Christmas in New York- critique of itinerary needed
Dec 8th, 2006, 06:07 AM
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Christmas in New York- critique of itinerary needed
My husband and I and my seven year old daughter have decided to spend Christmas in New York and we are looking forward to the trip! We've had a rough plan of things to do and we are trying to fine tune it. We will be staying at W. 71st Street (near Central Park). The only plans that are definite are those that are marked as confirmed. The tickets have been purchased in advance. The final day is also a must-do. My daughter planned the day. We haven't decided on many restaurants. Breakfast is included at our hotel so that is taken care of. We thought that we would perhaps decide as we made our way around town. However, any suggestions on where to dine would be appreciated. Another item that we've yet to work out is transportation to and from all of these places. We do plan to walk some and we are open to subway, taxi or bus travel. We are thinking that we might use a combination of all four, but we are in no way familiar with using any of these. We live near the coast in Louisiana and public transportation is almost unheard of! Anyway, the itinerary is open to criticism. Any help in identifying flaws in the plan would be greatly appreciated as well as any other helpful advice. Thanks for your help!
Friday, Dec. 22
Arrive LAG 5:46 PM
Pick up at LAG by Carmel
9:55 PM Top of the Rock (confirmed)
Dinner?
Saturday, Dec. 23rd
8:00 AM Meet with Big Apple Greeter to tour Harlem
Lunch at Patsy's (61 W. 74th)
Afternoon at the MET
Dinner at DT - UT (1626 2nd Ave. @ E. 84th)
Sunday, Dec. 24th
9:15 AM Breakfast with Santa and ice skating at the Rockefeller Center (confirmed)
2:00 PM Broadway show (Mary Poppins-confirmed)
Times Square after show
Lunch and Dinner?
Monday, Dec. 25th
Lower East Side
Lunch in Chinatown
Central Park
4:30 PM Big Apple Circus (confirmed)
Dinner?
Tuesday, Dec, 26th
Staten Island Ferry
World Trade Center Site
South Street Seaport (Lunch)
The Guggenheim
Dinner?
Wednesday, Dec. 27th
FAO Schwarz
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Library Tour (11 or 2 PM)
Sony Technology Lab
Grand Central Terminal Laser Light Show
Lunch? Dinner?
Friday, Dec. 22
Arrive LAG 5:46 PM
Pick up at LAG by Carmel
9:55 PM Top of the Rock (confirmed)
Dinner?
Saturday, Dec. 23rd
8:00 AM Meet with Big Apple Greeter to tour Harlem
Lunch at Patsy's (61 W. 74th)
Afternoon at the MET
Dinner at DT - UT (1626 2nd Ave. @ E. 84th)
Sunday, Dec. 24th
9:15 AM Breakfast with Santa and ice skating at the Rockefeller Center (confirmed)
2:00 PM Broadway show (Mary Poppins-confirmed)
Times Square after show
Lunch and Dinner?
Monday, Dec. 25th
Lower East Side
Lunch in Chinatown
Central Park
4:30 PM Big Apple Circus (confirmed)
Dinner?
Tuesday, Dec, 26th
Staten Island Ferry
World Trade Center Site
South Street Seaport (Lunch)
The Guggenheim
Dinner?
Wednesday, Dec. 27th
FAO Schwarz
Build-A-Bear Workshop
Library Tour (11 or 2 PM)
Sony Technology Lab
Grand Central Terminal Laser Light Show
Lunch? Dinner?
Dec 8th, 2006, 06:38 AM
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How much would they charge for an extra roll away in your room? Can I come too? Sounds like a great trip.
My only change would be to skip South Street Seaport. I'd opt to take a water taxi over to Brooklyn's Fulton Landing instead and get pizza at Grimaldi's, a block or so away. Ice cream at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory right at the ferry landing. (That is assuming they are both open on the 26th.)
My only change would be to skip South Street Seaport. I'd opt to take a water taxi over to Brooklyn's Fulton Landing instead and get pizza at Grimaldi's, a block or so away. Ice cream at the Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory right at the ferry landing. (That is assuming they are both open on the 26th.)
Dec 8th, 2006, 07:23 AM
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It does sound like a great trip!
My only suggestion would be to either have a big dinner or lunch. If you try and do both you'll be miserable.
Since you'll already be at Rockefeller Center on Sunday, I'd eat at Rock Center Cafe or Sea Grill and watch the skaters.
My only suggestion would be to either have a big dinner or lunch. If you try and do both you'll be miserable.
Since you'll already be at Rockefeller Center on Sunday, I'd eat at Rock Center Cafe or Sea Grill and watch the skaters.
Dec 8th, 2006, 07:35 AM
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Just a heads up that at 9:55 pm at Top of the Rock it will be REALLY cold, and you won't see Central Park at all b/c it's not lit, so it will be just a big black hole. While I won't guarantee it, I'd guess you could use your tickets any time. I don't think they're that strict. If you're looking for dinner before TOTR, the Sea Grill or the Rock Center Cafe are right there and overlook the skating rink. Brasserie Ruhlmann is also right in the complex but with no views. None of these is cheap. (look on menupages)
The Patsy's at west 74 st is not the "famous" Patsy's which is actually IN Harlem.
http://menupages.com/restaurantdetai...=0&cuisineid=0
I think whether you do that or another restaurant in Harlem like Sylvia's, that would be more fun.
Depending on how much walking you do with your greeter, doing the Met, which is huge, might be a bit much for the same day.
On Sunday you might want to do lunch at Ellen's Stardust diner (wait staff sings) which is between Rock. Ctr. & the theater. You may not have much time to eat though, so I wouldn't wait too long (reservation?). For dinner, maybe some place back up near your hotel? Some good restaurants near west 71 st are
Pasha (Turkish)
Isabella's
Arte Cafe (italian)
Pomoddoro (Italian)
Alice's teacup (more lunch/tea than dinner)
Big Nick's (like a diner for burgers etc.)
Cafe Mozart
Santa Fe (southwest/Mexican)
On Monday, you're doing things all the way downtown (ie LES/Chinatown) and then uptown (Central Park/Big Apple Circus). If you can, try to stay in one area. All your Tues. things are downtown but then you're up at the Guggenheim (and I think that day may be a bit ambitious). You could do the SI ferry & WTC while you're downtown on Mon. and save the park for Tues.
The cheesecake at Junior's is famous. There's one location near Times Square on west 45 st. and another inside Grand Central Station. For dining on Wed., you might want to eat in Grand Central. There's everything from the Oyster Bar (good for lunch, clam chowder) to Metrazur, a very nice rest. with good prix fixe dinner.
You might want to go to the Toys R Us in Times Square. Circus Oz (Australian Circus) at the New Victory theater got a great review in the Times the other day.
newvictory.org
Skating in Central Park (Wollman Rink) is beautiful.
Hope this helps. Have fun!
The Patsy's at west 74 st is not the "famous" Patsy's which is actually IN Harlem.
http://menupages.com/restaurantdetai...=0&cuisineid=0
I think whether you do that or another restaurant in Harlem like Sylvia's, that would be more fun.
Depending on how much walking you do with your greeter, doing the Met, which is huge, might be a bit much for the same day.
On Sunday you might want to do lunch at Ellen's Stardust diner (wait staff sings) which is between Rock. Ctr. & the theater. You may not have much time to eat though, so I wouldn't wait too long (reservation?). For dinner, maybe some place back up near your hotel? Some good restaurants near west 71 st are
Pasha (Turkish)
Isabella's
Arte Cafe (italian)
Pomoddoro (Italian)
Alice's teacup (more lunch/tea than dinner)
Big Nick's (like a diner for burgers etc.)
Cafe Mozart
Santa Fe (southwest/Mexican)
On Monday, you're doing things all the way downtown (ie LES/Chinatown) and then uptown (Central Park/Big Apple Circus). If you can, try to stay in one area. All your Tues. things are downtown but then you're up at the Guggenheim (and I think that day may be a bit ambitious). You could do the SI ferry & WTC while you're downtown on Mon. and save the park for Tues.
The cheesecake at Junior's is famous. There's one location near Times Square on west 45 st. and another inside Grand Central Station. For dining on Wed., you might want to eat in Grand Central. There's everything from the Oyster Bar (good for lunch, clam chowder) to Metrazur, a very nice rest. with good prix fixe dinner.
You might want to go to the Toys R Us in Times Square. Circus Oz (Australian Circus) at the New Victory theater got a great review in the Times the other day.
newvictory.org
Skating in Central Park (Wollman Rink) is beautiful.
Hope this helps. Have fun!
Dec 8th, 2006, 08:58 AM
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I think you should do Toys R Us, too. There's a ferris wheel inside and your daughter would probably love it.
When your downtown try to walk past the stock exchange. The tree is up and they've made an enormous American Flag out of lights. Unlike The Rock you walk right under this tree and it's wonderful.
When your downtown try to walk past the stock exchange. The tree is up and they've made an enormous American Flag out of lights. Unlike The Rock you walk right under this tree and it's wonderful.
Dec 8th, 2006, 11:03 AM
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You won't be far from the Natural History Museum (81st and CPW) which is always a great family friendly option. Even if you simply go by to check out the Space Center - very cool!
Some other restaurants you may want to consider are:
Serendipity (60th Street on the East Side) - don't miss their signature Frozen Hot Chocolate! Also, just around the corner is Dylan's Candy Bar - it's a candy shop, so beware if you do go, but fun for a quick visit and I'm sure your daughter would enjoy it.
Artie's Delicatessen - Also on the Upper West Side (I think in the 80's) No visit to New York is complete without lunch at a good deli. This is a newer restaurant so not one of those long-time NY institutions, but good none the less.
Good Enough to Eat or Sarabeth's Kitchen - both on the Upper West Side (you can do a web search to find their site) great brunch, but go early to avoid lines
Rosa Mexicano - right across from Big Apple Circus. Mexican food on the more expensive/gourmet side, but tasty pomegranate margaritas and guacamole made at the table. Plus the interior is really fun.
In Time's Square area good restaurants are a little more difficult to find - 9th Avenue has lots of good little places, but there's also Ruby Foo's (chinese) which is a big monstrocity but can be fun. Also Blue Fin at the W is great seafood and a beautiful space. There's also John's Pizza or Carmine's (italian) in the Time's Square area which would be good for families. And there's also Virgil's BBQ - which sounds odd for NYC - but I am a barbeque snob from Kansas City and I think it's really pretty delicious.
If you want to try something totally different, check out Pastis in the meatpacking district (downtown around 13th or so on the west side) It's transporting - you'll feel like you're in Paris. Great brunch pretty much any day of the week and surprisingly family friendly. Your daughter (like me) would probably like the Croque Monsieur!
Also - I love Patsy's Pizza (both the one you're talking about) and the more rough and tumble location around 116th and 1st Avenue. The pizza is delicious or if you'd prefer pasta their penne alla vodka is delicious.
Oh - and make sure you go for bagels one morning at H&H near your hotel - Broadway in the 80's. Make sure to ask them which varieties are hot at the time - you will not be sorry!!
Have a terrific time - it sounds like a fantastic trip!
Some other restaurants you may want to consider are:
Serendipity (60th Street on the East Side) - don't miss their signature Frozen Hot Chocolate! Also, just around the corner is Dylan's Candy Bar - it's a candy shop, so beware if you do go, but fun for a quick visit and I'm sure your daughter would enjoy it.
Artie's Delicatessen - Also on the Upper West Side (I think in the 80's) No visit to New York is complete without lunch at a good deli. This is a newer restaurant so not one of those long-time NY institutions, but good none the less.
Good Enough to Eat or Sarabeth's Kitchen - both on the Upper West Side (you can do a web search to find their site) great brunch, but go early to avoid lines
Rosa Mexicano - right across from Big Apple Circus. Mexican food on the more expensive/gourmet side, but tasty pomegranate margaritas and guacamole made at the table. Plus the interior is really fun.
In Time's Square area good restaurants are a little more difficult to find - 9th Avenue has lots of good little places, but there's also Ruby Foo's (chinese) which is a big monstrocity but can be fun. Also Blue Fin at the W is great seafood and a beautiful space. There's also John's Pizza or Carmine's (italian) in the Time's Square area which would be good for families. And there's also Virgil's BBQ - which sounds odd for NYC - but I am a barbeque snob from Kansas City and I think it's really pretty delicious.
If you want to try something totally different, check out Pastis in the meatpacking district (downtown around 13th or so on the west side) It's transporting - you'll feel like you're in Paris. Great brunch pretty much any day of the week and surprisingly family friendly. Your daughter (like me) would probably like the Croque Monsieur!
Also - I love Patsy's Pizza (both the one you're talking about) and the more rough and tumble location around 116th and 1st Avenue. The pizza is delicious or if you'd prefer pasta their penne alla vodka is delicious.
Oh - and make sure you go for bagels one morning at H&H near your hotel - Broadway in the 80's. Make sure to ask them which varieties are hot at the time - you will not be sorry!!
Have a terrific time - it sounds like a fantastic trip!
Dec 8th, 2006, 12:21 PM
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Top of the Rock with a 7 yr. old at 9:55 on travel day...she will be very tired, cold, and you don't see much at night...I would skip it and go during the day. I have no idea why people get so excited about Serendipity..overpriced milkshake/ice cream after long, long wait. Others on this board have said not to bother and so do I. Traffic will be terrible..it already is. Plan to take the subway on Broadway for any distance you cannot walk especially during high traffic hours. Lots of restaurants in your hotel neighborhood so why bother traveling to go somewhere else. Your daughter will get tired, lots of walking, very cold weather, and much stimulation. She will love Mary Poppins (my 7 year old grandaughter saw it twice!). Since you are in the area,I suggest going to Tavern on the Green for early dinner in Crystal Room. Very exciting for kids and they have kids menu. Make reservation. In Chinatown the shops have lots of small kid stuff. My kids always found lots of stuff to buy that didn't cost much. MET museum my favorite place. Spend time in Egypt and Temple of Dendur. Have her find lions and dragons in the rest of museum. Met often has kid program with leader and outline pictures to color of the pictures they see. Ask if available (usually 3/4 o'clock). Cafeteria good for lunch. Just do not try to do too much and have overtired kid.
Dec 8th, 2006, 12:29 PM
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What fun for you and your daughter! Bet you will be worn out, though. Your schedule might be a tad overscheduled. Maybe not. Don't see mention of the Radio City Music Hall show with the Rockettes which is kind of neat. Why are you going to Central Park...just to say you've been there?
I'd also wonder about South St. Seaport just in terms of doing so much that day. Our daughter worked once at nearby Frauncis Tavern which has a nice little Colonial historical museum 2nd floor (site of Gen. Washington's farewell to his officers).
ozarksbill
I'd also wonder about South St. Seaport just in terms of doing so much that day. Our daughter worked once at nearby Frauncis Tavern which has a nice little Colonial historical museum 2nd floor (site of Gen. Washington's farewell to his officers).
ozarksbill
Dec 8th, 2006, 12:48 PM
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Our performance of Mary Poppins on Sunday starts at 3 pm. . . just wondering if it starts earlier on 12/24 or if you are just giving yourself time to get to the theatre. . or if I need to recheck MY tickets. LOL!
Dec 9th, 2006, 03:48 AM
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Thanks for all of the great advice and suggestions. I can see that I will have to rearrange some of my planning. There are so many places worth visiting. We will try to see what we can and not wear ourselves completely out. I also like the idea of having either a big lunch or dinner. That sounds perfect. Thanks again to all. You've been a tremendous help!
kellbell- the tickets do say 2 PM. So, I don't know...
kellbell- the tickets do say 2 PM. So, I don't know...
Dec 9th, 2006, 05:22 AM
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If you would like an inexpensive breakfast, lunch, or dinner around your hotel area- I would try Utopia Restaurant at the corner of 72nd and Amsterdam. It is a great NYC diner. When I go there, it is like being with family.
On their picture board next to the register, if you see a picture of a newborn and father- that's me.
On another note, I would consider the restaurants of Little Italy over the ones in Chinatown. Just my opinion, of course. But they are all in the same area. I do not know how many are open for lunch.
Your Dec. 26th will be a long day...make sure the Gug. is open on the 26th before you travel from downtown all the way up there.
Oh, for a late night bite- look at Big Nick's pizza at Broadway and 76/77 on the west side of the street.
Also, I like Maryann's Mexican place at 96th? and Broadway. Great salsa. There is also one on the east side.
Enjoy your trip! There is nothing like NYC at Christmas.
Pjay
On their picture board next to the register, if you see a picture of a newborn and father- that's me.
On another note, I would consider the restaurants of Little Italy over the ones in Chinatown. Just my opinion, of course. But they are all in the same area. I do not know how many are open for lunch.
Your Dec. 26th will be a long day...make sure the Gug. is open on the 26th before you travel from downtown all the way up there.
Oh, for a late night bite- look at Big Nick's pizza at Broadway and 76/77 on the west side of the street.
Also, I like Maryann's Mexican place at 96th? and Broadway. Great salsa. There is also one on the east side.
Enjoy your trip! There is nothing like NYC at Christmas.
Pjay
Dec 9th, 2006, 06:06 PM
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As a New Yorker I would like to post my annual NYC Holiday idea walks. go to www.tabhauser.com and click "New York City Holiday Season Night Walks" This my from my travel logs and is a non advertised personal site.
thanks for the tips here to this board
thanks for the tips here to this board
Dec 9th, 2006, 06:38 PM
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Wow, it looks like you have everything planned already! You have no need to research online using www.broadwayguides.com!
Have a great trip! Be sure to sqeeze everything in!
Have a great trip! Be sure to sqeeze everything in!
Dec 10th, 2006, 12:57 PM
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I live in coastal Alabama...and we love to go to NY for Christmas. It is magical. We're doing so this year...
Skip the Seaport, as someone else said. It is a shopping center...nothing special. Use the buses...they are wonderful. We usually get a week's pass and you can also use them on the subway. There are maps at the airport and it is easy to get familiar with the city riding up there.
Try Norma's for brunch. In Chinatown, the Great NY Noodletown is great...cheap and wonderful food. Small, dirty? and cramped, but food is great. All cash! We usually walk over to Ferrara's for dessert...in Little Italy. Short walk.
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Skip the Seaport, as someone else said. It is a shopping center...nothing special. Use the buses...they are wonderful. We usually get a week's pass and you can also use them on the subway. There are maps at the airport and it is easy to get familiar with the city riding up there.
Try Norma's for brunch. In Chinatown, the Great NY Noodletown is great...cheap and wonderful food. Small, dirty? and cramped, but food is great. All cash! We usually walk over to Ferrara's for dessert...in Little Italy. Short walk.
Have a wonderful Christmas!
Dec 10th, 2006, 02:59 PM
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aztarian, personally I don't think much of that BroadwayGuides site. They charge a fee to access the list of discount codes -- which happens to be the same list (only not as complete) as the guide on BroadwayBox.com which is totally free.
Dec 10th, 2006, 10:33 PM
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With a 7 year old, I also recommend the Toys R Us while in Times Square, Dylan's Candy Bar on 59th street (great place to stop and pick up some candy snacks), and while you are at Rockefeller Center stop at the Nintendo Center located on the plaza level. The Museum of Natural History could easily be included since your hotel is nearby.
