NYC Questions
 

We will be visiting NYC in July and have purchased tickets to fly into Islip, L.I.? Any recommendations on how to get to NYC? Has anyone visited Cooperstown and is it worth it? What is the best way to get there: bus or rent a car? And lastly, how is the Embassy Suites in NYC? Any other recommendations for three boys, 9,11 and 13?

Cooperstown is not that close to New York City. It's a few hours away. If your sons are baseball fans, they'll love it. And, they'd probably also enjoy going to either a Yankee or Mets game, depending on who's in town when you come.

Go to www.macarthurairport for transportation options to NYC. It is about 220 miles from the city to Cooperstown - a more than four hour drive A rental car would be the best way to go but if you decide to do this consider overnighting in the area before returning to the city.

<BR>A trip via car or bus from Islip to NYC on the Long Island Expressway could be long and frustrating -- a combination of constant traffic and lots of construction. The Long Island Railroad is a possibility although you'd probably have to take a cab to get to the closest station. <BR>Check that macarthurairport website but keep the above in mind. <BR> <BR>As for Cooperstown, it's a LONG trip and to be honest, you may be a bit let down unless you're a DIEHARD baseball fan. There are several good alternatives right in the city -- like Howard suggested, a Yankees or Mets game. Both stadiums have easy subway access and you have nothing to fear safety-wise when there's a game. The #4 or D goes to Yankee Stadium, the #7 goes to Shea. You can purchase great Yankee souvenirs (and tickets) at the Yankees Clubhouse store on 58th, between Park and Lex, and for a bite to eat there's Mickey Mantle's restaurant on 59th St. (Central Park South) between 5th and 6th. There's some great memorabilia there, both on the walls and for sale. <BR> <BR>As for the kids, what do they like? If they like wrestling, there's the WWF restaurant in Times Square. If they like horror movies, there's a horror theme restaurant called Jekyl and Hyde close to Mickey Mantle's. Why not try to get tickets to a taping of David Letterman or Conan O'Brien? And all of you would enjoy a ride on the Circle Line, a 3-hour boat ride around the island of Manhattan, which leaves from the west side on 42nd Street.

Re Islip arrival: We have arrived there flying Southwest from Texas and it is very easy to get into Penn Station. There are shuttles that meet every SWA flight and take you directly to the train station (about 5 minutes away). There you can board the train and buy your tickets from the conductor or wait in line at the station and buy them before you board. The very pleasant ride is about 50 minutes. Ronkonkama (sp?) is the last stop, so any train you board will take you into Penn Station. I think I'm remembering correctly! Anyway, very easy. Have fun!

The Embassy Suites is great -- the perfect place to stay with kids. Battery Park is virtually right outside your door, and is good for roller skating, basketball, and just general walking around (ideal views of the statue of liberty). Load up on the free buffet breakfast, because you'll have to walk a few blocks for inexpensive food. The suites are a little small for three older boys, but far better than having to rent two outrageously expensive regular rooms. Your boys might also enjoy Chelsea Piers, which is a HUGE indoor recreation area like nothing you've ever seen. They have indoor rock climbing, gymnastics, bowling, skating and lots more. There is NO way to run out of things to do in NYC, so have fun!

embassy suites is a good choice. there's a ferry service to the baseball game at shea stadium maybe yankee stadium as well. chinatown is a bus ride away maybe 15 minutes. walk to tribeca and soho and the village. cooperstown is good only for the diehard baseball fan. it is 4 hours drive north of nyc and in the same area is howe caverns. best to rent a car for long trips. it will give you a chance to explore more. planetarium and the museum of natural history and explore central park in the same day

From Islip airport the best way into the city is by LIRR, it's very easy. Cooperstown is about 5 1/2 north and slightly west of NYC and you're best off renting a car. The Embassy Suites hotel is a good choice. It's about a 5 minute walk to the nearest subway but it has a health club, family restaurants and is located next to a great park. You can walk from there to the World Trade Center, South Street Seaport, Wall Street, Tribeca, Soho, Chinatown, Little Italy, Greenwich Village and the ferry to the Statue of Liberty. But remember that if you are looking to be in Times Square or next to Central Park it's a 5 minute walk to the subway and then a 10 to 15 minute ride to midtown. Your sons will have lots to do so don't worry about entertaining them in NY!