Church Center of the United Nations

One of the world leaders in pharmaceuticals is headquartered on 42nd Street in an intriguing metallic facade. Inside, an expansive wall decoration with abstract beaker shapes surrounded by figures from historic eras is a stand out.

Known as the "Center for Social Change, " the Ford Foundation has been committed to helping the world be a better place since 1936. They work diligently to "protect human rights, reform governments, provide education opportunities and create space for artistic creativity and expression. " Without a doubt, one of Manhattan's finest atriums greets visitors. Entering the glass structure from either 42nd or 43rd Street, a world of green awaits. There are trees, plants, a fountain and short paths to wander through. The atrium is a hidden oasis in the middle of the city.

In 1919, America's first major tabloid newspaper, the Daily News, was founded. In need of a home in 1929, the paper began construction on the Daily News Building, completing it a year later. The bold vertical stripes by architect Raymond Hood influenced his design of the subsequent Rockefeller Center. No longer headquarters to the Daily News (the paper moved out in 1995), it is still a showstopper, as it was the home of the Daily Planet in 1978's Superman. Remaining in the lobby is the enormous globe (although it is a bit out of date geopolitically), spinning slowly twenty-four hours a day. The lobby is visually striking, with the globe sitting under a black dome meant to simulate the cosmos. A compass of marble surrounds the globe, pointing the way to other cities, while astronomical measurements are detailed in ornate script. It is a spectacular site to behold for anyone in the vicinity.

Located in a nondescript building is A+E Networks, the media conglomerate behind the History Channel, Lifetime, fyi, et al.

Home to the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF), No. 3 United Nations houses some of the best karma that the city has to offer. UNICEF works globally to improve the lives of children through education and its fight against deadly disease. Downstairs in the lobby, the UNICEF gift shop sells an assortment of items, with the proceeds going toward the organization's mission.

I can attest to the immediate success of Carmine's on the Upper West Side of Manhattan in the early nineties as my family and friends stood on the lines to get in on a number of occasions. Owner Artie Cutler's concept of serving large, family-style portions to guests, in a warm, friendly atmosphere connected with diners immediately. It did not take Mr. Cutler long to realize that he had a success on his hands and that it was time for expansion. In 1992, the theater district had another hit in Times Square, in the form of a grand, traditional Italian restaurant.

Teddy Roosevelt, Amelia Earhart, and Charles Lindberg are among the noteworthy clients that E. B. Meyorwitz & Dell has been crafting “made-to-measure” frames for since 1875. Today, be it in their New York, London or Paris shops, one can still be fitted for a pair of the same classy, high quality spectacles.

Although originally founded in 1924, and built where a stable had been, the now modern, yet magnificent structure stands out among the many churches on the side streets of Manhattan as having its own history and beauty. Holy Family initially drew Italian immigrants, but today it plays an important role serving many from the nearby United Nations. In fact, during the year of its reconstruction, Pope Paul VI visited the church on his "mission for peace" in 1965.

The church doors were locked on the day that I stopped by, but I knocked gently and when the door opened, I was warmly welcomed in by Reverend Cornell Edmonds. He shared the harrowing story with me of how Hurricane Sandy struck their church causing devastating damage. Apparently, it was a water tower that fell on the building harming the stained glass windows and the 123-year old organ. The Reverend apologized repeatedly for the restoration that was going on almost a year and a half later. From my perspective, however, the church - designed in 1871 by J. Cleveland Cady, the architect behind the Museum of Natural History and the first Metropolitan Opera House - was resplendent.