NYC Trip with Preteens/Teens - Please Review Itinerary
Oct 23rd, 2011, 06:13 PM
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NYC Trip with Preteens/Teens - Please Review Itinerary
Spending 4-5 days in late May (starting with Memorial weekend) in New York City with my husband, myself and four kids (3 boys - ages 10, 12, 14) and one girl (15). This will be the first part of a two week trip to New England to include visiting family for one night in Connecticut, Newport, Rhode Island one day, Boston for 4 days, and New Hampshire for 3 days. They are used to walking alot and cramming lots of things in so this is our wish list so far. We are also ALL foodies and enjoy trying ethnic/international foods (no chain restaurants, please), etc. although not really wanting to spend money on really expensive spots (obviously with a family of 6 - we like good food with VALUE). We definitely want to try some good delis, italian, pizza, Chinese, and perhaps a good Indian restaurant and open to other good spots. Please review the following itinerary and provide comment/suggestions. Thanks so much!
Saturday - DAY 1
Fly into to New York City – arrive early afternoon, check into hotel (Eastgate Tower near 2nd Avenue and 39th Street)
Walk to Grand Central Station – (10 minute walk) - 2 hours tour (4-6)
Dinner at Carmine’s (Italian – family style) – 10 minute walk or The Brooklyn Diner (or other suggested restaurants on route?)
Times Square at night (shopping, gazing, etc.), ESPN Zone (boys)
Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center) – 45 minute (should we walk back to hotel or how to return?
Sunday - DAY 2
Subway to
Union Square?? (farmers market, street performers, etc.) - is this worth going?
The East Village?? What is there to see here? I just saw it on a list of "to do's"
Morning - Lower East Side (LES) (Little Italy and Chinatown)
Chinatown restaurant for lunch (suggestions besides dim sum?)
SoHo / Greenwich Village – definite for shopping at nonchain stores
Washington Square Park??
Jekyll and Hyde restaurant for dinner?? Or something else?
Broadway Musical #1 - Stomp?? Wicked?? Blue Man Group?? Other??
Monday - Day 3 – NYC
(Memorial Day -- what should we do on this day? -- we were thinking Statue of Liberty and 9/11 Memorial would be really crowded on this day) - perhaps split up some of Tuesdays ...OR we could remove this day completely and add on to the second half of our trip in Boston/New Hampshire/Rhode Island.
Tuesday - Day 4
morning
Subway to American Museum of Natural History and possibly Met Museum of Art
Lunch – pick up a deli (Carnegie Deli?, Zabar’s?) picnic lunch and enjoy in the park
Central Park South
Walk by Columbus Circle
Dylan’s Candy Bar / Serendipity Dessert (chocolate drink?)
Stop by FAO Schwartz, Macy’s, Barney’s, 5th Avenue shopping (we aren't HUGE spenders, just like to browse and see ...)
H&M? Century 21
Sony Wonderlab (boys)??
Dinner on Ninth Avenue between 42nd and 57th streets - suggestions??
Broadway Musical #2??
Wednesday - Day 5
Subway to Lower Manhattan:
Statue of Liberty (be there at 8:30 a.m. – 3 hours NOT doing Ellis Island) – bring a picnic lunch from gourmet grocery store (suggestions where to pick up near our hotel?)
early afternoon - 9/11 Memorial (15 minute walk from Statue of Liberty Ferry) – 1.5 hours
The Financial District (couple of blocks over) - 45-60 minutes
Staten Island Ferry (1.5 hours total– free - 10 minute walk from Wall Street)
South Street Seaport – browse
early evening - The Brooklyn Bridge (30 minutes to walk it)
Dinner at Grimaldi’s Pizza near Brooklyn Bridge / Brooklyn Bridge Ice Cream Factory??
Return via Subway?
Thursday - Day 6
anything else we could quickly do near our hotel before checking out to pick up a rental car for the second half of our trip? United Nations?
Saturday - DAY 1
Fly into to New York City – arrive early afternoon, check into hotel (Eastgate Tower near 2nd Avenue and 39th Street)
Walk to Grand Central Station – (10 minute walk) - 2 hours tour (4-6)
Dinner at Carmine’s (Italian – family style) – 10 minute walk or The Brooklyn Diner (or other suggested restaurants on route?)
Times Square at night (shopping, gazing, etc.), ESPN Zone (boys)
Top of the Rock (Rockefeller Center) – 45 minute (should we walk back to hotel or how to return?
Sunday - DAY 2
Subway to
Union Square?? (farmers market, street performers, etc.) - is this worth going?
The East Village?? What is there to see here? I just saw it on a list of "to do's"
Morning - Lower East Side (LES) (Little Italy and Chinatown)
Chinatown restaurant for lunch (suggestions besides dim sum?)
SoHo / Greenwich Village – definite for shopping at nonchain stores
Washington Square Park??
Jekyll and Hyde restaurant for dinner?? Or something else?
Broadway Musical #1 - Stomp?? Wicked?? Blue Man Group?? Other??
Monday - Day 3 – NYC
(Memorial Day -- what should we do on this day? -- we were thinking Statue of Liberty and 9/11 Memorial would be really crowded on this day) - perhaps split up some of Tuesdays ...OR we could remove this day completely and add on to the second half of our trip in Boston/New Hampshire/Rhode Island.
Tuesday - Day 4
morning
Subway to American Museum of Natural History and possibly Met Museum of Art
Lunch – pick up a deli (Carnegie Deli?, Zabar’s?) picnic lunch and enjoy in the park
Central Park South
Walk by Columbus Circle
Dylan’s Candy Bar / Serendipity Dessert (chocolate drink?)
Stop by FAO Schwartz, Macy’s, Barney’s, 5th Avenue shopping (we aren't HUGE spenders, just like to browse and see ...)
H&M? Century 21
Sony Wonderlab (boys)??
Dinner on Ninth Avenue between 42nd and 57th streets - suggestions??
Broadway Musical #2??
Wednesday - Day 5
Subway to Lower Manhattan:
Statue of Liberty (be there at 8:30 a.m. – 3 hours NOT doing Ellis Island) – bring a picnic lunch from gourmet grocery store (suggestions where to pick up near our hotel?)
early afternoon - 9/11 Memorial (15 minute walk from Statue of Liberty Ferry) – 1.5 hours
The Financial District (couple of blocks over) - 45-60 minutes
Staten Island Ferry (1.5 hours total– free - 10 minute walk from Wall Street)
South Street Seaport – browse
early evening - The Brooklyn Bridge (30 minutes to walk it)
Dinner at Grimaldi’s Pizza near Brooklyn Bridge / Brooklyn Bridge Ice Cream Factory??
Return via Subway?
Thursday - Day 6
anything else we could quickly do near our hotel before checking out to pick up a rental car for the second half of our trip? United Nations?
Oct 23rd, 2011, 06:52 PM
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The Farmer's Market (known as Greenmarket) is NOT at Union Square on Sundays. It is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only, with Saturday being the biggest day.
http://www.grownyc.org/unionsquaregreenmarket
The East Village is where you will find a wide variety of ethnic food at reasonable prices, shopping that is NOT chain stores, a real New York neighborhood. Rather than go all the way to Chinatown, you might try one of the restaurants in the area. Keep in mind that on a Sunday morning, the area doesn't really wake up until about 11AM.
Stomp is at a theater in the East Village so you might round out you afternoon there with a performance. Blue Man group is also in the neighborhood.
If you really want to see Wicked, try to find tickets now. It is sold out months in advance.
Jekyll and Hyde is an overpriced mistake if you like good food.
Carnegie Deli is convenient to neither the Met nor the American Museum of Natural History nor your hotel. Closer to your hotel is the Second Avenue deli (actually on 33rd St near Third Ave or Sarge's Deli (not as good as the other two, but close to your hotel). If you spend the morning at the AMNH, you might try Shake Shack nearby for lunch.
If you actually take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty, there is little reason to also take the Staten Island Ferry since you see very similar views from both.
http://www.grownyc.org/unionsquaregreenmarket
The East Village is where you will find a wide variety of ethnic food at reasonable prices, shopping that is NOT chain stores, a real New York neighborhood. Rather than go all the way to Chinatown, you might try one of the restaurants in the area. Keep in mind that on a Sunday morning, the area doesn't really wake up until about 11AM.
Stomp is at a theater in the East Village so you might round out you afternoon there with a performance. Blue Man group is also in the neighborhood.
If you really want to see Wicked, try to find tickets now. It is sold out months in advance.
Jekyll and Hyde is an overpriced mistake if you like good food.
Carnegie Deli is convenient to neither the Met nor the American Museum of Natural History nor your hotel. Closer to your hotel is the Second Avenue deli (actually on 33rd St near Third Ave or Sarge's Deli (not as good as the other two, but close to your hotel). If you spend the morning at the AMNH, you might try Shake Shack nearby for lunch.
If you actually take the ferry to the Statue of Liberty, there is little reason to also take the Staten Island Ferry since you see very similar views from both.
Oct 23rd, 2011, 07:29 PM
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Sorry to say, none of the restaurant you noted are in the foodie category especially Jeckyll.
The two best delis are 2nd Ave Deli and Katz's with the others a distant second.
Carmine's is a family style restaurant and convenient would not fulfill you categorization.
For dim sum in Chinatown try Nom Wah and Jing Fong. And stop at the must eat Chinatown Ice Cream factory.
As Ellenem noted there are many good places in the East Village to eat and usually cheaper than midtown. More are opened at night. For pizza try Motorino. For northern Italian try "Supper" on East 2nd Street. For Italian pastry try Veniero's. The kids would probably like S'MAC that just serves variations on mac and cheese or Pommes Frites, a belgian French fry place and that is all they serve but even the small portions are filling.
And for candy skip Dylan's it is overpriced and overhyped and head for Economy Candy on Rivington Street or one of Jacques Torres for chocolate
For great scone, biscuits and breakfats try Clinton Street Bakery, mostly table service and only go during the week becuase the wait in weekends is absurd.
And they will love Donut Plant on Grand Street and now one in the Chelsea Hotel.
The two best delis are 2nd Ave Deli and Katz's with the others a distant second.
Carmine's is a family style restaurant and convenient would not fulfill you categorization.
For dim sum in Chinatown try Nom Wah and Jing Fong. And stop at the must eat Chinatown Ice Cream factory.
As Ellenem noted there are many good places in the East Village to eat and usually cheaper than midtown. More are opened at night. For pizza try Motorino. For northern Italian try "Supper" on East 2nd Street. For Italian pastry try Veniero's. The kids would probably like S'MAC that just serves variations on mac and cheese or Pommes Frites, a belgian French fry place and that is all they serve but even the small portions are filling.
And for candy skip Dylan's it is overpriced and overhyped and head for Economy Candy on Rivington Street or one of Jacques Torres for chocolate
For great scone, biscuits and breakfats try Clinton Street Bakery, mostly table service and only go during the week becuase the wait in weekends is absurd.
And they will love Donut Plant on Grand Street and now one in the Chelsea Hotel.
Oct 23rd, 2011, 07:33 PM
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Thanks for the suggestions!
Do you think since Sunday morning is the "quieter time" in NYC ... would that be a better day to do the Statue of Liberty, 9/11 and Wall Street/South Street Seaport, Brooklyn Bridge or will it be swamped due to Memorial Day weekend?
Yeah ... all three responses say Jekyll and Hyde is BAD. Any good suggestions for a restaurant in East Village for dinner if we do Stomp afterwards?
Do you think since Sunday morning is the "quieter time" in NYC ... would that be a better day to do the Statue of Liberty, 9/11 and Wall Street/South Street Seaport, Brooklyn Bridge or will it be swamped due to Memorial Day weekend?
Yeah ... all three responses say Jekyll and Hyde is BAD. Any good suggestions for a restaurant in East Village for dinner if we do Stomp afterwards?
Oct 23rd, 2011, 07:49 PM
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Definitely agree with the other posters...nix Jekyll and Hyde. That can't be good. 
The best market on Sundays is near the old Fulton St Fish Market. They have food stands too, so you can get a very good lunch.
Have a great trip!
The best market on Sundays is near the old Fulton St Fish Market. They have food stands too, so you can get a very good lunch.
Have a great trip!
Oct 23rd, 2011, 07:50 PM
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Forgot to mention--many Broadway shows are "dark" on Sunday nights and Mondays too. Check schedules carefully for which days the shows that interest you actually have performances on the days of the week you will be in NYC.
The key to the Statue of Liberty at that time of year is to get the very first boat, no matter the day of the week. Though schools are not finished in NYC by Memorial Day, many schools in other parts of the country will already be out so families may already be in NYC for their vacations. DEfinitely reserve your tickets online well ahead of your visit.
The key to the Statue of Liberty at that time of year is to get the very first boat, no matter the day of the week. Though schools are not finished in NYC by Memorial Day, many schools in other parts of the country will already be out so families may already be in NYC for their vacations. DEfinitely reserve your tickets online well ahead of your visit.
Oct 23rd, 2011, 08:03 PM
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As for some place to eat after Stomp, I mentioned Supper, Motorino, Veniero's, S'MAC and Pommes Frites. And for dinner you can add Casimir, French Bistro on Ave B and across the street from a bar that has been shown in scores of movies and TV shows. Veselka for Eastern European that is on the corner of Stomp. Nai or Bar Carrera for tapas. And for genuine Romano cooking but a little more expensive than the others Cacio e Pepe.
Oct 23rd, 2011, 08:05 PM
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Think about the Circle Line (west 42 nd at the Hudson River) tour boat around Manhattan as a replacement for ferry and separate ride to Statue of Liberty.
Subways are usually fastest but you can't see much---buses are slow but great people watching.
Subways are usually fastest but you can't see much---buses are slow but great people watching.
Oct 24th, 2011, 02:55 AM
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If you're looking for lunch in the West Village, you might stop into John's Pizza on Bleacker.
Your Tues. schedule looks a bit overloaded and would benefit from some editing.
Carmine's, although not on any foodie's list, is a perfect place for visiting families with children. The food is red sauce Italian, nothing unusual or a 'stand out' but it's all reliable. As already noted, the portions are huge; just order a few plates for your group.
If you're not opposed to your kids hearing the 'f' word outside of their school environment, you might look for discounted Billy Elliot tix.
Your Tues. schedule looks a bit overloaded and would benefit from some editing.
Carmine's, although not on any foodie's list, is a perfect place for visiting families with children. The food is red sauce Italian, nothing unusual or a 'stand out' but it's all reliable. As already noted, the portions are huge; just order a few plates for your group.
If you're not opposed to your kids hearing the 'f' word outside of their school environment, you might look for discounted Billy Elliot tix.
Oct 24th, 2011, 02:58 AM
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They would probably like these stores:
Forbidden Planet
http://www.fpnyc.com/
And
Evolution
http://theevolutionstore.com/
Forbidden Planet
http://www.fpnyc.com/
And
Evolution
http://theevolutionstore.com/
Oct 24th, 2011, 03:59 AM
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Jeckyl and Hyde is a travesty - do NOT go near it. Problem is not only the awfulness of the food but also cleanliness. Carmine's is basic red sauce Italian - but with HUGE portions. Be careful not to over order if you eat there. For so-called "foodies" you care picking a lot of places that are awful to mediocre. If you are going for mediocre food with a name - then do Ellen;s Stardust that at least gives you fun performances along with the basic diner fare.
Also, you need to look at a map. The only "deli" near the museums in central park is Zabar's - and it is not a sit down traditional del i - but more a gourmet shop. You can take out pre-made salads and sandwiches that are OK - but they are more known for their selection of cheeses, hot dishes etc.
As for Statue of Liberty - not sure when it will repopen (closes late Oct for renovation). If it is open you need to get tickets very far in advance or risk standing ona line hours long. In any case, if it is open their is a 45 minute security line to get on the ferry (even with advance tickets) then another line to get into the statue. No way can you do this in 3 hours. And, Ellis Island Museum is brilliant. Since y have to go to the Island anyway - don;t miss it.
Also, you need to look at a map. The only "deli" near the museums in central park is Zabar's - and it is not a sit down traditional del i - but more a gourmet shop. You can take out pre-made salads and sandwiches that are OK - but they are more known for their selection of cheeses, hot dishes etc.
As for Statue of Liberty - not sure when it will repopen (closes late Oct for renovation). If it is open you need to get tickets very far in advance or risk standing ona line hours long. In any case, if it is open their is a 45 minute security line to get on the ferry (even with advance tickets) then another line to get into the statue. No way can you do this in 3 hours. And, Ellis Island Museum is brilliant. Since y have to go to the Island anyway - don;t miss it.
Oct 24th, 2011, 06:30 AM
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2nd Avenue Deli is near your hotel; you can pick up sandwiches there to bring to Statue of Liberty. Or eat there another time. You should try either corned beef or pastrami, or both. I would only recommend going if you stick to the dishes for which they are known. (we can advise, beyond the two I mentioned)
No sense wasting time, and money, on a turkey sandwich or a hamburger.
They open at 6am.
http://www.2ndavedeli.com/deli-locations/midtown-east/
Menu:
http://www.2ndavedeli.com/wp-content...us/dine-in.pdf
No sense wasting time, and money, on a turkey sandwich or a hamburger.
They open at 6am.
http://www.2ndavedeli.com/deli-locations/midtown-east/
Menu:
http://www.2ndavedeli.com/wp-content...us/dine-in.pdf
Oct 24th, 2011, 06:47 AM
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As far as the village area, as already mentioned, the greenmarket is not open on Sundays, and Saturdays has the most vendors (and crowds), but well worth is. As far as the E. Village, lots of restaurants to choose from. Little Indian is on E. 6th St between 1st and 2nd Avs. I'm not sure which are the better restaurants these days. Many have come and gone over the years. My favorite Indian these days is in the W. Village, Karahi. St. Marks Place is always fascinating to walk through, and stopping in Veniero's for a little dessert is a must, even if you get some pignoli cookies to go.
Union Sq is big hangout area for teens, especially on school breaks and weekends. It also is a focal point for many demonstrations, and events spanning everything from "free tibet" to free yoga classes.
Washington Sq Park is where you'd find lots of street performers. They have recently been renovating the park and it is looking quite nice. Also nearby, and free is the Forbes Gallery, which is a great little stop of your kids.
As far as non-chain shopping, Soho has turned into more of a high end mall and is loaded with chains, unless of course you are browsing the street vendors. In May there are always street fairs happening on the weekends and holidays. Be sure to visit one of those. It's a good place for inexpensive trinkets and lots of street food.
For quick lunchtime eats, any of the Papaya places are great value, for the best slice of pizza around, Joe's on Carmine St, for falafel or gyros, Mahmouds on McDougal St, for Arepas, Caracas in the E. Village, and there are so many more.
Worth seeing also is the Highline Park, an elevated pedestrian Park in the Chelsea area with some great views.
Also, both the Met museum and Natural History are "suggested" admission prices, so you can pay whatever you feel comfortable with.
Lastly, if you don't already know, you need to reserve tickets for the 9/11 memorial, so you should plan that in advance.
Union Sq is big hangout area for teens, especially on school breaks and weekends. It also is a focal point for many demonstrations, and events spanning everything from "free tibet" to free yoga classes.
Washington Sq Park is where you'd find lots of street performers. They have recently been renovating the park and it is looking quite nice. Also nearby, and free is the Forbes Gallery, which is a great little stop of your kids.
As far as non-chain shopping, Soho has turned into more of a high end mall and is loaded with chains, unless of course you are browsing the street vendors. In May there are always street fairs happening on the weekends and holidays. Be sure to visit one of those. It's a good place for inexpensive trinkets and lots of street food.
For quick lunchtime eats, any of the Papaya places are great value, for the best slice of pizza around, Joe's on Carmine St, for falafel or gyros, Mahmouds on McDougal St, for Arepas, Caracas in the E. Village, and there are so many more.
Worth seeing also is the Highline Park, an elevated pedestrian Park in the Chelsea area with some great views.
Also, both the Met museum and Natural History are "suggested" admission prices, so you can pay whatever you feel comfortable with.
Lastly, if you don't already know, you need to reserve tickets for the 9/11 memorial, so you should plan that in advance.
Oct 24th, 2011, 07:37 AM
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Grimaldi's can get very crowded, with a line to get in. From my experience, it moves fairly quickly, although your group being bigger than most, it may take longer. Unfortunately most of the good pizza restaurants (John's on Bleecker, Lombardi's) have lines, especially during the dinner hour, on weekends.
Oct 24th, 2011, 09:18 AM
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Please note, if this is of interest, that there is a Greenmarket in the East Village on Sundays, on the west side of Tompkins Square @ Avenue A.
Adu: Which of those first 2 pizza places do you like better? I've not been to any of the three you mention, but I like Motorino. (I also like Artichoke square pizza, although some complain of the bottom being too burned)
Adu: Which of those first 2 pizza places do you like better? I've not been to any of the three you mention, but I like Motorino. (I also like Artichoke square pizza, although some complain of the bottom being too burned)
Oct 24th, 2011, 09:33 AM
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If good pizza is a must, you may want to reserve in advance. Many of the popular spots don't take reservations, hence the long lines, but I know Luzzo's does, and there are other's as well (Otto's, Numero 28, Gnocco). With a group that size, reservations would be helpful in most restaurant.
