I will be in Manhattan next Wed-Fri for a conference. I am staying at the Crowne Plaza in Times Square. I am looking for recommendations of things to do on the weeknights, preferable near my hotel, that don't necessarily fall in the "tourist trap" category. We do hope to get 1/2 price tickets for one evening through the TKTS booth. Let me know also of any good but reasonable restaurants near that location.

Also, we will be spending the weekend at the Shoreham on or near 5th avenue. Any recommendations for moderately-priced shopping around there or is it all really high dollar?

Also, we are planning on going to view (I am assuming we cannot tour at this time) the Statue of Liberty on Saturday. What is the best time of day to do this?

Thanks in advance. God Bless the USA and NYC!

5th Avenue shopping is all high dollar. For bargains, try Century 21, Syms, H&M, and Strawberry.

You say you don't want to do anything "tourist trap" but I'm not sure what you are talking about. You are staying in Times Square.

The Statue of Liberty is closed. Take the free Staten Island Ferry for great views of the statue and lower Manhattan. Spend some money in the Financial District.

I am staying at the Times Square Crowne Plaze because that is where my conference is. I realize it is a very touristy area, so I guess disregard the "tourist trap" comment. Just looking for ideas for the evenings. Thanks.

I was in New york in February, we had a glorious time. One of my most wonderful memories was of Caroline's comedy club. It is not far from where you are staying, check out who will be in town.

DeeDee -

Your attempt at being snide simply resulted in you appearing to be completely ignorant about work-related travel. Nice try.

If I remember correctly, next Saturday, the 21st is the Steuben Day Parade marching up Fifth Ave. from the mid 40s to 86th St. This means that Fifth Ave. will be closed to all vehicular traffic and the crosstown traffic will be at a standstill. This happens to be a fun parade with all the oom-pa-pa bands from all over the US and Germany.

From your hotel, walk over to Ninth Avenue. Much less "touristy" than the immediate Times Square area, and several moderately-priced restaurants. One of my favorites is the Film Center Cafe on Ninth near 44th. Very casual, burgers, etc., frequented by locals and people who work in the theaters.

Steuben Parade next Sat. from 63rd St. to 86 St.

If you like Chinese - head over to Ollie's Noodle 200 W. 44St. Big bustling place with quick service and good cheap eats. Great pasta at Becco 'tween 8th & 9th Ave. Moderately priced. Delicious.

Get your hands on a Metrocard and the Transit bus map. The buses are the easy, cheap way to go. You see all the sights and if you get lost, just ask. New Yorkers are friendly, helpful people. Take the bus north to the Lincoln Center area. Great to walk around at night....great shops, tons of good restaurants, always bustling. Great art cinemas up in that area, too.

Get a copy of TimeOut NY....at any newstand. Great advice and calendars of events.

Thanks for all the advice and good restaurant suggestions. I am looking forward to my trip!

For an inexpensive but nice atmosphere lunch or dinner, and a try at some good NY pizza, check out John's Pizza on 44th Street b/w 7th and 8th Ave... the best pizza in that area.

time out magazine also has a website: www.timeout.com for up to date goings ons.