The Owner's Message
Unique NY Tours is owned by Joyce Griffen. There are a few things she would like to share.
It was on my first trip to Europe, I was 22, that I became all too aware of the joys, needs, and exasperations of a traveler. Particularly, one in a foreign locale. Seeing your luggage left behind, stowed in the unhooked car of the train, while you helplessly watch from the train's moving cars quickly headed towards Vienna, teaches you to be prepared. Such "adventures" have made me very much attuned to the attitude (helpful) and assistance (plentiful) needed by an NYC visitor.
Also, like most Native New Yorkers, I’ve amassed a collection of NYC stories. Like the one about college-student-me being stuck in Manhattan during the first big NYC blackout, and I lived with my family in Queens (ask to hear it in person). Unique NY Tours guides and I love to share our stories.
I’ve had a lifelong love affair with this city. It began with exhilarating but terrifying trips to the original Pennsylvania Station (at age 5). There were gazillions of people – all sizes, shapes, and colors, rushing by. I would look up at what seemed to be a miles-away ceiling of soaring metal arches and buttresses. I was amazed to see birds flying around up there, inside! From the time I entered first grade, I looked forward to yearly class trips to the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty (can you imagine the view from Lady Liberty’s crown for a 6-year-old?). But the Bronx Zoo, with all its exotic animals, was my favorite.
Also, like most Native New Yorkers, I’ve amassed a collection of NYC stories. Like the one about college-student-me being stuck in Manhattan during the first big NYC blackout, and I lived with my family in Queens (ask to hear it in person). Unique NY Tours guides and I love to share our stories.
I’ve had a lifelong love affair with this city. It began with exhilarating but terrifying trips to the original Pennsylvania Station (at age 5). There were gazillions of people – all sizes, shapes, and colors, rushing by. I would look up at what seemed to be a miles-away ceiling of soaring metal arches and buttresses. I was amazed to see birds flying around up there, inside! From the time I entered first grade, I looked forward to yearly class trips to the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty (can you imagine the view from Lady Liberty’s crown for a 6-year-old?). But the Bronx Zoo, with all its exotic animals, was my favorite.
Once my theatrical career began, I was a natural “go-to” person for other cast members needing information on getting around the city. When their families came to town to see them in our show, I was the one requested to escort the relatives around New York. I loved seeing my city with them, through their eyes, every time — and I still do. That's why I opened Unique NY Tours. I hope I get to share it with you.