Adventures for Anyone with Terri Dixon: 2025

Friday, November 7, 2025

It's Been One of Those Weeks! Did You Know This Fast Five About NYC?

Sometimes I just wonder about what's going on or just what I missed or never knew about New York City!

1. Did you know that Penn Station and Moynihan Train Hall, while connected by underground passage, are not the same place?

I take trains to the city all the time, but I always take Metro North from where I live. Hence, I go to Grand Central. On my quest to discover all I can about transportation around the city, I went to investigate Penn Station, which turned out to be the two terminals.

Moynihan Hall is the complex above ground that houses offices, ticketing agents and even a baggage department for Amtrak, as well as services for LIRR. There are shops, a food hall, lobbies and so much more in a beautiful glass topped hall. It's something you can happily write home about while traveling. The terminal is just east of Hudson Yards and sits next to Madison Square Garden in midtown Manhattan. Beautiful place and photogenic for your needs.

Then, there's Penn Station. You can also access LIRR in this underground, more conventional by New York standards, labyrinth of walkways that lay underneath Madison Square Garden. While you can enter the home of New Jersey Transit by the same subway terminal as Moynihan Hall; you can also access this complex directly from the street at numerous entryways around Madison Square Garden.

Penn Station is in itself older and more what you'd expect from transportation in New York. There are numerous places to eat and ticket agents, but it's far less beautiful and far more utilitarian than Moynihan Hall. Either way, it's a massive, yet easily navigated spot to catch your New Jersey Transit or LIRR trains.

https://jasongibbs.com/pennstation/

https://moynihantrainhall.nyc/visit/getting-here/

https://untappednewyorktours.com/NYC/penn-station/

https://www.mta.info/stations/penn-station

https://www.trains.com/pro/passenger/navigating-new-yorks-moynihan-train-hall-and-penn-station/

2. Did you know you can race around the city? It's called the Subway Challenge. I won't lie. I'm always surprised when I hear a new way to break a Guinness World Record. I watch a lot of travel vloggers, which is where I get my own inspiration. When I saw Kara and Nate try to break the world record of 22 hours 14 minutes and 10 seconds of visiting every subway station in NYC; I was surprised and intrigued.

There are currently 472 subway stations in the NYC metro system through 4 boroughs. There are three kinds of subway challenges, but the one that interests me is the one that says you have to stop and have the doors open and shut at each and every station. I watched this dynamic duo and the person who was helping them with this challenge. Can I do better? I think maybe. Who knows? Maybe I'll try it myself someday.

https://creators.yahoo.com/lifestyle/story/we-attempted-to-visit-every-subway-station-in-nyc-in-22-hours-033138583.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAJOxDdz7o5LaRziOlF57UOLFYWpQCFCEBCjtUfn5BJkGBZ0HVJhj3XFt4NrpFbGXggoxEGVA4Z3qpgUSUsD6fJ74qrR01l3D96XtfAzgnKvvRcnejejv1OgbVohjaRUUjNyqcpBdg6ColLXc5DAMc7UgrJl3dQB4guqspkv0bJ44

https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/483745-fastest-time-to-travel-to-all-new-york-city-subway-stations

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1576908292628997/posts/3513694245617049/

https://www.npr.org/2023/05/27/1178575900/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-new-york-city-subway-rider-trying-to-break-a-record

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvZJ2Fsngig

3. Did you know that there are at least 9 outdoor ice skating rinks in the city? Everyone knows you can ice skate at Rockefeller Center. They're open already. If you're in the mood, I also promise you that you could skate at Bryant Park today. Lots of out of towners are aware of that. There's also Wollman Rink in Central Park. That pretty much covers what most visitors know about.

However, if you just have to say you've ice skated in New York City; why not find one that not every TV travel host knows about?

Have you tried Winterland at Pier 17 and the South Street Seaport? How about the Rink at Brookfield Place? Maybe the Chelsea Piers Sky Rink? How about the Rink at Domino Park?

There are a lot of options. I counted nine refrigerated rinks in NYC. That doesn't even include the indoor rinks and arenas or the natural skating areas that will open when it gets really cold.

Just remember, if you want to ice skate in New York City, they've got you covered.

https://www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/iceskating

https://www.rockefellercenter.com/attractions/the-rink-at-rockefeller-center/

https://wollmanrinknyc.com/

https://brooklynbridgepark.org/things-to-do/ice-skating/

https://bryantpark.org/activities/bank-of-america-winter-village-at-bryant-park

4. Did you know that New York has a ton of immersive art? I love art. I've gone to dozens of art museums in my time and I love the masters in painting. I love Picasso, Church, and even Norman Rockwell. But times change and new things come along.

Immersive art is something that I first experienced with the Van Gogh exhibit that traveled the country. But the movement didn't stop there. Now, you can find all kinds of different immersive art and New York City is just full of them.

I plan to visit some more of them, but recently I visited two very different kinds in Artechouse at Chelsea Market, and Hero, under the Rock. Submerge at Artechouse was entirely visual with sound attached, while reSOUND at HERO was very auditory, with its main themes being audio and touch, with some visual to accentuate the exhibits.

As older citizens, people of my age are very apt to write off such art, but I implore you all to give it a try. It's refreshing, innovative and surprisingly affordable. You might just love it.

https://www.artechouse.com/location/nyc/

https://anisahauduevans.com/new-york-immersive-experiences-nyc/

https://www.timeout.com/newyork/art/incredible-immersive-experiences-to-do-in-nyc-right-now

https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=Immersive+Art&find_loc=New+York%2C+NY&dd_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F

https://www.hero-nyc.com/

5. Did you know that the Edge at Hudson Yards is both inside and outside? This one is one that I didn't realize. You hear people talk about the outdoor deck at the Edge and you think that's the big deal. But it's not all you have.

What I didn't realize is that not only is there that amazing outdoor viewing platform, but there's also 360 degree views from inside the observation deck. They have it all in there. You can get a cocktail, buy souvenirs, get a sandwich or even gelato and waffles. They pretty much have it covered, and if that deck freaks you out; you can just see the view from inside. The inside viewing also comes in handy on windy days when they have to close the outdoor deck for safety. It is 100 stories up after all.

https://www.edgenyc.com/get-tickets/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22611295357&gbraid=0AAAAA_p29-h6npNwI5YBU_Nh1NK9EdI5S&gclid=CjwKCAiAzrbIBhA3EiwAUBaUdUnAHX30K6PMPn3r1CxuOW3EPR-sby4u-qmV6m7kDjRuAUZnONvEeBoCniIQAvD_BwE

https://www.edgenyc.com/

https://www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com/discover/edge

https://www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com/

https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/03/14/arts/design/hudson-yards-nyc.html

As I'm working my way around New York City to discover all it has to offer, I'm finding out some amazing things. I will attempt to keep you posted on all the cool stuff I find, and if you get a chance check out my YouTube Channel, Adventures for Anyone with Terri Dixon! There you can learn all about my adventures as I have them!

https://www.youtube.com/@ninakindred9466

Enjoy!

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Friday, October 31, 2025

Let's Go to the UK on This Week's Fast Five!

I've only ever been to the UK on a layover. One of the reasons is that there's just too many choices!

Here we go!

1. Chester, Cheshire. This is an adorable old town. Founded in 79 AD, this is one of those old looking, old feeling towns. They have a Roman Amphitheatre, castles, cathedrals and all that old world charm you can handle. I've heard they have city baths as well. Never forget, parts of the UK are full of thermal baths.

But, let's just look past the medieval walls, the ancient shopping and dining areas and go to something that you wouldn't think of. The Zoo.

That's right, Chester Zoo. This place is 128 acres of exotic. They have rhinos, penguins, giraffes, Sumatran Tigers, and even African Elephants. I know it might sound silly, but I don't think of a small town like Chester having a globally populated zoo. At any rate, tickets start at around $40 and it sounds like a really good time.

This town also has small hotels and other accommodations, so you can stay for as long as you want and not have to rush.

https://visitcheshire.com/locations/chester

https://www.myirelandtour.com/travelguide/city-tours/england/chester-city-tour.php

https://chester.com/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g186233-Activities-Chester_Cheshire_England.html

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/chester-castle-agricola-tower-and-castle-walls/

2. Bath, Somerset. You've probably heard of this one. It's famous for it's healing thermal baths. It's pretty self explanatory. What you may not realize about this city is that it's always pretty much been a playground for the rich.

In a lot of old towns that have a lot of old buildings, you have the wooden structures that we're all used to seeing as medieval housing and businesses. But in Bath there are a lot of over the top stone and columned buildings. Really royal class stuff. It's just a different view.

The real reason to come to Bath is to be pampered. That's the core of it all. There's wineries, spas and all kinds of pampering. However, the architecture is also a huge draw. Between the royal crescent, the circus, abbeys and churches and cathedrals and the baths themselves, Bath will take you back as far as the Romans.

If you like beauty, Bath is really something else. Everywhere you look is old world charm. Just be prepared to pay for your pampering!

https://visitbath.co.uk/

https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/bath-england

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g186370-Bath_Somerset_England-Vacations.html

https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/428/

https://www.visitbritain.com/en/destinations/england/bath

3. The Costwolds. Now, you may have an amazing sense of humor as do I and watch Jeremy Clarkson on various television programs. One of my favorites is called "Clarkson's Farm" on Prime Video that deals with life in this very region.

This is that ancient place where everyone wants calm, quiet, and nothing to ever change. Most of the tiny villages with their little churches and falling down abbeys; little pubs and tiny guesthouses are willing to have visitors, but don't move in.

This is that region that would be a great place to take a fall road trip; maybe summer. You'll find everything I mentioned with a lot of rolling fields and farms. It's just the getaway for someone like me, with too much stress. I would only hope that there would be places that my cell service didn't work at all.

https://www.cotswolds.com/

https://www.visitbritain.com/en/destinations/england/cotswolds

https://activeenglandtours.com/stories/a-2025-guide-to-visiting-the-cotswolds/

https://www.cotswolds-nl.org.uk/

https://www.cotswolds.com/clarksons-farm/

4. Whitby, Yorkshire. We've made it to the shore. This little seaside town is picturesque to say the least. They have all the stuff that you'd want to see along the shore and more. They have great restaurants, cozy accommodations, a deteriorating church on a hill, a scenic historic train ride, old buildings, small town feel and even some whale bones.

There's just a lot to make you feel cozy and at home in this village. The cliffs provide amazing views, the historic sites are plentiful and according to everything I see, they have amazing sunsets. They have a harbor with a ton of fishing excursions you can go on. There's a lot going on for such a little place. Take the time to learn about this one and enjoy the calm and beautiful that comes with it.

https://www.visitwhitby.com/

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g186345-Whitby_Scarborough_District_North_Yorkshire_England-Vacations.html

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/whitby-abbey/

https://www.yorkshire.com/whitby/?srsltid=AfmBOorPrpNac7fUiZGqjj410L0jhS2-b0hhnsMM9Skn5OLoS3nmAlda

https://www.timeout.com/whitby/things-to-do/best-things-to-do-in-whitby

5. Lavenham, Suffolk. Probably the country's best kept medieval village it has a lot to offer for someone who really wants to see that old world. When you read the history of this small town, you hear terms like the Norman Conquering and the Tudors. There's a lot of history running around here.

If you're thinking it would be fantastic to visit such a place, but you can't do that in your life right now; no worries. There are over 300 preserved medieval buildings in this town and they're protected whether it be by UNESCO or other historic societies. It will pretty much always be there.

The people of Lavenham love their town and want to share it. They have cozy and unique accommodations, great food, all kinds of tours, and even some spas. They want you to come, so you should. It's a small beautiful place to get away to and they even have a crooked house. It's medieval and one of a kind, so go see it.

https://www.lovelavenham.co.uk/

https://www.visitsuffolk.com/destination/lavenham

https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryMagazine/DestinationsUK/Lavenham/

https://visit-burystedmunds.co.uk/blog/top-must-dos-in-lavenham

https://www.crookedhouselavenham.com/

There you are. If you thought you should only look at the choices that are placed before you like London, Manchester, and Liverpool; think again. You're hearing this from the woman who tells teenagers about jobs their guidance counselors would never tell them about. Always look for that off the beaten path place to spend some time in. The truth is, you can't see every square foot of the world. It's impossible. So, instead of letting the masses tell you where to spend your time; find some gems for yourself.

And if you want to learn about the unusual and how to get around New York City, check out my Adventures for Anyone YouTube Channel! Enjoy!

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