Why You Should Never, Ever Go To New York City’s Hudson University

Why You Should Never, Ever Go To New York City’s Hudson University

When you first enter Hudson University’s idyllic campus, you’d never know you’re in one of the deadliest and most dangerous places in New York City. You might instead find yourself admiring the gorgeous architecture, which oddly seems to change style at every turn… …from the red brick Romanesque Revival-style administration building… …to the Gothic Revival…

Scars In Limestone: Finding Traces of the 1920 Wall Street Bombing
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Scars In Limestone: Finding Traces of the 1920 Wall Street Bombing

As I was scouting around Wall Street this past weekend, I noticed a number of tourists taking pictures of the usual sights: the New York Stock Exchange, Federal Hall… However, no one seemed to be paying any attention to one of the more interesting historical remnants, found at 23 Wall Street. Swing around to the…

Can You Identify These Mystery New York City Locations?

Can You Identify These Mystery New York City Locations?

Hey folks – For a week now, I’ve been working on my latest then-and-now movie locations installment, and this handful of shots has me baffled. I’m hoping someone out there might be able to help identify them. Free Scouting NY magnet to whoever figures out each one first! 1) IRT Subway Entrance – Solved! 1-2-3…

There’s A Private Island Home Off The Coast of New York City

There’s A Private Island Home Off The Coast of New York City

A few months ago, I had to charter a boat to take scout pictures of Davids Island, located in Long Island Sound off the coast of New Rochelle. As we were curving around the southern side of the island, I noticed something in the distance… A squat, one-story structure on its own private island. ….

The Top 25 Bad Smells That Remind You You’re In New York City

The Top 25 Bad Smells That Remind You You’re In New York City

This past December, as I was driving over the Triboro Bridge toward Brooklyn, I was suddenly hit with that old familiar Triboro fragrance, best described as “week-old beef with broccoli.” To me, catching that whiff just after going through the tolls is usually the first olfactory sign I’ve arrived in New York City. I posted…

New York City’s Prettiest Subway Station Is In The Bronx
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New York City’s Prettiest Subway Station Is In The Bronx

One of the things I love most about New York City’s prettiest subway station is the way it unexpectedly appears out of nowhere. As you’re heading east along 180th Street toward Morris Park Ave in the Bronx, look north… …and all of a sudden, you’ll see a red terra cotta-roofed tower rise into view just…

There’s A 200-Year-Old Haunted Well In This Soho Clothing Store
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There’s A 200-Year-Old Haunted Well In This Soho Clothing Store

Last month, COS (H&M’s sister brand) opened a store at 129 Spring Street in Soho, and it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re a fan of either Swedish minimalist fashions OR allegedly haunted 18th century wells. If you fall into the latter category, head into the store’s first floor and hang a left… Proceed down…

Scouting The Ruins of Jay Gould’s Indoor Pool
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Scouting The Ruins of Jay Gould’s Indoor Pool

Whenever I go up to scout Lyndhurst Castle, railroad tycoon Jay Gould’s former estate on the Hudson River… …I’ve always wondered about the gated, semi-abandoned-looking property you pass on the way out. A bit of background: first built in 1838 for New York City mayor William Paulding, Jr., the estate was later purchased for use…

The NYC Filming Locations of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (The Good One)
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The NYC Filming Locations of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (The Good One)

Before you cast a disparaging eye on the movie I’ve chosen for this week’s then-and-now look, I’d like to tell you three things about the first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie that you probably don’t know. 1) The movie was edited by Sally Menke. Don’t recognize her name? Menke has edited every single film by…