Arthistory

I will be in NY city starting on the 17th of this month. I was planning on wearing layers of warm clothing rather than a large bulky coat. Is this advisable, or should I do the coat??? Plans are dinner at the new Modern resturaunt in the MOMA,a latter visit to the MOMA, the MET on another day, some midtown sights. I also would be wondering about some great ideas for the lower island. I have been to NY twice before, done the midtown stuff and want to explore Soho, village, Chinatown etc. Any suggestions. Thank you.

bgans

Since we have just had our first snowfall of the season, my first recomendation will be for waterproof boots. When snow in New York melts, it accumulates in the gutters and at the corners, so trying to cross a street means wading through 5 or 6 inches of very cold, dirty water. Check the forecast right before you leave - if there is snow in the forecast - bring the boots. As for the temperatures, it's been in the high 30s during the day and in the high 20s at night, so bring what will make you comfortable in those temperatures.

I've heard good things about Modern, but it is new and still shaking out. What sort of suggestions are you looking for regarding downtown? Restaurants, sights, shopping?

HowardR

Bring the bulky coat! Besides the likelihood of below freezing temperatures, you've got the wind to deal with.
I don't know what bgans means about MOMA "still shaking out." The museum has long since shaken out!

JimF

We returned from NYC yesterday and above all else, found cover for the ears essential. I used ear muffs that go across the back of the head, rather than over, and are adjustable to spring back into a little ball that can go in a coat pocket. Worked great.

The big coat is important. I would not try it without one. Silk long johns are an enormous help in cutting the wind. A hat, by all means, is suggested, and a scarf, which you can place over your mouth for internally generated heat over the face when needed.

This stuff is bulky and a nusiance, but for those periods when you are between shelter, you'll wish you had more clothing.

There are coat checking opportunities at most restaurants and museums, so you can shed top clothing for dinner and interior art gazing.

But heck, it's New York, and it's winter. It's a package deal and a good one...

Jim

djkbooks

Most likely, you'll need the layers AND the coat, especially if you want to be comfortable while out and about exploring.

Keep in mind that indoors tends to be overheated, so find the check room at MOMA and the Met.

A great place to explore in the winter (inside but not overheated) is Chelsea Markets.

Arthistory

Thanks everybody, I think I will take your advice and pack the layers and the coat! Soho/Village areas I just want to explore. I enjoy Thai food Holy Basil was a favorite last time. Any kind of Ethnic food. Dim sum on Sunday may be in the plans, but will not get to Chinatown until early afternoon. Do they still serve it? I've only had it late mornings. Any Suggestions for places? Thanks

Liz5959

The best/least busy coat check at the Met is at the handicapped entrance. It's on the south side of the grand stairs. When we were there for Thanksgiving, there was some constuction going on, but also a bigger than usual sign pointing the way. So, you don't get to walk up the staircase, but you do avoid a lot of crowds...your choice.

Nikki

Howard, I believe bgans was referring to the restaurant.

bill_boy

I have not been to the Modern, but have been to it's more casual bar and dining sister, The Bar Room, during it's first month and on a couple of occasions thereafter. Our first visit was slightly chaotic, but was more polished during our successive ones. And if all our positive experiences at the Bar Room is any indication, then dining at The Modern would be something to look forward to.

A successful restaurateur like Danny Meyer would have "shaken out" most of the kinks by now at the more formal The Modern. Especially since it's been around for about 8 months now.

Arthistory

Thanks bill boy. I do have reservations at the bar room not the main dinning room. The bar room looked more my style, casual but very "new york" looking. Any other ideas for resturaunts or bars with amazing atmosphere, or your idea of a real "New York" experience? Thanks

J62

I own several kinds of bulky coats for winter use. One for every day suburban use when I'm in and out of the car or buildings, and one for city walking. The main difference is the length.

My every day winter coat is a warm waist length coat, bulky yes, perfect for cold winter days when I'm hopping in and out of the car, shopping, work, etc. Keeps my torso warm.

My city coat is a full length wool overcoat. No thicker than my every day coat, butt it is definitely better for walking around NYC.

I've never heard the expression "freezing my ears off" or "freezing my hands off", butt the most common expression rings true, especially when you sit on a cold bench or a stiff breeze blows. Make sure you CYA, you won't regret it.

Arthistory

Thanks everybody for the good advice. I plan on buying my coat today! In Tucson the mornings are sometimes 28-32 degrees now but the day always gets up to the 60's or even higher!

bill_boy

Arthistory,

We're not much into the bar scene, unless they combine it with good dining.

Our "go to" places in Soho includes Blue Ribbon (Sullivan, bet. Spring and Prince) with it's more than decent raw bar and some good hearty dishes. Be warned that there's a no reservation policy here and since it's a popular locals hangout, the wait can be long - but well worth it. It's sister sushi place, Blue Ribbon sushi is also sorth a visit if you're into sushi.

Hearth in East Village for the great service, well thought-out wine list and excellent dishes with the finest ingredients, plus the added shmoozing with the chef (a very good one, I must add) and live kitchen action if you happen to sit by the bar by the open kitchen. Schiller's Bar also in the East Village has good, casual atmosphere with a decent steak-and-fritte.

lucysnoopy

Wear a coat!! Eddie Bauer, LL Bean or JCrew tend to have decent quality for the $$. I was there in November and wore a shearling coat (very warm).

If you are into art -- check out the great galleries in Chelsea (west side in the 20's). The galleries are gorgeous and a quick walk to Chelsea Piers for a look at the Hudson River. Good restaurants within walking distance include The Park and Red Cat.

here is a link with more info about the galleries: http://westchelseaarts.com/

Good Luck!

jamierin

Besides to coat, make sure that you have a hat, warm mits or gloves and waterproof boots. You're not in Tucson anymore! Also, Lands End (online) often have some good jackets and boots for the money. Have fun!