I love Times Square, especially in the summer when I can grab a seat and watch the world pass by. It’s not hard to spot the visitors — in Times Square, they outnumber New Yorkers.
You never know who you’ll spot in the crowd. Shortly after I took this photo, I glimpsed the Naked Cowboy strolling across Broadway. An eager crowd surrounded him as soon as he got to the other side of the street. I thought that if I hurried, I could get a photo before more people arrived. But by the time the lights changed, he had moved further down the block. I never caught up with him.
Who’s the Naked Cowboy? He’s Robert John Burck, a street performer who wears only a cowboy hat, briefs, and cowboy boots. He also plays a guitar which he carries in front of him covering his privates.
Originally from Ohio, the Naked Cowboy has been a fixture in Times Square for many years now. He’s become a franchise, licensing Naked Cowboys in other cities.
The Naked Cowboy isn’t the only street performer in Times Square — they come and go — but he’s probably the most popular. I noticed a few Elmo impersonators who, for a few dollars, will let you take a photo with them. Here are videos of two others.
photo:
Mark Scott Johnson
I left Times Square, and less than 20 minutes later the friend I was meeting saw Snoop Dog when she passed through to meet me. A huge crowd had gathered, almost taking up a block.
That’s the other thing about Times Square, the crowds. The only time there isn’t a crowd is in the early morning. Go then to experience it and go back later to see how different the energy is.
Have you been to Time Square? What did you like about it?
This is my submission to this week’s Budget Travelers Sandbox Travel Photo Thursday series. Be sure to check out other photo and story entries on their website.
I agree wit you about Times Square being amazing for people watching. I’d never heard about the naked cowboy. He should be in Calgary this week with all the other cowboys.
What a fun post! You caught the life and the movement of this crazy place – nice job. Sounds like you had a good trip there!
I love the crop of the shot that forms your blog header, nicely done!
I LOVE the Naked Cowboy! I’m actually going to NYC Wednesday and will go to Times Square just to see him. Have to say though, Times Square is not my favorite place in NYC. I prefer quieter areas, which are a little hard to find 🙂 Great city though!
great shots! I love visiting NYC and TimesSquare. And that dang naked cowboy- when will he quit?! haha
Licensing “Naked Cowobys”? IP hits a new low!
I love Times Square but we have only been in the winter so, sadly, have never seen the Naked Cowboy!
I just love New York…period! Times Square is full of energy, but the crowds of tourists can be a bit overwhelming sometimes. I didn’t know that the Naked Cowboy was still there — gotta give him credit for making a name for himself.
Somehow it seems strange to see the Naked Cowboy and Elmo in the same space.
Ahh, Times Square, one of my favorite places! I love everything about it…the energy, the lights, the people watching, the blatant commercialism (wait, do I love that? Somehow in Times Square it’s beautiful). The last time I was there was the day that Michael Jackson died, and the crowd was incredible. Spontaneous M.J. performances erupted all over the place, and the sidewalk outside the MTV studios was completely taken over by M.J. fans.
I’ve never seen the Naked Cowboy in person, but great shot! 😉 I found the Sesame Street characters to be a bit depressing for some reason…
Fun day at times Square with its assortment of characters
We were just in Times Square last month (the second time this past year). I love the vibrant energy of Times Square. There’s just something going on all the time. My kids love all the lights. I can go with out the crowds too and the bad NY smell of exhaust among other things. Darn, we missed the naked cowboy during both visits 🙂
Beautifully captured!! It does seem pretty less crowded!!
Wish you a great weekend Marcia:)
Thanks, Arti. I waited for a break in the crowd. I was lucky, it lasted long enough for me to take the shot.
I’m not surprised, Mary. The lights are pretty spectacular, you can’t help looking up and around at all of them. I’m also not surprised about the crowds – that’s the one thing I don’t like about it too. Hope you’ll see the Naked Cowboy on your next visit.
Yes, it was a fun day. I was back again the following day and ran into a few more. It was fun to watch the expressions on the kids faces when they saw some of the cartoon characters.
OMG, what a day to have been in Times Square! It must have been an unforgettable experience. Hope you get to see the Naked Cowboy when you come back to the city. Yesterday, I saw two of the characters dressing just inside one of the subway entrances. It made me realize that I never considered the people behind the costumes.
Hahaha, anything can happen in Times Square, Jessica!
Yes, we definitely have to give him credit. He turned a simple idea into a brand.
I agree, Cathy, I love NY, period. There’s just no other place like it.
You must come back in the summer, Lisa, you might get to see him then.
Hahahaha, it sure has, Dick!
Good question, Jade. He just keeps going and going and going.
It’s definitely a great city, Debbie. Wish we could meet but I’ll be leaving by Wednesday.
Hope you find a quiet spot to enjoy the city.
Thanks, Kymri! Glad you like it.
Thanks, Jackie. Times Square definitely is a fun place and crazy as well. It never ceases to entertain.
Yes, he should, Leigh! He’d fit right in, though maybe not since all your guys are fully clothed.
Ever since I’ve seen Times Square in movies, I’d always wanted to visit it. Never had a chance yet though. Lucky you!
Sounds like you miss New York Marcia.
I don’t understand all the fuss about Times Square but then I’ve never been there. It does sound like a good place to sit and watch the world (and a few cowboys and elmo’s) go by.
So glad you are having a great time in NYC! I love going to Times Square and sitting on the red steps to people watch, Auntie Anne’s pretzel in hand. What a perfect afternoon;-)
I am, Jessica! Times Square is a fabulous place to people watch. Ohhh, I’ll have to try one of Auntie Anne’s pretzels next time.
I do, Narelle. It has been home for much of my adult life.
Times Square has to be seen — it’s really hard to explain it or convey what’s special about it. Hope you get to experience it one of these days.
Thanks, Aleah. You must come see it for yourself. It’s a very interesting place, for sure!
That’s hilarious that the Naked Cowboy has franchised his brand. The saying, “Do what you love, and the money will follow” proves itself true in surprising ways sometimes.
Still haven’t been to NY! This would be one of my first stops. The pic of the Naked Cowboy is too funny 🙂
Hope you get there one of these days, Sabrina, and see the Naked Cowboy in action.
I was surprised to read that but I guess he created it so he can brand and franchise it. He sure found his passion!
Nice views and places. It’s the big apple.
Yes, it is, Brij! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
It’s like a wall-art every corner you look, and a lot of fascinating people too.
For sure! It’s definitely not a dull place at all.
I like the pic of naked cow boy really lol on that pics.
He is quite a character, for sure.
Thanks for your comment.
I like the pictures. It takes a lot of guts to be a street performer especially when you’re the naked cowboy.
Hahaha, so true. But he makes it look so easy!