FWIW, last time we were there, we arrived at 9 p.m., had dinner, and still walked up to Rock Ctr, Saks, Grand Central and Lord & Taylor before calling it a night.

I will definitely add the MET to our list! My son likes the idea of the Armor and the Eqyptian Mummies!

Wow, I am so impressed with all the tips! Keep them coming!!

Thank you,
Tammy

The Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory is a little more than a block from Grimaldi's but I'm not sure if it's open during winter. Some people love it, some people think what's the fuss. It's so close, I'd just stop by and take a gander.

All this drubbing ESB is taking. I agree with everyone about the lines, but ESB holds a historical significance to me least, a vestige of the depression era and Art Deco period, survived a bomber crash, and all those movies and timeless photographs of it being built. You walk inside it and realize how antiquated the interior is and how we're used to all new shiny skyscrapers. They don't build buildings like the ESB anymore.

Oh and the Met. I live less than a 10 minute walk and go there frequently and still am not convinced I covered it all. Plus it keeps changing (new wings, rearranging, redesign).

nstevey, I don't think anyone thinks they shouldn't LOOK at the Empire State Building (for all the reasons you stated), but that there's no point in standing in that line for THE VIEW, since you can't see the ESB from the ESB!

I definitely echo what sf7307 said. I admire the ESB greatly. The fact that it's on the site of the original Waldorf-Astoria, the construction at the rate of one story per week during the Depression, the involvement of Al Smith, is an amazing story. By all means go by it on the ground and stop in to see the lobby, and admire it from Top of the Rock and all of the other places around the city where it magically appears as you round a corner, but don't feel compelled to wait in the lines to ride up!

And I didn't even know all that :-)

Do build in some down-time. If it's cold or wet or just plain nasty outdoors, the kids or yourselves will like a break of your very busy schedule.

The 26th Dec has all those Xmas sales and is as crazy as Black Friday. You might not even be in the City and at your hotel by 12N.

The 28th Dec has you west side, east side, midtown... a bit much.

During the entire time, tourists are everywhere, getting thru many streets while on foot takes longer than on normal days.

Use the subway whenever you can.

And another vote: skip the ESB, but if in the neighborhood, check out the lobby.

Good luck!

<i>Do build in some down-time. If it's cold or wet or just plain nasty outdoors, the kids or yourselves will like a break of your very busy schedule.</i>

Even just sitting down in a nice cozy cafe for a late afternoon cup of coffee or tea and a pastry is so rejuvenating, and part of the whole tourism experience.

We definitely don't want to over plan this trip! I want to REALLY enjoy the city! We usually try to take two vacations a year and this will be our biggie for 09(even though it's still 08)! As this will be the most expensive trip we have taken thus far, our summer will be filled with mini trips to the lake!

I want the trip to be a perfect balance of sightseeing and soaking in the city! I already know it's gonna be love at first sight!

Since I want to add the MET to our itinarary, which day should it be added to?

Thanks!!

The Met is basically right across the Park from the Natural History Museum.

I understand. It's too bad tourists can't see the ESB the way some New Yorkers do. I've had many meetings and interviews on many floors and I found the innards just as interesting as the views.

I would consider going to the Met on Tuesday morning. (it would be better for the kids to have the museums on 2 different days). Get there at 10 when they open. Afterwards, you can do the brooklyn bridge. (btw, we're dying to do this too but are worried it might be too cold!!)
And also consider skipping Madame Toussaud's.

dina4-another poster suggested taking the subway to Brooklyn and walking back across the bridge! We are hoping the weather won't bother us to much! We lived in Minnesota for 2 years and know how to bundle up! If it's really really cold I will be the one running across the bridge!!;)

<i>If it's really really cold </i>

That's why I recommended Jacques Torres hot chocolate :-)

It's on my list!!!! I love hot chocolate!!! :)Is it easy to find once we leave Grimaldi's? Is there only one location?

There's only one location in Brooklyn, and there's another Manhattan. The one near Grimaldi's is easy to find - when you exit Grimaldi's, turn left, turn left again at the corner, walk one or two blocks down and turn left on Water Street. Jacques Torres is on that block or the next one.

good idea to to walk BACK towards manhattan on the bridge. better views that way, i imagine.

we're from southern california, so not sure we'll be able to handle the cold!

dina4- Don't stress about the weather or it will put a damper on your trip! As long as you dress properly and wear warm shoes you will be fine!

Ok- I have another question!

Where would you recommend we eat after Ellis Island? Street Vendor, Deli or Diner! Nothing to heavy as we are eating dinner at Pearl Oyster Bar!

Thanks!