Going to New York.

You're going to have a great time. I'm so excited for you. The Phantom of the Opera is my all time favorite.

How fun! NYC is my favorite! My favorite show is Wicked. However, we also loved Lion King. It really depends on what type of show you are in the mood to see.

one of the best shows on broadway now is Gentlemen's Guide to Love and Murder. also, PIppin is really good. if you have never been and haven't been to many shows, though, you might want to see Wicked or Lion King.

My vote is for Wicked. I absolutely LOVE Chelsea Market. Central Park and Governor's Island are cool. Also the High Line . What kinds of things interest you? Shopping, fashion, touristy vs local off-the-beaten-path, museums?

I am a musical person, so my suggestions lean in that direction. Lion King and Wicked are perennial favorites. Both are still open. Not sure about ticket availability for either these days. Both remain quite popular. Book of Mormon is generally sold out. Pippin was fabulous, but closed. Cabaret is closing soon too. If/Then (Idina Menzel) is closing any minute now so that's out too.

An American in Paris is coming to Broadway very soon. Not sure when previews end, but you should be able to get tickets now for May. Prices are a little less during previews. I am waiting for my March work schedule and plan to see it in previews. It got rave reviews in Paris. On the Town is also supposed to be fabulous. Annoyed that I have to wait to see it now. I missed my chance earlier. Finding Neverland will be open by then. We know 2 of the young boys in that. I know people love Aladdin, but I wouldn't pick that one for a once in a life time trip. Kinky Boots is fun! Have not seen Hedwig and the Angry Inch yet. I have not seen the revival of Les Mis (saw the original a few times), but it should be fresh as the leads and children have all be recast very recently. We adored Matilda. It has humor for everyone.

If you want to see Chicago, there are generally seats available for half price at the TKTS booth, most nights. Same for Mama Mia, Jersey Boys and Phantom of the Opera.

Best nights for ticket availability for most shows is Tuesday night. Many theaters are dark on Mondays, but those that are open usually have seats available.

As far as a nice dinner, what is the price range and what type of restaurant would you be interested in? There are quite a few good restaurants in the theater district.

I highly recommend the Circle Line Landmark (semi circle)  for a great overview tour and if you like walking, walk the High Line down to the Chelsea Market.

If museums are your thing, the Met and the MOMA would be my first recommendations.

The Met is on Central Park, so ties in perfectly with a walk through the park. The MOMA is in midtown, so near Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Station, the Public Library and not far from Times Square.

I can also recommend the Foods of NY Tours as a nice way to explore a neighborhood.

If you are looking for another evening show besides Broadway, check out Stomp.

Definitely take in the 911 Memorial and Museum.

I wish I was planning a trip right now - have fun!

What a sweet gift from your son! I have to throw in another vote for Wicked. I adore that show!

We love seeing Matilda, the kids are amazing in it. As far as restaurants, my favs are: Carnegie Deli, ABC Kitchen, Shake Shack, Spice Market, Burger Joint, Dominique Ansel's Bakery, Levains (amazing cookies!), Grimaldi's Pizza (by the Brooklyn Bridge), Joe's Pizza, City Bakery (for their hot chocolate), Eataly, Carmine's (family style), Momofuku milk bar, Quality Meats....I could go on and on....love that city so much!

How exciting! What a wonderful son!

I went for the first time last year.  My DH was in meetings all day and I was a bit overwhelmed since I didn't even plan for my trip.  Just decided to go at the last minute.

I have to tell you I bought 2 passes on those tourist buses.  1 day Uptown.  1 day Downtown.  I LOVED IT!  Got to see everything in 2 days!  Get on and off where you want.  The bus will pick you up when you are ready.   Included is also free tickets to the top of the Rock and some other places.  Can't remember now.  

If you want to climb up into the Statue of Liberty make your reservation now.  You had to have a reservation (which I didn't know about)

We saw Newsies.   Loved it!  I was surprised at how small the theatre was!  I'd only been in LA.  

We had the cheap pizza one day.  Loved it!   Juniors.  Yummo.  Got a treat from the Cake Boss near Times square.    

I really want to go back.   

Have FUN!

What a wonderful weekend!

For Broadway, I recommend the Lion King if you want to see a musical. It is visually stunning and the music is amazing! I'm not a person that is crazy about all things Disney but this show is unforgettable. Wicked is also fabulous, but the Lion King is something I will never forget.

The Top of the Rock (the NBC building) has great views of the city and Central Park.

Central Park will be beautiful at that time. (I was surprised at how beautiful spring in NYC can be!)

Walk "The High Line" (The High Line is a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. It runs from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues.) The high line is beautiful and unique. It's a walking trail up above the streets and it has trees and flowers. I've never seen anything like it.

The High Line

Wicked. Serendipity. Junior's cheesecake! Spend time walking through Central Park. Nice time of year, weather-wise, for us. Enjoy!!