curiousx

My mother and I would like ideas for a 3-4 day visit to New York taking into account the reality that, at 83, she tires easily. We have accommodation through a friend at 5th and 51st. I would really appreciate suggestions for our itinerary from those who have travelled to NYC with a frail elderly parent - what worked for you and what didn't.

We live in Canada less than 3 hours travel time from NYC but haven't been there in years. We like the off-beat and small - not into glitz or shopping.

Many thanks.

xxx

Do you have the funds to hire a car and driver? Remember, the subways are not friendly to those who have trouble walking because of all of the steps.

curiousx

I was planning to use cabs but hiring a driver might be a better idea - any recommendations ? Thanks for the suggestion.

ee

You can usually just hail a cab unless it is raining or rush hour. Buses, especially avenue buses, run very often and some "kneel" to assist the elderly.
You might want to use a wheelchair--which some museums provide--to ease the trip. I bet the Met has them. Go up to the roof garden and see the view and modern sculpture for a break. There are lovely, casual snack bars in the
elegant American wing. The new Crafts Museum on W 53 may be a bit off beat and its rather small. Its not off beat but I would take the Liberty line circle line if the weather is good. You will see a lot and have a beautiful ride. There are also dinner/lunch boats run by various cos that are pricey but said to be nice. I would visit the Timeout.com/NY site for some unusual tips. She may like sitting at an outdoor cafe on Columbus Ave or
in SOho or the Village and people watching if her eyesight isnt too bad.
Hope this helps! PS I live in the City and know many elderly residents who still enjoy many of its pleasures.

J. Carson

I say skip NYC altogether. Visit the natural landscape of New York state instead.

rqf

Renting a car and driver would cost something like $30 an hour. Most companies have a 2 hour minimum. Use taxis and/or buses.

x

J. Carson suggests - Visit the natural landscape of New York state instead.

How does he suggest the 83 year old enjoy the natural landscape - from inside a car, bus or train. She certainly isn't going to do it by walking over hill and dale.

if

If she likes museums, you'll do fine. All the major museums in NYC offer wheelchair usage and have many benches to sit on indefinately.

Ellen

The Morgan Library is small and quiet and has a nice garden room for lunch. Exhibits change every few months. There is a museum and a short tour of the rotunda and JP Morgan's own library.
38th & Madison. Never a line to get in.

Try the Algonquin Hotel Oak Room for some after dinner entertainment. Very elegant and sophisitcated. 44th between 5th & 6th.

She would probably also enjoy the Broadway show Mornings at Seven, if it is still playing during your trip, or a concert at Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center.

Serena

There is a Trolly Tour of Central Park that might be nice. If she enjoys theater, a broadway show like "Millie" or "42 Street" might be an option. My elderly mother enjoys the theater. A Grayline Tour of the city is something else to consider. You would not need to get off the bus at the various stops. Also a Circle Line boat tour. I would think the important thing would be to space these events and take many breaks. Hope you and your mother enjoy the trip. it is wonderful that you want to share this time with her.

curiousx

These are wonderful suggestions. Thank you all.

We'll take a rain check on J Carson's suggestion to skip NYC and go for the natural beauty of the state. In our younger days, we tented through most of the north-eastern US. And I am fortunate enough to be writing this email at a family summer home on a pristine Canadian lake where the landscape has a lot in common with rural NY

Kim

How about afternoon tea? I have heard the "high tea" at the Pierre is a wonderful, relaxing experience. How nice that you and your mother can share this trip - enjoy!

kam

Curiousx, I know virtually nothing about NYC but I do know that my mom is currently in a nursing home, unable to walk and suffering from Altzeimers. She is 84. So, value the time you can spend with your mom. Even if it's a nice breakfast at the hotel and then a short walk in NY. She tires easily, but be thankful that she can walk. Are there still horse buggy rides in Central Park? And how about tea at the Plaza Hotel? You will need to go slowly but you will build many lovely memories for the future.

Lois

I absolutely agree with the poster who advises you to avoid subways--stairs, heat etc. out of the question for an 83-year-old. Taxis are cheaper in NYC than in, say, Toronto, and so much more readily available. If you want to just sit in a car and be driven around points of interest in the city (e.g. Little Italy, Wall St/South St Seaport, West Village, SoHo), your hotel concierge can get a car for you; would probably be more reasonable than you may think. Even though you say you're not enthusiastic shoppers, IMO any walking you do should be on 5th Ave, heading towards the park. You can stop in the wonderful stores for breaks, and at the end head into the Plaza for tea at the Palm Court, or a quick drink in the Oyster Bar. The blocks will be short going in this direction, and your mother would probably enjoy it. Also, she might want to take a look at St. Patrick's. Get a copy of New York magazine and have your mom circle plays, concerts, etc. to her heart's content. Take her up to the Rainbow Room for a drink with a view, but no need to splurge on dinner there. There are lovely old-fashioned traditional French restaurants in the theater district that she might like, not very expensive.