Are their any New Yorkers here who can tell me which subway to take from Grand Central to get to 69th and Central Park West? Thanks.

At Grand Central, take the Shuttle (S) to Times Square. At Times Square, transfer to the #1 train Uptown and take it to 66th St/Lincoln Center. From there, walk north and east to 69th St and Central Park West.

Well I can get you started.... take the shuttle from Grand Central to Times Square. Not sure what line from there would take you closest to 69th and CPW.

Thanks...we are planning to attempt to see the parade at that location.
Can I get the subway passes at the entrance (will it be open Thanksgiving Day) or do I need to go to that news place which I forget where it is....

The subway runs 24/7, but they may be on a weekend schedule.

Depending on where you enter a subway station there can by machines which spew out Metocards and there can be booths to but cards. No need to find a newsstand.

there can BE machines which spew out Metocards and there can be booths to BUY cards.

And you do know that you had better plan on getting there early, really early, if you want to actually see anything?

Debit is correct, of course, but I have taken over 15,000 subway rides and have yet to but cards.

but, but....

Not sure what time you're planning on getting there - but be aware that on Thanksgiving the subway will run on a weekend schedule - so don;t expect a train every 3 minutes or so as you ordinarily would on a regular weekday. Give ourself 30 minutes to get from Grand Central to w 69th St - including trekking through all of the tunnels.

Thanks everyone. Yes we are planning on getting there early. Thanks for the weekend travel tip regarding the subway schedules.... hadn't thought of that. I so remember the olden days of tokens plus the chocolates in machines for a penny on the platforms.That and the Horn & Hardart Automat were a fun part of my childhood!
I hope 69th is a good spot to watch. Last time I went, probably 25 years ago, we were more towards Macy's, and didn't bother to get there all that early, but it was still fun....younger then!

Another question...
planning to dress extra warm, boots, sweaters, hat with ear flaps, etc for long standing time.(plus back pack with thermos).... So how can we go to DB Bistro or Chez Josephine looking like that??? DB Bistro's website says "smart casual" which I don't think we will be with all the winter wear!! Ideas?
Or can anyone suggest a really casual place to eat, even something in Grand Central?

toppy - Don't worry about your dress. If it's cold outside, you're expected to dress appropriately. You'll see people in jeans.

Thanks kenav...that's good to know since we will be dressed for a ski lodge, not a fancy restaurant!
Can you think of any small places that might be open such as a pizza place or "Cheesecake Factory/Burger" type place. We don't need the traditional Thanksgiving fare, and we might be full of vendor's pretzels. We are now thinking of just winging it rather than making a reservation.

Well, first I would check out the expected weather. Today it was well over 60 degrees and if the unseasonable heat continues what you're describing would be way overkill.

And there's no reason you can't be smart casual under a coat. (The hats with ear flaps sound like Siberia - not NY in November.)

Yes it was over 60 here too, but last week the ear flaps were in order! New England is unpredictable but I will certainly check the forecast before we head out in the wee morning hours. Still considering drop- in places to eat though, if you can think of any, but have not ruled out the smart casual places.

>>can anyone suggest a really casual place to eat, even something in Grand Central?

Thanks J62. If we don't spot something else in our travels after the parade, GC is a definite option if there are places open on Thanksgiving. I've eaten there before, and agree it's not bad...better than waiting until we get back to CT. We may still do the restaurant reservation, but are reluctant to tie ourselves into anything definite. Thanks again. We are looking forward to this early morning adventure as a change from the normal way we have celebrated in the past.