Columbus Circle. Photo by Sue Frause.
Columbus Day is over for another year. In fact, it's somewhat of a non-holiday these days. Sure, there is a holiday in the explorer's honor, but it's no longer October 12. It's now the second Monday in October, and I'm sure school kids don't spend time drawing pictures of the Pinta, the Nina and the Santa Maria.
I recently discovered that New York City's Columbus Circle was named for Christopher Columbus. All the times I've walked through or past the famous traffic circle, I had no idea the guy at the top of the column was indeed Mr. Columbus.
Located at the southwest corner of Central Park, Columbus Circle has undergone a renaissance in the past few years. Although I'm not big on shopping malls, The Shops at Columbus Circle in the Time Warner Center are a great mix: Whole Foods, TUMI, True Religion, FACE Stockholm and New York Running Company to name a few. Christi Harris Precision Eyebrow Planing Bar and The Art of Shaving are places for primping, and then there are those fab restos: Bar Masa, Bouchon Bakery, Landmarc, Masa, Per Se, Porter House New York and Stone Rose Lounge. The latest entry is Clo, a wine bar and shop located next to Bar Masa, and offering two-ounce tastes of more than 100 wines.
The Mandarin Oriental, New York is located on floors 35-54 of the Time Warner Center. Enjoy cocktails in The Lobby Lounge, along with stunning views of Central Park and the city's skyline. On weekends this winter, watch the snow fall at The Shops at Columbus Center. From Nov. 14-Dec. 21, the shopping venue will be transformed into a winter wonderland every half hour during a fifteen minute "snowfall" Fridays through Sundays, beginning at 5 PM.
Comments
Who did you think Columbus Circle was named after??
"I recently discovered that New York City's Columbus Circle was named for Christopher Columbus. All the times I've walked through or past the famous traffic circle, I had no idea the guy at the top of the column was indeed Mr. Columbus."
I'd like to know who gave this woman an award, and for what.
Ha. It's just that I never thought about it, as Columbus has become such a common name that it has lost its meaning. I will pay more attention in the future. However, I do know that George Bush Airport in Houston (where I am right now) is named after the father of one of the most pathetic presidents the USA has ever seen.
This week historical names.
Next week shapes.
Why it's called a circle instead of a square.
Stay tuned.
Actually I was thinking of moving on to Boston and discussing its crooked streets. Urban legend has it that they were laid out over former cow paths used by the bovines many years ago. Hence the haphazard streets of Beantown. Stay tuned (or not).
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