Things to do in NYC

[Bama]

I'm taking my first ever trip to NYC next month. It's a two day trip on a weekend.

I'm working on my itinerary. So far I've got the Statue of Liberty, Times Square and a Broadway play.

Am I missing anything? I'd appreciate any advice you guys have on finding more bullshit tourist destinations. Also, any tips on pissing off the locals would be helpful.

Thanks!

[TheGameHHH]

there really isnt much to do in the city, if i were you id spend more of the time in jersey

[EliSnow]

If the weather's nice, I suggest taking a walk through Central Park and relaxing. Everyone loves Times Square, Rockefellar Center, Grand Central, but I know my folks were really suprised about Central Park.

Try a really good pizza place. That means nothing with "Ray's," "Famous" or "Original" in the title. There are a host of incredible pizza places in the city (of course, right now, I'm drawing a blank on the best in Manhattan -- others may be able to help).

[Friday]

take video.

lots and lots of video.

:innocent:

[Gvac]

If the weather's nice, I suggest taking a walk through Central Park and relaxing. Everyone loves Times Square, Rockefellar Center, Grand Central, but I know my folks were really suprised about Central Park.

Try a really good pizza place. That means nothing with "Ray's," "Famous" or "Original" in the title. There are a host of incredible pizza places in the city (of course, right now, I'm drawing a blank on the best in Manhattan -- others may be able to help).



Lombardi's Coal Oven Pizza down in Little Italy...if it's still there.

Oh, and be sure to stop and stare up at the skyscrapers, Bama.

[Hottub]

The American Museum of Natural History. (http://www.amnh.org/museum/?src=toolbar)
My favorite destination. And a couple of dirty-water dogs on the way out.

[TheGameHHH]

to get a better idea of where youre heading its always a good idea to hang out on a busy street corner and unfold a huge map. people will recognize that youre from out of town and offer to help you.

[EliSnow]

If you're around 57th and 6th for lunch, try the Burger Joint in the lobby of the Parker Meridian. As Ron has mentioned on the show, it has great burgers.

[Hottub]

And no trip to New York is complete without stopping by Mikeyboy's house for ice cream after the show.

[Snacks]

there really isnt much to do in the city, if i were you id spend more of the time in jersey

he is spending time in nj. the statue of liberty is technically in nj.

[AKA]

And no trip to New York is complete without stopping by Mikeyboy's house for ice cream after the show.

QFYT

[DiabloSammich]

to get a better idea of where youre heading its always a good idea to hang out on a busy street corner and unfold a huge map. people will recognize that youre from out of town and offer to help you.



And be sure to offer assistance is someone asks," Excuse me, which way is norf?"

[BoondockSaint]

Be kind to the Wallet Inspectors. They're just trying to help you out.

[Ritalin]

to get a better idea of where youre heading its always a good idea to hang out on a busy street corner and unfold a huge map. people will recognize that youre from out of town and offer to help you.

I do, all the time.

[Ritalin]

I'm taking my first ever trip to NYC next month. It's a two day trip on a weekend.

I'm working on my itinerary. So far I've got the Statue of Liberty, Times Square and a Broadway play.

Am I missing anything? I'd appreciate any advice you guys have on finding more bullshit tourist destinations. Also, any tips on pissing off the locals would be helpful.

Thanks!

If you're only going to be here for 2 days, I recommend skipping the Statue of Liberty. Instead, take a boat cruise - either the Beast out of South Street Seaport or the Circle Line, and cruise past it, because then you'll be able to see what the city looks like from the water. It's much more fun and you won't waste as much time standing in line in Battery Park.

Also, I recommend the top of the Empire State Building. It's a great great view, either during the day or at night.

Have a great time!

[ADF]

Don't forget to wear a hat and t-shirt that says "new york" on it. That way people will think you're a real new yorker and won't hassle you. You might try going to the village. There's a lot of good stuff around Washington Square, including my favorite coffee place in the city, Cafe Reggio.

http://www.cafereggio.com/images/today2.jpg

[Hottub]

If you are doing the Statue of Liberty, you also must do Ellis Island. The stories and history involved is truly awesome.

[mdr55]

You could go to that club they play on the radio all the time "with only four ugly girls".

[Nothing Sound]

Everyone loves Times Square, Rockefellar Center, Grand Central........


Not everyone.

I grew up in Jersey.
NYC fucking blows. It's a shit hole.

[sailor]

Also, any tips on pissing off the locals would be helpful.

walk slowly, five-abreast with your family.

[joethebartender]

Don't waste too much time in Times square. It's cool to walk around for about an hour...after that it's just a big outdoor mall now.

Have dinner in chinatown or little italy. (maybe Puglia in little italy or peking duck house in c-town)

Go to the Metropolitan museum of art (if you have any like for fine art, you cannot beat the exhibitions in there and it only costs like $15).

For your "bar night" I recommend either the upper waste side around 79th-85th and amsterdam or go down to west 4th street in the villiage. lots of bars.

map out what you want to see before you get here or you might spend too much time/ money in taxis or waiting for (and in) trains.

...and take Ritalin's advice on the statue of liberty. Do the Empire State building if it's a clear day.

[One Dead Fred]

My girl showed me this place rififi nyc (http://www.nyc.com/link.aspx?site=http%3a%2f%2frififinyc.com%2f)

To piss people off, stop and tie your shoe at the top of an escalator.

[Bama]

The Empire State Building is a great idea. Our hotel is only a block away.

The Statue of Liberty is a must. That's about the only thing the wife wants to see. We might try to fit Ellis Island in but that's only if we have time to kill.

As for food, I'd definitely like to try some of this famous new york pizza that everyone down here always talks about. Anybody know any good places nearby?

[BoondockSaint]

I'm a big fan of one of the lesser known museums, The Frick. (http://www.frick.org/index.htm) One of the paintings there is Girl Interrupted at Her Music by Vermeer. It was the inspiration for the book and movie Girl, Interrupted.

[A.J.]

I'm a big fan of one of the lesser known museums, The Frick. (http://www.frick.org/index.htm) One of the paintings there is Girl Interrupted at Her Music by Vermeer. It was the inspiration for the book and movie Girl, Interrupted.

I haven't been there since high school but I too remember thinking how underrated it was. Good call.

[Fallon]

Don't go to Dave & Busters on 42nd street. It blows.

[joethebartender]

The Empire State Building is a great idea. Our hotel is only a block away.

The Statue of Liberty is a must. That's about the only thing the wife wants to see. We might try to fit Ellis Island in but that's only if we have time to kill.

As for food, I'd definitely like to try some of this famous new york pizza that everyone down here always talks about. Anybody know any good places nearby?

Just a warning...The statue is gonna kill most of a day...and I dont think that you can even get to the top anymore. better view from the water.

As for the pizza...Listen to GVAC...Lombardi's in Little Italy (spring & mott street)

[cougarjake13]

I'm taking my first ever trip to NYC next month. It's a two day trip on a weekend.

I'm working on my itinerary. So far I've got the Statue of Liberty, Times Square and a Broadway play.

Am I missing anything? I'd appreciate any advice you guys have on finding more bullshit tourist destinations. Also, any tips on pissing off the locals would be helpful.

Thanks!


go to the hotel where spitzer was banging the prostitute

seriously check out some museums

[BoondockSaint]

go to the hotel where spitzer was banging the prostitute



So on his trip to NYC you want him to visit a hotel in Washigton, D.C.?

Makes sense.

[DonInNC]

walk slowly, five-abreast with your family.
And refuse to cross the street until the signal says its OK. The locals will appreciate your attention to safety. They'll even mutter their appreciation under their breath.

Seriously though, I usually skip all the toursity stuff and just spend my time walking around, being part of the city.

[Contra]

For the Pizza you have to go to Little Italy, I also like Puglia's. If you can survive harlem I'd suggest Mama's spoon food 2, if it's even still there it's been years. The village has cool little shops, Chinatown has some good deals on perfume for the lady. Just make sure it's real, most is with the recent crackdowns.

[Ritalin]

The Empire State Building is a great idea. Our hotel is only a block away.

The Statue of Liberty is a must. That's about the only thing the wife wants to see. We might try to fit Ellis Island in but that's only if we have time to kill.

As for food, I'd definitely like to try some of this famous new york pizza that everyone down here always talks about. Anybody know any good places nearby?


Bama, you trust me on this one: if you're coming to New York for the first time and you only have 2 days, the Statue of Liberty is a gigantic waste of time. You're not going to have any time to kill anyway.

This is what you're going to do, you're going to take this: http://www.circlelinedowntown.com/zephyr-Schedule-Pricing.asp

You're going to have a great view of the Brooklyn Bridge, swing down the East River, around the tip of Manhattan, straight at the Statue and Ellis Island and cruise the Harbor back to South Street Seaport. Depending on your schedule, I would take the 6:00 so it's a sunset. It takes an hour and a half and you'll see so much more of the city that way. Seriously, you could stand IN LINE for an hour and a half on a weekend to tour the Statue.

Plus, once you're at South Street Seaport - which is kinda cheesy and touristy, don't hang out there - you're right around the corner from Wall Street.

Once last thing: if you do take this advice, buy your ticket for the boat online in advance, if you can.

[Bama]

Bama, you trust me on this one: if you're coming to New York for the first time and you only have 2 days, the Statue of Liberty is a gigantic waste of time. You're not going to have any time to kill anyway.

This is what you're going to do, you're going to take this: http://www.circlelinedowntown.com/zephyr-Schedule-Pricing.asp

You're going to have a great view of the Brooklyn Bridge, swing down the East River, around the tip of Manhattan, straight at the Statue and Ellis Island and cruise the Harbor back to South Street Seaport. Depending on your schedule, I would take the 6:00 so it's a sunset. It takes an hour and a half and you'll see so much more of the city that way. Seriously, you could stand IN LINE for an hour and a half on a weekend to tour the Statue.

Plus, once you're at South Street Seaport - which is kinda cheesy and touristy, don't hang out there - you're right around the corner from Wall Street.

Once last thing: if you do take this advice, buy your ticket for the boat online in advance, if you can.

I really appreciate the heads up but like I said there's nothing I can do. We're only going because my wife got a free hotel. She's really excited about going to NYC and I'm just along for the ride because she wants to go so bad.

The wife really wants to see the Statue of Liberty. She already bought some cruise ticket to get there on day 2. If this thing takes all of day 2 then it's gonna have to take all of day 2.

It looks like day 1 is gonna be Times Square, the Empire State Building and the play. Might try to fit in Central Park if that's possible.

[topless_mike]

pick up hookers.

[Cleophus James]

Dodge Cranes

[WRX5Spd]

Bama,

First off, if you've never been there, the former WTC site, ground zero.

See Trinity Church and head down Wall St. and see the Exchange and the Federal court house. Since you're locked in for the Statue, also go to Wagner Park(has a little place to grab a bite) next to Battery Park, really nice park compared to Battery. Best pizza in walking distance is http://www.thegrottonyc.com/ It's an underground place, great pizza.

Head up Water St and go to Fraunces Tavern http://www.frauncestavern.com/ for a drink and some NYC history. Wander around the old twisty streets, it's really not that big that far downtown. If you want some shopping, you can also stop by J & R, http://www.jandr.com.

Financial area downtown closes up early, and even more so on the weekends.

Late Nite, Best burger hands down: http://cornerbistro.ypguides.net/ in the West Village

Enjoy it, there's always something new to find and enjoy in NYC.

Chris

[LaBoob]

How about a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge? The view is priceless...

Also, give the cab drivers your destination or address with confidence, if they sense that you're a tourist or a rube they'll take you the long way and in the city that can take precious time and money.

[badorties]

http://www.notfortourists.com/images/LogoBug.gif (http://www.notfortourists.com/newyork.aspx)

http://www.notfortourists.com/images/pdfs/NY-PDFs-Map.jpg (http://www.notfortourists.com/NewYork-PDFs.aspx)

[topless_mike]

Dodge Cranes

dam you !
always one innerweb funny ahead of me !

[Thebazile78]

I really appreciate the heads up but like I said there's nothing I can do. We're only going because my wife got a free hotel. She's really excited about going to NYC and I'm just along for the ride because she wants to go so bad.

The wife really wants to see the Statue of Liberty. She already bought some cruise ticket to get there on day 2. If this thing takes all of day 2 then it's gonna have to take all of day 2.

It looks like day 1 is gonna be Times Square, the Empire State Building and the play. Might try to fit in Central Park if that's possible.

So you've already got your timed tickets to the Statue, that's actually good. A lot of folks come in expecting to go out to the statue and are disappointed because they can't get into the base after waiting for the Ferry out of Battery Park .... the National Parks Department allows you to pre-purchase your tickets.

Be sure that your wife understands that you are NOT ALLOWED up into the Statue itself. It is CLOSED. This is clearly stated on the National Parks Website. (http://www.nps.gov/stli/)

THE "Monument Access" Reserved Ticket ENABLES YOU TO VISIT THE MUSEUM GALLERY AND PEDESTAL OBSERVATION LEVELS ONLY. There is no access beyond the top of the statue's pedestal.

Just be sure your wife understands this clearly so she isn't disappointed. I remember when the Statue was closed for her 100th birthday ... and then when she was closed after September 11th. It still pisses me off that, seven years later, you still can't go up to the crown.

As for food... joethebartender mentioned Peking Duck in Chinatown. SO GOOD. Family style portions, wonderful service, great food ... cannot recommend it enough. It's kind of a tiny joint, so go at lunchtime (it opens at 11am) and you will be able to get the same food for half the price as dinner. My friend Sara and I go there once a year when she visits. So far, we've tried almost every chicken and pork dish on the menu. (And getting me to eat and enjoy chicken is very difficult.)

Another "don't skip this" spot is Grand Central Terminal, (http://grandcentralterminal.com/) especially if you will be there on a weekend. It's one of the few places where you can go and act like a total tourist and nobody will care...I like to stare at the ceilings, myself. It is directly across town from Times Square, which means if it's nice out you can walk. If it's not nice, take the "S" shuttle from Times Square to Grand Central and follow the crowd to the Main Concourse level. There's a cool market and neat shops on the middle concourse, as well as the world-famous Oyster Bar and Restaurant there. There's a little food court area on the lowest level with lots of variety in both price and food.

Just down the street from Grand Central is the NYPL "main branch" at Bryant Park ... this is the one with the stone lions out front. Sometimes they have cool exhibits in their gallery spaces...and they are FREE. Sara and I have seen one about the Gay Rights movement (coinciding with the anniversary of the Stonewall Riot), the impact of technology on storytelling and a bunch of others ... so cool. Honestly.

While you are on 5th Avenue, turn downtown (it is also downhill at this point) and, on the same side of the street as the NYPL you will encounter the Empire State Building. There's a Heartland Brewery inside (relatively new, but does pack out) as well as other touristy things to see and do nearby...the Grey Line Tour bus stops at ESB frequently.

Enjoy your visit to the greatest City in the World. Stay safe, be aware of your surroundings and, whatever you do, do NOT stop in the middle of the sidewalk to point at the homeless person/wax statue outside Mme. Tussaud's/stare up at the Empire State Bldg.

[Thebazile78]

Bama,

First off, if you've never been there, the former WTC site, ground zero.

See Trinity Church and head down Wall St. and see the Exchange and the Federal court house. Since you're locked in for the Statue, also go to Wagner Park(has a little place to grab a bite) next to Battery Park, really nice park compared to Battery. Best pizza in walking distance is http://www.thegrottonyc.com/ It's an underground place, great pizza.

Head up Water St and go to Fraunces Tavern http://www.frauncestavern.com/ for a drink and some NYC history. Wander around the old twisty streets, it's really not that big that far downtown. If you want some shopping, you can also stop by J & R, http://www.jandr.com.

Financial area downtown closes up early, and even more so on the weekends.

Late Nite, Best burger hands down: http://cornerbistro.ypguides.net/ in the West Village

Enjoy it, there's always something new to find and enjoy in NYC.

Chris

One thing that would make the WTC site really interesting is coming in on the PATH from NJ...you go through the Pit. I did this recently and I swear, I kept seeing the buildings as they used to be.

Anyway, if you are interested in going downtown from the Times Square area, take the E train downtown all the way to the end. Across the street is the Millennium Hilton hotel and the Trinity Church. I believe there is a temporary exhibition of artifacts and survivor stories somewhere downtown...it's google-able but I don't know the search terms offhand.

[angrymissy]

If the weather's nice, I suggest taking a walk through Central Park and relaxing. Everyone loves Times Square, Rockefellar Center, Grand Central, but I know my folks were really suprised about Central Park.

Try a really good pizza place. That means nothing with "Ray's," "Famous" or "Original" in the title. There are a host of incredible pizza places in the city (of course, right now, I'm drawing a blank on the best in Manhattan -- others may be able to help).



OMG - Bleeker St Pizza (I think its called that). Right on Bleeker ST. You order outside. DELICIOUS

[King Hippos Bandaid]

2 days isn't enough, just eat well and see what you can

tell us your favorite cuisines and we will help you along


gr8 Pizza to Sushi to high end cuisine NYC has it all


also make sure you eat a few Dirty Water dogs, stand clear of touristy areas and you can get em for a buck a piece

my picture perfect physique comes from eating many dirty water dogs

[Bama]

I'm not worried about missing anything. I'm just going to say I went, I guess.

Gonna see a few touristy things and maybe get a slice of pizza. That's pretty much it.

[ANC]

Head up Water St and go to Fraunces Tavern http://www.frauncestavern.com/ for a drink and some NYC history.

My buddy's father owns that place. Never been though I hear it's great.

[ANC]

-oops-

[led37zep]

Umm, I HIGHLY suggest not getting screwed out of your Astoria, Queens apartment a few weeks before you're supposed to move in. Then again...that may be your thing.


:furious:

[mendyweiss]

OMG - Bleeker St Pizza (I think its called that). Right on Bleeker ST. You order outside. DELICIOUS

John's of Bleeker Street

[Thebazile78]

Lombardi's Coal Oven Pizza down in Little Italy...if it's still there.

Oh, and be sure to stop and stare up at the skyscrapers, Bama.

Yes, Gregory, there is still a Lombardi's Coal Oven Pizzeria in Little Italy. (http://www.firstpizza.com/newyork.html) (They've been featured on Food Network like a zillion times.)

Bama - Depending on when your wife's timed tix are for the Statue, you might be able to eat at Lombardi's after you get back from Liberty Island. Hypothetically, you could walk uptown to get there, but Lower Manhattan isn't the nice, neat grid that Midtown is, so I would recommend a cab because I wouldn't be able to tell you how to get there from South Ferry without getting you terribly lost and footsore. My feet know the streets down there a lot better than my brain does, but I don't really hang out down there.

Another place to check out, also "near" South Ferry is South Street Seaport. Very touristy, but very cool.

[Bama]

Yes, Gregory, there is still a Lombardi's Coal Oven Pizzeria in Little Italy. (http://www.firstpizza.com/newyork.html) (They've been featured on Food Network like a zillion times.)

Bama - Depending on when your wife's timed tix are for the Statue, you might be able to eat at Lombardi's after you get back from Liberty Island. Hypothetically, you could walk uptown to get there, but Lower Manhattan isn't the nice, neat grid that Midtown is, so I would recommend a cab because I wouldn't be able to tell you how to get there from South Ferry without getting you terribly lost and footsore. My feet know the streets down there a lot better than my brain does, but I don't really hang out down there.

Another place to check out, also "near" South Ferry is South Street Seaport. Very touristy, but very cool.

Can you not take the subway?

[cupcakelove]

Can you not take the subway?

Take the 4 or 5 from Bowling Green, transfer to the 6 at City Hall, and get off at Spring St. That will put you about two blocks away, and its only like 4 or 5 stops.

[Thebazile78]

Can you not take the subway?

You can take the subway, but I was having trouble figuring out the best way to do it coming from South Ferry. I mean, you could take the #1 uptown to Canal, but it's a cross-town walk to get to the area you want to be at...although, it's the narrow part of the island, so it might not be so bad.

The #1 train runs on the West Side, but I find it's easier to take a train on the East Side to get to Chinatown/Little Italy...so I was getting brain freeze trying to get you guys there with a minimum of switching.

If I'm going to Chinatown/Little Italy, I usually take the #6 train downtown from 33rd street to Canal Street, but that's only because I am comfortable with 3 lines - the 4-5-6, the A-C-E and the cross-town Shuttle ("S") - I walk pretty much everywhere else.

[Gritty]

There's a little place on Broadway you should check out. Local joint. It's called, "The Hard Rock Cafe".

Ask for Johnny. Tell 'em Ronnie sent ya.

[Bama]

Now we're talking.

Here's my updated itenerary.

Land at LaGuardia at 10:30am. Drop off bags at hotel. (no clue how long it will take to do that but I'll assume that we're good to go by noon.)

So now we're a block away from the empire state building. Here's the things we'd like to do on day 1 - in order of priority.

Top of empire state building, NBC tour at Rockefeller center, Times Square, Central Park.

We have to be on Broadway by 8pm for the show the wife wants to see. I'm gonna plan on 7pm since I don't want to get lost.

Do you think that Empire, Rock, times square and central park are logistically possible to see in 7 hours?

I guess we could push times square and/or central park back to Sunday morning since our statue ferry doesn't leave until 11am.

[topless_mike]

Things to do in NYC


not work for Bear Stearns Cos.

[King Hippos Bandaid]

Now we're talking.

Here's my updated itenerary.

Land at LaGuardia at 10:30am. Drop off bags at hotel. (no clue how long it will take to do that but I'll assume that we're good to go by noon.)

So now we're a block away from the empire state building. Here's the things we'd like to do on day 1 - in order of priority.

Top of empire state building, NBC tour at Rockefeller center, Times Square, Central Park.

We have to be on Broadway by 8pm for the show the wife wants to see. I'm gonna plan on 7pm since I don't want to get lost.

Do you think that Empire, Rock, times square and central park are logistically possible to see in 7 hours?

I guess we could push times square and/or central park back to Sunday morning since our statue ferry doesn't leave until 11am.'

please wear an I Love NY shirt, so the muggers know who to rob

[Bellyfullasnot]

Do you think that Empire, Rock, times square and central park are logistically possible to see in 7 hours?

I guess we could push times square and/or central park back to Sunday morning since our statue ferry doesn't leave until 11am.

I don't think you mentioned which play you're seeing. Chances are, you'll be close to the attractions @ times square when you get to and from the play. If the airlines cooperate (and you have no intentions of a 2 hr dinner) I think you could easily do Empire (the pizza place downstairs is o.k., not great), Rock (St. Pat's Cathedral is also there), and the south side of the park. (East side is near F.A.O and Apple, West side is near Columbus circle and Tavern on the Green) For a cheap date and cool view take the Roosevelt Island tram round trip. Have Fun!

[Thebazile78]

Now we're talking.

Here's my updated itenerary.

Land at LaGuardia at 10:30am. Drop off bags at hotel. (no clue how long it will take to do that but I'll assume that we're good to go by noon.)

So now we're a block away from the empire state building. Here's the things we'd like to do on day 1 - in order of priority.

Top of empire state building, NBC tour at Rockefeller center, Times Square, Central Park.

We have to be on Broadway by 8pm for the show the wife wants to see. I'm gonna plan on 7pm since I don't want to get lost.

Do you think that Empire, Rock, times square and central park are logistically possible to see in 7 hours?

I guess we could push times square and/or central park back to Sunday morning since our statue ferry doesn't leave until 11am.

Personally, I would pick either Rockefeller Center OR ESB with that tight a timeframe because of all the waiting on lines you'll be doing and the schlepping from place-to-place.

Which show do you have tix to? Most B'way theatres are in the 40's so you will be in the Times Square area anyway...what are you planning on doing while in Times Square? Checking out the Hard Rock Cafe? Seeing the Toys R Us with the ferris wheel? Checking out the Virgin Megastore? Forgetting to walk while you're reading the news ticker on the outside of the ABC News building? (Honestly, I do that myself. It's VERY dangerous! However, if you eat dinner at Bubba Gump, across the street, and get a table by the window, you will be able to enjoy the news ticker while dining.)

Depending on what you want to do IN Central Park, you might want to push that to your 2nd day so there's less scrambling. Did you want to see Strawberry Field? Take a carriage ride? The "imagine" mosaic? The Central Park Zoo? The Alice in Wonderland statue ... ?

Check out both these sites for information:

Central Park.com (http://www.centralpark.com/)
Central Park Conservancy (http://www.centralparknyc.org/site/PageServer)

Check out the Rockefeller Center and ESB websites:

Empire State Building Official Site (http://www.esbnyc.com/index2.cfm?CFID=26705162&CFTOKEN=37341056)
Rockefeller Center Official Site (http://www.rockefellercenter.com/home.html)

They will give you a decent idea about how long to expect to be waiting, tour times and ticket availability. Honestly, I would check it out as soon as you can and advise you to do as much as possible online before your visit.

Good luck! April in NYC is a wonderful experience!

[Bama]

Just got back. Thanks for all the tips.

I really liked Central Park. I basically saw everything below the Jackie O reservoir. I lost track of the hours we spent hours there. Awesome.

Times Square was interesting. While down there I got to see a Broadway show called Spring Awakenings. It was incredibly gay so I like to think I got the true Broadway experience.

The Statue of Liberty was OK. The ferry part was pretty cool. The actual statue part , eh, no so much. It only took 4 hours total so we must have got lucky.

The Empire State Building SUCKED. I wish I could have those two hours back. It took forever to get there with a million different lines. Once we got to the top all I could think was - this is it? That was the only real bummer on the trip though.

All in all an interesting experience. I'll probably go back in 20 or 30 years to catch everything I missed.

[Bellyfullasnot]

Bama glad to hear you had a great time. Where did you guys eat? Some of us make a living suggesting places to our clients. Thanks.

[Thebazile78]

Just got back. Thanks for all the tips.

I really liked Central Park. I basically saw everything below the Jackie O reservoir. I lost track of the hours we spent hours there. Awesome.

Times Square was interesting. While down there I got to see a Broadway show called Spring Awakenings. It was incredibly gay so I like to think I got the true Broadway experience.

The Statue of Liberty was OK. The ferry part was pretty cool. The actual statue part , eh, no so much. It only took 4 hours total so we must have got lucky.

The Empire State Building SUCKED. I wish I could have those two hours back. It took forever to get there with a million different lines. Once we got to the top all I could think was - this is it? That was the only real bummer on the trip though.

All in all an interesting experience. I'll probably go back in 20 or 30 years to catch everything I missed.

Spring Awakening is an old German play with rock music added. Wish you'd've told us earlier ... I could have recommended earphones and a neck pillow.

You should've gotten tickets to Spamalot instead. Even with Clay Aiken (who is TOTALLY gay and I can't believe he doesn't know it) it was fantabulous. Eric Idle is an evil, money-grubbing, do-anything-for-$1, now-for-something-completely-different, genius. (And I enjoyed spending every penny the gift stands extorted from me for my souvenir can of Spam, genuine souvenir coconuts and miniature stuffed replica of the Beast guarding the Grail.)

Sorry to hear about the experience with the ESB ... I love to look at the outside and loff at all the tourists hopping off the Gray Line buses, but I'm terrified of heights, so going up to the top might be something I'll do if I ever do the stair run. (Yes, there's an annual stair run event at the ESB; I always hear about it the next day on the radio and think that's something I'd like to do sometime.)

You totally got lucky with the Statue. Some days it takes that long to get on the Ferry! If you ever wander back to NYC, definitely go to Ellis Island. I haven't been since high school, but it was fascinating. (Some of my ancestors were processed through there on their way into the USA from Eastern Europe. My grandmother keeps telling me that I have to go look for their names and their memorial brick or something.)

[Bama]

I'm afraid I didn't eat anywhere cool. Was too busy running around. We just stopped at whatever place we saw nearby.

Spring Awakenings was the wife's idea. She bought the tickets a long time ago. It was OK as far as I could tell. Broadway isn't really my thing so I don't know if one would be better then the other.

Just a little note to anyone who's never been to NYC. The subway system is easy to figure out. I've always been under the impression it was complicated. I never got lost once and I suck at directions.

[Tazz]

Spring Awakening is an old German play with rock music added. Wish you'd've told us earlier ... I could have recommended earphones and a neck pillow.

You should've gotten tickets to Spamalot instead. Even with Clay Aiken (who is TOTALLY gay and I can't believe he doesn't know it) it was fantabulous. Eric Idle is an evil, money-grubbing, do-anything-for-$1, now-for-something-completely-different, genius. (And I enjoyed spending every penny the gift stands extorted from me for my souvenir can of Spam, genuine souvenir coconuts and miniature stuffed replica of the Beast guarding the Grail.)

I just saw Spring Awakening on Sunday, and I actually liked it alot more than Spamalot. I thought the songs were better, and there was more skin and a boob.

[silks]

The hell with searching out good local restaurants, just go to Times Square! TGI Friday's AND authentic Italian at The Olive Garden! Within walking distance of each other! :wink: