Trip report-NYC with a teen(her first time)
Jun 4th, 2008, 11:45 AM
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Trip report-NYC with a teen(her first time)
Wow! What a great time we had! Weather was perfect and we got so much accomplished.Here is the start of my trip report(warning-we did a lot).Fri May 30th left from Amtrak station in Albany at 10am.Arrive at Penn around 12:30.Walked straight to out hotel since we had our bags with us and they were heavy.Did have a great view of the empire state building the minute we emerged from Penn!We stayed at the Marriott Marquis which is right in the center of the times sq. action.Since this was my 16 year olds first trip I wanted to wow her-and it worked!The hotel was great.I had read about other people having trouble with the elevator system but I didn't see any problem.It does take a minute or 2 to learn but all you would have to do was ask the doorman when you walked in for help. I had read about the elevators and called the hotel direct before I left to save time.They told me to come up to the 8th floor to check in and so we walked in and pushed 8 on the elevator pad and were checked in and in our room within 5 minutes.Warning-not for those who have a fear of heights!!The glass elevators gave me the willys!Our room was on the 38th floor with view of the harbor(we saw cruise ship docking each morning).I had paid for the room in Feb when I booked and paid $290 a night.We had room 3203.Nice large room with 2 beds.
After we dumped our bags we headed out into times sq. We were getting hungry and she decided we should eat at the Hard Rock Cafe-so we did.Nothing fancy here as far as food goes.I had bruchetta and she had a Caesar salad.Didn't want to eat too much and ruin dinner.We wondered around inside and took some pics then headed back outside.Walked down to Grand Central Station and then to St. Pats.I would say these are both as must see.Along the walk we had great views of the Chrysler building as well.Since this is my fav. building I shot off a few great pics of the gargoyles.Spent about 30 minutes in St Pats. and about 15 in grand central.Then headed to Rock. center.It was about 80 degrees and lots of people were out and about in the area.We spent about 30 minutes walking around and taking pics near the ice rink area-which had tables with umbrellas on it now.Headed back to times sq. and went in Toys-r-us,MTV store,Bubba gump shop,Planet Hollywood shop,and the M&M store.Bought a few things in Toys-r-us and here is my big tip to you-SHIP!!!Do not buy any carry!Most places charged about $5-7 to ship, which is well worth it to not have to carry bags.Now we decided to head into our hotel and get ready for dinner.We wanted to eat in our hotel at the View Lounge.They have a buffet for $29.The best part is that it is in a revolving restaurant on the 48th story.Sunset on the Chrysler building-need I say more!The food was not bad.The buffet is apps and salads and desserts.I had a nice chicken and asparagus dish and my daughter had some steak bits that we both loved.The desserts were great,A chocolate fountain! Dipped strawberries in that for awhile!!Spent an hour eating and viewing(it takes about an hour to do one complete turn).We got there at around 5:45 and walked right in.Dress is casual or dressy-we were in dresses for a show but some tourist were in jeans.We left and headed out to see RENT.I had purchased my tickets in Feb.when we thought it was ending this week-and not in Sept as they announced later in March once they saw ticket sales!.Kept the tickets anyway since I had planned a whole trip around it.The show was great!We then waited outside for autographs on our playbill and some photos with the stars of the show.My daughter was happy to get her picture with Tamira Gray who played Mimi.After the show we headed to the Virgin megastore(which is open til 2am!)and then went back to the hotel.The streets were packed and we loved all the excitement but it had been a long day and we needed to sleep.Beds were made with quality linens and had 4 pillows of varying sizes on each.Ordered a wake up call for 8am the next moring and fell asleep around 1am.
After we dumped our bags we headed out into times sq. We were getting hungry and she decided we should eat at the Hard Rock Cafe-so we did.Nothing fancy here as far as food goes.I had bruchetta and she had a Caesar salad.Didn't want to eat too much and ruin dinner.We wondered around inside and took some pics then headed back outside.Walked down to Grand Central Station and then to St. Pats.I would say these are both as must see.Along the walk we had great views of the Chrysler building as well.Since this is my fav. building I shot off a few great pics of the gargoyles.Spent about 30 minutes in St Pats. and about 15 in grand central.Then headed to Rock. center.It was about 80 degrees and lots of people were out and about in the area.We spent about 30 minutes walking around and taking pics near the ice rink area-which had tables with umbrellas on it now.Headed back to times sq. and went in Toys-r-us,MTV store,Bubba gump shop,Planet Hollywood shop,and the M&M store.Bought a few things in Toys-r-us and here is my big tip to you-SHIP!!!Do not buy any carry!Most places charged about $5-7 to ship, which is well worth it to not have to carry bags.Now we decided to head into our hotel and get ready for dinner.We wanted to eat in our hotel at the View Lounge.They have a buffet for $29.The best part is that it is in a revolving restaurant on the 48th story.Sunset on the Chrysler building-need I say more!The food was not bad.The buffet is apps and salads and desserts.I had a nice chicken and asparagus dish and my daughter had some steak bits that we both loved.The desserts were great,A chocolate fountain! Dipped strawberries in that for awhile!!Spent an hour eating and viewing(it takes about an hour to do one complete turn).We got there at around 5:45 and walked right in.Dress is casual or dressy-we were in dresses for a show but some tourist were in jeans.We left and headed out to see RENT.I had purchased my tickets in Feb.when we thought it was ending this week-and not in Sept as they announced later in March once they saw ticket sales!.Kept the tickets anyway since I had planned a whole trip around it.The show was great!We then waited outside for autographs on our playbill and some photos with the stars of the show.My daughter was happy to get her picture with Tamira Gray who played Mimi.After the show we headed to the Virgin megastore(which is open til 2am!)and then went back to the hotel.The streets were packed and we loved all the excitement but it had been a long day and we needed to sleep.Beds were made with quality linens and had 4 pillows of varying sizes on each.Ordered a wake up call for 8am the next moring and fell asleep around 1am.
Jun 4th, 2008, 01:10 PM
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Nice trip so far. I'm assuming
there's more?
May I make a suggestion?
Please continue your report by
using paragraphs. It makes
it much easier to read.
(and you'll get lots more
people to read it and also
comment)
there's more?
May I make a suggestion?
Please continue your report by
using paragraphs. It makes
it much easier to read.
(and you'll get lots more
people to read it and also
comment)
Jun 4th, 2008, 07:08 PM
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Hi Lisa,
Have been reading your info. Now that you've been to NY. wondering if you could give me some info. We have a family of 5 staying in the times square area, Doubletree. We are celebrating my daughter's 16 birthday and are looking for a pre-show ( seeing Wicked) place to have dinner and celebrate. Any suggestions?
My kids have never been to NY. either and they can't wait. ( all teenagers) They are soooooooo excited.
Would love to hear more about your trip and what you did.
Thanks!
Have been reading your info. Now that you've been to NY. wondering if you could give me some info. We have a family of 5 staying in the times square area, Doubletree. We are celebrating my daughter's 16 birthday and are looking for a pre-show ( seeing Wicked) place to have dinner and celebrate. Any suggestions?
My kids have never been to NY. either and they can't wait. ( all teenagers) They are soooooooo excited.
Would love to hear more about your trip and what you did.
Thanks!
Jun 4th, 2008, 09:09 PM
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Janiesue,
I have traveled to Manhattan almost every summer for the last six years with my now seventeen old daughter. We have always had a good meal at John’s Pizzeria on 260th west 44th St. between Broadway and eighth. It is a big restaurant. It isn’t to far from the Doubletree (that’s where we always stay too) and the theatres.
We always also eat at Carmine’s on 200 West 44th St. in the theatre district. Carmine’s is family style Italian and if you tell them you are going to the theatre they are very good at making sure you get done with your meal in plenty of time. Reservations are a good idea at Carmine’s (212-221-3800) because they are very busy. There are some people on Fodor’s that don’t care for Carmine’s but we have never got a bad meal there and it is fun to people watch. Carmine’s will box your left over food if you have any and the Doubletree suites have fridges and microwaves.
Another place your kids might like is Serendipity on 225 east 60th St. but it would be better for a day when you are not going to the theatre after. They are famous for their frozen hot chocolate and famous people who eat there. Make sure if you plan to go there to make reservations 212-838-3531 because the line is always very long to get in. It is also walkable from the Doubletree and there is lots of good shopping on the way and Dylan’s candy bar.
We saw Wicked the first year that it played and it was wonderful. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Also for fYI, there is a small walk in market about two blocks down from the Doubletree on the corner. When coming out of the Doubletree take a right. It is a great little place to pick up snacks or a yogurt or something for breakfast.
Also, when you check in at the Doubletree you can ask for a room that faces MTV or has a view. We have got some wonderful rooms with magnificent views there and all we had to do is politely ask. The room on the 32 floor on the corner has a view to die for. I can’t remember the room number.
NYC is such a fun place with teenagers because there is always something going on. I have found it very safe to explore. I think it’s made for teenage girls and shopping. China Town is also a lot of fun.
Have a great trip!
I have traveled to Manhattan almost every summer for the last six years with my now seventeen old daughter. We have always had a good meal at John’s Pizzeria on 260th west 44th St. between Broadway and eighth. It is a big restaurant. It isn’t to far from the Doubletree (that’s where we always stay too) and the theatres.
We always also eat at Carmine’s on 200 West 44th St. in the theatre district. Carmine’s is family style Italian and if you tell them you are going to the theatre they are very good at making sure you get done with your meal in plenty of time. Reservations are a good idea at Carmine’s (212-221-3800) because they are very busy. There are some people on Fodor’s that don’t care for Carmine’s but we have never got a bad meal there and it is fun to people watch. Carmine’s will box your left over food if you have any and the Doubletree suites have fridges and microwaves.
Another place your kids might like is Serendipity on 225 east 60th St. but it would be better for a day when you are not going to the theatre after. They are famous for their frozen hot chocolate and famous people who eat there. Make sure if you plan to go there to make reservations 212-838-3531 because the line is always very long to get in. It is also walkable from the Doubletree and there is lots of good shopping on the way and Dylan’s candy bar.
We saw Wicked the first year that it played and it was wonderful. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
Also for fYI, there is a small walk in market about two blocks down from the Doubletree on the corner. When coming out of the Doubletree take a right. It is a great little place to pick up snacks or a yogurt or something for breakfast.
Also, when you check in at the Doubletree you can ask for a room that faces MTV or has a view. We have got some wonderful rooms with magnificent views there and all we had to do is politely ask. The room on the 32 floor on the corner has a view to die for. I can’t remember the room number.
NYC is such a fun place with teenagers because there is always something going on. I have found it very safe to explore. I think it’s made for teenage girls and shopping. China Town is also a lot of fun.
Have a great trip!
Jun 5th, 2008, 09:49 AM
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Day 2 -May 31st.
Had a 8am wake up call.showered and left room by 9am.Stopped at Starbucks(our first time ever in one!)and got a frozen coffee drink and bagels to go.Had the doorman fetch us a taxi and head to FAO Swartz for their opening time of 10am.Taxi was about $7.
We arrived by 9:30 and had time to enjoy the apple store and take some pics of the busy intersection near Central Park.A small crowd was gathering near the toy store so we headed over to be up front.
FAO opens at 10am with a cute little ceremony where three men dressed as toy soldiers come out and roll out a red carpet onto the sidewalk.Then they play a song on the trumpet and then announce the store is open for business and open the doors.Inside every employee is lined up on both sides of the door and they all clap for you as you enter.It was a hoot!Since we are big fans of the movie BIG we went straight through the store and headed for the elevator to the piano.
We arrived and for about 5 minutes no one else was there but us!When we arrived at the piano,we told the 2 'piano players' how we had come to see the piano and they said,"then why are you still wearing your shoes?" We quickly jumped on-and had the piano to ourselves for a few minutes.It was great!Later on the employees put on a show and boy can they play that thing!
Shopped for about 20 minutes in the store and had our purchases shipped home.FAO has the highest shipping we found.They have a flat rate of $25.We had spent about $100 in the store before shipping.
Next stop on our day was Central Park.We came out of FAO and crossed the intersection to enter the park.They weather was hot and humid,so if you go in warmer months I would only wear shorts and a t-shirt-AND sunscreen.There were many horse carriages around the entrance but I was not up for spending money on them.We walked into the park and headed down the main path we were on towards the zoo.The walk was gorgeous.we walked along the right side of the park not far from the main road on central park south.
Near the entrance to the zoo we paused at the famous Delacorte Music clock.Try and hit this at a 1/2 mark to see the animals do their things!
We walked past the zoo entrance and continued onto the Conservatory Water.(to be continued soon!)
Had a 8am wake up call.showered and left room by 9am.Stopped at Starbucks(our first time ever in one!)and got a frozen coffee drink and bagels to go.Had the doorman fetch us a taxi and head to FAO Swartz for their opening time of 10am.Taxi was about $7.
We arrived by 9:30 and had time to enjoy the apple store and take some pics of the busy intersection near Central Park.A small crowd was gathering near the toy store so we headed over to be up front.
FAO opens at 10am with a cute little ceremony where three men dressed as toy soldiers come out and roll out a red carpet onto the sidewalk.Then they play a song on the trumpet and then announce the store is open for business and open the doors.Inside every employee is lined up on both sides of the door and they all clap for you as you enter.It was a hoot!Since we are big fans of the movie BIG we went straight through the store and headed for the elevator to the piano.
We arrived and for about 5 minutes no one else was there but us!When we arrived at the piano,we told the 2 'piano players' how we had come to see the piano and they said,"then why are you still wearing your shoes?" We quickly jumped on-and had the piano to ourselves for a few minutes.It was great!Later on the employees put on a show and boy can they play that thing!
Shopped for about 20 minutes in the store and had our purchases shipped home.FAO has the highest shipping we found.They have a flat rate of $25.We had spent about $100 in the store before shipping.
Next stop on our day was Central Park.We came out of FAO and crossed the intersection to enter the park.They weather was hot and humid,so if you go in warmer months I would only wear shorts and a t-shirt-AND sunscreen.There were many horse carriages around the entrance but I was not up for spending money on them.We walked into the park and headed down the main path we were on towards the zoo.The walk was gorgeous.we walked along the right side of the park not far from the main road on central park south.
Near the entrance to the zoo we paused at the famous Delacorte Music clock.Try and hit this at a 1/2 mark to see the animals do their things!
We walked past the zoo entrance and continued onto the Conservatory Water.(to be continued soon!)
Jun 5th, 2008, 11:00 AM
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Day 2 continued-
Enjoyed the Conservatory water.There were a few mini sailboats floating along and the area was not too crowded(maybe 40 people).Took some great photos of the water with the highrises of Fifth Ave in the backdrop.
Next up,headed to Hans and Alice statues(around 74th)-which should not be missed!They are lovely and great for photos.No one was at Hans so we had some nice pictures from there.Alice had a class trip of about 40 kids all over her.We waited about 5 minutes and they moved on.We had her to ourselves for photos which was nice.This is the nicest statue in the park!!
Left Alice and headed to Balto(East Dr. at 67th).Balto is located near Willowdell Arch.
I would advise having a Central Park map if you get easily lost!We didn't have one,but I had studied the maps for weeks before we went and still asked a few people, I saw wondering with maps, if I could take a peek and find my way.
After Balto we headed to Bethesda Fountain.WOW!!! This area is a must see.Gorgeous terrace with the fountain and people rowing in boats in the distance.If you watched Enchanted you saw the area when she sings "How do you know..."
By now it was getting hot!We stopped at a vendor and bought a soda for $2.
Time for the Zoo!We wanted to be at the zoo entrance ,near the clock for noon.Luckily we made it and only had missed a few rings.The monkeys hitting the bell on Delacorte Music Clock are great.We then went to the zoo. I think it was $8 each. Sadly, I must say I was very disappointed in this zoo.If it had cost more I would have been very upset, since it is nothing special.Took only about 30 minutes to see it all.If you are pressed for time I would skip this.
WE headed out of the zoo, and the park, at around 1pm.It may seem like the time would have made us rushed, but we walked at a leisurely pace.
Started to rain as we were crossing 5th and we bought an umbrella for $5 from a vendor.Then it started to pour!
Ran into the next thing we saw (walking south on left side of 5th-same side as FAO),which was Tiffany's.Fun stop with the rich folks.I ended up getting my daughter a ring for her 16th b'day gift.We went to the sterling silver floor and I got her a heavy band from the Atlas collection for $250.Really nice ring-and a nice memento for her to have forever.
Left and continued on to Trump Tower.Were hungry so we ate in the Trump Grill.Pre set 3 course lunch for $22.Had Caesar salad,HUGE burger and brownie sundae.Nice atmosphere.Left the Tower and the rain was gone and the sun was back.
Walked down 5th and saw the many shops and nice churches.Turned right at St.Pats and headed back to Times Square.It was about 4:30pm when we were back in Times Sq.
Went to the theater Wicked was playing at, to see if we could score tickets.No luck.Our second try was for Chicago and we got 10th row seats for $100 each.Returned to hotel.
Took my 2nd shower of the day-since it was 85 and humid.Laid down for 1/2 hour to rest!Got dressed for dinner and Chicago.Since it was already 5:45 we decided to stay close by and go to The View again in our hotel.The food isn't for any 'foodies' but simple enough for us-and oh the views!Nice not to have to travel to a restaurant either.Got ther at 6pm and there was a line of about 15.Luckily they were looking for parties of 2 so we skipped right in.Noticed a lot more tourist tonight.Stayed til about 7:10 and then headed to Chicago.
The show was great!!The girls were stunning and I loved the music.Headed straight back to hotel for bed after the show.
Day 3 soon!
Enjoyed the Conservatory water.There were a few mini sailboats floating along and the area was not too crowded(maybe 40 people).Took some great photos of the water with the highrises of Fifth Ave in the backdrop.
Next up,headed to Hans and Alice statues(around 74th)-which should not be missed!They are lovely and great for photos.No one was at Hans so we had some nice pictures from there.Alice had a class trip of about 40 kids all over her.We waited about 5 minutes and they moved on.We had her to ourselves for photos which was nice.This is the nicest statue in the park!!
Left Alice and headed to Balto(East Dr. at 67th).Balto is located near Willowdell Arch.
I would advise having a Central Park map if you get easily lost!We didn't have one,but I had studied the maps for weeks before we went and still asked a few people, I saw wondering with maps, if I could take a peek and find my way.
After Balto we headed to Bethesda Fountain.WOW!!! This area is a must see.Gorgeous terrace with the fountain and people rowing in boats in the distance.If you watched Enchanted you saw the area when she sings "How do you know..."
By now it was getting hot!We stopped at a vendor and bought a soda for $2.
Time for the Zoo!We wanted to be at the zoo entrance ,near the clock for noon.Luckily we made it and only had missed a few rings.The monkeys hitting the bell on Delacorte Music Clock are great.We then went to the zoo. I think it was $8 each. Sadly, I must say I was very disappointed in this zoo.If it had cost more I would have been very upset, since it is nothing special.Took only about 30 minutes to see it all.If you are pressed for time I would skip this.
WE headed out of the zoo, and the park, at around 1pm.It may seem like the time would have made us rushed, but we walked at a leisurely pace.
Started to rain as we were crossing 5th and we bought an umbrella for $5 from a vendor.Then it started to pour!
Ran into the next thing we saw (walking south on left side of 5th-same side as FAO),which was Tiffany's.Fun stop with the rich folks.I ended up getting my daughter a ring for her 16th b'day gift.We went to the sterling silver floor and I got her a heavy band from the Atlas collection for $250.Really nice ring-and a nice memento for her to have forever.
Left and continued on to Trump Tower.Were hungry so we ate in the Trump Grill.Pre set 3 course lunch for $22.Had Caesar salad,HUGE burger and brownie sundae.Nice atmosphere.Left the Tower and the rain was gone and the sun was back.
Walked down 5th and saw the many shops and nice churches.Turned right at St.Pats and headed back to Times Square.It was about 4:30pm when we were back in Times Sq.
Went to the theater Wicked was playing at, to see if we could score tickets.No luck.Our second try was for Chicago and we got 10th row seats for $100 each.Returned to hotel.
Took my 2nd shower of the day-since it was 85 and humid.Laid down for 1/2 hour to rest!Got dressed for dinner and Chicago.Since it was already 5:45 we decided to stay close by and go to The View again in our hotel.The food isn't for any 'foodies' but simple enough for us-and oh the views!Nice not to have to travel to a restaurant either.Got ther at 6pm and there was a line of about 15.Luckily they were looking for parties of 2 so we skipped right in.Noticed a lot more tourist tonight.Stayed til about 7:10 and then headed to Chicago.
The show was great!!The girls were stunning and I loved the music.Headed straight back to hotel for bed after the show.
Day 3 soon!
Jun 5th, 2008, 12:04 PM
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Day 3-June 1st.
Was up by 8am and left hotel by 8:45.We were checking out today so we stored our bags with the bellman for the day(free service).Did the Starbucks again for light breakfast.Took a taxi down to Battery Park.Taxi was $20 with tip but was a great ride-Saw Manhattan Bridge,even went under the Brooklyn Bridge!Since it was only 9am on a Sunday the place was empty!Walked along the water and took pics of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.Saw WW2 war memorial,The Immigrants statue,The Sphere and the Eternal flame.
Headed out of park to Bowling Green.Lots of gorgeous buildings in this area! First up was the NMAI building at 1 Bowling Green.Gorgeous!Head up and saw the Bull statue and Wall Street area.Saw Trinity Church and the site of the Twin Towers.Still pretty quiet on the streets.
Near the Towers site I hailed a taxi and said "Take us to THE MUSEUM!" He was the nicest taxi driver and chatted a lot with area tips.%th ave was closed for a parade today so all other roads would have extra traffic.It was getting hot-about 70 and it was only 10am.
Taxi went through some nice spots ans we got to drive through Columbus Circle-snapped some pics out the window!
Arrived on the steps of the AMNH shortly after it opened.It is a must see!I wasn't planning on having the time to see it but I had see so much of the city that we decided to make time.We bought tickets for the main museum only, one adult and one student=$26.What a deal!!The museum was fabulous!We at at a cafe in the museum-$9 for a sandwich with a side salad.We spent 4 hours in the museum at a slow pace and felt we had seen most if not all.Bought some shirts and hats and headed out around 2pm.
Back to the Park!Weather was HOT!!85 at least.Daughter wanted to go to Strawberry Fields and the Imagine area.Bought a pretzel and soda from a vendor and headed in across the street from the museum.Quickly found the Swedish Cottage and sat there and ate our snack.Continued past the Shakespeare garden to Delacorte Theater.Proceeded to The Great lawn-and it was packed!! Walked along and had great views of Belveder Castle.
Then we just wandered around and ended up at Bethesda Fountain again-and it was much more crowded today.Worked our way back towards Central Park West.Asked where we could find Strawberry Fields-and then we were there!Daughter was happy.Left park.
Walked along CPWest and came to Tavern on the Green area.Tried to eat but the had stopped serving lunch at 3pm and it was now 3:30.They allowed us to go in and walk all around though!WOW!!!
Headed back out and started walking down CPWest towards Columbus Circle area.We were very hot and daughter was fading!Saw some lovely buildings and after about 4 blocks we caught a taxi back to Times Square area.
Arrived in Times Sq. around 4:30.She was hot and hungry and wanted to go to Planet Hollywood(I know ,not my choice!)to eat and rest.Our food was actually good!The milkshake was great!
After we ate, we just wandered around the shops and didn't go to far off Broadway-since we had to retrieve our bags around 6:45 to be at Penn by 7pm.At around 6pm we were all shopped out and hot, so we went into our hotel lobby to rest on one of the couches there.The lobby is on the 8th floor and is exciting with all the elevators flying up and down.We did the gift shop and just sat and rested.
Got our bags and tipped the bellman $6.Walked to Penn.Caught our train home at 7:20 and we cannot wait to go again!!!!
Was up by 8am and left hotel by 8:45.We were checking out today so we stored our bags with the bellman for the day(free service).Did the Starbucks again for light breakfast.Took a taxi down to Battery Park.Taxi was $20 with tip but was a great ride-Saw Manhattan Bridge,even went under the Brooklyn Bridge!Since it was only 9am on a Sunday the place was empty!Walked along the water and took pics of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.Saw WW2 war memorial,The Immigrants statue,The Sphere and the Eternal flame.
Headed out of park to Bowling Green.Lots of gorgeous buildings in this area! First up was the NMAI building at 1 Bowling Green.Gorgeous!Head up and saw the Bull statue and Wall Street area.Saw Trinity Church and the site of the Twin Towers.Still pretty quiet on the streets.
Near the Towers site I hailed a taxi and said "Take us to THE MUSEUM!" He was the nicest taxi driver and chatted a lot with area tips.%th ave was closed for a parade today so all other roads would have extra traffic.It was getting hot-about 70 and it was only 10am.
Taxi went through some nice spots ans we got to drive through Columbus Circle-snapped some pics out the window!
Arrived on the steps of the AMNH shortly after it opened.It is a must see!I wasn't planning on having the time to see it but I had see so much of the city that we decided to make time.We bought tickets for the main museum only, one adult and one student=$26.What a deal!!The museum was fabulous!We at at a cafe in the museum-$9 for a sandwich with a side salad.We spent 4 hours in the museum at a slow pace and felt we had seen most if not all.Bought some shirts and hats and headed out around 2pm.
Back to the Park!Weather was HOT!!85 at least.Daughter wanted to go to Strawberry Fields and the Imagine area.Bought a pretzel and soda from a vendor and headed in across the street from the museum.Quickly found the Swedish Cottage and sat there and ate our snack.Continued past the Shakespeare garden to Delacorte Theater.Proceeded to The Great lawn-and it was packed!! Walked along and had great views of Belveder Castle.
Then we just wandered around and ended up at Bethesda Fountain again-and it was much more crowded today.Worked our way back towards Central Park West.Asked where we could find Strawberry Fields-and then we were there!Daughter was happy.Left park.
Walked along CPWest and came to Tavern on the Green area.Tried to eat but the had stopped serving lunch at 3pm and it was now 3:30.They allowed us to go in and walk all around though!WOW!!!
Headed back out and started walking down CPWest towards Columbus Circle area.We were very hot and daughter was fading!Saw some lovely buildings and after about 4 blocks we caught a taxi back to Times Square area.
Arrived in Times Sq. around 4:30.She was hot and hungry and wanted to go to Planet Hollywood(I know ,not my choice!)to eat and rest.Our food was actually good!The milkshake was great!
After we ate, we just wandered around the shops and didn't go to far off Broadway-since we had to retrieve our bags around 6:45 to be at Penn by 7pm.At around 6pm we were all shopped out and hot, so we went into our hotel lobby to rest on one of the couches there.The lobby is on the 8th floor and is exciting with all the elevators flying up and down.We did the gift shop and just sat and rested.
Got our bags and tipped the bellman $6.Walked to Penn.Caught our train home at 7:20 and we cannot wait to go again!!!!
Jun 9th, 2008, 08:20 AM
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oops! Forgot to mention that on day one we also ran into Macy's.This store is very crowded but I think the area, and the store should be seen.I would allow about 30 minutes in the store.See the wooded escalators if nothing else!
Jun 9th, 2008, 06:31 PM
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Sounds like a wonderful trip lisa-in-adirondacks! I'm glad the both of you had a great time. Central Park is my favorite place to be in NYC and esp Bethesda Fountain. Lots of great memories there.
And reading about getting your daughter a ring at Tiffany's made me happy. You're right - it will be a memento of this trip and her birthday for the rest of her life.
And reading about getting your daughter a ring at Tiffany's made me happy. You're right - it will be a memento of this trip and her birthday for the rest of her life.
Jun 12th, 2008, 10:19 AM
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Another funny 'thing' I did was take a picture with the 'naked' cowboy. I just got them back and it is hilarious. I don't think it is for everyone but if you are game have a pic with him.I am making some fun postcards to send out with the picture on snapfish(.99 each).Not for the shy!
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