NYC planning pre-trip About This Page:

[mestitch]

Okay, here are our plans for NYC... we pretty much only have one day and one night to spend. So for any New Yorkers or for those of you who have visited there, let me know your opinion.

*We're leaving Suffern, NY by train to arrive in NYC by 9:30am.
*Visit Ground Zero, (DH says you can see the Statue of Liberty in this area, I don't really have to see it up close)
*Go to Greenwich Village and have lunch in this area (DH found a pizzeria here that he wants to try)
*Visit Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village
*Go to Rockefellar Center and possibly do NBC tour
*Window shop on 5th avenue
*World Of Disney
*Dinner somewhere around Times Square (Possiby Da Rosina Italian Restaurant)
*Empire State Building at night
*Back to Park Central New York Hotel for the night


The next morning we hope to grab some bagels somewhere for breakfast and visit Central Park before hopping a train back to Suffern to meet up with the in-laws and head home.

What do you think?

[SHEANA1226]

Sounds like a wonderful trip! I can't wait to hear about it!

[Kylesmom]

Try to go to "Jekells & Hydes". The food and place is awesome.

[Bert & Sully]

Two words: Li-Lac Chocolates

[mestitch]

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Try to go to "Jekells & Hydes". The food and place is awesome.

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DH talked about going there, he's been before. I'm thinking about it

[at12tone]

Well, speaking as an almost New Yorker (I live in NJ and go in frequently), I think you could tweak your trip just slightly and guarantee a more satisfying experience.

*Visit Ground Zero, (DH says you can see the Statue of Liberty in this area, I don't really have to see it up close)

I understand that this is important to some people, but I just don't nececessarily get it. There isn't anything to see, and I wonder if you want to start your day in the city with such a downer. As a possible morning alternative, you might consider a circle line cruise around the city, where you'll also be able to see the Satue of Liberty and get a nice overview of the city. www.circleline42.com


*Go to Greenwich Village and have lunch in this area (DH found a pizzeria here that he wants to try)
*Visit Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village

The Village is a blast, and you'll get a real sense of what NYC is really about. I don't know the particular place your husband is attracted to, but the pizza is pretty good throughout the city. If you're looking for something more substantial, there are an infinite number of really good cafes in the area that will give you a real New York dining experience and grab a slice before bed.

*Go to Rockefellar Center and possibly do NBC tour

The NBC tour is great, but don't expect to walk up and do it. I think you have to reserve it in advance, because it's VERY popular. There isn't much to do there except the tour this time of year, but it is right by 5th ave, so it won't be a big leap out of your way. More on the below...

*Window shop on 5th avenue
*World Of Disney
Always a fun time! Be sure to go into the places you can't get anywhere else, like Barney's and the REAL Saks (which btw, is right next to St. Patrick's Cathedral, which you HAVE to take a look inside, it's gorgeous) and not just go to the steroid sized versions of the mall stores.

*Dinner somewhere around Times Square (I want to go to Bubba Gump's Shrimp Co., but DH made fun of me )

Just so you know, with the possible exception of Jekyl and Hyde's and maybe the Hard Rock Cafe, nothing raises the ire of New Yorkers more than when people visit one of the dining capitols of the world and eat at a big chain restaurant. It sounds like you'll be having only one full meal in the city, Treat yourself!! If you are excited about the Times Square area, the Novotel at Broadway and 51st(?) has some extraordinary views and reasonable prices. The food is ok by NY standards, but certainly better than the big chains. The Manhattan Chili Co. next door to the Ed Sullivan Theater where they tape Letterman is also ok if you are looking for something less fancy (no views)

*Empire State Building at night
*Go to Rockefellar Center and possibly do NBC tour (redux)

NOW WE'RE TALKING!!!! The ESB is my FAVORITE tourist attraction and you will have a fabulous time. If I could give you one piece of advice to make this trip something that you will never forget, this would be it. Either before or after your trip to the ESB, go (back?) to Rockefeller Center and go for a drink at the Rainbow Room. It isn't cheap, probably about $15 a drink, but you cannot match the ambience for anything, and you'll be eye level with the lit up part of the ESB. It's a nice match, because the one thing you can't see from the ESB is the ESB.

I'm sure you'll have a great time no matter what you do. There's a reason the song says "I love New York in June"


Alan

[poohsgirl]

<font color="purple">Your plans sound doable Mel.
Be prepared for lots of walking!
The Village is awesome, too bad you won't be able to hang out there at night. Like the song says "The freaks come out at night!" If you are in the area stop by The Chocolate Bar for a taste of unusual chocolate flavors.

I haven't really eaten anywhere by Times Square, that hasn't been some sort of chain. My choice spots are either downtown or more uptown. I did go to Jekyll &amp; Hyde's once and enjoyed the entire "show" of the place.

Most importantly, when you get off the train from Suffern(Sex &amp; the City flashbacks here!)buy a 1 day Fun Pass. It costs $7 and gives you unlimited access of the subways &amp; buses until 3a.m the following day! With all of the city hopping you'll be doing, it's a great investment. </font>

[BabieeMelly]

Hey Melissa! Here's my take on your trip... I LOVE the city!

*We're leaving Suffern, NY by train to arrive in NYC by 9:30am.
*Visit Ground Zero, (DH says you can see the Statue of Liberty in this area, I don't really have to see it up close)

I agree with Alan... I know this is an important site, but there's not much to see. You'll probably only spend 20 minutes here, tops, just to reflect. then you have to walk a few blocks down to the East iver to see the Statue of Liberty.

*Go to Greenwich Village and have lunch in this area (DH found a pizzeria here that he wants to try)
*Visit Washington Square Park in Greenwich Village

I LOVE the Village! It's TOO much fun... there are tons of small shops and cafes all over the place. Pizza in NY is the best anywhere so eat up!

*Go to Rockefellar Center and possibly do NBC tour

Do NOT do the NBC Tour It's a waste of time, I'll tell you that. My dad works there and we hang out there all the time. We sit on the set of SNL and the tour groups only go up to the window, and we wave as they go by lmao Especially at this time of year when SNL and Conan will be done for the year I wouldn't bother. If anything, maybe we can set something up where my dad and I can meet you in the lobby and we can take you up for a private tour and you can actually go on all the sets and take pictures and stuff. It's better than paying to only see half the stuff anf not being able to go on the sets and take pics Let me know!

*Window shop on 5th avenue
*World Of Disney

Can't go wrong there!

*Dinner somewhere around Times Square (I want to go to Bubba Gump's Shrimp Co., but DH made fun of me )

Definitely eat at Ellen's Stardust Diner... it's my favorite restaurant of all time! the wait staff are all auditioning for Broadway, in off-Broadwa plays or were on Broadway at one time. They sing as they deliver the food and stuff. It's set up like an old 50's diner with all memorablia (Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, etc) and there's a large screen that plays famous scenes from musicals - Grease, West Side Story, Singin' in the Rain, etc. The waitors all have amazing voices and it's so much fun... and the food is DELICIOUS!

*Empire State Building at night

Definitely not to be missed. However, at this time of year it's going to be PACKED! Get there way in advance of the closing time and be ready to wait...and wait...and wait. The elevator ride up is fun, though, and the view can't be beat Also be sure to take the flight simulator... it's on he 2nd floor I think?? It's like Soarin' but you fly around NYC!

*Back to Park Central New York Hotel for the night

Be sure not to miss Central Park the next day... it's gorgeous!


Have you thought about maybe seeing a Broadway show?

[mestitch]

It's my choice to see Ground Zero just b/c I feel like I would regret it if I didn't. We don't really have time to do the cruise. DH loves Greenwich Village and since we're not really picky eaters and want a light lunch that's why he chose to eat somewhere there (Our eateries aren't set in stone since we tend to change our mind last minute). I also want to spend more money on shopping than on food so I'm still deciding on where we might eat dinner. (I understand the chain thing, since we've moved to Charlotte I refuse to eat anywhere here that's a chain and we had back home before we moved). I still don't know about the tour, I figure I'll want to spend that time shopping and DH said with the amount of time we'll have we'll have to choose, and I choose shopping! And I completely forgot about St. Patrick's Cathederal, I've had some others mention that so I need to add that to our list. I figure Andy's uncle Pat (lives in Suffern) will have some more things we'll add last minute to our list when we get to his house This is one of the first trips I've handed over to Andy to plan since he knows more about the area than I do. So I'm trying to jump in here at the end

[mestitch]

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Most importantly, when you get off the train from Suffern(Sex &amp; the City flashbacks here!)buy a 1 day Fun Pass. It costs $7 and gives you unlimited access of the subways &amp; buses until 3a.m the following day! With all of the city hopping you'll be doing, it's a great investment.


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Andy told me about this and he plans on doing this for us. He also found a website that tells you times from one place to the next and how you need to go to get somewhere. I think the pass is an excellent idea!

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Have you thought about maybe seeing a Broadway show?


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We thought about it and checked into it, but the things we'd like to see are either sold out or way to expensive for us at the moment. And I'm not sure if we'd have enough time just having one night.

[jimmymac]

Good plan:
-You can't see Lady Liberty from Ground Zero - you have to walk over to the river
-NYC has the best pizza in the world
-Washington Square Park is really nice
-You might need tickets for the NBC tour
-Empire State Building is something to seem - especially at night

Will you be taking cabs or the subway? That's a pretty large area you going to cover

Enjoy your trip!

[mestitch]

We'll be purchasing the pass for the subway so we can use it all day. Also I think I found a good place I want to eat for dinner. Da Rosina Italian Restaurant.

I really just want to see the statue from a distance. From what my family says that's all I need to. (My MIL grew up in the Bronx).

[jimmymac]

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It's my choice to see Ground Zero just b/c I feel like I would regret it if I didn't. (I dopn't know how to get the quote in the rectangle).

I understand how you feel. There's not much to see at Waterloo or Gettysburg either, but they're still sacred sights in history where thousands gave their lives. I was covering the attack on the towers and I watched them come down in front of me, and the emptiness I felt that day I will never forget. Keep their memory alive - put the Towers back!

[lauren-roxy]

Whatever you decide to do Melissa, have a wonderful time!! My husband and I used to go to NYC all the time before we had kids and it really is a fun place to visit and there is a ton of things to do!! Can't wait to read your trip report!! I love NYC!!!!!

[BabieeMelly]

Yep, whatever you decide to do, have fun And I would go shopping instead of the tour... I'm telling you, it's a waste of time. Let us know what you decide!