Best First Thing to Do in Manhattan - & Advice re Itinerary!
Jun 15th, 2012, 06:44 PM
#101
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Maybe I am missing something
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You are. Spend the money once for a singular experience. You won't need to spend the money again but you should see this iconic view once.
GCT is great. Crumbs is better than Magnolia.
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You are. Spend the money once for a singular experience. You won't need to spend the money again but you should see this iconic view once.
GCT is great. Crumbs is better than Magnolia.
Jun 16th, 2012, 10:04 AM
#102
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I'm definitely going to reserve Ellis Island tickets in advance - no question - thanks to the great advice on this thread. And it's true that the night before we should get to sleep at a decent hour. But I don't think we'll feel like doing that...we travelled to Paris together in March and despite her age, we were out really late each night (I mean for a kid - back to hotel by about 11p.m.-12 a.m) just because we did so much during the day and were just so energized and excied by it all and by the time we finally got to a restaurant for dinner it would be after 9-10 p.m. (we also ate a late lunch because there our hotel also included breakfast and we were never hungry until quite late in the afternoon).
Anyways, we will reserve the tickets for sure. Now I'm wondering if we should even go there - is it a must-see?
Aduchamp1- great idea. Can you arrange a helicopter to get me to the middle?!
Bowsprit - we definitely are going to the Moma - on Saturday. In fact, if I had to choose only one museum, it would be the MOMA because dd LOVES modern art - the wackier the better.
Can you tell me a bit about the West Village - what makes it so interesting, what's cool there for a teenager, etc.? Is it the general atmosphere?
And btw, after spending days and days deciding on the first thing to do with dd when we get there, driving myself and everyone else nuts, and finally deciding on TOTR, I am not changing my mind - no matter what the price!!!
ncounty-your day in NY sounds fantastic! (what a great work-out to boot!)
Anyways, we will reserve the tickets for sure. Now I'm wondering if we should even go there - is it a must-see?
Aduchamp1- great idea. Can you arrange a helicopter to get me to the middle?!
Bowsprit - we definitely are going to the Moma - on Saturday. In fact, if I had to choose only one museum, it would be the MOMA because dd LOVES modern art - the wackier the better.
Can you tell me a bit about the West Village - what makes it so interesting, what's cool there for a teenager, etc.? Is it the general atmosphere?
And btw, after spending days and days deciding on the first thing to do with dd when we get there, driving myself and everyone else nuts, and finally deciding on TOTR, I am not changing my mind - no matter what the price!!!
ncounty-your day in NY sounds fantastic! (what a great work-out to boot!)
Jun 16th, 2012, 12:02 PM
#103
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To be completely honest, there is little, if anything, of interest to teens in the West Village aside from perhaps the original Magnolia. Parts of the West Village are really beautiful and have lovely, bucolic brownstone-lined streets, but I can't imagine that's going to be of much interest to teens. The stores on Bleecker are now expensive designer stores for the most part with few fashions for teens. Better would be either SoHo since there's just a LOT more to see and do. Even Prada, while out of a normal person's price range, does have a great store to look at. And there are myriad stores in SoHo (particularly along Broadway between Price and Grand, not to mention the side streets) that would interest teens. My niece always like Yellow Rat Bastard. The East Village and Lower East Side are also filled with young-trending designer stores that might interest your teens.
If you are particularly interested in U.S. history and the history of immigration, or if your own family immigrated to the U.S. during the periods when Ellis Island was in use, then I think this is a must-see attraction. Otherwise, I think you'd get more out of the Tenement Museum and its tours. And that puts you in closer proximity to other stores and attractions that will interest your kids. I do feel that a ride on the Staten Island Ferry to at least see the Statue of Liberty is a must-do event for anyone coming to NYC for the first time. And it's free. That will give you the opportunity to see the sights downtown and takes only an hour round-trip, leaving plenty of time for your Brooklyn Bridge Walk. Ellis Island, on the other hand, is a minimum investment of 4 hours time.
If you are particularly interested in U.S. history and the history of immigration, or if your own family immigrated to the U.S. during the periods when Ellis Island was in use, then I think this is a must-see attraction. Otherwise, I think you'd get more out of the Tenement Museum and its tours. And that puts you in closer proximity to other stores and attractions that will interest your kids. I do feel that a ride on the Staten Island Ferry to at least see the Statue of Liberty is a must-do event for anyone coming to NYC for the first time. And it's free. That will give you the opportunity to see the sights downtown and takes only an hour round-trip, leaving plenty of time for your Brooklyn Bridge Walk. Ellis Island, on the other hand, is a minimum investment of 4 hours time.
Jun 16th, 2012, 01:43 PM
#104
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totally agree with Sf7307- lazy walk in manhattan, up and down fifth ave with a walk in central park. Maybe a slice of pizza somewhere. Don't plan the first part. Don't plan all of it. Leave time to just enjoy.
Jun 16th, 2012, 01:58 PM
#105
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To be completely honest, there is little, if anything, of interest to teens in the West Village aside from perhaps the original Magnolia.
____
I know many of the following have been mentioned above.
It all depends on their interest. Washington Square Park can be a freak show is filled with teens during this time of year. If they are intersted in music, there is Bleecker Bob's, Matt Umanov and scores of places to listen to music complete with the history of modern American music.. And if the kids are interesting in writers there are many other places.
It has two of the better ice cream stores Cone and Grom on Bleecker. John's, Keste, and Arturo's pizza. Many unqiue stores. And scores of other restuarants.
In nearby Soho there is Evolution that mesmerizes teens.
The Wshington Mews and I always show them the house the Weathermen blew up.
Then they can far west to where the High Line starts.
And if she a typical teenager start at 8th Street and Broadway and walk down toward Chinatown where there are literally scores of clothes and show stores for he rage. And near the end is Pearl River where a panoply of good things and things she never needed or wanted awaits.
It is still one of the more interesting neighborhoods in the city and I always take visitors of all ages there.
____
I know many of the following have been mentioned above.
It all depends on their interest. Washington Square Park can be a freak show is filled with teens during this time of year. If they are intersted in music, there is Bleecker Bob's, Matt Umanov and scores of places to listen to music complete with the history of modern American music.. And if the kids are interesting in writers there are many other places.
It has two of the better ice cream stores Cone and Grom on Bleecker. John's, Keste, and Arturo's pizza. Many unqiue stores. And scores of other restuarants.
In nearby Soho there is Evolution that mesmerizes teens.
The Wshington Mews and I always show them the house the Weathermen blew up.
Then they can far west to where the High Line starts.
And if she a typical teenager start at 8th Street and Broadway and walk down toward Chinatown where there are literally scores of clothes and show stores for he rage. And near the end is Pearl River where a panoply of good things and things she never needed or wanted awaits.
It is still one of the more interesting neighborhoods in the city and I always take visitors of all ages there.
Jun 16th, 2012, 02:03 PM
#106
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If kids are interested in basketball take them to "The Cage" on Sixth Ave and 4th Street. You better know how to play and they play tough brand of city ball.
And also Raffetto's where they make their own pasta and watch a machine that was obsolete 50 years cut pasta to size and do not forget to get a rice ball at Fiacco's, pastries at Rocco's, and a smoked mozzarella at Joe's on Sullivan street.
And also Raffetto's where they make their own pasta and watch a machine that was obsolete 50 years cut pasta to size and do not forget to get a rice ball at Fiacco's, pastries at Rocco's, and a smoked mozzarella at Joe's on Sullivan street.
Jun 16th, 2012, 02:45 PM
#108
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If you do find your way to the W. Village, take a look at the outside of the smallest house in NYC, 75 1/2 Bedford Street. This is one of the most charming streets I've ever had the pleasure of visiting.
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/434158...arket-million/
Stop in at Milk and Cookies Bakery on Commerce near the Washington Irving house:
http://www.milkandcookiesbakery.com/site/
The W.Village is a little magical.
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/434158...arket-million/
Stop in at Milk and Cookies Bakery on Commerce near the Washington Irving house:
http://www.milkandcookiesbakery.com/site/
The W.Village is a little magical.
Jun 17th, 2012, 03:13 AM
#110
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okay, it looks like the West Village will have to get fit in somewhere!
I have another idea - has anyone been to the Ground Zero Museum Workshop? I was thinking that maybe on our second full day, instead of Ellis Island (and the pressure of having to get there at 9 a.m. despite being interested in the subject), we'd go to Ground Zero Museum Workshop and maybe then Ground Zero, and from there the Staten Island Ferry and then Brooklyn Bridge.
Does anyone have comments - is this doable?
And then on our third full day - The Tenement Museum, the Museum at Eldridge Street (Just heard of this yesterday -supposed to be fascinating), and maybe into Chinatown.
What do you think? Where do I then fit in the West Village? (our first full day is the Met, possibly Frick but not if it's too much after the Met, Central Park and Wicked).
I have another idea - has anyone been to the Ground Zero Museum Workshop? I was thinking that maybe on our second full day, instead of Ellis Island (and the pressure of having to get there at 9 a.m. despite being interested in the subject), we'd go to Ground Zero Museum Workshop and maybe then Ground Zero, and from there the Staten Island Ferry and then Brooklyn Bridge.
Does anyone have comments - is this doable?
And then on our third full day - The Tenement Museum, the Museum at Eldridge Street (Just heard of this yesterday -supposed to be fascinating), and maybe into Chinatown.
What do you think? Where do I then fit in the West Village? (our first full day is the Met, possibly Frick but not if it's too much after the Met, Central Park and Wicked).
Jun 17th, 2012, 04:15 AM
#111
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You don't want to go to the Ground Zero Museum Workshop. It is riddled with controversy and hints of a scam. It is a mile away from the WTC site. It is to be avoided.
St. Paul's Chapel, close to the WTC site, and the Tribute Center along with the WTC Memorial all offer an appropriate way to pay one's respects.
I really wouldn't pair the Frick with the Met. You could make your way to the West Village when you're near the Tenement Museum. Try not to spend all your time inside buildings when you're here.
St. Paul's Chapel, close to the WTC site, and the Tribute Center along with the WTC Memorial all offer an appropriate way to pay one's respects.
I really wouldn't pair the Frick with the Met. You could make your way to the West Village when you're near the Tenement Museum. Try not to spend all your time inside buildings when you're here.
Jun 17th, 2012, 04:16 AM
#112
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Have you discovered the Foods of New York tours yet? They're fabulous. The Chinatown tour and the W.Village tour are really great.
http://www.foodsofny.com/
http://www.foodsofny.com/
Jun 17th, 2012, 04:50 AM
#113
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Wow, Bowsprit - what is the controversy about? It sounds so sincere (I read the website and all the reviews on tripadvisor).
re food tours - I did hear of them, I'm certain on this thread - but beause of dd's leg situation, I'm trying not to schedule any kind of formal walking tour. I need to really play the walking part of this trip by ear.
re food tours - I did hear of them, I'm certain on this thread - but beause of dd's leg situation, I'm trying not to schedule any kind of formal walking tour. I need to really play the walking part of this trip by ear.
Jun 17th, 2012, 04:56 AM
#114
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If you do a search on Trip Advisor's New York City forum for the workshop you'll be able to determine for yourself if that's something you want to participate in.
Re. the food tour: There isn't much walking as much as there is strolling and stopping to listen to the guide's narrative. In any event, the tour is not fast paced at all.
Re. the food tour: There isn't much walking as much as there is strolling and stopping to listen to the guide's narrative. In any event, the tour is not fast paced at all.
Jun 17th, 2012, 05:36 AM
#116
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I just passed the Ground Zero Museum the other day, I did not know it even existed. It is on 14th Street and 10th. They are working on a museum/memorial at the Trade Center itself.
I was surprised to see it and would wait for the long overdue memorial/museum by the Trade Center.
I was surprised to see it and would wait for the long overdue memorial/museum by the Trade Center.
Jun 17th, 2012, 12:02 PM
#117
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I just read a ton of stuff about the Ground Zero Museum Workshop - I would never have known about it, Bowsprit, had you not mentioned it. On Trip Advisor, it comes in #14 on things to do in NYC, although it is apparent, as you said, that some of the reviews are clearly referring to Ground Zero itself. The people who obviously did see the Museum all say they were very moved. Still, the controversy is quite shocking. Was anything else written about it in the media aside from the New York Post?
Jun 17th, 2012, 02:48 PM
#118
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I just ran a search on the NY Times for the past year and there was nothing on this independent museum.
When I passed this week it is located on a block which now houses expensive designer clothes stores.
From a personal standpoint, I truly resent all those who try to profit from the Trade Center killing. I always want to smack the vendors around the site trying to sell this or that. We visited the Memorial a few months ago and even that was strange, even though it is free.
When I passed this week it is located on a block which now houses expensive designer clothes stores.
From a personal standpoint, I truly resent all those who try to profit from the Trade Center killing. I always want to smack the vendors around the site trying to sell this or that. We visited the Memorial a few months ago and even that was strange, even though it is free.
Jun 17th, 2012, 04:59 PM
#119
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I hate the vendors. I'm not at all thrilled with the visitors taking pictures in front of the site while their subjects smile for the camera. I really can't stand it.
Perhaps go to St. Paul's first, then decide if you want to continue on to the Memorial.
I'm not judging anyone's intent, but I wonder: Is the Memorial a tourist attraction? I guess it is but I just don't see it that way.
Perhaps go to St. Paul's first, then decide if you want to continue on to the Memorial.
I'm not judging anyone's intent, but I wonder: Is the Memorial a tourist attraction? I guess it is but I just don't see it that way.
