NYC in Dec. for a first timer
Dec 27th, 2009, 09:06 PM
#81
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
It sounds like you had a nice trip even with the blizzard! I'm so happy to hear it. And Chinatown is not what it used to be, so I'm not surprised that it wasn't for you. Glad to hear you liked Katz too! And I'm jealous that your daughters saw In the Heights. I'm dying to see it! I wonder if you were so lucky with the Tkts booth because of the snow but whatever the reason, I am glad that you got good seats to good shows. I can't wait to read the rest!
Dec 28th, 2009, 01:04 AM
#82
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 26,710
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Glad you had a good time and hope Santa wasn't arrested becuase of your freshmen.
Chinatown has expanded over the years mainly due to a huge influx of Hong Kong Chinese. It is still an area where immigrants first live and where middle class Chinese return to shop and hold events.
Canal Street is a combination of tourist rip-offs and stores that are used by Chinese-Americans and New Yorkers alike. The northern side of Canal Street has the vast majority of knock off and junk shops, while the southern side has places like Kam Man, Pearl Paint, and fruit, vegetable, and fish markets besides some rip off stores. There are a number of reputable jewelry stores as well. Through an introduction by my Chinese friends I have purchased high quality jewelry at very reasoanble proces.
Many years ago Chinatown was bound on the north by Canal Street but today it exapnds north in what was Little Italy and east to Allen Street and Grand Street on the South. Outside of the area that is traditionally considered Chiantown, and where few tourists venture, is where people live their every day lives.
Chinatown has expanded over the years mainly due to a huge influx of Hong Kong Chinese. It is still an area where immigrants first live and where middle class Chinese return to shop and hold events.
Canal Street is a combination of tourist rip-offs and stores that are used by Chinese-Americans and New Yorkers alike. The northern side of Canal Street has the vast majority of knock off and junk shops, while the southern side has places like Kam Man, Pearl Paint, and fruit, vegetable, and fish markets besides some rip off stores. There are a number of reputable jewelry stores as well. Through an introduction by my Chinese friends I have purchased high quality jewelry at very reasoanble proces.
Many years ago Chinatown was bound on the north by Canal Street but today it exapnds north in what was Little Italy and east to Allen Street and Grand Street on the South. Outside of the area that is traditionally considered Chiantown, and where few tourists venture, is where people live their every day lives.
Dec 28th, 2009, 06:35 AM
#83
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,253
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The "traditional" area of Chinatown, featuring many restaurants and shops is south of Canal Street at Mulberry and especially Mott Street. This area is a 5-10-minute walk from the subway stops, so if visitors stay Canal Street. they may never find this area.
Dec 28th, 2009, 08:50 PM
#84
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mon. 9am- We jumped on a cram packed subway to experience the eneregy of Monday morning rush hour, and had a blast, we just rode for a while and experienced the way of life. And yes our girls loooved it and said they could do this for a year or 2. Next off to GCStation for a look around at the mass of people going to work. Had coffee and sat a while. Went to the Holiday shops in the vanderbilt room and off on foot around the area. Segrams Building and to Bryant Park. More holiday shops and the girls iced skated with a comp. pass given to us by a sweet lady vendor from N. Jersey, that our girls loved and her dog. That was a real treat to skate for free and make friends with locals. The girls were a hoot on the ice. This was only their second time to skate so no tricks just funny to watch. They meet 2 nice older men skating on there lunch and the men met my husband and i and suggested we walk to 9th and 45th to eat lunch at 5 Napkins Brothers. It was a cold haul but we did and it was GREAT. You all have to go and try this place. Great and has a big following, very crouded at lunch and priced well. They also recommended Vinyl just down the street. It looked like fun and good food just no time to go back.Took the subway to Chelsea , went in many thrift stores and shops and enjoyed the laid back time. We then went on down via subway to Saten Island ferry for a nice ride at sunset. Great pictures on the return of the skyline. Off to century 21 store. I was miserable. Crouds and lots of violent-hateful shoppers. Left in a hurry. Back to the hotel for much needed drinks and relaxation. Ordered Pizza in from Rays. Not bad we enjoyed the down time.
Tues.- 9:30am- Off to Yankee Stadium, that was a quick trip for hubby and pictures for the girls and back to American Natural History Museum. We enjoyed this time even with all the school field trips. Wow, you guys get out late for the winter break. I teach we got out the 17th.We then walked through central park to get the MET Museum. With the snow it was beautiful and really made us feel the festive/energy in the air. At Bethesia fountain we stopped a police in a truck to ask the closest lunch venue, when my daughters spotted Bill Murary,he was behind the wheel of a car sitting still(which isn't allowed we were told)and the girls jumped out and said very southern draw Oh your B.Murary and he was nice and funny and they made there picture with him and his wife.How sweet he was to them. On to the MET and the crouds were large but we managed 21/2 hours of site seeing. Can't wait to go back for more.Next on to Columbus circle via subway.Oh by the way we ate street vender food to hold us over. We got to the Time Warner building in time to wash up and get a table at a dessert place by the foyer 2nd floor for the 5 o clock light show. The coffees and desserts were ok but the Star light show made great pictures and it was lovely.You must relax and see this it is nice.Now being 5:45 on to the hotel to freshen up for the girls Mama Mia play. Hubby and I went to Time Square/ ESPN Zone for a few and Football-basketball games on the tube. Had a fun day and sad that our time is quickly ending with only one full day left.
Wed.-8am Today's show in Rockefeller center. Had fun the coldest morning yet so the croud was small. The girls got on TV and a picture with Meridth(?) the anchor woman. She was sweet and very nice to us.Did the walking tour in the GE building. It was warm so that made it necessary.Looked at the rink and lovely tree. It is much prettier in person.Ate a cupcake a Magnolia Bakery, my daughters said they make better ones. On to Saks to get a Formal dress for a Spring dance. We went to the 4th (designer) floor to look and this sweet helpful clerk asked our price so she assisted us on the 5th(HA) floor with dresses but brought us back to Valentino dressing rooms to assist the girls. They felt like a million. We got a great dress for a remarkable price and she is shipping it for free. So no bags or dress to pack.Walked to St. Barts chuch to buy a few sovieniers for a good cause we went back to this church to buy. On to Radio City Music Hall for a photo.Then to the MOMA. Oh my the croud was scary. We managed to see some but this is a next time trip also.TO many people. We never experienced crouds until Wednesday.The other days were great.... Now to eat where hubby had wanted all week. Carmines, on side street off of time square. We were not disappointed. Great Ceasar Salad with anchovies, lasagna, and the porter house. Which 2 local families who lived in west village recommended.The steak was great! Back to the Shearton to pack. for our eary flight@ 6am.
Highlights: Day 1 Time Square energy at 2 am
Day 2 Theater for less( 66.00 for In the Heights and 54.00 for Rock of Ages) and snow fall and Katz Deli
Day 3 Union Square/SOHO and Santa
Day 4 Rush Hour on subway, GCStation and Bryant Park and 5 Napkins Burger for lunch
Day 5 A Museum NHistory, MET and Time warner( light show) The girls will say Bill Murary
Day 6 Rockefeller Center and Buying the dress and the steak at carmines
************** the best was spending hours with all of you and the great guidance you gave us to make this trip so special. Thanks for all the info and care you put on here to make your great city what it is!! There is no place like NYC and no one like you guys!!!Tennesseesoftball
Tues.- 9:30am- Off to Yankee Stadium, that was a quick trip for hubby and pictures for the girls and back to American Natural History Museum. We enjoyed this time even with all the school field trips. Wow, you guys get out late for the winter break. I teach we got out the 17th.We then walked through central park to get the MET Museum. With the snow it was beautiful and really made us feel the festive/energy in the air. At Bethesia fountain we stopped a police in a truck to ask the closest lunch venue, when my daughters spotted Bill Murary,he was behind the wheel of a car sitting still(which isn't allowed we were told)and the girls jumped out and said very southern draw Oh your B.Murary and he was nice and funny and they made there picture with him and his wife.How sweet he was to them. On to the MET and the crouds were large but we managed 21/2 hours of site seeing. Can't wait to go back for more.Next on to Columbus circle via subway.Oh by the way we ate street vender food to hold us over. We got to the Time Warner building in time to wash up and get a table at a dessert place by the foyer 2nd floor for the 5 o clock light show. The coffees and desserts were ok but the Star light show made great pictures and it was lovely.You must relax and see this it is nice.Now being 5:45 on to the hotel to freshen up for the girls Mama Mia play. Hubby and I went to Time Square/ ESPN Zone for a few and Football-basketball games on the tube. Had a fun day and sad that our time is quickly ending with only one full day left.
Wed.-8am Today's show in Rockefeller center. Had fun the coldest morning yet so the croud was small. The girls got on TV and a picture with Meridth(?) the anchor woman. She was sweet and very nice to us.Did the walking tour in the GE building. It was warm so that made it necessary.Looked at the rink and lovely tree. It is much prettier in person.Ate a cupcake a Magnolia Bakery, my daughters said they make better ones. On to Saks to get a Formal dress for a Spring dance. We went to the 4th (designer) floor to look and this sweet helpful clerk asked our price so she assisted us on the 5th(HA) floor with dresses but brought us back to Valentino dressing rooms to assist the girls. They felt like a million. We got a great dress for a remarkable price and she is shipping it for free. So no bags or dress to pack.Walked to St. Barts chuch to buy a few sovieniers for a good cause we went back to this church to buy. On to Radio City Music Hall for a photo.Then to the MOMA. Oh my the croud was scary. We managed to see some but this is a next time trip also.TO many people. We never experienced crouds until Wednesday.The other days were great.... Now to eat where hubby had wanted all week. Carmines, on side street off of time square. We were not disappointed. Great Ceasar Salad with anchovies, lasagna, and the porter house. Which 2 local families who lived in west village recommended.The steak was great! Back to the Shearton to pack. for our eary flight@ 6am.
Highlights: Day 1 Time Square energy at 2 am
Day 2 Theater for less( 66.00 for In the Heights and 54.00 for Rock of Ages) and snow fall and Katz Deli
Day 3 Union Square/SOHO and Santa
Day 4 Rush Hour on subway, GCStation and Bryant Park and 5 Napkins Burger for lunch
Day 5 A Museum NHistory, MET and Time warner( light show) The girls will say Bill Murary
Day 6 Rockefeller Center and Buying the dress and the steak at carmines
************** the best was spending hours with all of you and the great guidance you gave us to make this trip so special. Thanks for all the info and care you put on here to make your great city what it is!! There is no place like NYC and no one like you guys!!!Tennesseesoftball
Dec 29th, 2009, 05:35 AM
#85
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Great trip report! And I'm always pleased to hear when visitors find New Yorkers to be the friendly bunch that we are. It sounds like you had a wonderful trip and met some very nice people. You covered a lot of ground. I had to laugh at your visit to Century 21. Unfortunately its like that year round, lol! Come back soon!
Dec 29th, 2009, 05:40 PM
#87
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No harm taken, I do have 3rd row end zone tickets if you would like to experience 110,000 fun loving football fans. Let me know the weekend and I will let you have them. Take care and Happy New years!!
Dec 29th, 2009, 08:07 PM
#88
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hey Tennessee, I have a question if you don't mind me hijacking your thread for a moment. I'm planning a trip to Tennessee in either February or April. I've never been there and am dying to go to Graceland and then spend some time on Beale St. My first question is regarding what the weather would be like in either month. Also, I know that Nashville is a couple of hours away. Is it reasonable to take 5 days and do both? I am not sure if I am going to do this trip solo or with my kids and would appreciate any thoughts. My kids are teens. My oldest plays guitar and I would like to go to Gibson. Thanks for any input!
Dec 30th, 2009, 09:07 AM
#91
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
writealiving-I would be glad to help you...Memphis in Feb. will be cold and usually our worst weather in winter.ICE here not snow. April would most likely be nice high 40's for the low to 70's for highs. I have done Graceland 3 times. It is interesting and a bit dated. However Graceland tour is good if you appreciate music. The area is not good so do not stay near Graceland. Alot 3 or so hours for Graceland,and should be arould 35.00. Go to Downtown(Beale St.) to stay, try Priceline ot Hotwire and only go for a 3 or 3 1/2 or 4 star. If you bid on 4* Westin, Madison or Peabody.Bid arould 80 to 120.00 is a good bid.I just looked up past bids. 3.5* is the Marriott going for 60 to 80.00. 3* is the Doubletree(formerly Raddison) no former bids. It will take you 20 minutes to get from Graceland to downtown. Beale st. Gibson Factory is a great afternoon/night trip. Ay 5 pm go to the Peabody lobby for the Duck presentation and drinks it is lovely and a tradition.Eat ribs if you like ribs at the Rendezvous.www.hogsfly.com(check it out. All this is walking distance. To get more info check out memphisinmay.org this is our big international music festival and people come from everywhere.It will give you the feel of the area. Parking downtown will run you 10 to 20 dollars a day.
Nashville is 3 hours due east on I40. I live between both cities.It is an easy drive from Mem to Nash. Nashville is fun and alot to do.I will be glad to help you on this area when the time comes. Chattanooga is 3 hours SEast from Nashville and has a great deal of site seeing.Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls, Downtown Aquarium, and much more. We have a good week worth of seeing all within 5 hours or so. Nashville is usually cheaper to fly into than Mem. so check that out also.
Nashville is 3 hours due east on I40. I live between both cities.It is an easy drive from Mem to Nash. Nashville is fun and alot to do.I will be glad to help you on this area when the time comes. Chattanooga is 3 hours SEast from Nashville and has a great deal of site seeing.Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls, Downtown Aquarium, and much more. We have a good week worth of seeing all within 5 hours or so. Nashville is usually cheaper to fly into than Mem. so check that out also.
Dec 30th, 2009, 10:17 AM
#92
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you so much!! I'm leaning towards April then due to the weather which also means I'll be taking my kids. My solo week is in Feb, lol. I'm glad though because my son is a musician and I really was looking forward to Graceland, Gibson, and Nashville with him. I'm going to explore all of your suggestions, especially hotwire and priceline. I've always used expedia, but keep reading on this site about the others who have good luck. Thanks again!
Dec 30th, 2009, 10:26 AM
#93
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What a great report!
I think the HOHO bus is a blast and I've probably done it more times than some of the guides. Right after September 11th school kids would yell up to the people riding the buses to "SPEND MONEY!!"
I think the HOHO bus is a blast and I've probably done it more times than some of the guides. Right after September 11th school kids would yell up to the people riding the buses to "SPEND MONEY!!"
Dec 30th, 2009, 11:35 AM
#94
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2009
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
writealiving- I planned a 10 day trip flying into san deigo and driving up the coast to san fran. staying at 4*'s hotels in many cities on priceline. There are a few cheat sites (i called them that) to know what hotels you are bidding on and then you can review the hotel's website and know how high to bid.They are biddingfortravel.com and betterbidding.com. Give them a look, it can't hurt.My best friend lives in (Franklin)Nashville and she will be glad to look up any happenings for your dates.
