seetheworld

Has the botanical garden station reopened? It was closed for construction the last time I visited. Just check to be sure.

isabel

The hop on hop off water taxi would be a great thing to do in August. But another option is the (free on weekends) ferry to Ikea in Brooklyn. Goes from just south of South Street Seaport. Ikea in Brooklyn is not really walking distance of the bridge through so it's pretty much a go and come back trip.

If you do walk the BB, there is a great burrito cart in the park on the Brooklyn side.

My favorite walk in NY is to start at City Hall Park and do a loop around the tip. Go west from City Hall Park past the WTC site to North Cove, then south to Battery Park and around and back up to South Street Seaport. Can combine that walk with BB walk.

emd3

While visiting Governors Island, plan to take in the interactive sculpture exhibit going up June 9 (thru Spt 23).

See here, an article from todays DNA Manhattan online newsletter on this sculpture exhibit- the link is long long so I had to make a tiny url of it:

http://tinyurl.com/d8tgfvm

starrs

These are great ideas! Thanks!

Lookin_Glass

As part of my day today, I discussed favorite parks with lifelong Newyorkers, members of my family in their golden years. One park came up repeatedly that I have not visited yet. I can't recommend it, but I will try to visit sometime in the next 6 months. I don't think it will fit in with the 5 in 5 poster with time constraints, but something to consider, and perhaps others here have been there recently.

Wave Hill

http://wavehill.org/gardens/

Centralparkgirl

Hi starrs. I also highly recommend the NYBG. I was just there yesterday and go fairly often. Some suggestions: get there at 10 when they open if possible. It will be cooler and less crowded. Use the hop on,hop off tram to save time and the narration is very interesting. As was mentioned, Monet's Garden is its next big program and it will draw a lot of people. You can buy tickets on line. A lot of that exhibit will be in the big Enid Haupt Conservatory which is usually humid any time of year. I think some of Monet's artifacts and a painting or too will be in the library building. To save time, you might want to use the tram especially if you see one coming, to get to the library.

We ate in New Leaf near the Cloisters recently. It was pretty full. I suggest a reservation. It's a 5-10 minute walk from the Cloisters.

starrs

Okay, Monet's Garden will be a definite. Thanks for all the tips, cpg.

If it works to meet for a coffee or a glass of wine during the week, let me know. Would love to see you again.

musicfan

We ate at New Leaf (thanks to unnamed Fodorites) on our trip in May and loved it--service was excellent, enjoyed the food (and the cocktails--yes, for lunch--it's vacation!) and of course the setting is delightful.

starrs

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