50th St Between 6th Ave and 5th Ave

Have you ever been down to central Florida, driving around on a regular highway...when all of a sudden it transforms into some private Disney expressway? The signs change, the grass is trimmed, everything becomes different. The same feeling can be had here between 6th and 5th Avenues. The massive complex of buildings that make up Rockefeller Center immediately transport you to a strange, privatized New York City. This isn't to imply that it's a bad vibe...just a strange one.

The beautiful long lines that make up the art deco towers here seem to be lost on most visitors. Sure, it's a heavily photographed area, but many seem focus solely on 30 Rock, while a lot of the equally beautiful side buildings get ignored. 

Of course the center of attention here is the sunken plaza which is home to the famous ice rink. Rockefeller Plaza, the thin, vehicle-less road that cuts down the middle of the Center almost perfectly bisects all the streets between 48th and 51st. 

The final stretch to 5th avenue is no less crowded than the plaza itself. Hoards of shoppers make their way around the various barricades which prevent you from crossing wherever you please. Disney, indeed.