evenings in Manhattan
 

I'll be in NYC on business for two days in May. The only time I'll have for sightseeing / shopping is after about 6 PM. All of the museums seem to close by 6, and I won't be in town on a weekend. What areas should I head for when my last meeting's over? I like secondhand book stores, kitchenware and food places, folk music and crafts -- any suggestions?

Best and largest second hand bookstore in Manhattan is Strand, 12 and Broadway, open till 9pm (I think) most nights. Check out the books in the basement too while you're there. Lots of great reastaurants around there (Danal on 10th b/w 3rd and 4th, Second Ave. Deli, 10th and 2nd ave, etc.) <BR>

If you do find your way to the Strand, you won't be too far from The Bottom Line, a longstanding venue for folk acts. (Just keep in mind that the seating is first come, first served, so people tend to line up about an hour before the show.) <BR>Even if you don't take in a show, the Village is a great area for evening wanderings. Or you could check out Soho, these days aka "Soho Mall." (OK, I stole that from Patty Larkin, she was at The Bottom Line a couple of weeks ago.) <BR>Also, you should double-check on those museums. Even those most do close by 6, many stay open late on one weeknight or another.

"Even though", not "even those."

If you're interested in kitchenware/food places, there are several options for early evening browsing/shopping. Two renowned places for gourmet food and ingredients are: Balducci's in Greenwich village, 6th Ave and 10th St., open until 8:30 p.m.; and Dean & Deluca in Soho, Broadway at Prince, open until 8 p.m. (they also have a small but nice kitchenware section). Another option is the phenomenal Kalustyan's, with all kinds of spices and Indian and Middle Eastern ingredients at great prices, Lexington Ave. near 28th St., open until 8 p.m. Also fun is Fishs Eddy, which sells dishes--overstocks from restaurants and hotels, lots of colorful, durable glass and pottery, many things you won't see elsewhere, good prices. At Broadway and 19th St. and Broadway and 77th St., open until 9 p.m. <BR> <BR>If you'll be in town on Friday, you could catch a bit of a museum: Guggenheim until8, MoMA until 8:15, Metropolitan until 9. As far as sightseeing, I'd recommend the Empire State Building, which has a beautiful view in the evening, or a sunset ride on the Staten Island Ferry (which is free!).