|
Post by marysue63 on May 17, 2021 21:45:23 GMT
Can we revisit this thread for a bit?
We are planning a trip to NYC the first part of December. Is that a dumb time to go? We picked that time because we thought it would be cool to be there during the holiday season, but then the weather might really suck?
|
|
|
Post by artgirl1 on May 17, 2021 22:01:09 GMT
We are planning a trip to NYC the first part of December. Is that a dumb time to go? We picked that time because we thought it would be cool to be there during the holiday season, but then the weather might really suck? It really depends on what weather you are accustomed to. Except for last year, due to Covid, I go to NYC from Dec 15 - January 3 every year. While I spend most of my time with my DD and DGS, the weather has never been an issue. NYC really doesn't get as cold as many cities (certainly not like Chicago), snow is not usually an issue, and even then, the streets and sidewalks get cleared pretty quickly. I always take a comfortable pair of cold weather booties, and a quilted 3/4 coat, and have never been too cold, even when out for hours or ice skating. The advantage of a December trip is the lights, store windows, (although I don't know what is left of the stores now), the tree at Rockefeller Center, the Christmas market at Bryant Park. If you are planning on going to a show, you might check the cast, as many of the 'big stars' usually vacation in December, and the roles are filled by understudies. And in regards to Juniors cheesecake, my grocery store has them in the frozen food section now, $8.99, cheaper than a slice at the actual Juniors.
|
|
|
Post by essiejean on May 17, 2021 22:45:54 GMT
There are still many, many good restaurants in Little Italy but there is no question that it is super touristy and it can be a long wait to get a table anywhere if you don't have reservations. Roberta's is probably the pizzeria you're thinking of from Brooklyn and there is also a location in central Manhattan in the foodhall at Grand Central Station. When I took my daughters there in 2011 we stayed at my nieces little tiny apartment in Brooklyn - that was an experience all on its own. We took the subway everywhere we went. Bought a 4 day pass and really enjoyed the experience. Did Times Square, Staten Island Ferry and the Statue of Liberty. Walked around Ground Zero but the memorial was still under construction. Walked through China Town, The Financial District to see the Big Bull statue, a small corner of Central Park and Battery Park. We walked across the Brooklyn Bridge and ate at Grimaldi's Pizzeria - it was fabulous! Also did a Broadway show and ate at a really great famous Deli close by that I believe was the Stage Deli which closed in 2012 after 75 years. Walking from the deli to the theatre we also met Ben Stiller jogging - he was kind enough to stop and chat and take a photo with my daughters. One morning we got up early and waited outside the Today Show studios for their weekly concert. It was Scotty McCreery. We even got on TV during the concert. That was a blast but with COVID I'm not sure if or when those will start again. We also took the subway to Coney Island and spent an afternoon there. Some of the time on the beach and some of the time walking the boardwalk and around the amusement park. Very dirty in my opinion but it was still a great experience. Almost forgot - before we got there my daughter secured tickets for us to attend a Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon taping. That was a blast! Two of the Kardashian girls were guests. We were also selected (along with about a dozen others) to go onstage (above the band) during their song. We all just danced on the upper platform while they played! So fun!
|
|
TankTop
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1,871
Posts: 4,784
Location: On the couch...
Jun 28, 2014 1:52:46 GMT
|
Post by TankTop on May 17, 2021 23:31:00 GMT
I have been many times with my kiddos. Hands down our favorite place to stay is the Park Lane. It is right by Central Park. There are subway stations right outside the door. We also love that there is a Whole Foods nearby with a great food court for an easy meal.
|
|
|
Post by kenziekeeper on May 17, 2021 23:50:36 GMT
I have been many times with my kiddos. Hands down our favorite place to stay is the Park Lane. It is right by Central Park. There are subway stations right outside the door. We also love that there is a Whole Foods nearby with a great food court for an easy meal. Do you mind sharing approx. what you normally pay per night here? I just checked the fall dates I’m considering and it seems much higher than some others I’ve looked at - any thoughts?
|
|
TankTop
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1,871
Posts: 4,784
Location: On the couch...
Jun 28, 2014 1:52:46 GMT
|
Post by TankTop on May 18, 2021 0:28:09 GMT
I generally wait until they are running a special or book based on lowest rate. Last time I stayed there was right after NYE. I believe 4-7th ish.
We paid $145 per night for a queen, park view room.
I now get emails from them all the time with mega discounts. See if you can get in their list.
The room we book is HUGE for NYC standards.
|
|
|
Post by kiera on May 18, 2021 0:36:43 GMT
I live here so I can't help with hotels, but I highly, highly recommend stopping at The Ink Pad on W 19th Street! There's also a great bakery near The Ink Pad called City Cakes where you can get a massive (1/2lb) cookie... I recommend that too, they're on 18th St. Broadway will be reopening starting in September, and concerts are coming back as well, if you're interested in either of those things. The 7-day Metrocard might be worth it, but you cannot share this card - you can only swipe it once every 18ish minutes at the same station, so each person will need their own card, but it's around $32 for the full week - each ride is $2.75, so if the math makes sense, do that. If you don't want to spend money on visiting Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, the Staten Island ferry is free. We have an outlet mall next to the ferry terminal now on the SI side if you want to check that out before heading back into the city! The ferry ride is 25 minutes each way. I recommend leaving Manhattan in general, the outer boroughs have a lot to offer as well! For example, I'd try to get over to the Brooklyn Museum and walk around Prospect Park while you're over there, if you can.
Also, please be mindful of the people around you on the sidewalks. If you need to get your bearings or check a map, that's totally fine, just move to the side! It might sound like common sense but I can't tell you how many times I've needed to stop short while walking down 6th Avenue because a whole family stopped in the middle of the sidewalk in order to Google something. Right side of the escalator is for standing, left is for passing. Again, may seem obvious, but I'm putting it out there anyway.
|
|
garcia5050
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,734
Location: So. Calif.
Jun 25, 2014 23:22:29 GMT
|
Post by garcia5050 on May 18, 2021 2:03:03 GMT
When I took my daughters there in 2011 we stayed at my nieces little tiny apartment in Brooklyn - that was an experience all on its own. We took the subway everywhere we went. Bought a 4 day pass and really enjoyed the experience. Did Times Square, Staten Island Ferry and the Statue of Liberty. Walked around Ground Zero but the memorial was still under construction. Walked through China Town, The Financial District to see the Big Bull statue, a small corner of Central Park and Battery Park. We walked across the Brooklyn Bridge and ate at Grimaldi's Pizzeria - it was fabulous! Also did a Broadway show and ate at a really great famous Deli close by that I believe was the Stage Deli which closed in 2012 after 75 years. Walking from the deli to the theatre we also met Ben Stiller jogging - he was kind enough to stop and chat and take a photo with my daughters. One morning we got up early and waited outside the Today Show studios for their weekly concert. It was Scotty McCreery. We even got on TV during the concert. That was a blast but with COVID I'm not sure if or when those will start again. We also took the subway to Coney Island and spent an afternoon there. Some of the time on the beach and some of the time walking the boardwalk and around the amusement park. Very dirty in my opinion but it was still a great experience. Almost forgot - before we got there my daughter secured tickets for us to attend a Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon taping. That was a blast! Two of the Kardashian girls were guests. We were also selected (along with about a dozen others) to go onstage (above the band) during their song. We all just danced on the upper platform while they played! So fun! I cannot believe how well you planned this out. This trip sounds amazing.
|
|
|
Post by essiejean on May 18, 2021 15:09:38 GMT
When I took my daughters there in 2011 we stayed at my nieces little tiny apartment in Brooklyn - that was an experience all on its own. We took the subway everywhere we went. Bought a 4 day pass and really enjoyed the experience. Did Times Square, Staten Island Ferry and the Statue of Liberty. Walked around Ground Zero but the memorial was still under construction. Walked through China Town, The Financial District to see the Big Bull statue, a small corner of Central Park and Battery Park. We walked across the Brooklyn Bridge and ate at Grimaldi's Pizzeria - it was fabulous! Also did a Broadway show and ate at a really great famous Deli close by that I believe was the Stage Deli which closed in 2012 after 75 years. Walking from the deli to the theatre we also met Ben Stiller jogging - he was kind enough to stop and chat and take a photo with my daughters. One morning we got up early and waited outside the Today Show studios for their weekly concert. It was Scotty McCreery. We even got on TV during the concert. That was a blast but with COVID I'm not sure if or when those will start again. We also took the subway to Coney Island and spent an afternoon there. Some of the time on the beach and some of the time walking the boardwalk and around the amusement park. Very dirty in my opinion but it was still a great experience. Almost forgot - before we got there my daughter secured tickets for us to attend a Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon taping. That was a blast! Two of the Kardashian girls were guests. We were also selected (along with about a dozen others) to go onstage (above the band) during their song. We all just danced on the upper platform while they played! So fun! I cannot believe how well you planned this out. This trip sounds amazing. The only plan in place was the Jimmy Fallon taping because we had tickets and The Today Show for the concert Every other excursion was planned either the night before or the morning of which made it so much more fun because we didn't feel like we were tied to a schedule. We just got up and jumped on the Subway and headed out for an adventure! After the first full day of touring we ended our evening at a nail salon down the street from the apartment. We all got a pedicure with the works cause our feet/legs were worn out! The broadway show was my husbands idea (he didn't take the trip) - we were talking one evening and I was filling him in on what we had done that day and he said "you can't to to NYC and not go to a broadway show" so he said just do it and even said to buy my niece and her room mates tickets since we were staying at their place. We got tickets to Chicago and Christie Brinkley was playing Roxie Hart at the time. We absolutely loved it! I also forgot to mention that one morning we headed to New Jersey to visit Carlos Bakery (it was a mega hit show at the time) and my youngest daughter requested that location. Her other request was to ride in a NYC Taxi - LOL which we did from the airport to my nieces apartment in Brooklyn - that in itself was an experience for us.
|
|
|
Post by workingclassdog on May 18, 2021 15:23:20 GMT
Can we revisit this thread for a bit? We are planning a trip to NYC the first part of December. Is that a dumb time to go? We picked that time because we thought it would be cool to be there during the holiday season, but then the weather might really suck? I'm the OP.... we have decided not to go (it was going to be in Sept on the 20th anniversary). A friend of my sister who lives there, advised us to wait another year if we do go, she says it totally sucks to be there. (Maybe December though it will be more 'normal') Then a few other life things happened and money is a little tighter than expected. Dumb taxes and bought a new truck (tags and a little higher payment), so between those two expenses and a wedding we are attending, we decided not to spread ourselves too thin.
|
|
|
Post by workingclassdog on May 18, 2021 15:25:17 GMT
There are still many, many good restaurants in Little Italy but there is no question that it is super touristy and it can be a long wait to get a table anywhere if you don't have reservations. Roberta's is probably the pizzeria you're thinking of from Brooklyn and there is also a location in central Manhattan in the foodhall at Grand Central Station. When I took my daughters there in 2011 we stayed at my nieces little tiny apartment in Brooklyn - that was an experience all on its own. We took the subway everywhere we went. Bought a 4 day pass and really enjoyed the experience. Did Times Square, Staten Island Ferry and the Statue of Liberty. Walked around Ground Zero but the memorial was still under construction. Walked through China Town, The Financial District to see the Big Bull statue, a small corner of Central Park and Battery Park. We walked across the Brooklyn Bridge and ate at Grimaldi's Pizzeria - it was fabulous! Also did a Broadway show and ate at a really great famous Deli close by that I believe was the Stage Deli which closed in 2012 after 75 years. Walking from the deli to the theatre we also met Ben Stiller jogging - he was kind enough to stop and chat and take a photo with my daughters. One morning we got up early and waited outside the Today Show studios for their weekly concert. It was Scotty McCreery. We even got on TV during the concert. That was a blast but with COVID I'm not sure if or when those will start again. We also took the subway to Coney Island and spent an afternoon there. Some of the time on the beach and some of the time walking the boardwalk and around the amusement park. Very dirty in my opinion but it was still a great experience. Almost forgot - before we got there my daughter secured tickets for us to attend a Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon taping. That was a blast! Two of the Kardashian girls were guests. We were also selected (along with about a dozen others) to go onstage (above the band) during their song. We all just danced on the upper platform while they played! So fun! That is AMAZING!!
|
|
|
Post by ~summer~ on Oct 7, 2021 20:13:33 GMT
I generally wait until they are running a special or book based on lowest rate. Last time I stayed there was right after NYE. I believe 4-7th ish. We paid $145 per night for a queen, park view room. I now get emails from them all the time with mega discounts. See if you can get in their list. The room we book is HUGE for NYC standards. bumping this bc I’m planning trip over winter break - this Park Lane hotel looks great - right now a room with 2 queens is $600/night. Amazing you got it for $145/night. Would love other hotel suggestions. Also looking at The New Yorker mentioned above which is running more like $450/night…
|
|
|
Post by katlady on Oct 7, 2021 20:20:31 GMT
We’ve stayed near Times Square before. The area is very convenient to a lot of things, especially the museums and Broadway. And the area is very busy and alive with people. But the next time we go, I want to stay farther south in a quieter part of the island. There are so many great places to eat all over that I figure we will find some cool places to eat outside of the more touristy areas.
|
|
|
Post by floridagirl on Oct 7, 2021 20:29:31 GMT
I was just in Chelsea yesterday to go to Kleinfelds.. The new harry potter store was great!
|
|
|
Post by janamke on Oct 7, 2021 20:48:16 GMT
If you are looking for a place to stay that is clean, inexpensive and zero frills, we loved POD. There are 2 locations, we stayed in Times Square. I personally loved staying in that area. My daughter had never been to NYC and the constant energy and people watching was perfect for her. Our hotel was $109-$120 per night in the middle of July.
|
|
pilcas
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 2,945
Aug 14, 2015 21:47:17 GMT
|
Post by pilcas on Oct 7, 2021 21:40:39 GMT
If your interested in high rise observatories The Edge is the newest. You get to stand on a glass platform and look down!
|
|
|
Post by ntsf on Oct 7, 2021 21:46:13 GMT
metropolitan museum of art..
|
|
|
Post by 950nancy on Oct 8, 2021 2:29:57 GMT
I have too many opinions to put here, but skip Serendipity. It's expensive and a tourist trap and the food isn't good. Use Today Tix for Broaday tickets - good discounts, good shows. Beg your son to go with you - Broadway is going to need all the support it can get! I know Mrs. Doubtfire is currently running and that might be a good Broadway show that you son might also enjoy.
|
|
smginaz Suzy
Pearl Clutcher
Je suis desole.
Posts: 2,606
Jun 26, 2014 17:27:30 GMT
|
Post by smginaz Suzy on Oct 8, 2021 5:32:33 GMT
Lots of my favorites mentioned! My favorite add would be bikethebigapple.com to do a bike tour, although if it's wintry weather, might not be for everyone. If anyone has mobility issues, I recommend renting a pedi-cab, I did one for Central Park, as it allowed my friend to see much more of the park and travel to parts of the part not accessible to regular vehicles. Plus, the pedi-cab could stop so she could get out and take photos and walk short distances. Worth it to take the subway to Brooklyn, and it's one of the places I will check for TKTS too. And when the tram is working, I take it to Roosevelt Island so I can take pictures of the skyline.
|
|
peppermintpatty
Pearl Clutcher
Refupea #1345
Posts: 3,861
Jun 26, 2014 17:47:08 GMT
|
Post by peppermintpatty on Oct 8, 2021 11:51:24 GMT
Skip Serendipity. It's way overpriced and does NOT live up to the hype. The High Line is nice but it is more of a treat for those who live in NYC because greenspace is at a minimum. I would skip it. Times Square at Night - during the day it's not that exciting. The World Trade Center is very moving! If anyone gets motion sick, there are things that can set it off. Just sayin' The Statue of Liberty A Broadway Show Central Park is beautiful
Sadly, so many shops and restaurants have closed because of the pandemic. Stay away from Chelsea because it has become ripe for crime. I have been there at least a hundred times. Do NOT stay in Times Square. There are so many nicer and quieter hotels. Be prepared for staying in a shoebox. They are tiny!
|
|
|
Post by wrongwayfeldman on Oct 8, 2021 13:31:38 GMT
I'm also going in early December: I'm taking a friend who's never been with her 20 yr old DD who's also a first -timer. My DD went to college there and now lives in Philly. She's visited since college numerous times, and having lived there 4 years, she always knows the best hidden gems. She's meeting us there for a three day weekend and I'm looking forward to seeing it with friends who've never been before. I've been about 8 times now, so I feel comfortable planning a trip for them. They want to do all the touristy things, but we only have 2 1/2 days, so it'll be tough but we're going to try.
I've only stayed near Times Square once (on my first trip) and I would not recommend it since there are so many other areas that are better. We've loved staying in Brooklyn and taking the train into the city. Once we stayed in Jersey and that was also pretty convenient. Midtown was also quieter but still close. This time, since they want to be near Broadway, we're staying at the Manhattan at Times Square. It ended up being just over 500 for 2 nights for 2 Queen beds. Not my first pick, but pretty cheap for the city.
Some of our plans include an early Sunday morning visit to Little Island on the Hudson Bay (brand new and SO cool- you should check that out for sure!) then a quick walk across the High Line to get into Chelsea Market and a stop at Los Tacos Numero Uno for the absolute BEST tacos in the city. Super cheap, too! We'll get there right when they open since the line is always super long otherwise.
We're seeing Waitress on Friday night, followed by a late dinner, then walk by Bergdorf Goodman's amazing holiday window displays before heading over to Serendipity's for their frozen hot chocolate. No food there for us, though: it's never been good and way overpriced. If you plan to stop there, be sure to get on the wait list, even if it's just for dessert: the line can be hours long. We've ended up there at 1am before but since we're just going for the hot chocolate, we were fine with that. We tend to get up early and stay out til after midnight trying to cram it all in, so we plan for a tired week after.
As long as you don't want to go inside much, you can walk to several places for a view and pics and cover quite a bit of ground. We'll see Radio City Music Hall, Rockefeller Center, Tiffany's, St Patrick's Cathedral, walk along 5th Ave to see the shops, go through Grand Central, pass the NY Public Library and end up at Bryant Park in just a few hours.
On Saturday, we plan to see the 9/11 Memorial site and then head over for a pic at the charging bull before getting a snack at Leo's bagels, Big Gay Ice Cream, and pics by the Brooklyn Bridge. Then it's on to West Village to peek at the Friends apartment on Bedford St and then a pic near 23 Cornelia St (my friend's DD is a big Taylor Swift fan). After that, we'll head to Washington Square Park for dinner, The Strand Book Store, and then Spot Dessert Bar (a MUST-SEE in my opinion).
You can really take in a lot if you're not planning to buy tickets and go on tours or shop much. We like walking alot and taking it all in, and that way our friends get a little taste of what's there and can plan another trip to visit their favorite spots.
I've spent a whole weekend in Brooklyn and it has some fantastic restaurants, parks, and shopping. I could walk around the Garment District all day long, and the same goes with Hell's Kitchen and Greenwich Village.
I've been in late January before and it was SO COLD! The time I went in early December, it was chilly but not super cold. Definitely dress in layers and bring along options and good walking shoes.
You really can't see it all in one trip, but I'm sure you'll have an amazing time, and then you can plan your return!!
|
|
|
Post by wrongwayfeldman on Oct 8, 2021 13:38:28 GMT
Another thought: we were there in September and every restaurant, and some shops, required proof of vaccine to enter. Most need to see the actual card, so have it ready. I've gotten so many tips from thhis youtuber: she's a lifelong resident and her short videos are a great place to start. Her most recent one is all about the new observation deck experience Summit One Vanderbilt. It looks awesome!! www.youtube.com/c/SarahFunky/videos
|
|
|
Post by ~summer~ on Oct 8, 2021 15:07:14 GMT
We are going between Christmas and New Years and our normal plan is to walk all over the city exploring the neighborhoods- i really hope it isn’t too cold to do that! (I do realize it will be cold) We are staying in Soho - wrongwayfeldman you have some great suggestions - I will look forward to your trip report!
|
|