It's a Small World After All: A Visit to Gulliver's Gate
I'm not sure if you can tell from the pictures we've posted, but I'm kind of… petite. Height-challenged. Runty. Low-profile. Diminutive. Short, okay, I'm short. Other shorties know the troubles I've seen. Trying to discreetly jump to reach something on the top shelf in the grocery store, then finally having to ask for help. Searching for “cute shoes that provide height yet remain comfortable”. (An urban myth, by the way). Having almost every piece of clothing altered. And standing-room concerts? Forget about it.Studies tell us that taller people are more successful, more attractive, more happy. Shorter people are supposed to be less accident-prone (yay?), but thanks to depth perception issues, I don’t benefit from that advantage either. Pretty bleak, I know. But changing your point of view can be simple: enter Gulliver’s Gate.
Located in the heart of Times Square, Gulliver’s Gate is a miniature model fan’s dream come true. And for a petite girl like me, it’s a fresh change in perspective. Sprawled before me in a 50,000 sq ft space, there are miniature versions of my favorite New York City landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Chrysler Building. Some newer additions to the skyline are also included, like the stunning Via 57 West building. And miniature Times Square comes replete with its own Hamilton billboard (which we FINALLY got to see last month, you can find that post here).For travel buffs, Gulliver’s Gate is a fun trip around the world -- you’ll find recognizable structures from France, India, Russia, and more. The project is the result of a collaboration between model-makers around the world, which leaves local touches throughout. It’s also a little bit of a treasure map: you’ll have to look closely to uncover secrets. Interactive features are built into the models for children (or curious adults that have trouble keeping their hands off things). With a touch of a button, you can attend a Queen concert, or see the Loch Ness monster (and accompanying miniature paparazzi trying to photograph it), or send Santa off in his sleigh. 
But it’s not just models loaded with playful features, there’s tech too. If you want to truly immerse yourself in this fantastical universe, you could get 3D-scanned in a giant orb and have miniature versions of yourself placed anywhere in the Gulliver’s Gate world. Want to get to the top of the Aztec ruins without killing your thighs? This is how.Gulliver’s Gate is currently open for previews at a reduced admission rate through May 8. There are a few incomplete displays but there is still much to see, and if you choose to return after the official launch your admission will be discounted. This might be a great play if you have friends and family visiting later in the year and you know you’ll be back. The miniature universe also plans to evolve, so there will continue to be new things to discover. Visit the Gulliver’s Gate website for additional information and to purchase tickets.Location:216 W 44th StreetHours:Daily 9 am - 10 pm
Pair it with:
Brunch at Gotan
We’ve griped about food choices in Midtown many times before. We regularly cry about chain restaurants and bitch about overpriced food. So when we find a gem like Gotan, it’s truly something to celebrate. Gotan is located in Midtown proper, so we’re not even sending you on a little trek. It’s a surprisingly large space, with bar seats up front and tables in the back. The coffee is good (they serve Counter Culture, one of my favorites), and so is the food. And guess what? The weekend brunch here is a steal. You heard me, a bargain brunch in Midtown.If you order off the brunch menu, you’ll receive orange juice, coffee and an entree for under $14. Or order off the a la carte menu, which is still reasonably priced. The avocado toast and the breakfast plate hit the spot.Location:20 W 46th StreetHours:Mon - Thu 7 am - 5 pmFri 7 am - 4 pmSat 9 am - 3 pm