I believe that both the Jets (www.newyorkjets.com) and the Giants (www.giants.com) play at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ.

NY Rangers Hockey at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan might have some games in October.

It can be very difficult to get tickets to football games - which are usually played either Sunday afternoon or MOnday night. You can go to the web sites of the teams (Giant or Jets to get their schedule). But don;t be surprised if the games are sold out - and you need to go to a scalper to get tickets at a (VERY) premium price,

The Knicks (basketball) and Ranger (hockey) should also be playing then.

However, don;t give up on baseball. October is the month for playoffs and the Yankees have been in the playoffs 16 of the last 17 years. So they may well be playing when you are here. However, for that you would also probably have to pay a premium to get seats in a sold out stadium

There's not much football to choose from in the New York City area except for the professional Giants and Jets. And, you'll probably have to pay top dollar and then some for tickets.
There are a few colleges in the general area with teams, but they usually aren't prime examples of quality football. Columbia University (which is located in Manhattan), for example, is indeed an outstanding center for higher education, but its football team is rarely a winning one. If you want venture outside the city, Rutgers University and Princeton University, both in neighboring New Jersey are possibilities.

Hockey games at MSG are a lot of fun, and you should have no problem getting tickets. And New York does have a professional soccer team with October dates on its schedule: New York Red Bulls.

Two other ideas if you are having trouble getting tickets to a football game:

www.stubhub.com Stubhub is a respected website for ticket resales.

I have had good experience with Road Trips Sports Travel, a travel agency that specializes in sports packages (hotel plus tickets, usually). Their website says they can get you into any game in any city ...

@nytraveler.. Would love to go to a baseball game but tickets to the playoffs via scalpers would totally wreck the travelling budget.
@capxxx... soccer is probably the one football that hubby doesnt watch unless its Australia playing to qualify for the World Cup.
@howardR and abram.. thank you for the football information. I will do some more research.
@HappyTrvlr.. I didnt think of Ice Hockey. Only ever see it in movies when someone gets slammed against the perspex. If its easier to get tickets thats even better. (i can then say ive been to MSG too!)

Thank you so much for your replies. You are a big help.
PS. are the Rangers any good? He is used to supporting a non-winning team.

PS. are the Rangers any good? He is used to supporting a non-winning team.

This years playoffs have just started and the Rangers are one team picked to win it all!

Hope you get tix for an event. Pro Football teams, as mentioned, play just outside NYC in New Jersey. Rangers Hockey team play right in midtown Manhattan (34th street/7th avenue)

-john

For football games the prices (and it will probably have to be from scalpers) will cost just as much as Yankee tickets. Look at the websites to see what prices are (if there are any tickets available). Fine if he prefers football to baseball - but don't assume they will be cheaper. (Giants won SuperBowl this year - so fewer of their sold out season tickets will probably be available on the resellers market.)

Hi October_fun, My husband and I were in NYC in November the year before last and wanted to go to a major sporting event. We bought good tickets through stubhub for an Ice Hockey game between the New York Rangers and the New York Islanders. This would be like an Aussie rules game between West Coast Eagles and Fremantle. It was a fantastic night out and the atmosphere was really great. The Islanders were the underdogs and they did not have anywhere near as many supporters as the Rangers. We took the subway to the stadium and there were heaps of fans on the subway and on the streets to the stadium. It was our first and only ice hockey game and was one of many higlights to our 3 weeks in NYC. Whatever you do have a great time.

@bmw.. even better if we can support a winning team even if its only for one game. We might see you there..... just look for the awestruck aussies!

@nytraveler.. Hubby may not have a preference but I would probably prefer baseball over football (just to say ive been to a Yankee game I suppose). It seems that Ice Hockey may bethe way for us to go though. Cheaper and easier to obtain tickets plus easier for us to find our way there. thanks

@Bwino.. Thanks for your info.It gives me an idea of how it would be for a novice to go to a hockey game. Sounds like good fun. Only time Ive been near ice is "Disney on Ice"

I hadnt planned on a sporting event until the other day and now I am looking forward to going to one. Thanks heaps

For the novice, may I recommend, ``Ice Hockey Made Simple: A Spectator's Guide,'' by Harari and Ominsky.

Be warned: I became a huge fan of the sport after reading this small book -- once I was able to follow the play, I couldn't stop watching. Its a serious addiction now.

capxxx thanks for that. If there is a game I will read up a few rules. (is the main one - try to avoid being whacked with a hockey stick?)

Now if I can get hubby to a game I think I can milk his gratitude for a very long time.

I have done some searching but cannot find any dates for the new season. Searched Rangers website and ticketing. Do you know when they release the dates? Also, if I am lucky enough to have a game when we are visiting NY is there seating you would NOT recommend buying as its overpriced or simply a bad view? (of course whenever I go to a concert etc you can guarantee that a man who is 6'6" with a full head of thick hair and shoulders that are 2 pick handles across will always sit in front of me.)

The Yankees will be toast by October. And if you don't go to a hockey game (and they are fun) - and you are there on a Sat or a Sunday - buy your Dear Hubby a couple six packs of his favorite beer (assuming that's his beverage of choice) - get all kinds of great NY snacks - and let him watch the fall college or pro football games on TV in the hotel room - and have his own party while you flit around the Big Apple black holes of shopping.

Tomsd I take it you are a Mets fan?
Hubby doesnt need to be told twice to grab a beer and watch footy on TV I assure you. He may be still taste testing local beers at that stage to find one with a similar taste to his favourite aussie beers. Hard work for sure!
I love the way you say Big Apple black holes of shopping. I am almost delirious at the thought of them. Excess baggage is already filling me with dread!

I think they usually announce the schedule in July. The season will start around the first week of October, and there are usually 3 to 4 games a week.

If you get unlucky with no Rangers home games during your stay, its an easy trip by public transportation to the New Jersey Devils arena in Newark, NJ. The New York Islanders also play on Long Island, but their arena might be harder to get to from Manhattan without a car (I'm not sure).

I would avoid corner seats down-low by the ice, because the glass around the rink can obstruct your view. Seats near the center-ice line are considered best; seats at the ends behind the goalies are good, too.

It could be argued that the cheapest seats (way up high) are the best because you can see everything from there -- in a really big arena the players look like ants, but MSG is not so bad. I have found relative bargains sitting behind the goalie about half-way up.

And brace yourself. Nothing is cheap in NYC, including hockey tickets.

Capxxx thank you for the seating and ticket info. I will start looking around July to see if there are games when we visit. Im not sure I am confident enough to be trying to find my way to Long Island at night. I am fairly confident I will get lost most days in broad daylight but I can cope with that.
I am prepared for the cost of visiting New York. Luckily hubby likes hot dogs (he may be eating them 3 times a day if the budget blows out).

Speaking of budgets........ I am taking him to Vegas after New York. I will have to get him drunk so he falls asleep and doesnt gamble! Wonder if I could sell him to a rich widow visiting Vegas? I would consider all offers.
This trip is a surprise for him for our anniversary. He has no idea yet that we are off to the US. He wont know until mid July. I can see it now. I will give him tickets to the US..... he will give me...... a card.

LOL. Actually - I grew up a Dodger fan - way out here on the left coast - and even had run rivalries with others who were Giant fans - as Major League baseball didn't move west (to LA and San Francisco) until the 50's.

As for Hot Dogs in NYC - if you get down Greenwich Village way - my favorite quick snack is Guava Dog - where you can grab a couple tasty little dogs - and good mustard - with your choise of fresh fruit juice - for $5 - a veritable find in the Big Apple. http://www.bigapplegreeter.org/

And some of the street carts/vendors can also be good quick/tasty bite, and I had a great Greek/Gyro - from a cart down by Union Square - in Greenwich Village. Also loved Noble Frankfurter - which was in San Francisco - but was modeled after Nathan's in NYC. http://www.amazingribs.com/recipes/hot_dogs_and_sausages/hot_dog_road_trip.html

My Greeter showed me around Greenwich Village - my favorite area with a whole lotta history.

Also - you might check out Big Apple Greeters. They very nicely and proudly show people around their beloved NYC for free - and only ask for a donation to their organization afterward.

Oops. Somehow the cut and paste got scrambled - but hopefully you get the idea about hot dogs/street food, and also Big Apple Greeters/showing you around.

The reason I like Greenwich Village so much is that a number of the streets are tree lined - and only have mid-rise buildings (six stories) or so - so it makes for nice walking around (see the NYU students having fun in Washington Square park - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_Square_Park ) and it's a break from the hustle and bustle uptown or downtown.

There are also a lot of places to dine - and if you are a Pizza fan - it's ground zero.

BTW - here is what I think is the best Pizza in NYC - Motorino's - but you will get a lot of contenders, including Joe's, Keste - and others in the Village http://motorinopizza.com/

And Lombardi's claims to have invented Pizza in the US: http://www.firstpizza.com/

And I couldn't forget John's - on the very cute Bleeker Street - and he even emailed me back when I was trying to arrange for a group pizza pie fest. Very nice gentleman.

Also stop by Murray's Cheeses on Bleeker - to see how it's really done:

http://www.johnsbrickovenpizza.com/ http://www.murrayscheese.com/stores.asp

October fun, regular season games will start around the second week of October, but there are pre-season games (no cost savings if you have to buy them from the official source, but you might be able to get some off someone who just wants to ditch theirs for a few bucks) on Craigslist) as early as late September.

As for seats, I don't know specifically about MSG (I've been but we had great seats), but generally for hockey, any seats are fine because the action is so constant. We have season tickets to our local NHL team, but we've sat in seats all over the arena and never had a bad one (admittedly a newer arena). Hockey is my favorite sport (baseball is very close) and a live game is incredible!

As a life long Ranger and former season's ticket holder, I suggest you attend a game. It is an experience that is not for the dainty. If you decide to go please post again and I will happy to explain the rituals including the GOAAAALLLLL chant (hey, hey, hey), Crazy Larry, cheering before the anthem is over, what to scream when you hear a rhythmic, and Sweet Caroline.
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Tomsd writes:
if you get down Greenwich Village way - my favorite quick snack is Guava Dog -

I never heard of Guava Dog and nothing appeared when I googled it. Could your favorite place be Gray's Papaya? Gray's Papaya just sells hot dogs and fruit drinks that the next time they see a fruit will be the first time. And that is it's charm. There are no seats and you stand at dented stainless steel counters where the hot dogs have a juicy snap and the drinks are cold and sweet. A NY instiution.

Yes, thank you - as it is in fact Gray's Papaya - and I thought I said they served fruit juice - which they claim is fresh?

The one I frequent is in Greenwich Villge - 6th Ave - open all hours? - but there are a couple other locations? - although one closed in Hell's Kitchen?

http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/grays-papaya01/

BTW - the aging "Damn Yankees" got clobbered today by the LA Angels: 7 - 1. Hey - how about another LA "freeway series" - the Angels v. the Dodgers - instead of another boring NY Subway series, which in current times means the Damn Yankees v. the underdog Mets

Back when it was the Yankees v. the Giant - at the old Polo Grounds - or v. the Dodgers at cozy Ebbets field - dems were da days my friend..........................

God how I hated the Pinstripe Yankees (except of course for their stars such as Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, Moose Skowrn, Elston Howard, "Jolting" Joe Dimaggio - aka the Yankee Clipper and the young phenom - "The Mick" - Mickey Mantle) - who just seemed to always have the Dodgers' number.

That is - until rookie lefty Johnny Podres led the way in the '55 Series, and Jackie Robinson DRAMATICALLY stole home on Whitey Ford and Yogi Berra, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XY-XshGhMU who jumped up and down in front of the umpire in protest as Jackie casually strolled to the Dodger dugout. A couple years later - the Dodgers moved west - breaking Brooklyn's heart - but with super pitchers - Sandy Koulfax and Don Drysdale - they again ruled.

There is a Gray's on Broadway and 72nd Street and plenty of copy cats rip offs.

At those prices I have always doubted how much fruit was actually in the drinks. But then again you do not go there for a healthy meal.

Adu, what does Crazy Larry yell? At the Sharks games, an entire group yells "You Suck". During a lull in the anthem. It's really quite dramatic

Well Crazy Larry used to do a dance when certain music was played. Larry has a simian quality about him. For many years people just laughed, but when the crowd started chanting "Homo Larry, homo Larry" the Rangers stopped playing the song and Larry stopped dancing.
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When the Islanders come into the Garden the crowd still chants, "Beat your wife Potvin, beat your wife." Denis Potvin retired in 1988 and during every game when there is a lull, someone will whistle and at the end people scream, "Potvin sucks." It could happen 6, 8 times a game. In 1979 Potvin checkd Ulfie Nilsson and broke his ankle.

I am enjoying this thread. Not only for the information I am getting but I love sporting rivalry between you all!

Tom thanks for the food advice. I think your hotdogs differ from ours. Hubby prefers tomato sauce to mustard so as long as he can get ketchup he will be ok. He likes them with onion, bacon and cheese. We arent huge pizza lovers ... he only eats ham and pineapple ones. (boring boring boring) but we will be checking out all the quick food as we explore the city. We are staying at The Beacon so will have to check a map to see if any of your suggestions are nearby. Now Tom, any suggestions for Washington and San Francisco? haha

Sf keep your fingers crossed for me that there is a game at one of the cities we are visiting. After reading all the posts I want to go for my enjoyment rather than a something for hubby to enjoy. Sounds like no matter where we could get a seat it will be a fun night. (I assume all games are at night?)

Aduchamp if I start singing I might clear the building but hey.... I will give it a whirl. Rest assured, if I get my hands on tickets I will let you know.

If any of you are there at the game we will buy you a beer. (they sell beer in thimbles dont they?)

Tom,
I have already stumbled across the Big Apple Greeters and am going to put my name down on the list and hope that we can be alloted someone to show and tell us all about the area we are staying in Manhattan. Its a wonderful idea isnt it.

Actually - I think they offer a tomatoe type sauce at Gray's Papaya - and check out the pics - and you might see it in front of the server. And as for having onion, bacon and cheese - that's more of a Chicago dog style.

Hey - there are lots of other treats to eat in NYC.

As for San Francisco - used to live there and still know it pretty well - and there are also other posts in here from a lot of knowledgable people. Anything in particular you are wondering about.

And you sould be able to get a Big Apple Greeter host/hostess worked out ahead of time.

And if your hotel - The Beacon - is the one on the upper west side - you are fairly close to the Natural History Museum - which has a lot of interesting exhibits, an IMAX, etc. If it's open - the coffee stand on the 5th floor has a great view of Manhattan - and their cafe - toward the back - 1st floor - has some tasty offerings.

Your hubby may also appreciate the hall with the midages suits of armor/swords, including a great collection from Japan as well as Europe.

Oops. My bad: The 5th floor coffee stand and the suits of armor/swords are over at the Met Museum of Art - across Central Park from where you will be.

Tom when I was visiting London many years ago I loved looking at that sort of stuff(bad choice of word for treasures i know) at the Victoria and Albert Museum. I know history things would appeal more to hubby than "arty" things. I will check all that out beforehand so I know which museums to forgo and which are musts. We will be doing a few in Washington, mostly highlights though as we dont have the time to spend a whole day in one museum. Again, its a case of working out the must see museums from the would like to see ones. I thought the sports game would be a chance to really soak up atmosphere and a diversion from all the touristy things. Its New York, what better place to soak up atmosphere and people watch!
I am not planning too much in San Francisco. Getting over the long flight from Oz, a bit of sightseeing, getting used to tipping and using money that is all the same size and colour. I will have to have my reading glasses handy at all times before I hand over a note or else I will be eating hot dogs all trip as well!
With all this food you keep telling me about I will end up as cargo on the flight home.

Actually - I think they offer a tomatoe type sauce at Gray's Papaya
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Well one is ketchup and the other is carmelized onions that simmers for 30 or 40 years in many ingredients including tomato paste and red pepper flakes. It was made famous by Sabrett's who sell franks at the dirt water dog stands and can be purchased by the bottle in supermarkets. But it is 99% onions.

I have, in fact, attended a hockey game in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Wranglers is a minor league professional team with home ice in the Orleans Arena, which is adjacent to the Orleans Hotel and Casino.

It was a hoot. I think the fans numbered 2 thousand or so, and they were way into the silly kind of cheering and chanting that you find at college games (yelling ``Thank You'' after the 1-minute announcement, and ``Sieve Sieve Sieve" when the visiting goalie lets in a goal.) They loved their Wranglers!

You might find it an interesting sociological contrast between major league hockey at MSG and waaaaay-minor league hockey in LV.

One of the best things about watching hockey in MSG is that the snack bar sells sushi and edamame.

(Since we're declaring affiliations here, go Bruins! I try to see Rangers vs Penguins once a year, since I am fond of the Pittsburgh Penguins. My bucket list includes a visit to every NHL arena; so far I have 6 of 30 checked-off.)

October fun, I have been in San Francisco for nearly 40 years (grew up in NY), so ask away!

(oh, and the numbers on our paper money are quite large - some are huge) no need for reading glasses!)

@ Audchamp . wow my mouth is watering for that onion sauce. None for hubby though if I have to live in cramped quarters with him. Why do they call it "dirt water"?

@capxxx What is edamame? Sounds like something you rub on a rash.

@sf now the sf makes sense. Im still working out where to stay in SF. How far in advance do you need to buy the Alcatraz tour tickets. Knowing my luck it will be a windy foggy or raining but I dont want to chance not getting a ticket.

Edamama (eed-a-MOM-ay) is soybeans boiled in their shells in very salty water.

In the US they are sometimes found in japanese/sushi restaurants (or hockey games!), served as an appetizer or snack. You have to pop them out of their fuzzy shells before eating them.

I mean edamame.

In DC - you hubby might like feeling small while standing in front of the huge elephant (think Teddy Roosevelt bagged it during his famous African Safaris) -that graces the entrance at Museum of National History. If memory further serves me correctly - they also have an incredible precious stones exhibit (used to have the Hope Diamond I believe) - among other interesting displays.
http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/

For Art - I love the Impressionist works at the National Gallery - and of course, across the Mall - the National Air and Space museum - is incredible if you like aviation history. http://www.nasm.si.edu/museum/flagship.cfm

And for everything else - the Smithsonian is next door to the Air and Space. http://www.si.edu/

And SF is a great place for a little R & R from your long flight. You might consider relaxing on the ferry ride over to Sausalito - from which you get a great view of the SF bridge, Alcatraz and also - looking back at the downtown SF Skyline. Years ago - we liked Scomas in Sausalito - on a wharf over the water - as well as the Scomas at the Wharf in SF - but again, that was a long time ago so ask around - or maybe SF73 can give updates.

@ Audchamp . wow my mouth is watering for that onion sauce. None for hubby though if I have to live in cramped quarters with him. Why do they call it "dirt water"?

Those are franks sold by street vendors. Some have grills, others keep them in hot water all day. People have always wondered what exactly is going on in that water. The guys with experience will slap open and shut the compartments that contain the various foods.

The food stands near Rock Center and the entrance to the museums charge extra.

Capxxx I may pass on the edamame but at least I will know what it is. Soybeans sound too healthy at a sports game. Hubby would think his throat was cut if I made him eat soybeans. He will be happy as a pig in mud if hes watching a game, drinking a beer and eating a hot dog.

Tom, precious stones sound like my kind of display. They dont have the Hope Diamond anymore? I was hoping to see it. The Air and Space is one of my must do museums. I definately want to see the Impressionists at the National Gallery so those two we can do on the one day. If I just do one Museum of Natural History should i do the one in DC or NY? With so much to see I think I should only do one of them so it frees up time to visit something different. Unfortunately, we cant book to do tours of the White House or Capital Building.
Depending on the weather (I am not a great traveller in choppy water) I want to do Alcatraz but also the trip over to Sausalito so I can enjoy the Bay. (isnt that where Klinger was from in MASH?) Why is it I can remember that but I cant remember if I locked the car 2 mins ago? By Wharf you mean Fisherman's Wharf?
Thanks for the links to the museums. Ideally it would be great to see them all but the list has to be culled.

I cant wait to read this thread after work each day. I have picked up so much info from everyone. I really appreciate it.

Klinger was from Sausalito? I had no idea (I know the actor who played him, Jamie Farr, is from Toledo, Ohio )

How far in advance to buy Alcatraz tickets is totally dependent on when you're coming (school holidays being the busiest time of course).

I am NOT a boater, hate/get sick on choppy water, and never have had a problem on either the Alcatraz or Sausalito ferry.

Oh, and in DC, the National Portrait Gallery is fantastic (and I'm not an art museum person usually)

Hey - I lived in Sausalito once (early 70's) - and never knew/heard Klinger was from there. Probably because bigger names - such as Santana - used to jam in the little park on Sundays (my former brother in law - who was from Guatamela - even used to sit in and play bongo drums) - and you could get high just walking by the happening scene.

Ahhhhh - those were the days my friend......................

October lass: You B in luck!!! http://www.flickr.com/photos/nmnh/2690065614/

Oh yes. The original Scoma's is at Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco (sort of tucked away on a back pier - http://www.scomas.com/ ) and the "new" Scoma's was on a Wharf over in Sausalito http://scomassausalito.com/ - next to my favorite place - the Poseidon - which has since closed.

Not only did they have the hippest/best looking cocktail gals - but they also used to have a couple of noted/bohemian artist Varda's works behind the bar. http://www.buoyantlife.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=196&Itemid=180

Again, the Poseidon was an uber cool place in the 70's - and one weekend day - I was standing on the rear deck (the rear deck fronted onto SF Bay) sipping on a glass of wine - admiring the great view - when a guy sailed up - and just casually hopped from his boat onto the deck and tossed me the line to a 30 foot or so sailboat - and continued on walking into the bar without saying a word.

He probably thought I was an attendant - and I nicely tied it up for him - but thought about taking it for a spin around the bay. Wouldn't he have been shocked to come back out after a few beverages and find - NO Boat!!!

Where are you staying in Manhattan? My old man was a Big Apple Greeter. He might even be able to understand Aussie (I'm pretty fluent, but don't live in the City anymore).

Klinger (character) was from Toledo - he was alwasy talking about their minor keague team the Mud Hens. Don;t know where Jamie Faar was from.

Duh: I believe Tte reference was about the acual actor - Jamie Faar - being from/or having spent time in Sausalito.

Aduchamp thanks for the tip about the vendors being dearer at those places. A handy tip to remember. I read to look out for places with a line of locals.... usually means a good place to buy food.

sf I have heard the portrait gallery is a surprise and better than expected. Besides the impressionits I am not a huge fan of Art Galleries. I will try to fit it in. Also good to know you have not had trouble with the bay cruises. It takes me ages to recover from bad travel sickness so fingers crossed. Would you recommend a day or night tour of Alcatraz?

BigRuss. We are staying at the Beacon Hotel. I think its classed as upper west. Its on Broadway. lol @ understanding Aussie. We arent that bad are we?

Tom, glad to hear the Hope Diamond is still there and waiting for me to drool over it. Speaking of drool..get those visions of the cocktail waitresses from the 70's out of your mind. Thanks for the links you sent too.

@ everyone.... Klinger was from Toledo as was Jamie Farr. When I read Sausalito I immediately thought of Klinger for some reason. Both towns end in O. Do I get a point for gettig that part correct? ugghhhhh now my long term memory is shot too. (unlike Tom's..... he has perfect memory of waitresses from the seventies!)

Now before you all start thinking..... "we are letting this woman loose in our country???" ...I still have to get my visa approved.....

The Beacon is a very nice prperty for a moderate hotel and the neighborhood is great - mid/upscale residential with a hots of restauarants of every possible ethnicity, along with a ton of shops on the avenues - side streets primarily residential. Two subway lines for easy access to the rest of the city. Ac ouple of blocks from Central Park and an esy walk to many museums.

Jamie Farr is from Toledo. It just occurred to me - I think it might have been BJ Hunnicutt (Mike Farrell) who was "from" Sausalito. (Just looked on Wikipedia -- BJH was "from" Mill Valley, which is the town next to Sausalito.

<<<Would you recommend a day or night tour of Alcatraz?>>>

I've never taken the night tour, so I can't compare the two. People who do take the night tour seem to really like it, and it does free up more time during the day!

nytraveler The Beacon does seem nice. A travel agent recommended it as they always get good feedback from people who have stayed there. It has a kitchenette which will be handy if we want to have breakfast in our room before heading out for the day and there is a store down the road i think to get supplies from. A deli across the road that is good for meals too. One thing I am really looking forward to on our trip is to wake up, walk out of the hotel and be walking the streets of New York. This might be a silly question, but is there a sort of unspoken ettiquette when walking on busy footpaths (sidewalks). Things like if you are walking slower than the pace of everyone else try to keep to the side. things like that. I dont want to feel like we are in everyones way as we walk along and take in the atmosphere.

sf maybe my memory isnt as bad as I thought. Perhaps I did hear it on MASH. Lets pretend I did I am thinking of taking a ferry that does the bay tour and drops off at Alcatraz and get the last one back. That way we can still see the sight of SF in daylight but watch the city light up at dusk.

Yes, sidewalk rules:

Never walk more than 2 abreast

If you want to look at a map or book or ? pull over to the side (near the stores)

Do not clog up the sidewalk at corners even if there is a red signal - locals will cross anyway and if you stand in the middle you will be in the way (jaywalking is a hobby, not a crime in NYC)

For a great deli go to Zabar's - B'way between 80th and 81st. It has fantastic appetizing as well as lots of hot and cold foods premade that you can take for a picnic in the park or a light meal back in the hotel. Incredible cheese department, lots of specialties and the guy that cuts their lox makes more than $80,000 per year. (No, it's not cheap.)

nytraveler thanks I thought there would have to be "rules" as there are so many on the sidewalks. Where I live we tend to share a footpath the same way we drive on the road so that you walk the same side as the traffic is flowing. Is it the same over there? Lox is smoked salmon isnt it? A picnic in Central Park is very appealing (as long as the weather holds out for us) Any suggestions for a restaurant/pub with character to enjoy a meal. Hubby isnt into ethnic foods (much to my disdain) so someplace he can get a steak, have a beer and enjoy the feel of the place would be good.

nytraveler.. all those delis will be my downfall. I want to try everything when I look into those places. Some nice cheese, glass of wine, relaxing after an exhausting day sightseeing. Bliss

october_fun, those are my favorite meals in the city. I love the little market/deli on 53rd next to the Hilton. We'd always stop by after a long day of sightseeing, get what we want from the deli or salad/hot bar, grab drinks and snacks and go back to the room for a rest and a picnic. Then we'd head out for a Broadway show. Never had problems with pre-show meals, because they were in the room. Sometimes we napped. Sometimes took a bath. But that couple of hours of rest in late afternoon kept us going. Another option is to order food to be delivered to the hotel. You can get almost any cuisine delivered in NYC. Some people HATE eating in the room, but we love it - after "an exhausting day sightseeing. Bliss" is right!

starrs I know my husband will be tired after a day out so some days it will be nice to grab something, eat in and put the feet up give them a rest. (knowing we do it all again the next day!) I havent got there yet but I already know I will hate leaving New York. Im thinking of adding another day to New York and taking it away from somewhere else.

of, I do it 90% of the time in the city. Recharge your batteries for more fun. If we order in it's usually Thai or Peruvian food from Pio Pio. There are several locations so there's probably one near you for delivery. Their Matador Combo is delish and enough food to share.

I love Pio Pio!

As for Alcatraz, is there such a thing as a bay cruise that drops off at Alcatraz? I am under the impression the only boats that dock at Alcatraz are national park service ferries.... Ok, I just checked, the private company that runs the ferries for the nps has some "combination tours".

http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/website/tour-comparison.aspx

sf I thought I read of one that went over to sausalito and under the golden gate and dropped off at Alcatraz. I am thinking the evening tour just so we can see the city at night from the bay. Will research and book tours closer to the time. I am still undecided on where to stay as we arent there long so I dont think I will be shopping. Hubby would enjoy the tour of the submarine at the Wharf and the Alcatraz and bay tour. I think i will save the shopping until we get to NY.I dont want to be inside a shop when I could be sitting outside, enjoying a drink/meal and looking at a beautiful view of the bay and bridge.

When I am in the Apple on business, and have had a long day - I love to grab some takeout (Chinese, Thai, French Onion soup, coldcuts & cheese and a loaf of bread, pizza, you name it) - and just cocoon in the room, reading the Times more thoroughly, watching the tube a bit and then crashing to get ready for a busy next day.

And in SF if all else fails on a ferry tour - just take the Golden Gate ferry from the foot of Market St. over to Sausalito for a great cruise. During my ferry "commute" days - we used to love to have a glass of wine while watching the sun set under the Golden Gate (certain times of year). http://www.goldengateferry.org/

Tom, I adore french onion soup. I was just looking at a satelite map of where our hotel is and looking at the names of the buildings etc around it. Was I looking at museums, sites to visit? Noooo I was looking at all the places associated with food. How do New Yorkers control their weight? All this wonderful food within arms lenth! I must admit the maps are great for getting a perspective of where things are. I had better bring different size jeans. Ones to wear pre New York. Bigger ones for when I leave.

We wont mind watching the tube after a big day out. We are usually a season behind with your shows so there will always be something to watch. Maybe even a Rangers game so we can work out the rules if we are lucky enought to get to a game. I like starrs suggestion of eating in before heading out for a show too.

One of my favorite things to do when visiting a foreign country is buying food as we walk around, throw them in a backpack, and have them back in the room, I call it our Continental Dinner.

NY is a great city for this. There are scores of great bakeries, wine stores, prepared food places, and ethnic places. This way you can have sampling of different things cheaply.

If you check in your bags put in some silverware and a corkscrew in your suitcase. If you are just taking carry-ons, steal some plastic knives and forks in NY and spring for a cheap cork screw.
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One reason NY'ers aren't fatter, is that we walk. Manhattan has one of the lowest car registration rates in the country. And even though Sex and The City makes it seem like everyone takes a cab, it can get expensive if you are not an actor prestending not to be rich.
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There are no real rules at Ranger games but "traditions" many are vulgar but they are our traditions. The only rule I would offer is that unless you are willing to defend yourself, usually just verbally, do not root for or wear a jersey from the opposition especially the Islanders, Devils, Flyers, and Bruins.

Dang - lost a post while trying to retreive a webpage. Anyhooo - suggest you learn how to ride the subway - the fastest way to travel any significent ditance in and around the Big Apple, plus it's usually fairly clean and safe - at least during the day and early evening.

Here are a couple of pages with tips - and generally - enter on the West side of the street if you are heading "downtown" - and on the Ease side if you are heading "uptown". Now - your assignment is to figure out what that means. You might also buy a ticket with say 10 trips on it (5 trips for the both of ye) - since you are going to be there for a few days.

http://www.wikihow.com/Ride-the-New-York-City-Subway and http://gonyc.about.com/od/gettingaround1/tp/subway_tips.htm

BTW - I get two subway maps (just ask at an information booth) and fold one up to the part I will use when riding around Manhatten (you can tear off the other parts) and keep a whole one in the room to review before leaving.

And if you know where you want to go - you can take an express line which doesn't stop at each stop. This would help if you want to get to Greenwich Village or the Wall St area from your hotel, and maybe from there back up to the East side - Met Museum, and the like.

Make sure you get on the right line. Repeat: Make sure you get on the right line.

@ aduchamp.. we definately will have check in so I will put the cutlery on the packing list. great suggestion esp the corkscrew. It will be a great way for me to try a lot of ethnic food while hubby can choose something he prefers.
If we get to the game we wont be wearing team clothing. I will have to find out the team colours of the opposition so that I dont accidently wear a colour to match them.

@Tom.. downtown is more the financial district or bottom part? uptown is central park end? Working out East and west side when all i can see is skyscrapers is going to be a problem for me. I wont be able to get my bearings. I think i will have a map with me at all times and find street corners to work out where I am. The main thing I will have to do is make sure I leave plenty of time to get to places where I need to be at a certain time eg ferry and 911 memorial or shows. The rest of the time we can wander at leisure. Luckily I am a bit ocd about knowing things beforehand so I will be perusing the maps the night before and working out where to go.

I know I will have more places to see and things to do than we have time for but, is there something that as regular visitors or residents you find is not always on the tourist brochures etc but is really worth seeing/doing?

East and West is easy - Fifth Ave is the dividing line. And you can tell directions from the angle of the sun and time. (this is from the numbered street up. Downtown, where the streets have names, you'll need a map.

The avenues going east from Fifth are Madison, Park Lexington Third, SEcond, etc. West of fith are 6th, 7th 8th etc. Broadway cut across at an angle - crossing 7th at 42 st, 6th at 34th st and 5th at union square.

East and West is easy - Fifth Ave is the dividing line. And you can tell directions from the angle of the sun and time. (this is from the numbered street up. Downtown, where the streets have names, you'll need a map.

The avenues going east from Fifth are Madison, Park Lexington Third, SEcond, etc. West of fith are 6th, 7th 8th etc. Broadway cut across at an angle - crossing 7th at 42 st, 6th at 34th st and 5th at union square.

If we get to the game we wont be wearing team clothing. I will have to find out the team colours of the opposition so that I dont accidently wear a colour to match them.

Do not worry unless it is orange.

www.hopstop.com is great for planning subway and bus routes

starrs thanks for the planner.

nytraveler ... i will have to read your post while looking at a map to work out what you mean. Sorry, all the east, west and numbers I find confusing. I am used to all streets being just names. Im sure it is easy once I study a map closely (instead of looking at all the food places!) I will get it right in the end.

Aduchamp I am very unlikely to be wearing orange. I read a tip to only pack three colours so that everything matches and I wont need to pack so much...... yeah right!!!!! they dont know me. I gather you dont exactly support the orange team. lol

Yo Aussie Navigator: You are almost starting to sound like a local.

As noted - and this is how I also try to remember it - where the morning sun casts the shadow is toward the West - and in the afternoon - the shadows point toward the East. But if in doubt - think about heading downtown (yes - toward Wall St/Statute of Liberty/911 memorial/Greenwich Village) - or uptown - toward Central Park, the upper East Side/or beyond to the Bronx (Yankeee Stadium) - and also toward where you will be located - the upper West side.

As for heading West - that's toward New Jersey/Newark airport - the Hudson river (where the United pilot - a fellow Air Force Academy lad - "Sully" Sullenberger very deftly landed/threaded the big airliner http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28678669/ns/us_news-life/t/ny-jet-crash-called-miracle-hudson/ ) - while heading East would be toward Long Island/Brooklyn/Kennedy/LeGuardia airports/Queens, the East/Harlem river, etc.

Here's a small map that may help better orient you. http://tinyurl.com/c9cc274

Oops - Sully flew for US Air. Others from the Blue Zoo flew for United, et al.

The amazing thing is how cool Sully was. The Air Traffic controller(s) were late in responding (it did happen very fast) - and was/were frantically trying to divert him to some emergency landing site/field in New Jersey and Sully calmly/as cool as the other side of the pillow - responded with something like: No time for that - we're going in, or some such, and landed a few seconds later.

Just an amazing - uber cool/under pressure piece of magnificent flying - really more of a controlled crash land - but with no engines and over water. Actually - it was more of a "controlled" glide - and with an airliner - that's one very big rock dropping pretty fast, relatively speaking.

BTW - you and/or your husband might enjoy visiting the Intrepid Museum - the Carrier/docked on the Hudson - where they are now going to house the Discovery Space Shuttle (it was just dramaticlly flown around piggy back on a big 747) - and the Space Shuttle(s) - which was/were also piloted (at one time or another) by other lads from the Blue Zoo in Colorado Springs. http://tinyurl.com/7njvorn

http://www.intrepidmuseum.org/

Tom thanks for the link to the map. I think aussie navigator maybe too optimistic lol. It explains the suburb areas for me so will help when I plan each days itinery.
I remember the crash on the news. It was also big news here. He behaved rather differently to the Italian cruiseliner captain didnt he.

Do these threads stop at a certain number? By the time I get to the US there will be 5369 questions posted by me. Do the moderators send an email and say....enough already! I hope not. I look forward to all your posts.

If BigRuss is out there. I sent a request to have a BigApple greeter today. Fingers crossed there is someone spare to show us the ropes that day.

Tom, i didnt realise that was where the shuttle was ending up. Saw it on the news the other day. Will add that to the list of things to see. We have been on a carrier when it visited Perth (we were posted there at the time) and the kids were young. Like to see the shuttle though.

Tom, had a look at that link and hubby will love seeing all that. Ive never come across it in my googling before so thanks for the info.

I gather you dont exactly support the orange team. lol

Orange is part of the Islanders and Flyers uniforms.

I will make sure I wear a red scarf and not an orange one. Must get my priorities right. ( I am hoping I find a treasure trove of scarves while I am in NY - I love them).
Do you go to all the home games?

No, I gave up my season's tickets a few years ago.

Love the Orange Team. That being the Dutch futball team of course.

Tom, the Dutch are usually a nemises against us in the Olympic Field Hockey. The are the only orange team I am familiar with.

Aduchamp did you tire of watching your team win did you?

Question time: If you had to choose between Museum of Natural History in Washington and New York which would you prefer?

I like the one in Washington DC - plus it's free! http://www.mnh.si.edu/visit/

IMHO the one in DC is fine - but the one in NYC is exceptional. Fantastic exhibits on human evolution (I actually saw LUCY when she was on exhibit there some years ago), great gems gallery, special exhibits all the time and a selection of IMAX movies - as well as the attached Planetarium

starrs I had a look at the link. Live tarrantula feedings. haha I hate spiders so I guess I better go and have a look!

nytraveler. Looks like I am going to have to try and fit in both places. I will stay away from the IMAX. Sounds silly but I cant watch IMAX screen. I get carsick.

Something I dont see in trip reports etc is the United Nations tour. I know someone who did it and thought it was great. Have any of you done it?

I went to the UN on a 4th grade field trip (circa 1960) - does that count?

Both NHM's are great - and I believe you are within walking distance of the one in NYC. For the United Nations tour - I think you have to check ahead and make a reservation?

The Museum of Natural History has filled every NY kid with special memories. There isn't a kid I know who does not remember, with awe and wonder, the whale hanging from the ceiling or the skeletons of the dinoasaurs.

The tour of the UN could be used in sleep clinics.
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Aduchamp did you tire of watching your team win did you?

When did that happen? The Rangers have won Stanley Cup in my life time. And I am Met fan, not a Yankee fan. The Knicks have not won since 1973. Fortunately I am football Giants fan, but there were many lean years there as well.

sf... nothing has changed since 1960 has it? It was only yesterday wasnt it?

Aduchamp.. lol@sleep clinic. I like that quote.
My husbands footy team hasnt won the the grand final since 1981 or 80. The night of our wedding we had to watch the replay of the major semi-final on tv after we left the wedding reception. They won that game but lost the grand final the following week.

I have just seen THE best shirt for my husband on the Smithsonian website (gift shop). A casual baseball style shirt and printed on the back in big letters is
WHO
1
He is a big fan of Abbott and Costello so I just have to buy it for him when we go.

I have another question for you seasoned travellers. Would travelling with an Iphone be enough? We dont need to have contact with work or reply to urgent emails. Want to be able to post on facebook to let family know all is ok with us (I only have family on facebook so dont have 6394 "friends"to brag to about where we are or what we are doing. Its only to keep in touch. Intend to us wifi in starbucks, hotels so that I can do that, send emails, check bank accounts, check flights etc. perhaps by a throw away phone when we get there to be able to make calls inside US if needed.
Does this sound ok to you?

Definitely would work - be sure you download the app called WiFi finder - and download the offline database before you leave home.

sf thanks heaps for that. Will do it before we leave.

What a great baseball shirt. I would love that one.

Tom you can buy it online from the Smithsonian gift shop. Some reviews said to buy next size up as its a small make. As soon as I saw it I knew if I was to buy only one souvenir shirt it HAD to be that one. Its not really a Smithsonian souvenir though. More a tribute to a classic comedy routine.

Just the iPhone would be enough. If you need more you can probably use the business center or a computer if your hotel has one, or stop by a cyber cafe or FedEx office. Most of the hotels I stay in have a desktop computer (or a few) available for use for short periods of time. I use them top print out tickets for Broadway shows purchased with discounts from Broadwaybox.com.

starrs. thank you. I thought if we didnt take along a laptop etc we may be at a disadvantage whilst travelling.

The stars have aligned and I have found a game we might be able to go to. Its a football game when we are in San Francisco. Buffalo Bills V the 49ers. Its the afternoon after we arrive in the US so I hope we dont have bad jet lag.

How long does a game go for? Its starts at 1:15. What time would we be looking at getting away from the stadium. I assume there is good public transport to and from games? Would that game be likely to sell out? We better support the local team I suppose. What colour are they? I dont want to get beaten up on my first day out. lol

Still no dates for the Hockey yet so I am still hopeful of seeing a game while we are in NY.

Ive done some googling and found the answers to some of my questions. (should have done that first but I was so excited to find a game we can attend)

Still dont know how long a game lasts though. I did find transport information about the 49ers buses so it sounds fairly easy to get there and back.(it was on the official website) Havent looked at other modes of transport which may be cheaper than the bus but perhaps not as convenient. More googling. What did we do before the internet?

The Niners' (short for 49ers colors are predominately red - with white letters. The traveling jerseys are the reverse - white with red letters. http://tinyurl.com/6nvn28t

And you can leave by the start of the 4th quarter and usually beat the crowd. That should be about 3 hours or so - into the game.

Hey - I flew back on a Saturday - a day early to SF (leaving the week's accumulation of over 100 inches of incredible powder at Aspen)- and went to the Niner football game the next day with a buddy of mine and saw: THE CATCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (by Dwight Clark http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0V1Dx_McGrw )

That really was the dramatic start of the great 49er Super Bowl runs - first with legendary QB Joe Montana and then later with Steve Young.

Dems wer da days..............

Oh yes, for the Niners - buy your tickets early. Coach Jim Harbaugh has the expectations way up there again, even though they are planning to build a new stadium down the peninsula in San Jose. http://www.ninersnation.com/2012/4/20/2962175/49ers-stadium-groundbreaking-jim-harbaugh-jed-york

If we get one of the buses it doesnt leave until 30 mins after the game finishes.

Now to work out what type of ticket to buy. Are the cheap tickets too far away to see anything?

You have to take one of the buses - there really isn't any other public transportation available.

Type of ticket - I don't know because I don't go to football games, but the stadium does seat 70,000 for football, so you might not want to be too high up in the second deck

70,000 - now thats a lot of people watching for me. Will book a package that includes admission ticket and bus. Once again. Thanks.

Cant wait to see look on hubby's face when I tell him he is going to a game. ( when we are lining up to board the bus)

I don't think there are too many "bad" (obstructed view) seats at the "Stick" - and I watched "The Catch" from the second deck and it was just fine. Highest up/"noosebleed" seats also give a good view - even if the players look smaller. http://www.49ers.com/stadium/index.html

And the stadium is close to the airport - toward downtown - and if there was any way to conveniently store your luggage - (I gather you are not renting a car?) - and also depending on your timing - you could go just from the airport to the game.

Hey - even if you are having jet lag during the game, or one too many pints, and/or feeling a bit droopy - you can also go out and catch a taxi back to your hotel which I don't think would be that expensive. It's what - not even 15 minutes to downtown from Candlestick, without traffic? And double check - as they might have other buses, whatever, leaving from there during the game. One nice thing about the buses after the game is I believe they have their own lanes when exiting - which otherwise can become a semi-stationary parking lot. BTW - taking the bus is a bit of an introductory tour of SF, if you have time to catch one to get to the game.

Well, I believe you used to be able to take taxis to the Stick, but maybe that was for baseball. We lived in the Marina/Union St - and could be there in about 15 (20 max) minutes - without any traffic. Also see this page for more info: http://prod.static.49ers.clubs.nfl.com/assets/docs/stadium/revisedpublictransittipsfinal.pdf

Uno Mas: Looks like you could also ride the Muni/subway - and then transfer to a Muni bus when you get closer to the park.

If you are staying in downtown SF - that might be a good option/ace in the hole. Or - as you said - if you can get a package - ticket and bus - that works for your schedule - great. You can doze on the bus on the way back if necessry.

Uno mas mas: We always drove - didn't take taxis - and if we weren't tailgaiting with my buddy - who liked to also BBQ after the game - waiting for the traffic to clear out - we usually liked to head out before the end of the game to beat the traffic and listen to the end of the game on the radio. Except for very important games that is.

A ha: Now I think I have it. If you wanted to leave during the game - I think you could catch a muni bus over to the Bart station and from there - back into the City, even if you had already reserved a seat on a bus that didn't leave until after the game. Does that make sense?

October is the beginning of the regular season in hockey.
In 2011, the Rangers home opener was delayed by weeks due to planned rennovations at Madison Square Garden. There is supposed to be more construction this summer. Additionally the players agreement expires this summer. And there have been lock out in the past.

Please note:

It is una cosa más.

aduchamp I looked up last octobers matches and noticed that there were no games in NY for the first few weeks so my expectations of finding a game to coincide nose dived a little. I wont get my hopes up too much but after starting this thread I must say it is now something that I really hope I get to do. At least the 49ers game in San Francisco will give us a taste of a sporting event.

Tom, we should be arriving the day before the game and not on the day of the game. Havent booked a hotel yet but now that I know there is a game I probably better do that. Is there a huge influx of fans who stay overnight? I am not too worried about having to catch a cab back to hotel if we find ourselves struggling to adjust to the new time zone. I think the idea of the bus and using it as a bit of siteseeing is a good idea.

No, hotels do not fill up because of Niner games - most fans are "local" (within 100 miles of San Francisco) and just come for the day.

I highly recommend you do NOT do the Muni/BART thing. First, finding the right bus (if regular buses even ply Candlestick on game days) will be tough, but more important, you do NOT want to be roaming around the neighborhood around Candlestick Park looking for a bus or otherwise.

Geesh. On game day - they most certinly run buses from Bart over to the Stick - and the transfer point is busy - and not that deep into Hunter's Point. But better if you take a bus trip from the hotel. I would recommend you stay downtown by Union Square and the Grand Dame is the St. Francis - where as a young lad back in the 50's - we would stay when my dad went to a medical conference - and I just loved the coin machine that washed the change and also sorted it? http://tinyurl.com/85b3uje And if you get a tower room - you have a great view.


From the St. Francis - you can also hop on a Cable car to get down to Fisherman's Wharf and maybe have a famed Irish Coffee at the "birthplace" - the Buena Vista. Actually - it came over from Shannon, Ireland but it makes for a good story. http://www.thebuenavista.com/home/home.html

In any event - I came back just now to post this map which I was showing to another traveler - who wanted to get to the Airport from Half Moon Bay - but if you zoom in and out - it will give you an idea of the SF area.

http://www.travelmath.com/drive-distance/from/SFO/to/Half+Moon+Bay,+CA

And are you in SF for the Buffalo Bills game? Should be a lively one. The next week - against the defending Super Bowl Champs - the NY Giants - will be HUGE.

http://footballschedule.me/san-francisco-49ers-schedule

Tom yes we will be in SF for the Buffalo Bills game. Ive searched and in the three weeks we are in the US that is the only game scheduled for any of the cities we are in during our stay. So its that game or none.

The St Francis is more than I want to pay. Dont want cheap and nasty but also dont want to pay too much as there are a lot of extras in hotels we dont use. With three weeks of hotels I have to set a limit on expenses or else we wont have fun money.

I love coffee so I will have to check out Buena Vista if we are near.

There are other options besides the St. Francis, and just Google away. A cute little area is down along/by Lombard St - toward the Golden Gate - which has some less expensive motels - and great local streets to explore - such as Chestnut St and Union St - with plenty of dining and "sipping" options. It has good bus/Muni service, but not sure if the Niner game buses go there though - so you might have to take a Muni bus or short taxi ride to hook up with them?

My favorite is the Coventry Motor Inn http://www.coventrymotorinn.com/ - and it was quiet - but some visitors have commented about some street noise at some of the others, while some visitors didn't think it was a big deal. Just research away, and here is one page: http://www.sftravel.com/bgt.html

I want to thank everyone who posted on this thread. Your ideas and experiences have not only been informative but fun to read.

Unfortunately, it looks like I am going to have to cancel our plans. It looks like I will be out of a job in the next few months. ( my workplace is being disbanded and contracts are most likely to not get renewed. A change of government means public servant cost cutting and this time its me. This time though its across the board with no contracts being renewed so I cant just go to another area.)

So until we all know for sure what is happening I cant take the risk of continuing to book hotels, flights etc if I will be unemployed shortly.

I feel like I have wasted everyones time and I apologise for that.

Keep your fingers crossed for me and thank you so much.

PS I have no idea what I will do with my spare time now. I have been trip researching and reading forums for months. I think I will be going through withdrawal.

Sorry to hear that, I am hopeful you will be able come and visit in the future.

Hey - hang in there and see you soon at a Charger game.

Hope your work situation is resolved soon, but don't worry about wasting people's time - New Yorkers and those who love NY (and SF) love to talk about their cities! Everyone had fun with this thread.

Aduchamp, Tom and sf ..... thank you so much. I have kept this as a favourite so that if I find out its good news I will be back here rereading all the links so that I can make bookings to can get over there and have a ball.


I will get there one day... its a promise.

I will miss reading your posts.

Hello again. Good news. My contract has been renewed so our trip is back on.

I found the hockey schedule last night and unfortunately there is no game at Madison Square Gardens in the time we will be there. There is an Islander Game but a previous post said it might be difficult to get there from Manhattan. There is a game between New Jersey and the Rangers in New Jersey. Would that be very difficult to get to, bearing in mind we will be total novices to all forms of transport getting to and from there.

If you are staying in NYC it would be very easy to get to the Prudential Center aka the Rock to see the Rangers play the Pitchforks. Be aware, this has become an enormous rivalry and these teams and their fans HATE each other.

wrongfoot thanks. I had better make sure we wear neutral colours. It will still be considered safe though?

How long would it take to travel there? Not that it really matters, we are used to travelling long distances and it will be all new things to see anyway.

It is a very easy trip from Penn Station Manhattan to Penn Station Newark. Both the PATH trains and NJ Transit will take you. The isntructions below include the walk which is short.

Tickets usually sell for a premium.

http://www.prucenter.com/resources/pdfs/Directions-to-PruCenter.pdf

Let's go RANGERS!

Adu thanks heaps for that map with directions.

I will suss out tickets this evening.

It is so exciting to be planning the trip again and so nice to be able to get advice from all you lovely fodorites.

Hey October fun:

Glad to hear you are still coming to town

Last we talked I said the Rangers were the team to beat for the NHL championship. Well the Devils upset them and went on to the Finals. (Devils lost to LA)

So...that should be a fun time at the Prudential Center, home of the NJ Devils

Devil fans wear RED and the Ranger fans wear BLUE. I would stay with a neutral color!!

-john

bmw hello again.

Sounds like it will be a game with scores to settle!

Red is one of the colours I am packing (I read on here to stick with a basic 3 colours when packing so that everything matches and I can travel lighter) I have to admit that me travelling light is an oxy-moron.

I was looking at seating last night. So many choices and I procrastinate on which will be the better one. I think we will be fine up the back though. Stub hub dont have any tickets but the site I found was on NYCtourist. It said they resale tickets. We dont have anything like that over here. Is it safe?

Another question. My husband is a smoker - yes filthy habit I know. Over here he has to go outside for a smoke but you cannot stand within a certain distance of the entrance to the building/store. Some places have designated smoking areas. What are the laws in the US? I dont want him getting a fine on his first step on US soil.

NYC has strict laws regarding smoking. You will find knots of people outside office buildings where people are smoking. But NYC passed a law last year no smoking OUTSIDE in NYC parks, beaches, and plazas.

But I think the hotel may allocate certain rooms for smoking.

Where is smoking also prohibited?
The Act states that smoking shall not be permitted and that no person shall smoke in the following indoor areas:

•Places of employment;
•Bars;
•Restaurants;
•Enclosed indoor swimming areas;
•Public transportation, including all ticketing, boarding and waiting areas; buses, vans, taxicabs and limousines;
•All places of employment where services are offered to children;
•All schools, including school grounds;
•All public and private colleges, universities and other educational and vocational institutions;
•General hospitals;
•Residential health-care facilities, except separately designated smoking rooms for adult patients;
•Commercial establishments used for the purpose of carrying on or exercising any trade, profession, vocation or charitable activity;
•All indoor arenas;
•Zoos; and
•Bingo facilities.
Where is smoking permitted?
Smoking is permitted in the following areas or businesses:

•Private homes and private residences when not used for day care; private automobiles;
•Hotel or motel rooms rented to one or more guests;
•Retail tobacco businesses (primary activity is the retail sale of tobacco products and accessories, and the sale of other products is merely incidental);
•Membership associations where all duties related to the operation of the association are performed by volunteers who are not compensated in any manner;
•Cigar bars in existence prior to January 1, 2003 (where 10% or more of total annual gross income is from the sale of tobacco products); and
•Up to 25% of seating in outdoor areas of restaurants with no roof or ceiling enclosure may be designated smoking areas.

Allright - glad you are getting to go on your trip. Have fun at the Hockey game - and if your husband gets busted for smoking - put on your thickest British accents and claim - so sorry Constable - we really didn't know.

Tomsd I can do a few different British accents......all of them badly though.

Im sorting out airfares at the moment. The rates have dropped just in time to get to NY but not in time for San Francisco so seriously have to decide if I should cut out San Francisco and save 800 in airfares and use it for spending money in NY.

Adu thank you. It sounds like you have similar smoking rules to here.

Smoking rules vary by state and by city. In NYC there is esentially no smoking except in your own home (if your spouse permits - but not in pulic areas of apartment houses - or walking on the street - but not in parks).

While technically outdoor cafes are allowed to set aside part for smokers they very rarely do, since one smoker can drive out a bunch of other patrons.

I gave up smoking almost 30 years ago.

BTW, cigarettes because of all the taxes are about $12 US a pack in NYC. That is not a typo.

That is not a typo.

If I'd invested all the money I saved by quitting smoking (1974) I'd be rich.

October, I forget where you're staying, but be aware there are some hotel chains (all Marriotts among them) that are 100% non- smoking.

I am now wondering where he will get to smoke as we walk the streets. Might be a case of if he sees people huddled smoking he joins in while he can.

sf we are staying at the Beacon. Not sure of the policy there but he is used to having to go outside to smoke as most hotels here are non smoking these days.
If he had been able to give up years ago, this would not have been my first trip to NY.

Adu he will go crazy if the cigarettes are $12 a packet. He is used to paying over $20 a packet here. (a pack of 50)

$12 for a pack of 20. That is 60 cents a cig as opposed to 40 cents a cig. Still a hefty tariff no matter where it may be.

He can smoke in the streets for the most part. During the week, he can hang out with knots of office workers who do it outside their buildings.

Adu

The price will be irrelevant to him. If he is desperate he would pay anything - much to my dismay.

Now, would 2 hrs be enough time for him to get off the plane at LAX, race outside, fill his lungs with tar, race back through security and board for next leg to NY. He wont have any carryons etc as I will hold those inside while I fill in time.

I checked out Stubhub for tickets and found this message

In light of the uncertain status of the coming 2012-2013 NHL season, we are not listing any events right now. Once the situation is completely resolved, we will post season schedules for every team, and allow ticket listings for every game.

I found another site that is selling tickets. Does anyone know what this problem is with the season and if I should wait for stubhub or buy from NYCtourist.
We dont have intermediory sellers in Australia so I am not familiar with the process of buying through them. The site says they ship by the 13th (the game is on the 17th). Would it be safe to have the tickets posted to the hotel we are staying at in NY? I am a little worried that if I buy soon they may get lost sitting at the hotel but if I put our home address they may not be available to post before the guarantee date. I prefer to know we have tickets rather than leaving it till later to purchase as I gather its a very popular two teams.

Any suggestions on what would be the best course to take?

The NHL currently has no collective bargaining agreement. Talks are supposed to begin this week. If it takes very long to reach an agreement, there could be a strike or a lockout, and the season might start late.

so I think you should wait. If you buy from some site, and the game is cancelled, you may have no recourse to get your money back.

The problem is, the Owners and the Players are supposed to sign a new collective bargaining agreement this summer. That includes agreeing on the schedule, but that's a minor point -- its all about the money. If they cannot negotiate it in time, the season may be delayed or even cancelled.

(In which case, your tickets will be refunded, but possibly stubhub doesn't want to get into all those complications.)

Posting to the hotel seems a fine idea -- you might want to call the hotel to see how best to specify your name on the envelope (I'm thinking something like ``Care of October Fun (Conf Number: 990090909)'' on the first line might work). Even better, ask the hotel concierge to make the arrangements and have the tickets waiting for you when you arrive.

If the worst happens, after wiping your tears away, you can find good games at some universities in the area. There is also the AHL, the second-best hockey league in North America.

As for your Q - should you save $800 on airfare and skip SF - well - I say no. Love SF - used to live there - and besides - $800 won't get you that much in NYC.

The usual procedure for sending something to the hotel in advance of your arrival usually is to have the envelope addressed to you with these words on the envelope: "Hold for arrival on [insert date of your arrival]." To be safe, however, I'd contact the hotel and ask what the best way to do it would be.

Does StubHub mail tickets - I thought they just transferred them electronically.

sf..... stubhub are electronic. NYCtourist post. (seems strange these days. Perhaps they make their profit with postage?) When stubhub had nothing I went looking elsewhere.

Tomsd yes I know I will miss seeing SF but the hotels plus expenses etc on top of the 800 adds up to a sizable amount. Still aprehensive about work as its only a 6 months contract so rather than miss out on the whole trip I am culling it so we can still have a US experience. Maybe next time we can do an Hawaii-west coast trip.

howard, china-cat and capxxx...... thank you for your advice. I think i will just wait to see what happens. If the season is delayed we may have been and gone from NY and trying to get refunds will be too much of a hassle.

I do hope it sorts out. I was so looking forward to going to that game. All that rivalry etc. I noticed that when we are in Vegas there is a Lakers exhibition game on. Would exhibtion games be worth going to?

Another question..... any particular US domestic airline to avoid. I have yet to book one leg where I have to use a domestic carrier.

An exhibition NBA game would be fun, lots of scoring and not much D - and as for the NY Hockey game - hey - if you get there and it's on - you can always buy some scalper tix with the big savings.

My wife just flew two different carriers to/from DC - and one had tiny seats (it's not a big name carrier) - and the other - Jet Blue - was nice.

Southwest is also a good point to point - no frills airline - inexpensive and usually on time - but it's not on the main travel pages - so check out: http://www.southwest.com/

Southwest started in the NYC area by flying into an airport on Long Island. They do now fly into Newark and LaGuardia but I do not know how many direct flights they have.
____

The airlines in the United States are most unpleasant affairs. Unless you fly business or first class, there is usually little leg room and extremely limited meals. Some charge for the first checked-in bag as well. AND some charge for seats on the aisle or the window.

Jet Blue used to be cheaper, but at least the seats are more comfortable.

I have stopped watching professional basketball. They are usually ho-hum affairs until the final four minutes and then the game must be close to make it interesting. The college kids play harder and act as if they care.

Aduchamp and Tomsd....... thank you for your advice re Jet Blue. I havent seen much of them on some of the sites I have visited while searching for domestic US carriers. I went to their website and their fares were better than Southwest. I even booked their upgrade to bigger seats(I suppose their idea of bigger is 1 inch) and priorty boarding and I was still ahead with the fare compared to others.

Its nice to be booking and going throught the "to do" list now rather than just researching. I bought some US dollars so we have money for taxis, gratuities etc when we land. It feels funny to have paper notes. We have had our polymer notes for ages so your notes feel a bit like monopoly money. Glad they arent all the same colour. (maybe they just seem to be the same colour in movies)

Excitement is setting in. Now if only the Hockey players would sign the dotted line so the season starts on time!

Octf: Hey - if you have to scrunch up for a short flight - it's not all that bad - unless you are well over 6 feet.

Glad though you did upgrade to a slightly larger seat on Jet Blue.

As for the NBA - some used to say - just watch the last two minutes of a game - but this year's playoffs were as good as I can remember and the players from the new champs - Miami Heat - with properly crowned King - LeBron and Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosch definitely do care - as do the young Oklahoma Thunder (former Seattle team) - who have marvel Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook at guard.

The big news locally is that the aging LA Lakers signed veteran point guard Steve Nash - (born in South Africa - raised in Victoria, British Columbia) - and hope he can team up with Kobe Bryant to bring them back to being a strong contender - so your exhibition game in Vegas may have some new meaning.

American money was all green until 2004, when they started adding splashes of color. That's why it looks green in the movies. There is still plenty of all-green money in circulation, so maybe you'll get to see some.

While I wait for the NHL to decide what they are doing I have discovered there is a NY Jets game(v Indianapolis Colts) in East Rutherford 2days after flying into NY.

I have read directions by train but its all a bit of a blur until I sit down with proper maps to work out what the codes and lines are. Is it a fairly easy trip to the stadium? There are tickets up high for $53 and up.

The last dates I can find for the baseball are the 1,2 & 3 Oct but we dont arrive until 12th.

Would this game be worth attending? Does anyone know how long the trip from Upper West Side would be? Also any ideas on what time we would end up back in Manhattan after the game?

Its only 12 weeks and we will be in the Big Apple...... I tell my husband about the trip this evening when we celebrate our anniversary with a family dinner.

He had better be excited!!!

I still cant buy tickets on StubHub for the Ice Hockey. Does it look like they will reach an agreement soon?

They are quietly negotiating which I suppose is good. There have been no public threats. The League's opening offer was crazy, but that was just for posturing.

Here is an article written today.

http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/8240889/donald-fehr-says-enough-time-get-labor-deal-done

Aduchamp thank you for the update.

I am starting to plan individual things we want to see so I will just leave that evening free and hope the game goes ahead. One thing about being in NY is that if one plan falls through there are a thousand other things to do/see in its place. I do hope we get to a game though.

My husband is now aware of the trip and was dumbfounded when I gave him the surprise. Needless to say, I am the best thing since sliced bread right now!

Baseball regular season ends begin of Oct. But the next month is playoffs, American and National League championships, then the world series. The Yankees at least should be in the first of these (depending on how injuries go) - but you won;t know - or be able to buy tickets - until they clinch participation - which may be only a week or so before the playoffs. Not sure about the Mets - they're oddly uneven - but at the moment I asume they're not in the playoffs.

Playoff tickets cost a small fortune. And there is no way the Mets will be in the playoffs.

At last...... i can buy tickets to the Rangers game. It will be in New Jersey but before I purchase the tickets could anyone tell me if there are sections where there will only be one fan base? Or do all fans are sit mixed in the stands.

There are not any sections in professional sports in the US dedicated to the opposing team. Here the idea is to sell as many season tickets as possible wherever they may be.

At a Ranger/Devils game there will be more Devil fans than the usual amount of opposition fans except for the NY Islanders and the Philadelphia Flyers. They will be interspersed and you can spot them by the color of the jerseys, black and red, and the occasional fight.

The negotiations between the players and the owners are presently not going well and there is more talk of a lock out if there is not an agreement by Sept 15. I do not know the policy for refunds or exchanges if there is a lock out.

Aduchamp I thought the stand off must be over as stub hub have had a message to say they could not sell tickets due to the negotiations between players and owners for the last couple of months. I got an email from them to say that I can purchase tickets now so I assumed everything must be settled.

Back to square one again.

Needless to say, I do not know if the public positions are posturing or the truth, but this week it seemed to turn worse.

I heard just yesterday that the talks are not going well, and experts predict the loss of at least the first half of the season, so I'd check with StubHub as to what happens if the games are cancelled before I'd buy.

I took a chance and booked tickets for the Rangers V Devils game through site I got off Rangers site. Have read all the terms etc so if it falls through I will wait for refund. I like to be organised so rather have tickets ordered now than be trying to purchase them at the last minute.

We are in the middle but up in the second level. not many tickets left so didnt want to leave it longer and only have options of very high seats left.

Approx how long does a game last as wondering what time we might get back to hotel. I am trying to plan our days atm so dont want to have us doing something too early next day if it will be a very late night.

Does anyone ever sleep when visiting New York? So much to do..... so little time!

The game is about 2:45, and consists of three 20-minute periods (which each take about 45 actual minutes to play) and 2 intermissions of 20 minutes each. If the game is tied at the end of regulation, they play 5 minutes of 4-on-4 sudden death overtime. If it's still tied at the end of overtime, they go to a penalty shoot out - 3 shots each., then if still tied one shot each until there's a winner.

The Rangers game has been cancelled so we wont get a chance to watch a sporting game while we are in New York. Perhaps the Yankees could keep winning so we could have a chance of watching them play.


Thank you to everyone who gave me advice on this thread. I cant thank you enough for your friendly and funny posts. We arrive from Australia next Friday. I cant wait to explore your wonderful city.

For Yankees tickets go to the website NOW - to see if there is anything available for theis playoff games. the longer you wait the higher the prices will be.

Don't worry. When Baltimore beats the Damn Yankees - you can watch a game down there while visiting Wash DC.

You could also check on watching a College Football game - maybe up at Army/West Point? Short train ride? Or at Annapolis/Navy - by DC.

would sitting in the bleachers be ok at Yankee Stadium or should we pay the extra to sit in the stands? Is there a home side of the field and visitors on the other or all mixed? I can get bleachers for around $100 or second top tier for 160-200. I dont mind paying for the dearer seats if it means greater enjoyment. Is there a big difference between the two?

Personally - I think other than sitting down on/by the field (used to be called "box" seats) - you can probably enjoy it just fine from the bleachers - as don't think the other seats will be that much closer. Would save the difference for ballpark hog dogs or a good deli sandwich, etc.

And I think all the seats are mixed and will heavily be attended by the Damn Yankee fans, who are very loyal to their team.

Actually - I would take the difference and see if you can get a tour of Yankee stadium before the game. That would be very interesting.

Note - you may not be able to get a stadium tour on the day of the game - but it's an easy subway ride out to the stadium.

Also - as I mentioned - if you want to experience some real fan spririt - see if you can get to a Saturday College football game, or maybe even a Profesional football (US style) game (Sundays) - with the NY Jets or Giants. Jets are having a horrible season thus far - but QB Tim Teabow might be livening things up soon - and the NY Giants are the defending Super Bowl Champs - and I love their QB - Eli Manning - younger brother of Peyton, who is now with the Denver Broncos.

Be aware that the Yankees/Baltimore series is a best of 5, so games 4 & 5 are only played if necessary.

J62 I was looking at the game earmarked for Saturday (13th). Does it look like there will be one that day?

Its all very confusing as to how all this works - buying tickets to games that may not happen. It's a foreign concept to me.

Tomsd I dont think there is a football game on when we could get to it. If we dont go to a Yankee game I was hoping to do one of the tours of the stadium if we can fit it in. I have to see how my husbands foot handles all the walking.I have basic daily plans that dont take up the whole day, in case he needs to go back to hotel or sit and take it easy for a while. If his foot is going ok then we will plough on and see more things while we can. I know I have to book most things so will look at that once we know if we will be going to a game or not.

You can double check but I'm not sure if they will give stadium tours the same day as playoff games. Also be aware that stadium tours often sell out in advance.

The baseball playoffs can be a bit confusing as they don't always go the full number of scheduled games if one teams wins a majority of the games before the final game.

Ergo - if the Yankees beat Baltimore two more games - it's over - and it might not therefore go five games.

After that - the playoff series goes to a 7 game format. Confusing - hey - not at all.

Alternatively - for Pro Football - the Indianapolis Colts and the best rookie Quarterback (named Luck of all things ) come to town/NYC Sunday/15th to play the NY Jets - at the stadium across the river. Indianapolis at N.Y. Jets (1:00 PM)

And here is the college schedule for Saturday - the 14th (check week 7 if this doesn't give the exact page) - and Syracuse (The Orangemen - now Orange) play at rival Rutgers (The Scarlet Knights) - which isn't that far from the Big Apple. http://msn.foxsports.com/collegefootball/schedule?week=7&stable=I-A

See this page for directions/how to get to the Rutgers stadium, which would also allow you to see a bit of the New Jersey countryside. It's what - about 45 miles from downtown NYC: http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g28953-i4-k5755145-Staying_in_Manhattan_Need_to_get_to_Rutgers_Stadium-New_York.html

http://nb.rutgers.edu/visit-us/maps-directions-parking

Hey - you could even go early and take a tour of their gardens - or museum, etc

http://rutgersgardens.rutgers.edu/about.html

And here is how to get to a Jets game - at Met Life Stadium:

http://www.newyorkjets.com/footer/transportation-faq.html

OK,

The game scheduled for Saturday 10/13 is the 1st game of round 2, aka the American League Championship series. Round 2 is a best of 7, and the winner progresses to the World Series.

If the Yankees win the current series vs Baltimore, regardless of whether it takes 3,4 or 5 games, then there will be a game on Saturday. If they lose 3 games to Baltimore then their season is over.

J62: Righto. I just read the morning sports page and you are spot on!!

Baltimore won the 2nd game and now it goes to NY for three games. Best of 3 - so we shall see. Hey - it's not that hard to take the train over to Met Life stadium for the Jets game - and it drops you off right under the stadium and you take the escelator up, righto NYers?

Tomsd we have an early dinner reservation at the River Cafe on sunday evening. I wouldnt have time to go to the game, get back to the hotel, get changed and get to Brooklyn in time. I dont want to cancel as i may not get another reservation in its place.

I have bought tickets to the game on saturday (if it happens - please win yankees!) If that falls through then I will see if we can change dinner times.

We fly over on Friday. Will let you know how we get on.

Thanks heaps

There are tons of places to eat in NY - tons - but only one Pro football game while you are there.

The Yankees beat Baltimore, so the game for Sat 10/13 is on for 8:07 start. Be prepared for a chilly evening. Hats & gloves & layers highly recommended.

Agree to make sure your clothing is warm enough. the Stadium is windy and tonight probably quite chilly and damp. Don;t expect the game to be done before midnight. And do expect the atmosphere to be colorful.

Get there early enough to see part of BP and visit monument park,

And remember that you can;t take anything larger than a purse in wth you - and it will probably be searched.

Hopefully the game lives up to being a "Fall Classic".

Go Detroit!!!

Also sad to see the young Washington Nationals get beat after going up 6 to zippo. Life is tough, eh? Go Giants!!!!!

Tigers Sweep Bronx Bombers. Tigers Sweep Bronx Bombers.

Actually - that should read - Tigers sweep Bronx Non-Bombers, and A-Rod looks to be No-Rod in NYC.

So did you get to a Baseball game, or any other sporting event in the Big Apple?

I don't accept the team that turned up as the Yankees. Once Jeter went down there was nothing to hold them together.

Just shows his value versus the dreaded ARod. (I really feel kind of sorry for the latter - he took those drugs and ruined his body - and I doubt he will ever be valuable again.)

And it wasn't that the Tigers swept the Yankees. It was that the Yankees just rolled over and played dead.

The Damn Yankees got old - pure and simple. And Detroit is a very good team and earned a trip to the World "Serious" - but hope the red hot Giants can take them.

<<<but hope the red hot Giants can take them>>>

Good start!