If there's one city in the world that has a unique and incomparable energy, it's New York City. It's a place where dreams are made, and aspirations come to life. The city teems with an electric buzz that fills the air and captivates visitors from around the globe. New York City has a certain magic that can't be replicated, an intangible quality that sets it apart from any other place on earth. From the moment you step foot in the city, you can feel its pulsating energy. The streets are alive with the constant movement of people, the honking of yellow taxis, and the flashing lights of Times Square.
The streets are alive with the constant movement of people, the honking of yellow taxis, and the flashing lights of Times Square. It's a sensory overload that invigorates the soul and ignites a sense of adventure. One of the unique aspects of New York City is its skyline.
A hint of NYC magic
Kristen O'Neal 04/17/2017
Share sharePhoto: Jen Davis
Share share“I feel like Tannen’s is the Russ & Daughters of magic,” says Noah Levine, host of the store’s weekly Magic After Hours show. “It’s like stepping back in time.”
Tannen’sis New York City’s oldest magic shop, founded in 1925. Come in to buy a new trick, chat with like-minded fanatics or just be dazzled by a magic show.
Photo: Jen Davis
Entering the store from the sixth floor of a nondescript office building with cramped metallic elevators, white walls and fluorescent lighting feels—as its employees note—like walking into a Jorge Luis Borges story. The crowded space holds cards, a corner library of instructional magic books, a straitjacket, rows of Tannen’s famous
Mystery Boxes(which feature an assortment of magical items), a secret back room literally marked “Secret Back Room” and an enormous prop elephant from the 2012 play Elephant Room.
Photo: Jen Davis
During our visit, Magick Balay—one of the resident magicians at Tannen’s— demonstrates close-up tricks while customers guess at their secrets; at the store’s lone table, a businessman with graying hair and a flannel-clad 14-year-old boy teach each other card tricks. The social atmosphere is even more welcoming at Levine’s Thursday night magic show, at which guests sip champagne while watching the host perform some illusions.
“This is where all the big names start,” Balay says after making a card appear, folded up, in a box that’s been in plain sight. “David Copperfield bought a dancing cane here when he was 16. David Blaine used to come here before he was David Blaine.” Even Muhammad Ali was a regular. If asked, Balay will show visitors the boxer’s favorite purchase: a type of vanishing device (best to see it for yourself).
Levine traces the shop’s history to the days before it had a fixed address. “When Lou Tannen started,” he says, “he had stands all over the city—Coney Island, Flatbush Avenue, Times Square. The first official storefront was in the Wurlitzer Building, at 120 West 42nd Street, in the early 1940s.”
Photo: Jen Davis
While magic itself has changed since then, with YouTube largely supplanting books and word of mouth as ways to pass along secrets, the shop remains a hub for magic lovers. The store’s inventory ranges from $3 coin gimmicks to a $600 deck of cards used to read minds. Tannen’s still sells its own original illusions, like the “Really Haunted” floating deck and a mind-reading trick called “Card Leap.”
Photo: Jen Davis
“Houdini had a shop right on the other side of this wall,” Balay says, pointing past the elephant. Levine confirms: Martinka & Company (later Flosso-Hornman Magic), which Houdini briefly owned around 1920, had its last incarnation in suite 607 of this building; in 2004, Tannen’s moved to its current home in suite 608 without even realizing its famous neighbors.
“You can’t just stumble onto this place,” says Balay. “You have to do your homework. See this guy coming in? He probably knows what he wants already. I don’t know him, but he likes magic. Instant friends.”
Photo: Jen Davis
Cards, each signed by a visitor, dot the ceiling of Tannen’s. It’s part of a trick: pull a card from a deck, sign it, and put it back. The magician pulls a rubber band around the cards, tosses the deck high, and your card sticks. Like Tannen’s, you become part of history.
Photo: Jen Davis
The iconic skyscrapers, such as the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building, rise majestically above the city, casting long shadows on the bustling streets below. Each building has its own story, its own character, and contributes to the overall magic of the city. But the real magic of New York City lies in its people. The city is a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds, with inhabitants from all corners of the world. This diverse mix of individuals brings a richness and vibrancy to the city that is unparalleled. Whether you're strolling through Central Park, exploring the trendy neighborhoods of Brooklyn, or taking in a Broadway show, you're sure to encounter a variety of personalities and experiences that will leave a lasting impression. New York City is a place of endless possibilities. It's a city where dreams can come true, and where anything seems possible. From aspiring actors and musicians to ambitious entrepreneurs, people flock to the city in pursuit of their passions. This relentless pursuit of dreams is what gives the city its magical aura. There's also a sense of resilience and strength that permeates the streets of New York City. It's a city that has endured countless challenges and tragedies, yet it continues to stand tall. From the attacks on September 11th to the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, the city has faced adversity head-on and emerged stronger than ever. This indomitable spirit is part of the magic that sets New York City apart. In conclusion, New York City is a place like no other. It's a city that captivates and inspires, with its unique energy and sense of possibility. Whether you're a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, there's no denying the hint of magic that lingers in the air. It's a city that holds countless stories, dreams, and aspirations, and it's a place where anything can happen. It truly is a magical place..
Reviews for "The Magic of the Skyline: Best Rooftop Bars and Terraces in NYC"
- John - 1 star - I found "A hint of NYC magic" to be extremely dull and lacking in any sort of plot or character development. The main character was one-dimensional and completely unrelatable, and the story as a whole was just a jumbled mess of disconnected events. I struggled to get through this book and was ultimately very disappointed with the lackluster ending. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this one.
- Lisa - 2 stars - "A hint of NYC magic" had an interesting premise, but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. The pacing was incredibly slow, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged with the story. The romantic subplot was predictable and lacked any real chemistry, making it difficult to invest in the characters' relationship. Overall, I was expecting more from this book and was left feeling underwhelmed.
- Mike - 2.5 stars - While "A hint of NYC magic" had its moments, it ultimately failed to deliver a compelling story. The writing style was overly descriptive and felt forced at times, making it hard to connect with the characters and the setting. Additionally, the plot felt disjointed, with several unnecessary subplots that only served to confuse the reader. I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations.