Hybrid Car Rental New York and The Big Duck

When you think of New York City, chances are you think of gleaming skyscrapers, and multi-million dollar building projects. In fact, NYC is often considered to be the most highly developed city in the nation. For some reason or other, New Yorker's just seem to be fascinated by unique structures and seemingly impossible architecture. No wonder they all flock to The Big Duck in Flanders, New York. Yes, you heard me right - The Big Duck. This odd-shaped building located in rural Flanders is a huge tourist attraction for city-smart hybrid car rental New York travelers.

The makings of The Big Duck

The Big Duck building has a long and unique history, dating back to 1931. During this time, Riverhead duck farmer Martin Maurer decided to build the structure, using it as a place to sell duck eggs from his farm. Maurer drew his inspiration for The Big Duck from odd structures he had seen in California, especially a unique building shaped as a giant coffee pot.

Building The Big Duck

Customers of All Car Hybrid Car Rental New York might be surprised to note that the entire Big Duck building is made out of concrete and wood. Towering over 20 feet tall and 30 feet long, The Big Duck boasts a wooden frame filled with ferrocement concrete. But what about the famous glowing eyes of the Big Duck? Well, Maurer crafted these out of taillights from an old Model T Ford. Customers of All Car Hybrid Car Rental New York can still seem them shining red during the late evening hours.

The many migrations of The Big Duck

After Maurer died, there was much confusion over what exactly should be done with his prized creation. With the land it sat on earmarked for development, locals insisted that the unique building be spared due to its popular landmark status. Giant Duck Preservationists and the Friends for Long Island's Heritage campaigned to save the floundering fowl, and the land developers eventually gave in, donating the duck to Suffolk County in 1987. In 1988, The Big Duck was moved from Flanders to Hampton Bay, perched in front of the entrance to Sears-Bellow County Park. After nearly 19 years, the Big Duck was finally escorted home to Flanders in 2007, after the real estate deal that had originally spurred its removal feel through. Plans are now in the works to reopen Maurer's duck farm, along with his famed egg shop.

Holiday cheer at The Big Duck

Want to celebrate Christmas with a twist this year? Then grab your hybrid car rental New York friends and head out to the annual Holiday Lighting of The Big Duck. On the first Wednesday of December each year, the Suffolk County Parks Department sponsors this festive event, which includes carolling refreshments and the arrival of Santa. But not even the big guy in red can out do the excitement cause by the evenings crowning occasion - the lighting of the duck. Decorated from bill to tail with Christmas lights and garland, The Big Duck is ceremoniously lighted by Santa as dusk falls.

Visit The Big Duck as part of your upcoming hybrid car rental New York vacation

customers of All Car Hybrid Car Rental New York will find The Big Duck on Flanders Road. To get there, follow I-495/Long Island Expressway, to exit 71. Turn right at CR-94 East and continue for 4.3 miles. When you reach the traffic circle in your hybrid car rental New York, take the 3rd exit onto Flanders Road. The Big Duck will appear to your left. The Big Duck is open to the public Memorial Day through Labor Day, daily from 10am to 5pm (closed for lunch at 1-1:30pm). Customers of All Car Hybrid Car Rental New York can also visit The Big Duck on weekends through November and on the first Wednesday of December.

Check out the All Car Rent a Car location at 111 Quintard Street, Staten Island, NY 10305