nyvisitor

Hi mclaurie, Ok, I took a deep breath! I know our trip is all about having fun and not crossing items off a list, but I needed the reminder.

You're right, we could go to Norma's anyday we'd like a terrifc breakfast. In fact, Sunday may be really crowded because of the parade down Fifth Ave. Since the parade starts on 44th at 11 AM I suppose it will be at Central Park around noon. If it's too packed to watch we could go on the Carriage Ride and visit the south part of the park before then. I'm hoping the park is big enough for all and once we get a ways north we'll be fine.

I like your idea about having a good meal on Monday, especially since we don't have to rush to a play . Any ideas for the "one New York restaurant not to be missed"? I know about eating later, it's just that at 11 PM we're pooped and ready for bed. Maybe the New York/European mentality will kick in on this trip.

And before Lion King I think we'll head toward midtown for a casual meal rather than try to eat so early.

You've been a big help. Thanks

adisim

If the Puerto Rican Day parade is the Sunday you are in the city, please change your schedule around and do your Sunday things on another day. I was around the parade once and it is a suffocating experience anywhere nearby-- all morning and all afternoon!

grantop

You are going to have a great time! I would not worry if your final itinerary seems jammed. You seem to be studying the city so you are getting an idea of where things are (that alone is a huge time saver) and you are grouping your activities by area. I would rather have a packed day and not get to everything (good excuse to go back) than only have a few things planned and then stand there saying "what do you want to do next?".

Be sure to post a trip report when you get back!

mclaurie

I totally agree with adisim. If it's the PR day parade, change your Mon or Tues itineraries to Sun. Downtown is where you want to be. Traffic is impossible, the crush of people is too much. Avoid the park. Maybe if it's nice do the Circle Line tour (downtown loop is enough I think).

For a dining "splurge" Lupa sounds good & you can walk around the village after. You might want a place with outdoor tables or a garden though if it's nice weather. Or use Mon nite to explore a neighborhood you haven't seen (lower east side has great new rest. as does the meat packing district or Soho).

nohomers

Unless your family is Puerto Rican, it's best to avoid the PR Day parade and Central Park that day.

nyvisitor

I'm regrouping. Due to "parade conditions" on Sunday I'm swapping Sunday's itinerary with Monday. Thanks for the heads up.

Lastly, thinking about restaurants for dinner, I'm wondering if I'm looking for serious restaurants or neighborhood places where the flavor of New York is found, or a combination of seriously local!

On Sunday for a special dinner, how about Eleven Madison Park? I read a post where it was suggested for a 16 yr. old birthday dinner, and we have two teenagers. (Lupa is closed on Sunday)

The next night we will be on the UWS after visiting the natural history museum. I read about a fairly new place, Celeste. Sounds casual. Any good?

How about Db Bistro Moderne for an early dinner before Lion King?

Here are a couple of ideas before Hairspray - Trattoria del Arte or Brasserie 8 1/2. Any other ideas?

Thanks

mclaurie

Since you will now be downtown on Sunday, what about a splurge lunch at River Cafe??? Then you could have a casual dinner in Chinatown or somewhere else downtown. I haven't been to Celeste. It sounds good in Zagat guide but it's small & only accepts cash (just a heads up). Do you realize you're picking mostly Italian places? Isabella's is very popular near the Natural Hist museum & they have sidewalk tables if it's nice out. For more of a splurge on the UWS, Ouest.

Trat. Dell 'Arte is one of my favorites (but Italian again). What about a good, inexpensive, local Thai near Hairspray? Siam Inn on 8th ave betw 51-52.

rufus

Don't plan too much. You'll feel rushed and have less fun than if you just "wing it". You could have a month in the city and still not get around to all there is to do. The girls will have fun tooling around the village. Relax, and enjoy!

Gekko

I agree wholeheartedly with rufus.

Relax.

You don't need dinner plans for every night. Just explore, look at menus, and pick a spot that appeals to you.

New York is a walking city, eager to be discovered. If you're rushing to and from pre-planned locations, you'll miss the point.

Peace

HowardR

Here's another endorser of the advice to relax! You've planned a good trip....now get ready to enjoy and, hopefully, have some pleasant surprises!

Austin

Just want to add - we stayed at the Gorham last Aug and LOVED it - rooms, beds, staff, location. I'm curious how the Blakely will be and would love to read your trip report upon your return. I would stay there again in a heartbeat if the Blakely is as accomodating. The Gorham's smallest beds were queens. Hopefully the same for the Blakely.

nyvisitor

You guys have been great. I feel like I have my own little cheer squad rooting for our family to have a wonderfully fun and relaxing vacation. Thanks. Just so you know, I do appreciate unplanned moments! A few years ago we visited the gardens at Sissinghurst, a train ride from London. We took a local bus toward the gardens and got off at a marked path. We got lost in many farmer's fields but eventually found the place in the late afternoon when the sun was perfect for pictures. We still talk about how much fun we had traipsing around cattle and drainage ditches. It was as memorable as the gardens.

After all the back and forth with our itinerary, we are set. For me, it's fun to make plans, even if they turn out to be back-ups.

Thanks for the River Cafe suggestion, it's just what I was looking for.

I'll write a trip report when we get home.