This charming little house is known as the Goodnight Moon house. It began as a farmhouse on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, built in the middle of the 19^th Century.  At that time is was known as Cobble Court because it was surrounded by cobblestones in its courtyard. In the 1940s Margaret Wise Brown rented the little house for a writing studio and there wrote the children’s book Goodnight Moon.  She also described it in her book The Hidden House, “It was a little house in the middle of a big city. And nobody knew it was there. It had been there for years and years, for over a hundred years, forgotten. And there it stood in a hidden garden in the middle of a big block of skyscrapers.”

Brown wrote most of her 100 children’s books at Cobble Court, including her perennial bestsellers, The Runaway Bunny, Mr. Dog: The Dog Who Belonged to Himself, and Goodnight Moon. The fireplace pictured in Goodnight Moon is said to be the Cobble Court fireplace

The house was facing demolition in the 1960s. Tenants Sven and Ingrid Bernhard negotiated to move the house rather than see it destroyed. In 1967, Cobble Court was transported on a flatbed truck to its current location at 121 Charles Street in Greenwich Village, where it remains a private residence and a literary landmark.

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• Be prompt: When you go sight-seeing on your own as a tourist, you can create your own timetable or walk around as leisurely as you want. But when you book a private walking tour, you do need to be on time (or even a little early). Don’t assume that tours will start a few minutes late or that it’s fine to hold up the tour for one straggler in your group. Even if your tour group consists of just your family, it’s important to stay on schedule and be respectful to your guide by arriving with time to spare.

• Dress appropriately: When you’re on vacation, it’s understandable that you’d want to wear a special outfit or fancy footwear. But you should save those items for when you go to dinner or hit the town. When you go on tours in New York City, you should dress for the weather and for the physical activity involved. After all, “walking” is in the name, so you should expect to move your feet quite a bit. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing (layers are typically a good idea!). You may also want to consider forgoing a heavy bag or purse for your own comfort throughout the tour. If you’re uncertain whether your outfit choice is appropriate, we’d be happy to answer your questions in more detail.

• Come prepared: Although you’ll probably want to travel light on your tour, you should come to your tour prepared with a few things. A bottle of water, cash, an external phone battery charger (in case you want to snap some photos but are low on juice), and a couple of bandages for blisters are all good to bring. You may also want to bring along some sunscreen and a pair of sunglasses (even in winter!) and a hat. Don’t assume that you can just buy these items when you arrive; although the Big Apple has a lot to offer, you may not have time to stop and purchase them. These items won’t take up a lot of room in your bag but will ensure you’re comfortable and better able to enjoy your tours in New York City.

• Interact with your guide: When you take one of these fascinating tours in New York City, remember that they’re meant to be a bit interactive. Unlike when you go to the theatre or see a film, it’s okay to ask your guide questions and respond to theirs. In fact, it’s encouraged! Although guides do have an itinerary and an idea of what they’ll say, it’s always better when participants actually participate! Don’t be afraid to get involved in the conversation and take advantage of the opportunity to learn. Your guide will be more than happy to tell you all there is to know about a specific location or notable figure in history.

• Stay safe: Although your tour will never take you to an unsafe part of the city, remember to exercise caution wherever you are in NYC. Always observe crosswalk signs and yield to your guide’s expertise when traveling from stop to stop. If you’re traveling with children, watch them closely and do not allow them to walk outside of the group. You should keep moving, stay aware, and follow instructions from your guide.

As long as you follow these tips, your NYC walking tour should be fun and informative for everyone involved. To get started on booking your tour, contact us today!

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1. The fall foliage is simply beautiful. There is no doubt that Central Park is beautiful. It has been featured in over 240 films since 1908, making it the most filmed public park in the world. And the park gets even better in the Fall when it explodes into color. Take your walking tour of Central Park during October to soak in nature’s warmest spectacle.

1. The tourist crowds thin out. As kids and students head back to school in the Fall, the city generally sees fewer tourists. This leaves more room for you to breathe and explore New York. If you are not a fan of crowds at all, you might consider a private walking tour to get your ideal experience.

1. You can enjoy seasonal food and drink. The Northeastern United States is full of delicious flavors during Autumn. While in the city, you can try out the many regional ciders and even hunt down the best apple doughnut. When the air gets chilly, you can tuck into a cafe to enjoy one of the many seasonal coffee drinks.

1. Fall activities happen around the city. In addition to your New York City tours, you might consider stopping by some of the many Fall festivals. As Halloween season roles around, seek out a fun costume party or film screening to attend.

1. You can test out your favorite Fall fashion. New York City is certainly one of the fashion capital of the world, so what better place to try out your new Fall clothes? Have fun with layers and warm colors. And when in doubt, there are plenty of places to shop.

Tours in New York during the Fall simply can’t be beat. You can breathe in the crisp air while enjoying the sights and sounds of this bustling urban center. And at the end of the day, these is always some Fall comfort food to try.

Looking to schedule your own exciting NYC tour? Whether you want to learn more about the city’s cinematic culture, unique gangster history, or just want to see the most iconic tourist spots, contact our experienced tour guides today!

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