Back from NYC Trip Report: Didn't Kill Gram and Conquered the Subway!
Dec 20th, 2006, 10:37 AM
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Ok. . . I'm back. . . . second half of Day Two. . .
After leaving Fraunces Tavern, I got us a bit discombobulated. We were looking for Wall Street, but the streets are a bit twisted (or maybe it was my map that was twisted?!?)and we ended up on Whitehall and walked until it intersected with Broadway. We passed the U.S. Customs House and my mom fell in love with the building, exclaiming how french it looked to her (she was right -- turns out that it is an example of a Beaux Arts building!). Near the Shakespeare & Co. bookstore, I pulled out my map just to doublecheck our location (I wanted to make sure that we were going to intercept the WTC site if we stayed on Broadway) and a gentleman passing by stopped to ask if we needed help. I was both a bit embarrassed and stubborn and assured him that we were fine, but he wouldn't take that for an answer. I explained to him that I wanted to make sure we were headed in the right direction to see Trinity Church and Ground Zero. "You don't want to go there. You want to go to St. Paul's Chapel. This is where a lot of people stayed during the recovery effort and they've kept some of the beds and other memorabilia in honor of the recovery effort. There is more to see and more meaning there if you want to experience some of the recovery of 9/11." My gram was a bit skeptical that this guy was intending just to be a helpful passerby and was nervous that he wanted something more. (He was a nice man, well-groomed, didn't seem suspect to me. . . I think my gram was concerned because one time before while visiting Central Park, a passerby offered her some information on a plant she was admiring and the person proceeded to follow her and my aunt throughout Central Park!)
We walked up to Trinity Church, and saw the red sculpture of what I think is a sycamore root. We went in to look around and then proceeded to the actual WTC site. I've been to Ground Zero once before about 2-3 years ago and viewed it from near the Milennium Hotel. It looked really different to me now. . . lots of cranes, cement trucks and commotion. But I'm honestly not sure what phase they are in right now and we didn't stop to ask anyone. We walked over to one of the viewing areas, but again, there wasn't much to see or not much to see that you could understand without some sort of guide. We didn't do one of the walking tours, which would have clarified everything I'm sure. We stopped at the TenHouse (the nearby firestation where several of the firemen lost their lives) and took a few pictures of their memorials outside and inside the firehouse. That was really moving to me. We never did get over to St. Paul's Chapel, which I regret. We came upon the W subway line uptown and I didn't want to "lose" this entrance, so we jumped on the subway and rode into SoHo, getting off at the Prince Street stop.
(Yes, my feet were in serious pain!)
It took me a minute or two to get my bearings in SoHo. We walked Broadway toward Houston (I think that's right!), passing the office building where my dear friend used to do counter-terrorism consulting! I was surprised I remembered it, but I knew it was near the Dean and DeLuca and H&M. I made the group double back so we could hit Prince Street and Spring Street. I stumbled upon Kate's Papierie (another store that I love!) and led the group inside. No one bought anything, but I just love looking. Along the way we stopped at the Ann Taylor for my gram and Sephora for me and my gram -- we had Christmas presents that we wanted to buy. While in Ann Taylor, I finally told my mom that I couldn't stand my boot situation anymore and she offered to put her other shoes back on. She changed them in the store and I said that I would change mine when we stopped at a cafe to have a coffee and a treat. She could barely get out the door and down the street in her regular shoes and needed to put my old boots back on. Of course I let her! We turned down Spring Street and stopped at Le Petite Cafe (the third thing in what seemed to be our french themed inclinations) at 156 Spring Street. What a charming little cafe! (I had said that if we set foot in another Starbucks, I was going to blow a gasket!) We had a few hot beverages and a delicious chocolate cake. My sister and I ran across the street into a few of the boutiques to look for Christmas gifts. Hello SPENDY! I couldn't believe the prices on some very cute, but relatively basic, cotton shirts and simple earrings. I knew the prices in Greenwich Village would be more reasonable. We also stopped at a little corner flea market where my mom bought a nice $5 knit sweater to go with her lable-free coat. Being the ultimate bargain hunter, she's very proud of her $5 scarf!
We turned north on West Broadway and stopped into a few more shops. My favorite one was ADD. There was a man and a woman, both non-natives and extremely charming, working at the store. The guy saw me checking out the sale bags that were already marked 50% off. . . he told me that he'd give me an additional 10% and I told him how tempting he was making it, but that I had to first finish my Christmas shopping list (at this point, I had 2 of 8 gifts crossed off my list). Later he told me he give me another 10% off the 60% he already offered me. And continued dropping and dropping the price. The problem was -- the bag that I really liked was originally $400. Even at 70% off, it was more than I would ever pay for a bag! I ended up buying my mom her Christmas gift -- a beautiful shawl in blues and greens. She doesn't have anything like this and wasn't sure how to wear it, so the woman showed her three different ways to wear it and it looked great on my mom. Less than $50! We were both excited. I left the bag behind as we headed out toward Washington Square Park.
At this point, neither my mom nor I could walk very well. It was getting close to 6 pm and we had to decide if we were going to walk around the Village or head back to our hotel and keep our reservations at ViceVersa at 8 pm. There was one store that I really wanted to go to called Hable Construction on Perry Street. 1) It was listed in Lucky Magazine as a good boutique to visit and 2)it was very near Charles Street where supposedly Sarah Jessica Parker and Ferris Buller, I mean, Matthew Broderick live. I "had" to go there. . . . so after my mom and gram took pictures of the arch in the park lit up at night (my sister and I melted on a nearby park bench), I hailed a cab and gave the cab driver the store's address. He found it for us, although it was clear that it was an area he wasn't completely familiar with . . .
(Ok taking a breather. . . where do we end up having dinner? Do I see SJP and Matthew Broderick? Do I wrestle my sensible boots off my mother's feet??Does my mom start walking barefoot? To be continued. . . )
After leaving Fraunces Tavern, I got us a bit discombobulated. We were looking for Wall Street, but the streets are a bit twisted (or maybe it was my map that was twisted?!?)and we ended up on Whitehall and walked until it intersected with Broadway. We passed the U.S. Customs House and my mom fell in love with the building, exclaiming how french it looked to her (she was right -- turns out that it is an example of a Beaux Arts building!). Near the Shakespeare & Co. bookstore, I pulled out my map just to doublecheck our location (I wanted to make sure that we were going to intercept the WTC site if we stayed on Broadway) and a gentleman passing by stopped to ask if we needed help. I was both a bit embarrassed and stubborn and assured him that we were fine, but he wouldn't take that for an answer. I explained to him that I wanted to make sure we were headed in the right direction to see Trinity Church and Ground Zero. "You don't want to go there. You want to go to St. Paul's Chapel. This is where a lot of people stayed during the recovery effort and they've kept some of the beds and other memorabilia in honor of the recovery effort. There is more to see and more meaning there if you want to experience some of the recovery of 9/11." My gram was a bit skeptical that this guy was intending just to be a helpful passerby and was nervous that he wanted something more. (He was a nice man, well-groomed, didn't seem suspect to me. . . I think my gram was concerned because one time before while visiting Central Park, a passerby offered her some information on a plant she was admiring and the person proceeded to follow her and my aunt throughout Central Park!)
We walked up to Trinity Church, and saw the red sculpture of what I think is a sycamore root. We went in to look around and then proceeded to the actual WTC site. I've been to Ground Zero once before about 2-3 years ago and viewed it from near the Milennium Hotel. It looked really different to me now. . . lots of cranes, cement trucks and commotion. But I'm honestly not sure what phase they are in right now and we didn't stop to ask anyone. We walked over to one of the viewing areas, but again, there wasn't much to see or not much to see that you could understand without some sort of guide. We didn't do one of the walking tours, which would have clarified everything I'm sure. We stopped at the TenHouse (the nearby firestation where several of the firemen lost their lives) and took a few pictures of their memorials outside and inside the firehouse. That was really moving to me. We never did get over to St. Paul's Chapel, which I regret. We came upon the W subway line uptown and I didn't want to "lose" this entrance, so we jumped on the subway and rode into SoHo, getting off at the Prince Street stop.
(Yes, my feet were in serious pain!)
It took me a minute or two to get my bearings in SoHo. We walked Broadway toward Houston (I think that's right!), passing the office building where my dear friend used to do counter-terrorism consulting! I was surprised I remembered it, but I knew it was near the Dean and DeLuca and H&M. I made the group double back so we could hit Prince Street and Spring Street. I stumbled upon Kate's Papierie (another store that I love!) and led the group inside. No one bought anything, but I just love looking. Along the way we stopped at the Ann Taylor for my gram and Sephora for me and my gram -- we had Christmas presents that we wanted to buy. While in Ann Taylor, I finally told my mom that I couldn't stand my boot situation anymore and she offered to put her other shoes back on. She changed them in the store and I said that I would change mine when we stopped at a cafe to have a coffee and a treat. She could barely get out the door and down the street in her regular shoes and needed to put my old boots back on. Of course I let her! We turned down Spring Street and stopped at Le Petite Cafe (the third thing in what seemed to be our french themed inclinations) at 156 Spring Street. What a charming little cafe! (I had said that if we set foot in another Starbucks, I was going to blow a gasket!) We had a few hot beverages and a delicious chocolate cake. My sister and I ran across the street into a few of the boutiques to look for Christmas gifts. Hello SPENDY! I couldn't believe the prices on some very cute, but relatively basic, cotton shirts and simple earrings. I knew the prices in Greenwich Village would be more reasonable. We also stopped at a little corner flea market where my mom bought a nice $5 knit sweater to go with her lable-free coat. Being the ultimate bargain hunter, she's very proud of her $5 scarf!
We turned north on West Broadway and stopped into a few more shops. My favorite one was ADD. There was a man and a woman, both non-natives and extremely charming, working at the store. The guy saw me checking out the sale bags that were already marked 50% off. . . he told me that he'd give me an additional 10% and I told him how tempting he was making it, but that I had to first finish my Christmas shopping list (at this point, I had 2 of 8 gifts crossed off my list). Later he told me he give me another 10% off the 60% he already offered me. And continued dropping and dropping the price. The problem was -- the bag that I really liked was originally $400. Even at 70% off, it was more than I would ever pay for a bag! I ended up buying my mom her Christmas gift -- a beautiful shawl in blues and greens. She doesn't have anything like this and wasn't sure how to wear it, so the woman showed her three different ways to wear it and it looked great on my mom. Less than $50! We were both excited. I left the bag behind as we headed out toward Washington Square Park.
At this point, neither my mom nor I could walk very well. It was getting close to 6 pm and we had to decide if we were going to walk around the Village or head back to our hotel and keep our reservations at ViceVersa at 8 pm. There was one store that I really wanted to go to called Hable Construction on Perry Street. 1) It was listed in Lucky Magazine as a good boutique to visit and 2)it was very near Charles Street where supposedly Sarah Jessica Parker and Ferris Buller, I mean, Matthew Broderick live. I "had" to go there. . . . so after my mom and gram took pictures of the arch in the park lit up at night (my sister and I melted on a nearby park bench), I hailed a cab and gave the cab driver the store's address. He found it for us, although it was clear that it was an area he wasn't completely familiar with . . .
(Ok taking a breather. . . where do we end up having dinner? Do I see SJP and Matthew Broderick? Do I wrestle my sensible boots off my mother's feet??Does my mom start walking barefoot? To be continued. . . )
Dec 20th, 2006, 12:14 PM
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Going to try to wrap everything up now. Have to make window shades tonight!
Cab driver finds the store on Perry Street. Sooooo TINY! I really didn't think it would be so small and quaint. I don't find anything I'm really looking for, but stumble across an exquisite glass tray with antique paper under it. I realize that it is a piece from the little shop right next door and we go in. My favorite find in NY: Kaas Glassworks. She is a former lawyer who quit her day job to open this tiny boutique. She finds old prints/papers all over the world and decoupages them and creates little trays, plates, etc. I bought one with script handwriting and a series of three butterflies. My favorite purchase (because the boots are definitely not scoring in the comfort department). We chat with her about local restaurants (realizing we aren't going to make our reservations) and she recommends 1) The Spotted Pig just up the street on Greenwich, 2) Pastis in the Meatpacking district about 5 or 6 blocks down Greenwich or 3) a new restaurant just opened by the editor of Vanity Fair. She says, "If you go to The Spotted Pig, ask for so-and-so and tell him that Carol sent you." We say ok and thank her profusely for her help and we head out (I'm forced by my mom to sit for a picture under the store sign with my new purchase). . .
But before we go, I ask the group to indulge me and stand on the corner of Charles Street and Greenwich. I have no idea if the stars that I sought lived on that particular block, but I can now say that I was on the street where they live (sung to the tune from My Fair Lady). . . I'm a pseudo-stalker, I guess.
We turn and take our aching feet up Greenwich toward the Meatpacking District. First we hit The Spotted Pig. If it were just me and my sister, this is hands-down where we would have wanted to eat. So cool, so quaint, so very the NY vibe we wanted to experience. I say to my little sister, who is usually our "lucky charm" and always gets us hard-to-get-things and upgrades, "Remember what we have to say about Carol and so-and-so." We go in. Clearly crowded. We try to use our ace. My sister says, "Is Carol working?" The three of us behind her scream, "Noooooo. . . . . not Carol!" The ace went up in smoke. Our attempt to be in the know and look cool was gone. We were now just four tired travelers in frumpy and uncomfortable shoes. "Sorry, no tables. There's a wait." I bet had we gotten our message from Carol right, so-and-so would have found us a table. I'm sure we would have seen "somebody" while we were there. For another trip. . . we continued on and finally made it to Pastis. Great boisterous (and bright) atmosphere. Wonderfully fun people watching. Possibility of seeing "someone" here. Alas, our waitress who looked just like a blonde Kate Winslet and once waited on Julianne Moore was the best that we did. We had a great meal (me, mixed greens and split pea soup; my sister, roasted vegetable salad; my mom and gram, the roasted chicken with root vegetable). We had the BEST bottle of Pinot Noir (2005 Cheverny, but we have no idea the exact lable/brand and want to find it. . . I guess we need to call Pastis) and the most amazing mixed berry bread pudding ever. Wonderful, wonderful, relaxing, fun, yummy dinner.
My gram hailed us our next cab for the two gimps of the group and we whizzed back to the Ameritania. We went up to our new room -- a fabulous, truly non-smoking suite! -- dropped our bags, and mustered our energy for Jim Caruso's Cast Party at Birdland Jazz Cafe.
Despite her aching foot, my mom managed to rally. We headed out around 9:30 and hailed a cab in front of our hotel. I don't know who actually hailed the cab. . . all I know is that a man appeared to open the door for my mom and asked her, "how many?" She responded, "There are four of us. Is that ok?" As I'm opening the front passenger door and see the cab driver sitting in the driver's seat, I instantly wonder who the heck my mom is talking to. . . I look up and see that it is a little man with a cardboard sign around his neck and the sign states that he is homeless and needs money for food. I'm a bit conflicted here, but my instinct is to burst out laughing at the fact that clearly my mother did not see the cardboard sign around this guy's neck and must have thought he was either the cab driver or the driver's assistant or something! I have no idea what she actually thought. As we all got into the cab and drove off, I turned around and asked her, "You do realize that the man who opened the door for you was wearing a cardboard sign around his neck, don't you." She had no idea. If I had quick and easy access to a dollar or two, I would have given it to the man. There is nothing funny about homeless people or being homeless. . . but I did find it amusing that my mom clearly wasn't catching on to what was playing out around her.
Jim Caruso's Cast Party was exactly the venue that this group needed. So much fun. I thought that the place would be more packed, but it was nice not to be in a crowded space (I really had no idea how clausterphobic I've become in my "old age".) Jim Caruso is quite the character, as is the piano player, Billy. We heard two songs by a famous songwriter, Victoria Shaw (wrote songs for folks like Garth Brooks that have gone triple platinum), and two songs from her small daughters (knock-your-socks off songs). Jim Brickman was also there to perform (he collaborates with Victoria Shaw). We also heard a hilarious song by the puppet wrangler from Avenue Q called "I'm in love with Gary the new guy at Taco Bell." We also heard an acapella group called Toxic Audio sing Tennessee Christmas. Amazing. It was a fabulous night and we managed to stay awake until after 12:30 am!
Ok. . . I don't think I can do Tuesday's report right now. I'll come back and finish it up. I had no idea I could write so much about 2.5 days!!!!
Cab driver finds the store on Perry Street. Sooooo TINY! I really didn't think it would be so small and quaint. I don't find anything I'm really looking for, but stumble across an exquisite glass tray with antique paper under it. I realize that it is a piece from the little shop right next door and we go in. My favorite find in NY: Kaas Glassworks. She is a former lawyer who quit her day job to open this tiny boutique. She finds old prints/papers all over the world and decoupages them and creates little trays, plates, etc. I bought one with script handwriting and a series of three butterflies. My favorite purchase (because the boots are definitely not scoring in the comfort department). We chat with her about local restaurants (realizing we aren't going to make our reservations) and she recommends 1) The Spotted Pig just up the street on Greenwich, 2) Pastis in the Meatpacking district about 5 or 6 blocks down Greenwich or 3) a new restaurant just opened by the editor of Vanity Fair. She says, "If you go to The Spotted Pig, ask for so-and-so and tell him that Carol sent you." We say ok and thank her profusely for her help and we head out (I'm forced by my mom to sit for a picture under the store sign with my new purchase). . .
But before we go, I ask the group to indulge me and stand on the corner of Charles Street and Greenwich. I have no idea if the stars that I sought lived on that particular block, but I can now say that I was on the street where they live (sung to the tune from My Fair Lady). . . I'm a pseudo-stalker, I guess.
We turn and take our aching feet up Greenwich toward the Meatpacking District. First we hit The Spotted Pig. If it were just me and my sister, this is hands-down where we would have wanted to eat. So cool, so quaint, so very the NY vibe we wanted to experience. I say to my little sister, who is usually our "lucky charm" and always gets us hard-to-get-things and upgrades, "Remember what we have to say about Carol and so-and-so." We go in. Clearly crowded. We try to use our ace. My sister says, "Is Carol working?" The three of us behind her scream, "Noooooo. . . . . not Carol!" The ace went up in smoke. Our attempt to be in the know and look cool was gone. We were now just four tired travelers in frumpy and uncomfortable shoes. "Sorry, no tables. There's a wait." I bet had we gotten our message from Carol right, so-and-so would have found us a table. I'm sure we would have seen "somebody" while we were there. For another trip. . . we continued on and finally made it to Pastis. Great boisterous (and bright) atmosphere. Wonderfully fun people watching. Possibility of seeing "someone" here. Alas, our waitress who looked just like a blonde Kate Winslet and once waited on Julianne Moore was the best that we did. We had a great meal (me, mixed greens and split pea soup; my sister, roasted vegetable salad; my mom and gram, the roasted chicken with root vegetable). We had the BEST bottle of Pinot Noir (2005 Cheverny, but we have no idea the exact lable/brand and want to find it. . . I guess we need to call Pastis) and the most amazing mixed berry bread pudding ever. Wonderful, wonderful, relaxing, fun, yummy dinner.
My gram hailed us our next cab for the two gimps of the group and we whizzed back to the Ameritania. We went up to our new room -- a fabulous, truly non-smoking suite! -- dropped our bags, and mustered our energy for Jim Caruso's Cast Party at Birdland Jazz Cafe.
Despite her aching foot, my mom managed to rally. We headed out around 9:30 and hailed a cab in front of our hotel. I don't know who actually hailed the cab. . . all I know is that a man appeared to open the door for my mom and asked her, "how many?" She responded, "There are four of us. Is that ok?" As I'm opening the front passenger door and see the cab driver sitting in the driver's seat, I instantly wonder who the heck my mom is talking to. . . I look up and see that it is a little man with a cardboard sign around his neck and the sign states that he is homeless and needs money for food. I'm a bit conflicted here, but my instinct is to burst out laughing at the fact that clearly my mother did not see the cardboard sign around this guy's neck and must have thought he was either the cab driver or the driver's assistant or something! I have no idea what she actually thought. As we all got into the cab and drove off, I turned around and asked her, "You do realize that the man who opened the door for you was wearing a cardboard sign around his neck, don't you." She had no idea. If I had quick and easy access to a dollar or two, I would have given it to the man. There is nothing funny about homeless people or being homeless. . . but I did find it amusing that my mom clearly wasn't catching on to what was playing out around her.
Jim Caruso's Cast Party was exactly the venue that this group needed. So much fun. I thought that the place would be more packed, but it was nice not to be in a crowded space (I really had no idea how clausterphobic I've become in my "old age".) Jim Caruso is quite the character, as is the piano player, Billy. We heard two songs by a famous songwriter, Victoria Shaw (wrote songs for folks like Garth Brooks that have gone triple platinum), and two songs from her small daughters (knock-your-socks off songs). Jim Brickman was also there to perform (he collaborates with Victoria Shaw). We also heard a hilarious song by the puppet wrangler from Avenue Q called "I'm in love with Gary the new guy at Taco Bell." We also heard an acapella group called Toxic Audio sing Tennessee Christmas. Amazing. It was a fabulous night and we managed to stay awake until after 12:30 am!
Ok. . . I don't think I can do Tuesday's report right now. I'll come back and finish it up. I had no idea I could write so much about 2.5 days!!!!
Dec 20th, 2006, 12:39 PM
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Fun report - thanks for posting - don't feel too bad about The Spotted Pig - I live 6 blocks away and I've only been patient enough for that place twice since it opened . . the food is good, but worth the hassle . . . mmmm I don't know. According to the Pastis website, the 2005 Cheverny Pinot Noir/gamay on the wine list is by M. Gendrier - I've had it, it is a very nice, drinkable table wine - you should be able to find it . . . Keep writing!!!
Dec 20th, 2006, 12:51 PM
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mp. . . thanks for looking up the wine for me. We stopped in a wine store on the east side after walking through Central Park and they didn't have it. I thought it might be hard to find, but I've renewed hope that I'll come across it based on your post. Thanks!
So, The Spotted Pig wouldn't have been worth the wait? I bet gram would have thought the music was yet again too loud. LOL!
So, The Spotted Pig wouldn't have been worth the wait? I bet gram would have thought the music was yet again too loud. LOL!
Dec 20th, 2006, 01:16 PM
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Wow, wow, wow, wow, wow! I love your details, kellbell!! Have your poor feet recovered?
I love Jim Brickman - how cool that he was playing that night. I have to check this place out one night.
Looking forward to more!
I love Jim Brickman - how cool that he was playing that night. I have to check this place out one night.
Looking forward to more!
Dec 20th, 2006, 02:32 PM
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LOVED your report!!! I am leaving on Christams night for the Big Apple and carrying my mother, my sister-in-law, niece and daughter. The girls are sixteen and have been to NYC before. Your writing inspires me. We should have a great time. Thanks for all the effort of writing your thoughts! Merry Christmas to all!
Dec 20th, 2006, 07:00 PM
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Awesome report KellBell! It's always interesting to read what others find interesting in my hometown. I need to run through NY during my week off and just be a tourist. And being that there's nothing like Christmas in NY, I think I'll do that tomorrow. 
Just to add to Lizziea's factoid on the South Ferry station, current trains are much longer than they were previously, mainly to accomodate the growing population of NY. It's one of the reasons the first train station in NY, the original City Hall station, is in disuse - station too short to accomodate current trains.
As for the beautiful Beaux Arts building you passed downtown, that's the current home of the National Museum of the American Indian, which is one of 2 Smithsonian museums located in NYC (the other being the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum in the old Carnegie Mansion on 91st and 5th Ave). I would highly recommend anyone in the vicinity to go in and check out the second floor Rotunda. It's rumored that Herman Melville wrote Moby Dick while working there as a Customs collector.
Actually, downtown Manhattan is rife with Beaux Arts buildings. There are 2 buildings off the top of my head that were designed by architect Cass Gilbert: the Custom House, the Woolworth Building close to City Hall.
Across the street from the Custom House, where Citibank is, are the old Cunard buildings where people went to purchase tickets for the Titanic, among other Cunard ships. Across the street from that is the John Rockefeller's Standard Oil building. Most of the ground floor will be the new home of the Sports Museum in a few years. The park in between is the first private park in the City. Quite a historic little corner of Manhattan.
Ok...well, I think I'll stop talking about NY right about now and allow you to finish your report.
Just to add to Lizziea's factoid on the South Ferry station, current trains are much longer than they were previously, mainly to accomodate the growing population of NY. It's one of the reasons the first train station in NY, the original City Hall station, is in disuse - station too short to accomodate current trains.
As for the beautiful Beaux Arts building you passed downtown, that's the current home of the National Museum of the American Indian, which is one of 2 Smithsonian museums located in NYC (the other being the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum in the old Carnegie Mansion on 91st and 5th Ave). I would highly recommend anyone in the vicinity to go in and check out the second floor Rotunda. It's rumored that Herman Melville wrote Moby Dick while working there as a Customs collector.
Actually, downtown Manhattan is rife with Beaux Arts buildings. There are 2 buildings off the top of my head that were designed by architect Cass Gilbert: the Custom House, the Woolworth Building close to City Hall.
Across the street from the Custom House, where Citibank is, are the old Cunard buildings where people went to purchase tickets for the Titanic, among other Cunard ships. Across the street from that is the John Rockefeller's Standard Oil building. Most of the ground floor will be the new home of the Sports Museum in a few years. The park in between is the first private park in the City. Quite a historic little corner of Manhattan.
Ok...well, I think I'll stop talking about NY right about now and allow you to finish your report.
Dec 20th, 2006, 07:58 PM
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I'm glad that folks like reading my long-winded report! It is fun to relive the details. . .
Ok, here's my last installment. Day Three, Tuesday.
We went to bed on Monday night with resolve that we'd get up early and fulfill my goal of joining the Today Show crowd. (I'm a huge TS fan, but since Katie has left, I've been less than a dedicated viewer.) I arranged for a wake-up call at 6 am. The call came -- I answered, and then fell back asleep. At 7, I sprung out of bed, turned on the tv to see what the crowds looked liked and realized that Matt Lauer was on vacation. I guess I valued my sleep more than my aspirations of being in the crowd trying to get five seconds of air time. I crawled back into bed.
We finally got up, packed and headed out for our last day in New York. We walked to the Time Warner Center to find coffee and food. We had planned to go to Bouchon Bakery, but when we realized it was a sit-down sort of place, we passed and (much to my dismay) headed over to the nearby Starbucks. After getting our coffee, we walked across Columbus Circle and wandered through the Christmas market. I found an adorable animal alarm clock for my son that my gram (his great-grandmother, or GiGi) bought for him as a Christmas present. From the market, we headed into Central Park. My goal was to head past Tavern on the Green and then to the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, out to the east side and down 72nd. Our visit to Starbucks forced us to start looking for a bathroom. My mom wanted to go into Trump Towers, but I told her I thought it was unlikely she'd be able to find and use a restroom there. So we continued walking and passed Tavern on the Green. People were busily setting up for what I think was a very posh holiday party. From what we could see, elaborate lighting was going up, along with white tents. Large balls of white lights hung from a large tree (I can imagine how breathtaking it must have looked all lit up). Large animal topiaries (sp??) were arranged near the back perimeter of the area, including one that I swear was King Kong. My challenge to you, dear Fodorites, is to help me figure out what event was taking place there on Tuesday night. I'm betting it was a movie studio related holiday party. Any other guesses?? Well, my mom was in dire straits at this point, and decided to try her luck in Tavern on the Green while we waited outside for her. She returned after 5 to 10 minutes. . . . no luck finding a restroom (locked, which makes sense), but she took the opportunity to wander around and see even more amazing party decor going up inside. At one point, someone approached her and asked, "Are you Leo?" My mom shook her head and hurried off. .. . she said she would have said yes if she thought she could pull off the role without getting yelled at a vendor being late with party gear or asked a tough question about party logistics. We wonder if Leo is a famous party planner or maybe a florist or something. . . anyone know??
Luckily we found the public bathrooms across the way in Sheep Meadow. Not pleasant, but necessary. We headed north and east and found Bethesda Terrace (under repair) and Fountain. That area is one of my favorites in Central Park -- even in the starkness of December. Beautiful against the crisp blue skies that day. We headed out to 72nd Street and walked down 5th Ave, passing the Central Park Zoo and Nature Center. What a heavenly oasis for New Yorkers!
We hung a left at 64th and looked for Alice's Tea Cup Chapter II for lunch. What a treat! So charming and quaint! The perfect setting for the gals for our last lunch. We had bellinis and a mango mimosa, ate wonderful sandwiches and salads (my sister's steak salad was amazing). My mom took pictures of the glittery butterflies on the walls and chandeliers. Anyone visiting the city with girls, young or old, should stop here for lunch or tea. I love the fact that they have homemade babyfood on the menu!!!!!!! I also love the fun glammed out pictures of Alice in Central Park, posing among the statuary. Very New York fashion like!
From there, we walked south to see Bloomingdale's windows (not as wonderful as Macy's) and stopped into a wine shop to see if we could find the Pinot Noir we had at dinner the night before. No luck. We also stopped to watch a window full of puppies frolicking at a local pet shop.
From there, we stopped into FAO Schwartz. Mad house, but fun to briefly walk through. And then we headed into Bergdorf Goodman. We've never been and I had to check it out (of course, hoping for a star sighting!). My how the other half live! My mom and gram stayed in the jewelry department as my sister and I took the escalator to the top to find the cafe and restrooms. The home department on the top floor is dazzling. AND. . . we saw glass decoupage plates by another designer that resembled the one that I bought from the small shop in the Village. I thought that was pretty cool. (Amazingly enough, same prices!)
We all left with our jaws dropping to the floor after seeing such opulence (hey, we shop at TJ Maxx). Walking down 5th Avenue, we were continually awestruck by the windows of Harry Winston and other amazing stores. We hung a right at 57th and headed back to our hotel to get our bags and head home.
We chose a cab over a car service to take us back. We like the friendliness of NY cab drivers and didn't feel the need to use a car service. Our cab driver was a great guy, very amused by our trying to estimate how many miles we walked during our trip (my mom swears we walked 10 miles, but there's no way in my opinion)and what things we liked best. He drove us to LGA via Central Park and through Harlem. We certainly covered a lot of ground during our trip. We parted ways at the airport, me on Continental and they on Northwest. No flight delays and everyone returned home safe and sound -- all of us needing at least 60 minute foot massages and pedicures! (Oh, we left for the airport at 2:10 and got there by 2:30/2:40 -- hardly any traffic and plenty of time!)
That about covers it! Other than sore feet and my mom NOT going back to the Top of the Rock at night to see the city lit up from on high, the trip was a complete success. Couldn't have done it without everyone's help and input.
And I'll never fear navigating my way through New York on foot or by subway again! Next year we'll be seeing Ellis Island up close, hitting TriBeCa and Brooklyn, and spending time in the museums that we only scurried by in our rush to see every twinkling light and significant landmark.
Definitely not enough time, but we did what we set out to do!
Thanks again for all of your help.
(I'll send Christmas cookies to the person that finds out what event took place at Tavern on the Green on Tuesday!!)
-Kellie
Ok, here's my last installment. Day Three, Tuesday.
We went to bed on Monday night with resolve that we'd get up early and fulfill my goal of joining the Today Show crowd. (I'm a huge TS fan, but since Katie has left, I've been less than a dedicated viewer.) I arranged for a wake-up call at 6 am. The call came -- I answered, and then fell back asleep. At 7, I sprung out of bed, turned on the tv to see what the crowds looked liked and realized that Matt Lauer was on vacation. I guess I valued my sleep more than my aspirations of being in the crowd trying to get five seconds of air time. I crawled back into bed.
We finally got up, packed and headed out for our last day in New York. We walked to the Time Warner Center to find coffee and food. We had planned to go to Bouchon Bakery, but when we realized it was a sit-down sort of place, we passed and (much to my dismay) headed over to the nearby Starbucks. After getting our coffee, we walked across Columbus Circle and wandered through the Christmas market. I found an adorable animal alarm clock for my son that my gram (his great-grandmother, or GiGi) bought for him as a Christmas present. From the market, we headed into Central Park. My goal was to head past Tavern on the Green and then to the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain, out to the east side and down 72nd. Our visit to Starbucks forced us to start looking for a bathroom. My mom wanted to go into Trump Towers, but I told her I thought it was unlikely she'd be able to find and use a restroom there. So we continued walking and passed Tavern on the Green. People were busily setting up for what I think was a very posh holiday party. From what we could see, elaborate lighting was going up, along with white tents. Large balls of white lights hung from a large tree (I can imagine how breathtaking it must have looked all lit up). Large animal topiaries (sp??) were arranged near the back perimeter of the area, including one that I swear was King Kong. My challenge to you, dear Fodorites, is to help me figure out what event was taking place there on Tuesday night. I'm betting it was a movie studio related holiday party. Any other guesses?? Well, my mom was in dire straits at this point, and decided to try her luck in Tavern on the Green while we waited outside for her. She returned after 5 to 10 minutes. . . . no luck finding a restroom (locked, which makes sense), but she took the opportunity to wander around and see even more amazing party decor going up inside. At one point, someone approached her and asked, "Are you Leo?" My mom shook her head and hurried off. .. . she said she would have said yes if she thought she could pull off the role without getting yelled at a vendor being late with party gear or asked a tough question about party logistics. We wonder if Leo is a famous party planner or maybe a florist or something. . . anyone know??
Luckily we found the public bathrooms across the way in Sheep Meadow. Not pleasant, but necessary. We headed north and east and found Bethesda Terrace (under repair) and Fountain. That area is one of my favorites in Central Park -- even in the starkness of December. Beautiful against the crisp blue skies that day. We headed out to 72nd Street and walked down 5th Ave, passing the Central Park Zoo and Nature Center. What a heavenly oasis for New Yorkers!
We hung a left at 64th and looked for Alice's Tea Cup Chapter II for lunch. What a treat! So charming and quaint! The perfect setting for the gals for our last lunch. We had bellinis and a mango mimosa, ate wonderful sandwiches and salads (my sister's steak salad was amazing). My mom took pictures of the glittery butterflies on the walls and chandeliers. Anyone visiting the city with girls, young or old, should stop here for lunch or tea. I love the fact that they have homemade babyfood on the menu!!!!!!! I also love the fun glammed out pictures of Alice in Central Park, posing among the statuary. Very New York fashion like!
From there, we walked south to see Bloomingdale's windows (not as wonderful as Macy's) and stopped into a wine shop to see if we could find the Pinot Noir we had at dinner the night before. No luck. We also stopped to watch a window full of puppies frolicking at a local pet shop.
From there, we stopped into FAO Schwartz. Mad house, but fun to briefly walk through. And then we headed into Bergdorf Goodman. We've never been and I had to check it out (of course, hoping for a star sighting!). My how the other half live! My mom and gram stayed in the jewelry department as my sister and I took the escalator to the top to find the cafe and restrooms. The home department on the top floor is dazzling. AND. . . we saw glass decoupage plates by another designer that resembled the one that I bought from the small shop in the Village. I thought that was pretty cool. (Amazingly enough, same prices!)
We all left with our jaws dropping to the floor after seeing such opulence (hey, we shop at TJ Maxx). Walking down 5th Avenue, we were continually awestruck by the windows of Harry Winston and other amazing stores. We hung a right at 57th and headed back to our hotel to get our bags and head home.
We chose a cab over a car service to take us back. We like the friendliness of NY cab drivers and didn't feel the need to use a car service. Our cab driver was a great guy, very amused by our trying to estimate how many miles we walked during our trip (my mom swears we walked 10 miles, but there's no way in my opinion)and what things we liked best. He drove us to LGA via Central Park and through Harlem. We certainly covered a lot of ground during our trip. We parted ways at the airport, me on Continental and they on Northwest. No flight delays and everyone returned home safe and sound -- all of us needing at least 60 minute foot massages and pedicures! (Oh, we left for the airport at 2:10 and got there by 2:30/2:40 -- hardly any traffic and plenty of time!)
That about covers it! Other than sore feet and my mom NOT going back to the Top of the Rock at night to see the city lit up from on high, the trip was a complete success. Couldn't have done it without everyone's help and input.
And I'll never fear navigating my way through New York on foot or by subway again! Next year we'll be seeing Ellis Island up close, hitting TriBeCa and Brooklyn, and spending time in the museums that we only scurried by in our rush to see every twinkling light and significant landmark.
Definitely not enough time, but we did what we set out to do!
Thanks again for all of your help.
(I'll send Christmas cookies to the person that finds out what event took place at Tavern on the Green on Tuesday!!)
-Kellie
Dec 20th, 2006, 09:56 PM
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Kellie, I was waiting for your trip report and it was great. I am glad Jim Caruso's was so good. I am wondering if the fact we are not Americans would make it less enjoyable. I mean if there are a lot of "in" jokes or references to local happenings or who's who, or is it mainly singing and pure entertainment?
Dec 21st, 2006, 03:50 AM
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What a wonderful report. This will be a trip to remember.
As to Tavern on the Green, the topiaries and lights are generally up at holiday time so while they were probably getting ready for a private party given the tent, the decorations are seasonal.
As to Tavern on the Green, the topiaries and lights are generally up at holiday time so while they were probably getting ready for a private party given the tent, the decorations are seasonal.
Dec 21st, 2006, 06:55 AM
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What a great report kellbell! I'm definitely going to check out that Village store you mentioned. I grew up heading into the city at least once during the holidays and miss it, maybe next year!
Glad you all had such a great time!
Glad you all had such a great time!
Dec 21st, 2006, 07:01 AM
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hi kellbell-
I'm a long-time New Yorker, and want to thank you for your wonderful trip report, I just loved reading it!!
I, too, have had a hard time finding a table at the Spotted Pig!
Sorry you missed St Paul's.
The commotion at Ground Zero is due to the fact that construction is finally beginning 0n the Freedom Tower. On Sunday, The Families and members of the public went there to write message on the first beam and it was placed on Monday-new beginnings!
Anyway, glad you had such a rich experience, and your writing is great!
I'm a long-time New Yorker, and want to thank you for your wonderful trip report, I just loved reading it!!
I, too, have had a hard time finding a table at the Spotted Pig!
Sorry you missed St Paul's.
The commotion at Ground Zero is due to the fact that construction is finally beginning 0n the Freedom Tower. On Sunday, The Families and members of the public went there to write message on the first beam and it was placed on Monday-new beginnings!
Anyway, glad you had such a rich experience, and your writing is great!
Dec 21st, 2006, 07:35 AM
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If I were a betting woman, I'd say that either a law firm or investment bank was setting up for their hoiday party on Tuesday night. I LOVED your report! My BF and I both took the day off work today to go be tourists, so I'm shutting down and heading out! Your trip report has been quite an inspiration.
Dec 21st, 2006, 07:54 AM
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Aw shucks. . . thanks for the kind words! Glad that you enjoyed reading about it.
KatPen, to answer your questions on Jim Caruso's Cast Party -- I don't think there was anything specific to be from the States. Lots of holiday songs (tis the season!) and show tunes. Off the top of my head, folks sang "Baby,It's Cold Outside", "On the Street Where You Live" (from My Fair Lady), Santa Clause is Coming to Town, and several other show tunes that I wasn't familiar with. I think if you know old standards and show tunes, you'd feel right at home. There were references to pop culture and various performers, some that I knew and some that I didn't because I'm just not all that familiar with Broadway stars, composers, etc. It is just fun to see the range of talent. Very mellow setting and my mom said it fit the picture of what she always perceived as "New York." I can't imagine anyone not liking it who enjoys good singing and watching entertainers inspire other entertainers.
Bellastarr. . . thanks for the insights on what was happening. So they laid the first beam on Monday?!? That's interesting, because there was definitely a section near the viewing platform where you could tell "special people" had congregated (fresh flowers, lit candles) and there were folks lingering and having their picture taken at the site. We must have just missed the ceremony! Good to know!
Lizzie06. . . have fun being a tourist!
I'm looking forward to our second annual trip next year. The only things that I'll change are: 1) more time; 2) maybe hit a few BYOB places because our alcohol tabs KILLED us; 3) schedule earlier in December so that we aren't hopping off of a plane and then heading to Christmas family gatherings two days after (I'm so not ready for the holidays).
So, McLaurie and Lizziea06. . . are you vying for my Christmas cookie prize????
KatPen, to answer your questions on Jim Caruso's Cast Party -- I don't think there was anything specific to be from the States. Lots of holiday songs (tis the season!) and show tunes. Off the top of my head, folks sang "Baby,It's Cold Outside", "On the Street Where You Live" (from My Fair Lady), Santa Clause is Coming to Town, and several other show tunes that I wasn't familiar with. I think if you know old standards and show tunes, you'd feel right at home. There were references to pop culture and various performers, some that I knew and some that I didn't because I'm just not all that familiar with Broadway stars, composers, etc. It is just fun to see the range of talent. Very mellow setting and my mom said it fit the picture of what she always perceived as "New York." I can't imagine anyone not liking it who enjoys good singing and watching entertainers inspire other entertainers.
Bellastarr. . . thanks for the insights on what was happening. So they laid the first beam on Monday?!? That's interesting, because there was definitely a section near the viewing platform where you could tell "special people" had congregated (fresh flowers, lit candles) and there were folks lingering and having their picture taken at the site. We must have just missed the ceremony! Good to know!
Lizzie06. . . have fun being a tourist!
I'm looking forward to our second annual trip next year. The only things that I'll change are: 1) more time; 2) maybe hit a few BYOB places because our alcohol tabs KILLED us; 3) schedule earlier in December so that we aren't hopping off of a plane and then heading to Christmas family gatherings two days after (I'm so not ready for the holidays).
So, McLaurie and Lizziea06. . . are you vying for my Christmas cookie prize????
Dec 21st, 2006, 10:53 AM
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Ok, I'm about to FAINT. I just read somewhere that on Tuesday, the day after we tried to get into The Spotted Pig, Bono and Sean Penn were in there having dinner.
Obviously I was star searching in all the right places but on the wrong day!
CRAZY!
Obviously I was star searching in all the right places but on the wrong day!
CRAZY!
Dec 23rd, 2006, 11:59 AM
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You did such an impressive job preparing. The restaurants all sounded fun, especially Alice's.
I went on a longer trip without the kids when my older two were toddlers.... tell me, didn't you just love eating your food hot, and not getting up a half dozen times a meal? I thought it was a marvel.
I went on a longer trip without the kids when my older two were toddlers.... tell me, didn't you just love eating your food hot, and not getting up a half dozen times a meal? I thought it was a marvel.
Dec 23rd, 2006, 02:07 PM
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Christmas cookies or a little something in a blue box would be nice. 
Happy holidays!
PS. if you go earlier next year, it's even more crowded. The earlier in Dec., the more expensive the hotels and the more crowded. What about going just after Christmas?
Happy holidays!
PS. if you go earlier next year, it's even more crowded. The earlier in Dec., the more expensive the hotels and the more crowded. What about going just after Christmas?
Dec 26th, 2006, 11:26 AM
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kellbell, great report!
This helped me quite a bit in planning my NYC trip with five 19 year olds, one being myself. I plan on showing my girlfriend this report, too, in hopes that she will choose to wear comfortable shoes, in lieu of uncomfortable heels that match her outfit.
Quick question: How much time would you recommend allotting for the World Trade Center? St. Paul's sounds like a must-see. Hopefully I'll run into a helpful fellow like you did.
This helped me quite a bit in planning my NYC trip with five 19 year olds, one being myself. I plan on showing my girlfriend this report, too, in hopes that she will choose to wear comfortable shoes, in lieu of uncomfortable heels that match her outfit.
Quick question: How much time would you recommend allotting for the World Trade Center? St. Paul's sounds like a must-see. Hopefully I'll run into a helpful fellow like you did.
Dec 26th, 2006, 02:35 PM
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Kellbell..THANK YOU!!!
Thanks so much for your report. I've lived in New York since grade school and still take pride in watching others sample our gritty, scrappy beautiful city.
I've been having a really bad week, and just happened to come across your report. Good thing I did, cause laughter makes for a great stress reliever, and your descriptions are hilarious. Glad to see you didn't have to knock off grams for those boots!
I can totally relate to the "missing station" scenerio, as I used to work at the Paramount Building at 50th & Bdwy for 5 years. Many a day I'd see tourist snapping pictures with the Mars inspired alien before trying to figure out how to get downtown. Same thing happened to me on 7th Avenue, trying to get the downtown N or R at 49. Have to remember that in Midtown, most subway stations become part of the buildings landscape, just have to look for the signs..
Glad to see that you were able to enjoy a variety of eateries and neighborhoods, and slow down just enough to enjoy the architechture, which sometimes we often don't get to do.
Had to chuckle out load, behind the "cab assistant" scenerio, & grams totally interpertion of the moment (and yours). Ahh, we all see things differently.
Great report. Have a wonderful New Year!
Thanks so much for your report. I've lived in New York since grade school and still take pride in watching others sample our gritty, scrappy beautiful city.
I've been having a really bad week, and just happened to come across your report. Good thing I did, cause laughter makes for a great stress reliever, and your descriptions are hilarious. Glad to see you didn't have to knock off grams for those boots!
I can totally relate to the "missing station" scenerio, as I used to work at the Paramount Building at 50th & Bdwy for 5 years. Many a day I'd see tourist snapping pictures with the Mars inspired alien before trying to figure out how to get downtown. Same thing happened to me on 7th Avenue, trying to get the downtown N or R at 49. Have to remember that in Midtown, most subway stations become part of the buildings landscape, just have to look for the signs..
Glad to see that you were able to enjoy a variety of eateries and neighborhoods, and slow down just enough to enjoy the architechture, which sometimes we often don't get to do.
Had to chuckle out load, behind the "cab assistant" scenerio, & grams totally interpertion of the moment (and yours). Ahh, we all see things differently.
Great report. Have a wonderful New Year!
Dec 26th, 2006, 07:40 PM
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Glad that folks found humor in my report. We did a lot of laughing! Tales of our trip to NYC were shared over and over again during the Christmas holiday gatherings.
Scott23. . . in answer to your question re: time at the WTC . . . I guess it depends on how much you want to immerse yourself. We skipped the walking tour led by volunteers, but I'm sure it would have given much more meaning to what we were seeing at Ground Zero. I think we were in the area for only 40 minutes or so, but if we weren't so rushed to get to other destinations, I would have spent more time. The viewing area that we stopped at had signage with text and pictures that you can read giving history. You might want to just linger and watch the construction activity and attempt to imagine all of the coverage we saw from that day swirling around this area. Visiting Trinity Church doesn't take long and I'm not sure how long you might want to linger at St. Paul's Chapel. Maybe visit www.tributenyc.org to get more information on the visitors center ($10 suggested donation) and schedule for walking tours.
My sister is still complaining of sore legs from all the walking we did on our trip. . . and my mom still has my comfortable boots at home with her b/c her toe is still not fully healed!
I can't wait to go back with my DH and hit some of the spots that we scoped out on this trip but didn't have time to visit.
Happy Holidays!
Scott23. . . in answer to your question re: time at the WTC . . . I guess it depends on how much you want to immerse yourself. We skipped the walking tour led by volunteers, but I'm sure it would have given much more meaning to what we were seeing at Ground Zero. I think we were in the area for only 40 minutes or so, but if we weren't so rushed to get to other destinations, I would have spent more time. The viewing area that we stopped at had signage with text and pictures that you can read giving history. You might want to just linger and watch the construction activity and attempt to imagine all of the coverage we saw from that day swirling around this area. Visiting Trinity Church doesn't take long and I'm not sure how long you might want to linger at St. Paul's Chapel. Maybe visit www.tributenyc.org to get more information on the visitors center ($10 suggested donation) and schedule for walking tours.
My sister is still complaining of sore legs from all the walking we did on our trip. . . and my mom still has my comfortable boots at home with her b/c her toe is still not fully healed!
I can't wait to go back with my DH and hit some of the spots that we scoped out on this trip but didn't have time to visit.
Happy Holidays!
