I recently learned that Green Wood Cemetery is and always has been one of New York City's most popular tourist destinations, at least for the last 150 years! A myriad of famous and prominent personalities are buried there and the grounds are spectacular. What I also didn't know is that it's still a working cemetery. So amongst the roamers and tourists you'll also see people actually coming to mourn and pay respects to their loved ones. It's an odd combination, but somehow it works.  For the past 14 years they've held a Memorial Day concert. I used to live eight blocks away from it and was not aware that this event took place. Furthermore, I had not been to Green Wood in seven years. I revisited this lovely place by attending the concert and even though it was rather strange to be sitting by the gravestones listening to music it was a beautiful and peaceful experience. The concert was performed by the ISO Symphonic Band comprised of talented New York students. They played Memorial Day classics like God Bless America and America the Beautiful plus a few pieces composed by permanent residents of the cemetery: Leonard Bernstein & Louis Moreau Gottschalk. It was a wonderful way to honor them and veterans. After the performance I took a walk on the grounds and took these photos. I enjoyed my time there immensely and I hope to return often and soon. If you're even in the area I highly recommend a visit to Green Wood.

***These images are published with the express permission of Green Wood Cemetery

For the last few months I've been planning a photography challenge and I've finally come up with the perfect one. It is often said that those who live in New York City take a lot of what the city has to offer for granted. We live here and many times we go through the motions of going from point A to point B without really absorbing our surroundings. Although I've been photographing city sites for a few years now, I'm still guilty of not truly knowing my adopted hometown. For example, I've never been to Ellis Island or The Statue of Liberty! Well, that stops today.  I have a fantastic list of places I'd like to see, photograph and experience. I will share them with this Tourist in My City Challenge. Perhaps this exercise will also help me to walk a little slower and take everything in, as the tourist do. (much to the dismay of the locals!)  :) My list includes some obscure places that are fascinating due to their history or architecture and also some classics. I'll start with what is probably the most visited place in Manhattan: Times Square:

Times Square Bustle - PRINTS

Thank you for joining me on this journey and if you'd like to share some of your 'tourist in your town' moments. Feel free to leave a link in your comment!