NYC Hangover
Posted by Caren Crane Jun 16 2012, 11:36 am
Lashings of apologies for the super-late post today, but I have a big old travel hangover this morning! The youngest daughter and I got back from NYC late last night. Can you think of a better reason to have a travel hangover? I love NYC!
I know some of you live in NYC and, therefore, have unique perspectives on the city and its environs. However, here are some of my personal, touristy (possibly nerdy) favorite things about NYC:
1. Central Park – I’ve been all over Manhattan on a number of previous trips, but had only dipped my walking shoes into the Park before this trip. The youngest, however, is a huge fan of Shakespeare and statuary. As you might guess, she dragged me ALL OVER Central Park on our four-day trip. Twice! We didn’t have a camera (gasp!) the first day, so when we bought one the second day we realized we would have to retrace our steps so she could get the pictures she needed – for her blog. Are there any pictures of me with the Alice in Wonderland statue or with Robert Burns? Why no, there aren’t. What we do for our kids!
2. Times Square – Times Square is a big old hot mess. It is packed at all times of the day and night, teeming with tourists (like me) and people trying hard to sell things to tourists. It is also, I’m, sorry to say, home to the most common restaurants in New York. We were appalled to note there is an Olive Garden right across from the TKTS booth. Gag! Of course, there are also some extra fun, extra touristy things like the M&M store (where you can mix your own bag of colors) and Hershey World (with the world’s biggest Hershey Kiss). I also saw more people dressed as Elmo than I ever thought possible. A couple of them were even pretending to have a fistfight. Fun!
3. TKTS – Almost as much fun as going to shows in NYC is buying tickets to see shows in NYC. While standing in line, you get to hear other people talk about their favorite shows, listen to the TKTS employees talk about all the shows and listen to random people who are pimping restaurants, shows and religion talk about their favorite shows. We saw Phantom of the Opera (second time for me, but the daughter wanted to see it) and also saw the Off-Broadway play Potted Potter. I felt like an insider when I got home and saw that Potted Potter made the Must List this week in Entertainment Weekly. 
4. Street Food – I steer clear of hot dogs, but I am a fan of a good food cart. When I was in NYC for the RWA conference years ago, I got this amazingly good gyro platter from this cart near the midtown Hilton. I kept telling people how awesome it was, much to their horror (since most declared they would never eat street food). Turns out the Halal Guys have the best street cart in NYC! I was able to find them again and we went and had gyros there this week. My daughter loved it, too, and we ate ours under the sheltered drive at the Hilton because it was pouring rain. Awesome!
5. The New York Public Library – The architecture is beautiful, the aura is amazing and everything about it bespeaks generations of people with a love for learning and literature. Yes, we went inside and we spent money in the gift shop. What other library has a gift shop?? We could have stayed all day, except we had to run away to catch a plane. We did enjoy a few quality minutes in Bryant Park (right next door), as well.
I don’t have time to post about the Lego store or Nintendo World or any of the other cool stuff. I could wax rhapsodic about the 5 hours we spent in the Metropolitan Museum of Art or even about the subway system. It was really a magical trip!
So what are your favorite things about New York City? If you haven’t been, what is on your Must See list if you get to go? For you guys who live there, what is your favorite thing tourists don’t know about? I can’t wait to hear!
Meanwhile, I need more coffee for my travel hangover…
Posted in Broadway, Caren Crane, Central Park, Metro, musicals, New York City, subway system, Times Square, TKTS, tourists
Comments
I would love to see a broadway show:)
Gail, lucky you only have the GR for half a day – he’s hard on the furniture!
I hope you do get to see a Broadway show. It’s really a fantastic experience. I’ve seen some great touring shows in the Broadway South series, but the staging is always fantastic at the theaters in New York!
So far, I’ve seen Phantom of the Opera (twice) and Chicago. My kids chose those. I really wanted to see the revival of Porgy and Bess or <i?Nice Work If You Can Get It this time around, but I let my daughter choose. Phantom was fantastic, but I would have liked something I hadn’t seen. Oh, well!
If you ever get the chance, go to the TKTS counter and see what’s available. It’s a great experience!
Gail, congrats on the rooster! I hope you get to that show. We enjoyed Wicked very much. Because we went at the last minute, the tickets were very pricey, but I think people who plan ahead get much better prices.
Interesting post, Caren! I love NYC too, and my daughter now lives a 15 minute subway ride into Manhattan.
I think riding the subway is one of the most interesting things and Kennan has it down to a science so we don’t get lost LOL.
There’s such ambience about the whole city, the bustling and hurry (love the street carts and not afraid to eat from them!). In such crowds you somehow feel very safe no matter what time of the day or night.
Jo, every time I’m in Manhattan I feel like I’m almost subway savvy when I leave. Almost.
For the first time, we were staying in Queens (near the river, right near the Queensboro Bridge), so I had to study the subway map a lot. There were two subway stations within a couple blocks of us, so I had to decide which train would get us to or from the hotel the best way. We grew fond of the 7, which is a local, simply because it was very reliable and usually not crowded. Same with the F train.
Of course, getting the right part of Central Park is always an adventure and caused more than one intense discussion between me and my daughter. We could have used Kennan for that one!
I’m sure she is having a great time living in New York. Lucky girl!
LOL, as Kennan is fond of saying, “She lives in Jersey City; NO ONE lives in Jersey City; people move from JC to OTHER places.”
But she does love the NY experience and tries to get into Manhattan every day. It’s quite an adventure!
My eyes just cross when I try to figure out the subway system. I’m a CA girl all the way!
Jo, it’s funny you should mention that feeling of safety. I have never felt threatened in NYC, mostly because the police are so omnipresent in Manhattan. As mentioned, though, we were staying in Queens this time.
Before booking the hotel, I checked tons of user reviews. Some people said the neighborhood felt a little sketchy and others said it was simply working class and a bit industrial. Since I’m fine with working class and a bit industrial, I booked it. Once of the subway stations is accessed in a very working class strip of shops (including a military recruiting station and Dunkin’ Donuts
) and the other is right next to a housing project. Besides some colorful locals, there were no issues with coming and going from the subways. Everyone was very nice and, when we needed help once, it was easy to find. No problems at all, but I think it’s all about your comfortable zone!
Or even your comfort zone…I think I need more coffee!
Husband and I had a great time when we went. We were leaving the day the Poptarts store opened just off Times Square. Did you see it? You were supposed to be able to make your own flavor of Poptarts and then your own box for them! Hate that we missed that. And I loved the taxi rides. Especially back and forth to the airport. LOL Husband hated them. But I laughed and hooted the whole time, haha I thought maybe one of the drivers was a little more crazy because I was laughing so hard. haha
We wondered the whole time, “Where are these people walking in such a hurry?” We were passed at lightning speed by women in sky high heels and little tiny skirts that barely covered their business with their boobs threatening to bounce right out of their tops! LOL But they were walking that fast! LOL Where is everyone going?? Why didnt they leave 5 minutes earlier?? hahaha
But we had a great time. Sounds like you and daughter did too.
Lisa, a POPTARTS store? Seriously?! We totally missed that! Of course, my daughter is one of those people who likes to mix all the drinks together at the soda fountain – even now that she’s practically grown! – so I’m scared of what flavor she would concoct. Still, I would have loved to try it out! I’m always amazed there is no PB&J Poptart…
I am with you on loving the taxi rides! It’s like that video game, Crazy Taxi! We had the funniest cabbie on our way back to Laguardia – Carlos, from Ecuador. He told us his entire life story, plus a bunch of other stuff, all at lightning speed and while driving insanely fast through the back streets of Queens. He also took us on some obscure backstreets to get to the back side of LGA because he was disgusted with the “rush hour” traffic – before 3:00 pm on Friday. I can’t imagine how he despises actual rush hour traffic! LOL
Oh and I also wanted to mention, husband I talked a few times about how we felt totally safe. We really did. I mean, we used our common sense and we were cautious. But we really felt quite safe there the whole time.
I know, right? As long as you take proper precautions and don’t act like you’re asking to be robbed, I think it’s pretty safe – even in Times Square. And no matter what people say, most locals are pretty friendly – just cautious. As soon as they can tell you’re just lost or not from New York, they’re usually nice.
I haven’t been to NYC in a long time. But when I was a kid we used to go in to the Museum of Natural History. Then we’d go to Chinatown for lunch. And if it was a cold day we’d buy a bag of roasted chestnuts from a street cart. They were too hot and my dad would have to peel them for me.
Sandy, what great memories! We were just at the subway station by the Museum of Natural History – the one at 81st street, maybe? – and my daughter was enamored of the animals in the tile work there. She was in love with lots of the mosaics in the subway stations, though. The station at Bryant Park is just gorgeous, too!
I have never had roasted chestnuts and always wanted to try them. I have to go back in the winter time!
Caren, I’ve never had roasted chestnuts either, but I’d like to. Let’s get a group together, banditas and buddies, and go just for that!
We love that subway station tile work, too, and enjoy the museum itself, though I don’t love it as much as the Metropolitan.
For the past two weeks I’ve been telling both my boys that I’m dying to go to NYC soon. I haven’t been up there since RWA was there a few years ago. I love just about everything about NYC. The sights, the sounds, the traffic even all the people. My favorite things to do are Central Park, the Natural History Museum and a Broadway show. My oldest son told me he’d love to go back up with me so I think it’s time to plan a trip.
Christie, you should definitely go! I hadn’t been since I went with my son in 2007 and it had been TOO LONG. I think it’s something you just need to do every few years. Now that my kids are all grown (sniff!), I will have to get my friends and sisters to go with me. My husband has no interest at all!
never been always wanted to go, want to see a show, Times Sq and ground zero, hopefully soon
Dina, on a previous trip I went to Ground Zero and saw the spots where the buildings had been (torn down by then) and also the church where lots of rescue workers slept during the rescue efforts. It was very moving and I would recommend it!
Sounds like you had a great time, Caren! When DH and I were first married we lived only 2 hours from NYC so we used to go about once a month. We were both POTO fans so whenever the cast changed we would get up at 5 AM and stand in line until the box office opened to get the $10 SRO tickets. I think we saw it at least 10 times. We found a great udon shop about 3 blocks from Times Square that we used to get lunch at and go shopping at Books Nippon.
I adore the Metropolitan Museum of Art but even more I love their sister museum up the street, the Cooper Hewitt Museum of American Craft. Their definition of “craft” is very broad and can include everything from pottery and utensils to furniture and textiles to movie costumes. One of my favorite exhibits they had was on the history of special effects in movies and included things like the original model of King Kong on the Empire State Building and the actual Yoda puppet used in the movie.
EC, the Cooper Hewitt has Yoda?! Okay, it’s on my list now! I’ve never visited it, but it’ll be nice to do something new. Plus, y’know, Yoda! *g*
The children’s branch of the NY Public Library, which is near MOMA, has the actual Winnie the Pooh and a couple of the other stuffed animals, the actual ones that belonged to Christopher Robin Milne. The British want them back, but the gift was legal and the library isn’t budging.
They also have a Mary Poppins doll, which I think belonged to P. L. Travers, and a beautiful Wyeth painting. I seem to remember the painting is one of the Robin Hood illustrations, but I could be wrong about that.
EC, I can only imagine how many casts of POTO you have seen! I have to say, the actors in the version I saw this time were wonderful. Better than last time!
I’ve never been to the Cooper Hewitt. I think I would need lots more time and maybe a new set of feet to see all the museums I want! I do love to see the more unusual exhibits, though. I wish I had more time and money!
Oh, a couple of years ago I got to go but only for a couple of days – not nearly enough time. We took bus tours, saw the Lion King (wonderful), went to China Town and Little Italy and had some wonderful meals. There is so much more I would love to do so I’m hoping some day to go back!
Catslady, I hope you get to go back soon! Two days is just long enough to get the sense for what you want to do – when you have time. You must go back and do the rest of it sometime. And when you do, let us know what you did!
Oh forgot to say we rode the subways and only got lost once lol. And who says New Yorkers aren’t friendly – we met a lot of nice helpful people!
Catslady, I’ve also found that most New Yorkers are happy to help visitors who’re lost or turned around coming out of the subway.
I took a bus tour once. It was a great way to sample what the city has to offer.
Catslady, I’ve had the same experience. Lots of helpful people in shops and on the street. Really nice police officers, too!
Caren, I think a trip to NYC is a great reason for a travel hangover. We love the city. Back before the dh and I found each other, I used to visit friends in NYC every six months or so. Eilis Flynn’s then-future husband, Mike, grew up in NYC and knows the city well. He taught me to read the subway map and get around by myself.
I was so pleased the dh liked the city, too, and the boy also does. When the boy was little, our first stop was always the penguin house at the Central Park Zoo. We spent an hour or more watching the penguins. Then we checked on the polar bears next door. A friend had alerted us that the male, Gus, swims backstroke. And he really does! It’s so rocking awesome!
I love the Metropolitan Museum of Art. If it was just me and I could do one thing, only one, that would be it. I could spend days in there.
I also like to look in Steuben Glass, on Madison Avenue. I’ve only seen the window displays lately, due to time constraints, but the staff used to not care if people came in just to gawk. I wonder if that’s still the case.
We all love the theater. I was aghast to read that special tickets for some performances have gone up to–brace yourself!–$499 a ticket. No, I did not leave out the decimal point. Clearly, our options will be much more limited in the future.
I’m glad you had such a great trip.
Nancy, it’s so great that you and the dh both love the city! I wish my husband did, but he really is not too interested. Now, if I said we could spend the entire trip in MUSEUMS, he might go, but then I would not get to do all the cool walking around the city stuff!
The kids all love to go to museums and shows and concerts and drink coffee – you know, my kind of fun. They are exceptional travel companions! I think I’ve almost gotten the dh interested in a trip with me in a few years. Almost. Must lean on the Museum of Natural History!
Hi Caren,
Happy to hear you and your daughter had a blast in NYC. The library and the museums are my some of my favorite things about NYC. I went to a concert at the Beacon Theater last night and it got me wondering how many other bands, stand up comedians or other shows were going on a the same time. Like catslady says, we are a friendly bunch.
Jane, I was hoping you would chime in with some local, insider tips for us.
I am always amazed how much is going on all at the same time in NYC. There is literally so much to see and do that you couldn’t possibly do it all or see it all. A wonderful problem to have!
I am appalled, though, that so many national chains have moved into the city. Part of the fun is going to some hole-in-the-wall place just because you walked by and it looked cool or the food smelled great. I’ve found some excellent restaurants that way! We went to an Indian place that my daughter saw pop up on her iPod Touch as in the area. It had good reviews, so we decided to try it. It had wonderful food, good prices and great atmosphere. If anyone is in the area, it is called Darbar and it’s at 152 E 46th street. I highly recommend it!
I agree about the chains, Caren. The hole in the wall eateries are the best because the food is delicious and it’s cheap. There are many great and affordable tiny restaurants in Chinatown. They have everything from noodles, dumplings to sandwiches.
NYC is on my must-see city when I do travel around the USA in a few years. However, I have a book I’ll be taking with me where I’ll do a literary tour of the city; where writers have lived, eaten, stayed overnight, entertained and walked around… so, I’ll be doing that kind of tour. I’ll also be go to all the usual places too such as: The New York State Library and the Museum of Modern Art… and Times Square and I’d love to see Queens and some other places too.. there’s also a place called ‘Wimpy’s’ which is supposed to make the best cakes and caramel cakes around! Or so I’ve heard.
I know I sound like a typical tourist, but really it’s just something I’d like to do.
I LOVED visiting NYC again last year for Nationals. I’ve been a number of times before and I have always had a great time. When I was there last year for Nationals I thoroughly enjoyed the Discovery Museum. I saw the Pompeii Exhibit and it was A MAZ ING!
Of course the MOMA is always a favorite and I never have enough time to see all I want to see.
I’ve seen a number of musicals on Broadway, but my favorite performances have been those I’ve seen at Carnegie Hall and at the Met. Many years ago a friend and I bought SRO tickets to see Porgy and Bess. A truly incredible experience.
I rode the subways with the Word Wenches and attended my first Lady Jane’s Salon with them and several of the Romance Bandits. Shared a cab ride back with a couple of the Bandits and laughed the entire time!
Oh and the Bronx Zoo is another favorite place to see in New York.
So glad you loved NYC, Carnen. As you guys know NY/NJ is my second home. I miss it when watching anything, like White Collar, that is based in NY. When we land, it feels like coming home.
We have so many favourite places, I don’t know where to start. Love the Village and SoHo and wandering around all the various stores down there. Battery Park is great too.
We’re walkers so we just love pottering around the city and finding little places either to oshop or eat. Speaking of eating OMG. So many faves.
*sigh* now I’m homesick!