5 Lesser-Known Experiences on the NYC to ICN Route Escaping the Tourist Traps

5 Lesser-Known Experiences on the NYC to ICN Route Escaping the Tourist Traps - Savor Authentic Korean Flavors in NYC's Koreatown

Koreatown in New York City offers a diverse culinary experience, with a range of authentic Korean restaurants catering to every taste.

From the popular Korean BBQ spot Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong to the innovative fusion offerings at Washu, visitors can savor a variety of traditional and contemporary Korean flavors.

Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong, a top Korean BBQ spot in Koreatown, serves prime cuts of beef that are aged for at least 21 days to enhance the flavor and tenderness.

Jongro BBQ, a popular Korean chain restaurant, uses a unique charcoal-based grilling system that produces minimal smoke, allowing diners to enjoy the authentic flavors without irritation.

Osamil, a cozy date-night spot, features a sound system that plays old-school R&B music curated by the owner, creating a nostalgic ambiance.

Kimchi Kooks, a family-run store in Bay Ridge, uses a proprietary fermentation process that results in their signature kimchi, which has a perfect balance of spiciness and tanginess.

ARIARI, an exclusive restaurant in the East Village, has a reservation system that prioritizes local Korean residents, ensuring the authentic dining experience is preserved.

Washu, a unique Korean restaurant, offers a sweet sesame soy-marinated Antoya Galbi dish, which combines traditional Korean flavors with a modern presentation.

5 Lesser-Known Experiences on the NYC to ICN Route Escaping the Tourist Traps - Uncover Art Deco Gems - The Queensboro Bridge and Bayonne Bridge

The Queensboro Bridge, also known as the 59th Street Bridge, is a historic cantilever bridge in New York City that offers stunning views of the city skyline.

The bridge, completed in 1909, has been recognized as an architectural gem and has undergone various renovations over the years.

Beyond the Queensboro Bridge, New York City is home to numerous hidden Art Deco treasures, with a special walking tour series highlighting the city's lesser-known Art Deco buildings and their broad influence on the urban landscape.

The Queensboro Bridge, also known as the 59th Street Bridge, was completed in 1909 and has been recognized as a historic bridge, undergoing various renovations and restorations over the years.

The bridge's architecture features a cantilever design, which was an innovative engineering approach at the time, allowing for a longer span and more efficient use of materials.

During its construction, the Queensboro Bridge employed cutting-edge technologies, including the use of pneumatic caissons to support the bridge's foundations, a pioneering technique for the early 20th century.

The Queensboro Bridge played a significant role in the development of the Sunnyside Gardens Historic District in Queens, with the bridge's construction leading to increased residential and commercial growth in the area.

The Bayonne Bridge, located between New York and New Jersey, is another noteworthy Art Deco gem, featuring a striking steel arch design and impressive scale, with a main span of over 1,600 feet.

Interestingly, the Bayonne Bridge was one of the longest steel arch bridges in the world when it was completed in 1931, showcasing the engineering prowess of its designers.

Both the Queensboro and Bayonne Bridges have been featured in numerous films and television shows, becoming iconic symbols of the New York City skyline and transportation infrastructure.

5 Lesser-Known Experiences on the NYC to ICN Route Escaping the Tourist Traps - Explore Newark's Vibrant Art Scene - Gritty City Remix Gallery Tour

Newark, New Jersey has emerged as a hub for contemporary art, with a flourishing gallery scene that showcases local and international talent.

The Gallery Aferro, a pioneering non-profit art space in Newark, has hosted site-specific installations that utilise repurposed industrial materials sourced directly from the city's abandoned factories.

The Newark Museum of Art's collection includes one of the world's largest holdings of Tibetan art outside of Asia, featuring over 4,000 rare artifacts spanning several centuries.

The Akwaaba Gallery on South Orange Avenue features a rotating selection of Afrocentric artworks, with a focus on promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of the African diaspora.

The Garden State Art Village Artists Spring Open House event attracts over 10,000 visitors annually, offering a rare opportunity to engage directly with local Newark-based artists in their studio spaces.

The Ironbound district in Newark is home to a burgeoning street art scene, with large-scale murals covering the walls of abandoned buildings, creating an ever-evolving outdoor gallery.

5 Lesser-Known Experiences on the NYC to ICN Route Escaping the Tourist Traps - Soar Above Scenic Vistas - Hot Air Ballooning Over New Jersey Countryside

New Jersey offers a range of hot air ballooning experiences, with companies like Skylands Ballooning, Tewksbury Balloon Adventures, and Above and Beyond Ballooning providing flights over the state's picturesque countryside.

These balloon rides allow visitors to enjoy breathtaking views of hills, farms, and historic buildings, often with the added touch of wine and cheese.

While Skylands Ballooning focuses on the Delaware River Valley and Northern New Jersey, Above and Beyond Ballooning covers a wider area, including Hunterdon, Somerset, and surrounding counties, showcasing the diverse landscapes of the Garden State.

The first recorded hot air balloon flight in New Jersey took place in 1793 when the French aeronaut Jean-Pierre Blanchard launched from Philadelphia and landed in Woodbury, New Jersey, becoming the first person to fly over the state.

The optimal wind speed for a safe and stable hot air balloon flight is typically between 3-10 miles per hour, allowing the balloon to drift peacefully above the landscape without excessive turbulence.

Balloons used in modern hot air ballooning can reach heights of up to 10,000 feet, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the New Jersey countryside and its rolling hills, farms, and winding rivers.

The volume of a standard hot air balloon can range from 70,000 to 105,000 cubic feet, with the larger sizes allowing for more passengers and longer flight durations.

Hot air balloon pilots in New Jersey must obtain a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) commercial pilot certificate, ensuring they have the necessary skills and knowledge to operate these unique aircraft safely.

Many hot air balloon companies in New Jersey offer specialized "balloon glow" events, where the balloons are illuminated from within, creating a mesmerizing light display against the night sky.

The New Jersey Balloon Festival, held annually in Readington, is one of the largest hot air balloon events in the Eastern United States, attracting hundreds of balloons and thousands of spectators.

The unique shape and design of hot air balloons have inspired a growing field of research in aerodynamics, with scientists studying the complex interactions between the balloon's envelope, the burner, and the surrounding air currents.

Hot air ballooning in New Jersey has become a popular activity for special occasions, with many companies offering romantic packages, corporate team-building events, and even wedding ceremonies performed during the flight.