<strong>Empire State Building: </strong>The Empire State Building is a symbol of everything New York City is known for: ambition, innovation, a competitive spirit, and sheer will.
Empire State Building: The Empire State Building is a symbol of everything New York City is known for: ambition, innovation, a competitive spirit, and sheer will.
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<strong>Construction: </strong>Construction began on March 17, 1930, and President Herbert Hoover officially opened it on May 1, 1931.
Construction: Construction began on March 17, 1930, and President Herbert Hoover officially opened it on May 1, 1931.
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<strong>Race into the Sky:</strong> Initial plans for the skyscraper were quite modest, but the "Race into the Sky" was just too much to resist and plans were revised to make it the 103-story, 1,250-foot tall monolith we know now.
Race into the Sky: Initial plans for the skyscraper were quite modest, but the "Race into the Sky" was just too much to resist and plans were revised to make it the 103-story, 1,250-foot tall monolith we know now.
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<strong>Manhattan landmark:</strong> It lost the title of world's tallest building decades ago, but the Art Deco skyscraper remains one of the most iconic tourist spots in Manhattan.
Manhattan landmark: It lost the title of world's tallest building decades ago, but the Art Deco skyscraper remains one of the most iconic tourist spots in Manhattan.
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<strong>ZIP code: </strong>The building even has its own ZIP code (that would be 10118).
ZIP code: The building even has its own ZIP code (that would be 10118).
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<strong>Opening hours: </strong>The Empire State Building is open 365 days a year, from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., with the last elevator to the observatory leaving at 1:15 a.m.
Opening hours: The Empire State Building is open 365 days a year, from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., with the last elevator to the observatory leaving at 1:15 a.m.
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<strong>Location: </strong>The 102-story skyscraper is in Midtown Manhattan at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 34th Street.
Location: The 102-story skyscraper is in Midtown Manhattan at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and 34th Street.
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<strong>Pop culture: </strong>The Empire State Building has been a pop culture staple for nearly 90 years; from "King Kong" to "Elf," it's made countless appearances in movies and TV.
Pop culture: The Empire State Building has been a pop culture staple for nearly 90 years; from "King Kong" to "Elf," it's made countless appearances in movies and TV.
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<strong>Romance:</strong> The ESB is a popular proposal spot: there's a saxophonist on duty from 9 p.m. to midnight from Labor Day (the beginning of September) to Memorial Day (the last Monday in May).
Romance: The ESB is a popular proposal spot: there's a saxophonist on duty from 9 p.m. to midnight from Labor Day (the beginning of September) to Memorial Day (the last Monday in May).
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<strong>Big city lights:</strong> Be sure to check the Empire State Colors Twitter account (@esbcolors) to find out what colors will be lighting up the building at night and what those colors honor (holidays, sporting events and awareness months are popular ones).
Big city lights: Be sure to check the Empire State Colors Twitter account (@esbcolors) to find out what colors will be lighting up the building at night and what those colors honor (holidays, sporting events and awareness months are popular ones).
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<strong>Outdoor terrace: </strong>Like any must-see spot in NYC, there are VIP-only areas, including the observation deck on the 103rd floor. Don't get too jealous of celebrities such as golf star Michelle Wie -- the narrow outdoor terrace is definitely for the brave of heart.
Outdoor terrace: Like any must-see spot in NYC, there are VIP-only areas, including the observation deck on the 103rd floor. Don't get too jealous of celebrities such as golf star Michelle Wie -- the narrow outdoor terrace is definitely for the brave of heart.
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