The Rockefeller Fountain – NYC

In my last post I wrote about a fountain that transformed into an ice rink during the winter months and was reminded of the iconic fountain found along side the ice rink at the Rockefeller Center.

I saw this beautiful multitiered, step-design fountain a couple years ago around the Christmas holidays. In my opinion this is one of the best times to see New York. The city is decked out in beautiful lights and the holiday cheer is felt everywhere you go.

The Rockefeller Ice Rink is filled with happy families and couples while the gold statue of the Rockefeller fountain watches over. This noble statue is so iconic that it almost doesn’t seem real. Like a scene out of a movie jets of water rise up to meet the statue to create the illusion that it is floating much like the ice skaters below.

If you are ever in New York City, do yourself a favor and go to the Rockefeller Center so that you can experience this true New York landmark.

Washington Harbor – D.C.

I visited Washington Harbor last November and was delighted to discover one of the most interesting fountains I had ever seen. Overlooking the Potomac River in the middle of the plaza was a gorgeous oval shaped fountain with a criss-cross design of colored jets that can reach up to 65 feet!

The fountain alone was beautiful, especially at night when the colored fountain lights were activated but there appeared to be some type of construction going on. When I asked a local what improvements were being made I was told that each November the Washington Harbor fountain becomes an ice rink!

I had never heard of anything like this before, so of course I had to do my research! Apparently the fountain was a collaborative effort between Crystal Fountains and Southern Aquatics Inc. to create the biggest functioning fountain and outdoor ice rink in the D.C. area!

At 11,800 square feet the Washington Harbor fountain/ice rink is even bigger than the ice rink at Rockefeller center! I wish I had been able to stay in Washington Harbor longer to witness the full transformation, but I definitely plan to make a trip back next year to check it out!

In my research I found this cool video of the construction of the fountain!

Buckingham Memorial Fountain

Chicago is one of my absolute favorite cities because of its amazing fountains and landmarks. Buckingham Memorial Fountain is a huge fountain considered by many to be Chicago’s “front door” because of its prime location in Grant Park.

Built to represent Lake Michigan, this large multi-tiered fountain has four sea-horses for Illinois, Wisconsin  Michigan, and Indiana, the bordering states. Inspired by the magnificent ‘Bassin de Latone’ at Versailles, this fountain has an European feel and was designed in the classic French garden style.

This monumental fountain is one of the biggest in the world, spanning 85m/280ft in diameter. It features 134 jets powered by 3 pumps. Once every hour there is an intricate 20 minute water display accompanied by lights and music at night.

Arguably this nation’s most beautiful fountain, it is a must-see if you are ever in Chicago!

Ellis Square Park – Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia is haunting with it’s cobbled pathways and hidden parks filled with the history of this old southern town. Some of the most iconic fountains are found here, made famous by traditional architecture and design.

However this beautiful city, like much of the south, is also an interesting twist of the new and modern tied tightly to its traditional roots. During my stay in Savannah I wanted to find a fountain that represented that.

I found myself at Ellis Square Park which was recently restored by a partnership between The City of Savannah and area developers. In the middle of the square stands a huge interactive fountain that shoots up jets of water to the delight of local children.

At night colorful lights are incorporated into the water show in a beautiful display. This fun, modern fountain surrounded by the traditional savannah-style buildings perfectly represents this quirky town and the people that live in it.