Living in New York, featuring Claire Lynch
Based in New York City, Claire Lynch brings a wealth of experience and industry insight to her role as our lead Sales Guru. In this interview, she shares her experiences living, working and raising her family in New York.
What first drew you to New York City—and what’s kept you here?
I have always lived in New York State. My parents grew up in Manhattan and the Bronx and moved to Long Island when my mother was pregnant with their fourth kid. I'm their fifth! My father spent his entire career working in Manhattan and my mother always loved the city. We visited often, taking the Long Island Railroad (LIRR), meeting my father after work, seeing a show, touring many museums, and strolling through many parks. I also had the opportunity to visit on school trips. Like my mother I've always loved the energy that New York City offered. There was always something to do, some restaurant to eat at, some gallery to explore - the options were endless. I couldn't imagine living anywhere else.
Claire enjoying one of Manhattan's many parks with her family
What's your favorite "hidden gem" that only the locals know about?
One of my favorite hidden gems is the local park, Carl Schurz. It's located on the East River, with a promenade overlooking the river, with views of the Triborough Bridge (now the RFK Bridge), Queens, Roosevelt Island and the Lighthouse. The park is home to the Mayor's mansion, a huge playground, two dog runs and gardens. It's very peaceful, with the sounds of birds chirping, children giggling and maybe a dog barking. As a local, I always run into a friend or two there.
Fall in NYC is iconic. What's your must-do tradition when the temperature drops and the leaves change?
We never miss visiting the New York Botanical Gardens in the Bronx. It's such a magical place any season. Did you know it's 250 acres? Some of my favorite spots are the rose garden with 700 different species of roses, the Children's Adventure Nature Center, the change exhibits at the art gallery, and the greenhouse. The fall is especially beautiful with the leaves changing colors.
Claire's pup, Polly, living her best life at Carl Schurz Park, NYC
If you had to give someone one survival tip for navigating in and outside of NYC, what would it be?
New York City is very easy to navigate, especially Manhattan. Most of the city was designed as a grid! Roads running East and West are named as "Streets" and those running North and South are called "Avenues," with the exception of Broadway which runs diagonally. If you live in the city or are visiting, download the CityMapper app. It will tell you the fastest and most efficient way to travel, whether walking, hiking, riding the subway or in a taxi. Of course, I also recommend ordering our New York City magnetic puzzle before you visit - it's a great souvenir and an easy activity to help acclimate yourself to what's here and where to find it.
You're only 100 pieces away from a better understanding of the NYC grid system!
Check out our New York City Magnetic puzzle.
Speaking of puzzles, how did you come to work at Geotoys?
I met Bob Galinsky [our founder] at Toy Fair back in 2009 when I was head of sales for another educational toy company. I've always loved maps and puzzles, and when Bob reached out looking for someone to head up sales I jumped at the chance.
Lastly, we learned that your nickname in college was "Rand McNally." Tell us why?
As I said before I've always loved maps. As a kid I always asked what highway we were on, and what direction we were traveling in. Then I discovered my parents' atlases that they kept in their cars! When we traveled, my father let me navigate and give directions. My college friends were in awe of my knowledge of how to get places. I even told them how to travel home for school breaks, recommending roads to avoid due to construction or traffic!
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