NYC - 5 days / 5 adventures/ excursions

Old May 4th, 2012, 11:58 AM
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HowardR - although you prefer the Gardens, and I prefer the Zoo, the OP doesn't have 4 hours to spend at either. By the time they leave their lodging and take the subway or the metro and get to either park, they will have used 2 out of their 4 hours commuting. So many fine people have offered ideas that simply won't work given the newly disclosed timeline.
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Old May 4th, 2012, 12:12 PM
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You've talked me into it, HowardR! I had just written a long response thanking everyone and giving a new possible plan - but lost it somehow. I'm getting ready to head to Savannah so I'll compose it again later - but thanks again all!
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Old May 4th, 2012, 01:16 PM
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Starrs, I'm glad to hear you liked my suggestion(s).
Lookin_Glass, I think you misunderstood her 4-hour limit. I believe that the 4 hours referred solely to time at a site, not travel time as well. And, speaking from experience (and as I previously wrote), 4 hours is a good time frame for the Botanical Gardens. Just one obvious word of advice: Only go there if it's a sunny day!
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Old May 4th, 2012, 01:34 PM
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If you go by Metro North it will only take 20 minutes to get to the Gardens. Off peak one way ticket bought at the station is $5.75. On weekends, there is a special "city" fare of $3.75.
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Old May 4th, 2012, 01:50 PM
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Thanks Fra_Diavolo, that helps a lot. This is going to be a great trip! I wish I had not lost what I posted earlier but I think there's a way to fit most of this in. HowardR, 4-5 hours does include travel time. I know that cuts in to a lot of what I want to do, but traveling solo I can move faster and it's worth it to see as much new stuff as possible. I didn't make it to the Cloisters and the High Line the last time due to the time constraints and weather. I'm hoping for sunny skies. The trip will be in August. I hope I don't get the triple digits we had a few years back in August. We walked from the 90s to Central Park South in 105 degree heat - before the skies opened up and we spent an afternoon in Mickey Mantle's - the door closest to us when the rain started. It turned out to be a fun day in the city I'll roll with the punches and see as much as I can. I thank everyone for the great ideas.
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Old May 4th, 2012, 02:39 PM
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Starrs, I'm curious as to why you are limiting these adventures to 4-5 hours. At a place like the Botanical Gardens, you can take a luncheon break right there and have a full day and still get to the hotel in time for dinner and the theater. (PS: The site opens at 10.)
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Old May 4th, 2012, 02:45 PM
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Starrs, the Cloisters was a favorite from our 8 day trip 2 years ago. We ate at a lovely restaurant in the park, the New Leaf. Maybe locals could let you know if it's still a good option (if you're looking for a lunch spot). The views from park were amazing!
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Old May 4th, 2012, 02:47 PM
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There are delicious lobster rolls to be had under the Brooklyn side (or very close) of the Brooklyn Bridge.
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Old May 5th, 2012, 03:05 AM
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Ah, the New Leaf Cafe. That's the one I was thinking of, not New Age.
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Old May 5th, 2012, 03:41 AM
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I love The New Leaf. It is the perfect pairing to a visit to the Cloisters and the park. Even if short on time it is worth a stop for a spot of tea or a glass of wine. Beware though, that they often close for private functions.
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Old May 5th, 2012, 03:46 AM
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Michael, tell me more about the lobster rolls!

New Leaf Cafe is definitely on my list!

HowardR, the catch for staying in a gorgeous NYC apartment is that I walk the pup 3x day. I COULD hire the usual dogwalker to do a mid-day walk, but I don't feel good about doing that. The last trip I worked in the mornings (telecommuted via computer) and just did afternoon outings. This trip I'm adding in morning adventures. I may consider an all day excursion (and call in the dogwalker) but I'd prefer not to. His mom has started back to work (after being a SAHM for years) so his schedule may have changed some. After thinking about it, I can probably do a 6 hour segment without disturbing his routine too much. I trained his predecessor to be a city dog back in the early 90s. I plan to do more Central Park with him (than Riverside) thanks to your suggestion.
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Old May 5th, 2012, 05:59 AM
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Lobster rolls at Brooklyn Bridge Park:

http://www.in-nycsite.com/2011/05/30...on-stand-tour/

Lobster rolls in Manhattan (one source among many):

http://redhooklobsterpound.com/ny-lobster-truck/
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Old May 5th, 2012, 06:27 PM
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When at St. John do take a stroll thru the Columbia Campus. It does feel like a school.
The Frick has a fab exhibit of bronzes by Antico (I think I have the name right). Very special and a once in a lifetime to see them as a group. Plus the Frick...always great!
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Old May 7th, 2012, 08:50 AM
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starrs: Have you done the GCT tour? It's kind of wonderful. You've probably done some of the Foods of NY tours; if not, they're also very well done.

Enjoy your visit! Are you in the city now?
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Old May 7th, 2012, 08:51 AM
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Meant to include the suggestion to have a drink at the Campbell Apt when you're in Grand Central Station. It's not a bad place to relax.
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Old May 7th, 2012, 09:26 AM
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No, I've not done the GCT tour. Thanks for the idea. Yes, I took the Greenwich Village tour when it was the only Foods of NY tour. Took my niece back for the West Village tour and did not enjoy it as much. "Discovered" the Tenement museum when there was only 1 tour and was so happy when it became so popular they had to add another one at the same time. Amazed at how many they have going now. Both are such good experiences (Foods of NY & LES Tenement Museum).

Thanks for the tip for the Campbell Apt. It looks great. It reminds me of the private apartment in Radio City Music Hall that we saw on that tour. Gorgeous apartment and furntiture - and autographs of stars who played there over time. Cool stuff. Thanks.
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Old May 7th, 2012, 09:44 AM
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The Chinatown Foods of NY Tour is great.
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Old May 7th, 2012, 09:50 AM
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I've looked at that one. I took a good tour of Chinatown in San Francisco, so the one in NYC is lower on my list.
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Old May 7th, 2012, 10:57 AM
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This might help with one of your day trips. We are heading there this weekend for a picnic.

http://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/M02..._tryon_map.pdf
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Old May 10th, 2012, 12:01 PM
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starrs, I meant to chime in on this about 35 replies ago!

Since you'll be here in August, I'd definitely prioritize the Cloisters. It's so nice to get out of the hot city - and once on the grounds, you really feel like you're in another world! Plus, those stone buildings are wonderfully cool. You might even catch a breeze in the gardens, being on top of the hill like that! It's a great place just to wander around and get some relief from the heat and crowds. The guided tour is good - I'd been so many times before I ever took one, and only then learned about the creation of the site - but IMO not particularly necessary. (The most memorable thing I learned was that when Rockefeller created it, he bought the land that is now the Palisades across the river, better to feel like you're really in medieval Europe-!!)

Speaking of crowds, you'll likely get your fill of them on the High Line, as well as both on Governor's Island and the Brooklyn Bridge. (IMHO, the High Line is better for people-watching than relaxation. I love the concept but don't find it ultimately all that fulfilling to be up there for long!) As for GI, the crowds quickly dissipate away from the ferries, snack stands, and "beach". You can rent a bicycle and circumnavigate the island; the far end is quiet and has pretty views of the harbor, Verrazanno Bridge and SoL. On the BB, crowds are unavoidable but part of the experience I suppose.
www.govisland.com

If you want views of the BB, no crowds, and a direct route into Chinatown, traverse the Manhattan Bridge instead. In either case, take a little time to visit DUMBO on the Brooklyn side - and get away from the concession stands at the base of the bridge! (I'm very spoiled for lobster because of where my family lives in MA, but I don't care for the overpriced ones in the city - some of which are made with lobster flown in from my hometown LOL. But I totally understand if you're tempted to splurge!)

Do go to Jacques Torres for awesome chocolates, his pastries at Almondine, and decadent ice cream adjacent to his shop (mrchocolate.com), all on Water Street. Brooklyn Roasting Company has great coffee and donuts(!) and IMO epitomizes the area's young, techie/hipster vibe. In addition to the art galleries and studios for which DUMBO is known, there are small publishing companies getting a foothold there; I especially like Melville Publishing and their storefront shop on Plymouth Street.

// The GCT tour is fun, and a good option if it rains and you need to be indoors! Don't forget that the stands in the Dining Concourse are all outposts of NYC restaurants and food shops, such as Juniors, Two Boots Pizza, and Little Pie Company. IMO, an icy margarita (and maybe some fresh guacamole) is always in order at Zocalo! Upstairs, there's a location for one of my favorite coffee places in NYC: Joe the Art of Coffee. The other shops on the main concourse are fun to browse too, especially the really cute trinkets in Pylones. The Grand Central Market is fine if you need some dinner materials in a pinch, but there are now so many other market options in the city to choose from...
http://www.grandcentralterminal.com/...ing.cfm?fl=all

Speaking of markets, you might want to time your Fishs Eddy day to coincide with the farmers market at Union Square (Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat until 6pm). Both Union Square and Madison Park have been renovated; the latter always has a seasonal sculpture installation (though this year's I find kind of odd). You can walk between the two parks on the new pedestrian area on Broadway (or go up Fifth Ave instead for the shops).

// I'm with you on the Tenement Museum: so glad to see it grow into what it's become from that first tour. I've only done a walking tour once, but found it well worth it - if the weather isn't too oppressive! I seem to be on a sweet tooth kick here, but while I'm at it I should mention the amazing donuts at Doughnut Plant nearby, if you don't already know them.

Around town, look for the pale yellow Van Leeuwen ice cream trucks (vanleeuwenicecream.com). The Italian gelateria Grom has expanded to NYC: http://www.grom.it/eng/dettagli_gela...%E0=New%20York. Which reminds me about the Pop Bar near Grom's Village location: http://www.pop-bar.com ...I guess I'm all ready for sultry August! LOL.

Phew, well that's all I can think of for now! I feel like I could help more with your Union Square/Flatiron bit... at another time...
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