I'mnot aware that they look incrementally brighter

It was a joke.

ME: totally wrong about most info above

Start here: http://www.tavernonthegreen.com/

Columbia campus: I'm going myself. I've been in the car and bus driving by, and didn't pick up a campus feel, but I'm going on my feet, on my own way to St John the Divine.

Skating at Bryant Park: we were visiting on a Saturday. Very crowded. I'm sticking to that one.

tuscan, I agree it was crowded - I was giving the information about line length so they'll know HOW crowded/long it will take depending on how long the line is actually.

Thanks for the heads up for skating.Ellenem, The Wollman is a great idea.sf7307,the time for waiting is a needed info since no signs posted. The girls are still excited about going on Campus at Columbia, we hope the book store is open. Any suggestions on dinner/lunch near here. The girls have found a cool vintage shop called Allen & Suzi @ 46 amsterdam and w80th, they want to visit. Again do you guys think we should continue to Yankee Stadium after we leave Columbus Univ.? Map wise it looks like it to me. We could always wait and eat a bite near the stadium. Writealiving, I love the Hopstop site! This site is a world of wealth for the subway.I feel like I can go anywhere on the subway with this site. Looking forward to more info from you.Tennessee

>>>Map wise it looks like it to me. We could always wait and eat a bite near the stadium. >>>

Bad idea!

Bad idea? which idea,going to stadium after the university or eating near the stadium?

I haven't been to the stadium in a long time but the neighborhood hasn't gotten better. Actually, I haven't been to the new stadium, just the old, but same area. I have heard its nice, but not sure its worth it unless you're a die hard Yankee fan although I did take a tour of Giants Stadium in San Francisco and enjoyed it. If you want to see it to say you saw it, go, but I wouldn't eat around there. There is a spot in the Bronx on Arthur Ave that has great food, but I'm not as familiar with travel there and don't know how far from Yankee Stadium it is. I'm glad you like hopspot, but I can't claim it as mine, lol. I gleamed it from another poster but glad that you found it useful.

Eat near Columbia, not near Yankee Stadium

Sorry, I meant eating near the stadium is a bad idea.

If you go to Yankee Stadium you can eat AT the Stadium. There are branches of several restaurants there (go to yankees.com for info on the tours and the restaurants). You won't want to eat in the area - nothing much there but a couple of semi-tacky sports bars.

Are the restaurants at the stadium open in December?

Your itinerary is sounding good. Chinatown and Financial District near the end for all the souvenir shopping.
I respectfully disagree with the Port Authority for toilets and food. It's okay for parking but not worth a planned eating spot.
Toilets.... are around; go to nicer shopping stores vs. eating establishments when possible...(Macy's, Toys R Us, FAO Schwartz etc.
Definitely All Day Fun pass for unlimited bus or subway rides...use it more than 3 times a day and it's paid for.
Bus rides down 5th Avenue etc are a nice way to see the city when your feet are tired.

respectfully disagree with the Port Authority for toilets and food. It's okay for parking but not worth a planned eating spot

You do not have to be respectful. Whoever posted it ws being sracastic.

They're trying to make it an all year destination and I've seen ads for some that are open. I would suggest checking in advance - but if they're doing a tour probably at least some of them are. (And without a tour you can;t get in anyway.)

At Yankee stadium we will jump on and of the subway for a photo for my dear. Rbud87, I didn't think about saving the Financial D. and area till the end for souvenir's but a lovely idea. Keep the ideas coming and I can't wait for this great trip due to the wonderful insight info. I have gained from this site and all of you.
Oh yea, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! Enjoy your families and friends. Tennessee

Life is good! Healthy, Happy, God is good, and 5 days till NYC!!! Excitement in the air!! See you soon........

I'd give a thumbs down to City Bakery-or at least stick to just the hot chocolate and marshmallows. Not the cleanest place to eat.

Thanks K, I will heed your advise. Any other advise is welcome. Oh, the weather/ 10 day forecast looks like ours in west TN. cold and a chance of rain, good thing we don't melt. Does anyone know who will be at the (outside)venues for the morning show or how to find out. I have been on the website (good morning America, ect..) very little info? Let's all have a very Merry Christmas! God Bless!

I think you have a pretty good outline for your trip. My only advice again is to leave yourself room to discover things, but it sounds like you have it covered. Have a happy and safe trip and let us know how it goes!

k-brklyn, I've been eating (terrific buffet/salad bar breakfast & lunch or great bakery and coffee choices)at the City Bakery for 15+ years - first over by Union Square and then at the "new" location - and I can't imagine what you're talking about. It is a completely respected, busy and popular place - and as perfectly clean as every other completely respected, popular and busy place. Really odd accusation without back-up or substantiation.

And the chocolate chip cookies are great, along with the pretzel croissants and the baker's muffins.