The Merchant's House Museum -- see how the other half lived. The self-guided tour booklet is very well written. http://merchantshouse.com/

The NY Botanical Gardens -- the orchid show is over but the gardens are in bloom. http://www.nybg.org/

After visiting St John the Divine, explore the less familiar northern reaches of Central Park.

<<<After visiting St John the Divine, explore the less familiar northern reaches of Central Park.>>>

And then cross all the way over to Fifth Avenue, and down to about 110th (?) and visit the Museum of the City of New York, if they have an exhibit that interests you -- someone mentioned a current exhibit about how Manhattan was "planned". A few years ago, we saw a fantastic baseball history exhibit there. (And when I was in 4th grade, I learned how to churn butter there )

Have you don the New York Historical Society? It was redone recently and has brilliant exhibits. Rightnext to the Mueum of Natural Hist - and you could drop in on Zabars' - to pick up lunch - or cheeses and goodies - and also check out their incredible housewares dept (upstairs).

If you are thinking of seeing Harlem (and since I live here, quite honestly can't really think of a reason you would want to visit), take a tour and see the highlights and ok there are a few. Harlem is mostly residential and stores with a few "this building was the home of..... and at this corner .... and this church ......" That said, there is a city maintained building at 163 and Edgemont, at the top of a hill, and one of the oldest buildings in the City, I can't think of the name, and right in front is a row of early 1800 homes.

St. John is worth the trip uptown and you can just walk around, or take a tour.

Howabout then heading further uptown from there to The Cloisters, which imho is one of the best museums in the City, with breattaking views of the Hudson River.

Walk back down through Ft. Tryon Park and down Ft. Washingto ST to a great restaurant Kismat for lunch/dinner at 187th St.

Enjoy your trip.

I like your list of possibilities, and the suggestions by Fodorites. There's a nice little restaurant near the Cloisters. I can't remember the name, but it's hard to miss. It's in the park between the shrine of Mother Cabrini and the museum. New Age Cafe, maybe? Something like that.

Don't forget to eat at Miss Mamie's when you go to St. John the Divine.

I don't know if you've ever been to the Frick but it's a wonderful museum - right on 5th, around 65th St or so.

P.S. No reason you can't walk the BB RT -- unless you want to explore Brooklyn Heights and walk the Promenade after you cross from Manhattan.

There are great views of lower Manhattan from the Promenade and lots of places to eat in the Heights along Montague St. The Brooklyn Historical Society is right in the area -- also an interesting place to visit.

A couple suggestions:
1. Have you ever spent the day in Central Park? I mean the WHOLE day! It's one of the city's great pleasures.
2. If you'll be here after May 19, then I'd definitely include a trip to the NY Botanical Gardens in the Bronx. They'll be offering a special exhibit on Monet's Garden. To quote part of their information:"This stunning tribute to the artist and his work showcases a seaasonally changing interpretation of the gardens in Giverny that inspired his art. Throughout the exhibition, films, concerts, poetry readings.....will provide rich insight into the life and work of this renowned master." From past experience, I can tell you that Botanical Garden's exhibits are always visual dazzlers.

Make the Cloisters a definite rather than a possible. What an oasis of calm and beauty it is!

Ellis Island? and if there is time left, Governor's Island--although the latter is probably best when the art studios are open.

If you're visiting St. John the Divine, take some time to enjoy the rest of Morningside Heights--it's fun to sit on the steps in front of Low Library on the Columbia University campus and enjoy the scene; there are a few decent places to eat on Broadway near the campus; and Riverside Park is where I used to go to enjoy greenery along the Hudson River when I lived in the area. This is a nice slice of a relatively low-key part of New York City.

I have been wanting to go to Governor's Island and The Cloisters. Life keeps stomping on my plans. When are you coming? A quick gtg maybe?

Definitely walk the Brooklyn Bridge. Have you done the double decker bus? Top of the Rock?

There's always some event going on. Check the NYC tourism site for stuff to do.

As I think of it, if starting in Manhattan, Governor's Island could be part of a single excursion: ferry to Governor's Island, ferry from Governor's Island to Brooklyn, walk along the East River to the Brooklyn Bridge and over the bridge to Manhattan.

Consider the hop on/off nywatertaxi.com You can get over to Brooklyn that way and also explore areas you may not know.
http://nywatertaxi.com/tours/hop

Thanks all. These are really good ideas. Michael, I like the idea of the Governor's Island/BBridge loop. mclaurie, I have not. I'll look into it. Thanks!

I would get up bright and early and head to the Bronx Zoo for a few hours including the monorail. I do enjoy the Botanical Gardens, but think the Zoo packs a bigger punch including lovely grounds and gardens and oh those peacocks!
http://www.bronxzoo.com/animals-and-exhibits/exhibits.aspx
Then head to Arthur Ave and and a tour of Harlem for the afternoon.

Looking for activities that can be done in up to 4 hour segments - 5 at the max. The evenings will be spent on Broadway

Just trying to help given the information you shared. It would have been helpful to know you had time restraints before wasting peoples time.

Bill me for your wasted time

Your previously mentioned High Line would be a good 4-hour activity, as you tie in a walk around the gentrified Chelsea area and have lunch at one of the many fine dining spots near the High Line.
And, again I repeat the recommendation of the New York Botanical Gardens. You can easily spend a delighted 4 hours there. The previously mentioned Monet exhibit is but one of the many attractions you can experience.

HowardR - although you prefer the Gardens, and I prefer the Zoo, the OP doesn't have 4 hours to spend at either. By the time they leave their lodging and take the subway or the metro and get to either park, they will have used 2 out of their 4 hours commuting. So many fine people have offered ideas that simply won't work given the newly disclosed timeline.

You've talked me into it, HowardR! I had just written a long response thanking everyone and giving a new possible plan - but lost it somehow. I'm getting ready to head to Savannah so I'll compose it again later - but thanks again all!

Starrs, I'm glad to hear you liked my suggestion(s).
Lookin_Glass, I think you misunderstood her 4-hour limit. I believe that the 4 hours referred solely to time at a site, not travel time as well. And, speaking from experience (and as I previously wrote), 4 hours is a good time frame for the Botanical Gardens. Just one obvious word of advice: Only go there if it's a sunny day!

If you go by Metro North it will only take 20 minutes to get to the Gardens. Off peak one way ticket bought at the station is $5.75. On weekends, there is a special "city" fare of $3.75.

Thanks Fra_Diavolo, that helps a lot. This is going to be a great trip! I wish I had not lost what I posted earlier but I think there's a way to fit most of this in. HowardR, 4-5 hours does include travel time. I know that cuts in to a lot of what I want to do, but traveling solo I can move faster and it's worth it to see as much new stuff as possible. I didn't make it to the Cloisters and the High Line the last time due to the time constraints and weather. I'm hoping for sunny skies. The trip will be in August. I hope I don't get the triple digits we had a few years back in August. We walked from the 90s to Central Park South in 105 degree heat - before the skies opened up and we spent an afternoon in Mickey Mantle's - the door closest to us when the rain started. It turned out to be a fun day in the city I'll roll with the punches and see as much as I can. I thank everyone for the great ideas.

Starrs, I'm curious as to why you are limiting these adventures to 4-5 hours. At a place like the Botanical Gardens, you can take a luncheon break right there and have a full day and still get to the hotel in time for dinner and the theater. (PS: The site opens at 10.)

Starrs, the Cloisters was a favorite from our 8 day trip 2 years ago. We ate at a lovely restaurant in the park, the New Leaf. Maybe locals could let you know if it's still a good option (if you're looking for a lunch spot). The views from park were amazing!

There are delicious lobster rolls to be had under the Brooklyn side (or very close) of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Ah, the New Leaf Cafe. That's the one I was thinking of, not New Age.

I love The New Leaf. It is the perfect pairing to a visit to the Cloisters and the park. Even if short on time it is worth a stop for a spot of tea or a glass of wine. Beware though, that they often close for private functions.

Michael, tell me more about the lobster rolls!

New Leaf Cafe is definitely on my list!

HowardR, the catch for staying in a gorgeous NYC apartment is that I walk the pup 3x day. I COULD hire the usual dogwalker to do a mid-day walk, but I don't feel good about doing that. The last trip I worked in the mornings (telecommuted via computer) and just did afternoon outings. This trip I'm adding in morning adventures. I may consider an all day excursion (and call in the dogwalker) but I'd prefer not to. His mom has started back to work (after being a SAHM for years) so his schedule may have changed some. After thinking about it, I can probably do a 6 hour segment without disturbing his routine too much. I trained his predecessor to be a city dog back in the early 90s. I plan to do more Central Park with him (than Riverside) thanks to your suggestion.

Lobster rolls at Brooklyn Bridge Park:

http://www.in-nycsite.com/2011/05/30/brooklyn-bridge-park-the-concession-stand-tour/

Lobster rolls in Manhattan (one source among many):

http://redhooklobsterpound.com/ny-lobster-truck/

When at St. John do take a stroll thru the Columbia Campus. It does feel like a school.
The Frick has a fab exhibit of bronzes by Antico (I think I have the name right). Very special and a once in a lifetime to see them as a group. Plus the Frick...always great!

starrs: Have you done the GCT tour? It's kind of wonderful. You've probably done some of the Foods of NY tours; if not, they're also very well done.

Enjoy your visit! Are you in the city now?

Meant to include the suggestion to have a drink at the Campbell Apt when you're in Grand Central Station. It's not a bad place to relax.

No, I've not done the GCT tour. Thanks for the idea. Yes, I took the Greenwich Village tour when it was the only Foods of NY tour. Took my niece back for the West Village tour and did not enjoy it as much. "Discovered" the Tenement museum when there was only 1 tour and was so happy when it became so popular they had to add another one at the same time. Amazed at how many they have going now. Both are such good experiences (Foods of NY & LES Tenement Museum).

Thanks for the tip for the Campbell Apt. It looks great. It reminds me of the private apartment in Radio City Music Hall that we saw on that tour. Gorgeous apartment and furntiture - and autographs of stars who played there over time. Cool stuff. Thanks.

The Chinatown Foods of NY Tour is great.

I've looked at that one. I took a good tour of Chinatown in San Francisco, so the one in NYC is lower on my list.

This might help with one of your day trips. We are heading there this weekend for a picnic.

http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/M029/map/ft_tryon_map.pdf

starrs, I meant to chime in on this about 35 replies ago!

Since you'll be here in August, I'd definitely prioritize the Cloisters. It's so nice to get out of the hot city - and once on the grounds, you really feel like you're in another world! Plus, those stone buildings are wonderfully cool. You might even catch a breeze in the gardens, being on top of the hill like that! It's a great place just to wander around and get some relief from the heat and crowds. The guided tour is good - I'd been so many times before I ever took one, and only then learned about the creation of the site - but IMO not particularly necessary. (The most memorable thing I learned was that when Rockefeller created it, he bought the land that is now the Palisades across the river, better to feel like you're really in medieval Europe-!!)

Speaking of crowds, you'll likely get your fill of them on the High Line, as well as both on Governor's Island and the Brooklyn Bridge. (IMHO, the High Line is better for people-watching than relaxation. I love the concept but don't find it ultimately all that fulfilling to be up there for long!) As for GI, the crowds quickly dissipate away from the ferries, snack stands, and "beach". You can rent a bicycle and circumnavigate the island; the far end is quiet and has pretty views of the harbor, Verrazanno Bridge and SoL. On the BB, crowds are unavoidable but part of the experience I suppose.
www.govisland.com

If you want views of the BB, no crowds, and a direct route into Chinatown, traverse the Manhattan Bridge instead. In either case, take a little time to visit DUMBO on the Brooklyn side - and get away from the concession stands at the base of the bridge! (I'm very spoiled for lobster because of where my family lives in MA, but I don't care for the overpriced ones in the city - some of which are made with lobster flown in from my hometown LOL. But I totally understand if you're tempted to splurge!)

Do go to Jacques Torres for awesome chocolates, his pastries at Almondine, and decadent ice cream adjacent to his shop (mrchocolate.com), all on Water Street. Brooklyn Roasting Company has great coffee and donuts(!) and IMO epitomizes the area's young, techie/hipster vibe. In addition to the art galleries and studios for which DUMBO is known, there are small publishing companies getting a foothold there; I especially like Melville Publishing and their storefront shop on Plymouth Street.

// The GCT tour is fun, and a good option if it rains and you need to be indoors! Don't forget that the stands in the Dining Concourse are all outposts of NYC restaurants and food shops, such as Juniors, Two Boots Pizza, and Little Pie Company. IMO, an icy margarita (and maybe some fresh guacamole) is always in order at Zocalo! Upstairs, there's a location for one of my favorite coffee places in NYC: Joe the Art of Coffee. The other shops on the main concourse are fun to browse too, especially the really cute trinkets in Pylones. The Grand Central Market is fine if you need some dinner materials in a pinch, but there are now so many other market options in the city to choose from...
http://www.grandcentralterminal.com/go/dirlisting.cfm?fl=all

Speaking of markets, you might want to time your Fishs Eddy day to coincide with the farmers market at Union Square (Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat until 6pm). Both Union Square and Madison Park have been renovated; the latter always has a seasonal sculpture installation (though this year's I find kind of odd). You can walk between the two parks on the new pedestrian area on Broadway (or go up Fifth Ave instead for the shops).

// I'm with you on the Tenement Museum: so glad to see it grow into what it's become from that first tour. I've only done a walking tour once, but found it well worth it - if the weather isn't too oppressive! I seem to be on a sweet tooth kick here, but while I'm at it I should mention the amazing donuts at Doughnut Plant nearby, if you don't already know them.

Around town, look for the pale yellow Van Leeuwen ice cream trucks (vanleeuwenicecream.com). The Italian gelateria Grom has expanded to NYC: http://www.grom.it/eng/dettagli_gelateria.php?id_gelateria=107&citt%E0=New%20York. Which reminds me about the Pop Bar near Grom's Village location: http://www.pop-bar.com ...I guess I'm all ready for sultry August! LOL.

Phew, well that's all I can think of for now! I feel like I could help more with your Union Square/Flatiron bit... at another time...

Has the botanical garden station reopened? It was closed for construction the last time I visited. Just check to be sure.

The hop on hop off water taxi would be a great thing to do in August. But another option is the (free on weekends) ferry to Ikea in Brooklyn. Goes from just south of South Street Seaport. Ikea in Brooklyn is not really walking distance of the bridge through so it's pretty much a go and come back trip.

If you do walk the BB, there is a great burrito cart in the park on the Brooklyn side.

My favorite walk in NY is to start at City Hall Park and do a loop around the tip. Go west from City Hall Park past the WTC site to North Cove, then south to Battery Park and around and back up to South Street Seaport. Can combine that walk with BB walk.

While visiting Governors Island, plan to take in the interactive sculpture exhibit going up June 9 (thru Spt 23).

See here, an article from todays DNA Manhattan online newsletter on this sculpture exhibit- the link is long long so I had to make a tiny url of it:

http://tinyurl.com/d8tgfvm

These are great ideas! Thanks!

As part of my day today, I discussed favorite parks with lifelong Newyorkers, members of my family in their golden years. One park came up repeatedly that I have not visited yet. I can't recommend it, but I will try to visit sometime in the next 6 months. I don't think it will fit in with the 5 in 5 poster with time constraints, but something to consider, and perhaps others here have been there recently.

Wave Hill

http://wavehill.org/gardens/

Hi starrs. I also highly recommend the NYBG. I was just there yesterday and go fairly often. Some suggestions: get there at 10 when they open if possible. It will be cooler and less crowded. Use the hop on,hop off tram to save time and the narration is very interesting. As was mentioned, Monet's Garden is its next big program and it will draw a lot of people. You can buy tickets on line. A lot of that exhibit will be in the big Enid Haupt Conservatory which is usually humid any time of year. I think some of Monet's artifacts and a painting or too will be in the library building. To save time, you might want to use the tram especially if you see one coming, to get to the library.

We ate in New Leaf near the Cloisters recently. It was pretty full. I suggest a reservation. It's a 5-10 minute walk from the Cloisters.

Okay, Monet's Garden will be a definite. Thanks for all the tips, cpg.

If it works to meet for a coffee or a glass of wine during the week, let me know. Would love to see you again.

We ate at New Leaf (thanks to unnamed Fodorites) on our trip in May and loved it--service was excellent, enjoyed the food (and the cocktails--yes, for lunch--it's vacation!) and of course the setting is delightful.