowds of fans from its heyday in the 90s. Only used for exteriors on the TV show, Tom's is still incredibly familiar and fits nicely into a pop culture walking tour of New York City.

Ellis Island Museum in New York & New Jersey

The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, located in New York Harbor near the Statue of Liberty, is a powerful tribute to the immigrant experience in the United States. Housed in the restored main building of the former immigration station complex, the museum stands on the very site where over 12 million immigrants entered America between 1892 and 1954. For many, Ellis Island was the gateway to a new life, filled with hope, uncertainty, and the dream of opportunity.

The museum opened in 1990 and is operated by the National Park Service. It offers a deeply moving and educational journey through the history of American immigration. The exhibits combine photographs, personal belongings, historical documents, and interactive displays to tell the stories of those who passed through Ellis Island. Visitors can walk through restored spaces such as the Registry Room (also known as the Great Hall), where immigrants were processed and underwent health inspections.

One of the museum’s most notable features is the American Immigrant Wall of Honor, which celebrates the names of immigrants from all over the world. Another highlight is the Family History Center, where visitors can research immigration records and trace their ancestry through ship manifests and archival materials.

Through compelling storytelling and personal accounts, the Ellis Island Museum emphasizes the cultural richness and resilience of immigrants. It not only honors those who arrived during the island's active years but also reflects the broader narrative of immigration throughout American history. Standing as a symbol of the nation’s diverse roots, the museum invites reflection on identity, belonging, and the ongoing contributions of immigrants to American society. Whether visiting for historical interest, personal heritage, or inspiration, Ellis Island remains a deeply meaningful destination.