NYC and DC Connections and Authentic Experiences

After September 11, 2001, our frequent visits to New York and our daily lives here in Maryland took on additional significance. Over the years, we have made sure that our kids don’t take for granted that they are living amongst landmarks and institutions that most people in the world and many in our own country will never even see in person. We have built traditions and celebrated milestones around some of the unique features of both Washington, DC and New York City — high school graduation pictures in front of the White House, annual pilgrimages to the Cherry Blossom Festival, and each grandchild’s 5-year-old birthday trip to see “Lion King” on Broadway with Papa (my dad) are just a few examples.

Your family or group can have some amazing experiences in these two cities, and Legacy Travel Designs and our partners are here to help. Whether you’re a DC or NYC local or first-time visitor, our partner Beyond Times Square (BTSQ) can show you around these cities in a way you’ve never imagined! BTSQ serves sophisticated individual and group travelers, delivering tailor-made, luxury travel programs with authentic local experience. BTSQ creates extraordinary experiences, not just tours. From the view of their seasoned local experts, BTSQ helps you experience authentic destinations, and you enjoy the best hospitality along the way. With their exceptional expertise and extensive network in the travel industry, BTSQ can provide VIP access, behind-the-scenes and lesser-known tours and sights, and help you create sensational memories that last for a lifetime. Here are just a few examples of BTSQ’s offerings in New York City and Washington, DC:

Georgetown, Embassy Row, and a Private Sports Boat Cruise

Start your day in Georgetown, the oldest section of Washington, DC. After visiting Georgetown, your guide will take you down Washington’s Embassy Row (Massachusetts Avenue, NW) and point out notable Embassies. Following your embassy tour, you’ll head over to the Potomac River with your own captain and sport boat. On the six-person boat, your captain will explain the history of the waterway and the sites along the way. 

Private U.S. Capitol Experience

What makes this experience so memorable is not only is it private. but it is led by specially trained volunteers of the United States Capitol Historical Society (and, if you wish, a former member of Congress).  You will see the places where the Congress meets (including passes to the gallery for the House of Representatives), the famous ceremonial rooms, including the Rotunda, Statuary Hall, the historic Old Supreme Court Chamber in the Capitol, the Crypt, and other historic rooms as available.

After-Hours Private Tour of New York or Washington, DC Museum

On this VIP tour, you will enjoy the exclusive and intimate experience of touring one of New York or Washington, DC’s famous museums without the crowds. With a dedicated personal professional art historian leading the way, you and your guests will visit the museum before it opens to the public in the morning or in the evening after the museum is closed to the public.

Broadway Behind the Scenes

Broadway is back! For the theater-lover, BTSQ can arrange backstage tours, cast member meet-and-greets, or even a walk-on role in a live performance!

A Cultural Walk Through Little Italy and Chinatown

Dive into cultures from around the world during your expedition into Chinatown and Little Italy. Head to Little Italy to explore traditional Italian establishments, some of which have been opened since the 1800s. After you fill up on cannolis, you’ll head over to Chinatown where you’ll dive head first into Chinese culture. The immersive neighborhood is full of authentic Chinese décor, traditional cuisine, and exploding with one-of-a-kind shops.

Graffiti walking tour and workshop

The Bushwick section of Brooklyn is the most exciting area for street art today, with walls covered with the world’s best graffiti art. Come take a tour in a neighborhood where artists like Dasic, Nychos, Rubin, Damien Mitchell have designed over 20 walls. The tour will be guided by a real NYC graffiti artist and is followed by an optional workshop where you can create your own graffiti art.

The Story of September 11th – New York City

This full-day adventure includes private tours of the 9/11 Memorial and the National September 11th Museum, a private walking tour of Lower Manhattan and the area around Ground Zero, as well as orchestra-section tickets to “Come from Away” on Broadway. This is a perfect program for families as it does not only focus on the tragedy of the day but on how strangers came together to help each other.

I can’t wait to share my two hometowns with you! Visit our website to schedule a consultation call!

#NeverForget – September 11, 2001