Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island ferry
Officials in New York City are in talks with a developer to build the world's biggest ferris wheel (it is the Big Apple after all). Hoping to emulate the success of the London Eye, they hope to attract tourists in their millions to the island and add another landmark 'must-do' to the city.
The New York wheel is set to stretch up to 183 metres at it's highest point - higher than the London Eye's 135 metres and nearly 20 metres higher than the Singapore Flyer which currently holds the tallest-ferris-wheel-in-the-world crown.
Staten Island already attracts a host of tourists who travel the free ferry ride from Manhattan to check out the famous skyline and famous lady with a torch. However tourists very rarely spend any time on the island opting to head straight back on the ferry to Manhattan. I'm all for traipsing around new grounds but all I've so far managed to see on Staten Island was a café near the ferry terminal. Although I'm keen to gorge on delicious Sri Lankan food in Staten Island's Little Sri Lanka… next time! If all goes according to plan, I think it'll be a fantastic addition to the city and the skyline (although, perhaps a big round wheel in more and more cities will dilute the effect a little…).
Park at the High Line
One of my new favourite places to see New York is from the High Line, a linear park in the Meatpacking District in Manhattan. But it's not just another park - it's a built along a stretch of a disused elevated railway line. It's also an alternative look at a city where most people are either looking up or looking down at great distances. At the High Line, you'll get a look into Manhattan life from the middle and it's beautiful.
New York is a beautiful city and despite already having numerous places to get great views from, I reckon it's a big enough to have another viewing spectacular!
And over on the north-west coast and very recently opened: Seattle's Great Wheel
Seattle Great Wheel
Located on Pier 57 in Elliot Bay, the Seattle Great Wheel stands at 53 metres tall. Built in a bid to attract tourists to Seattle's waterfront, the locals are hoping it'll provide an economic boost to the area. 42 gondolas will take you all the way around in 12 minutes for $13.50. The Space Needle, Seattle's most famous landmark costs $19 to visit the observation deck and as is the case sometimes with iconic structures such as this - you might prefer looking at it rather than the views from it. And now you could look at it from the Great Wheel!
For more information about the Seattle Great Wheel, visit their website: www.seattlegreatwheel.com
Other great wheels
London Eye
When plans for a giant wheel in London were first unveiled, not everybody was sure… It is now, however, one of the top tourist attractions in the city. I've been on it 3 times and would do again! Also, for two weeks over the Olympics, you can go on the London Eye until midnight.
Singapore Flyer
Currently the tallest ferris wheel in the world, if you've got some cash to flash, you can get spectacular views as well as a full 4 course meal served by a butler for $269 (Singapore dollars) per couple. More information can be found on: www.singaporeflyer.com
Seattle's got a Great wheel. In London, you'll get an Eye-ful and with the Singapore Flyer, you'll almost be flying… what name for New York's wheel??
Fireworks on Fourth of July
New York officials hope to agree a deal for a wheel this summer. In the meantime - if you're from the US of A or there at the moment… Enjoy the fireworks and happy fourth of July!
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