i grew up in nyc but haven't been back in 25 years. visiting next month. just a few questions for anyone in the know. does anyone know if they still have itallian ices in the little white cups? are there any comedy clubs or other you can take a 15 year old to? what would you suggest for a good, clean beach to swim at? lastly has anyone toured the federal reserve? sounded interesting in the nyc guide book.

All the pizzerias in my neighborhood still have the white cups ices.
Brighton Beach & Coney Island has been nicely cleaned up for some time now - Manhattan Beach is probably the best kept.

I wouldn't be surprised if they have stopped doing tours of the Federal Reserve (not sure if they have ever done them) since 9/11. You will not be able to take a 15 year old into a comedy club.

Dan, The Federal Reserve gives free tours Monday thru Friday at 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 1:30 and 2:30 and they last about one hour...you have to make reservations in advance and arrive no later than 20 minutes before your tour leaves because of the security checkpoint...e-mail at [email protected]
I read somewhere that students have to be at least 15 years of age or a junior in high school for entry, but I'm not sure if that rule is for school groups only...they also don't allow cameras, briefcases or packages...many pizzerias in the city still sell Italian ices in the white cups...they usually sell Marino's brand...I know of several pizzerias in the Bronx that still make their own ices...I'm not informed about the quality of beaches in the city, but as a suggestion how about Rye Beach?

Coney Island still has the best swimming and the best hot dogs.

I took the pre-reserved Federal Reserve tour last Friday at 11:30. We arrived at 11:29 and had no problem getting through security immediately. We had to put ALL our bags, even small pocketbooks, in a locked closet for the duration of the tour.

Even if you haven't signed up for the tour, you can go inside, see an extensive exhibit of coins through the ages, and admire the architecture and solidity of the building.

Personally, I'd avoid the NYC beaches, including Coney Island. The congestion and crowds probably are not what you're looking for.

Long Beach, on the other hand, is less than an hour from Penn Station on the Long Island Railroad. On weekends, the LIRR operates express trains that take only 40 minutes. Great boardwalk and beach.

Welcome Home & Enjoy!

ted, is long beach easily accessible from the railroad station in long island?

Yes. It's about a 10 minute walk through a residential neighborhood to the beach from the station. Just follow the crowd. I always enjoy the walk.