NYC Rain plans
 

We are headed to NYC this Thurs-Sun. I bought tickets for Ellis Island for Friday, but as of right now, it looks like lots of rain. Our other option would be to buy tickets for Thursday (and eat the Friday tix, but they are pretty cheap), but we couldn't do the ferry until 1pm.

What would you do? Early in the rain or later in the day in the sun?

And for indoor fun, what are the top two museums you would recommend? :)

Fingers crossed that the weather forecast changes; if it is anything like Indiana, there's no telling!

I'd go when you have the tickets. The line to get into security is outdoors, but that's a pretty short wait if you go at your appointed time. The security itself is covered, then it's a short walk onto the ferry.

The museum itself is indoors, and the ferry is covered. The statue isn't open yet, so no need to get off the boat there at all unless you really desperately want to walk around the island.

Ellis Island isn;t outdoors except for the ferry - so why not just go ahead with the visit.

Best museums - depends on your interests.

I think the Met is the greatest cultural institution in the western hemisphere. Next - Natural History. But do go to the web sites to see what deprtments you want to see - since you could spend days in each.

I would do:

Met - Impressionists, Costume Institute and Egypt/Temple of Dendur

Natural History - Dinos and human evolution plus gems and minerals

But there are dozens of museums - for almost any topic

Other favorites:

The Frick
NY Historical Society
Exhibits (and reading room) at the main branch of the Public Library

But do realize that if it's raining the museums will be full - lots of moms and nannies giving exercise and air to their little kids

And - you won;t melt. As long as you have waterproofed comfy walking shoes and a sturdy folding umbrella you'll be fine.

I agree that you should just go on Friday. You have to be outdoors at some point, just getting from place to place and riding a ferry isn't a bad way to spend some of that time. The weather forecast is for normal seasonal temperatures and rain, nothing extreme. And forecast change of course, they are generally only considered accurate for 48 hours at the most no matter where you go.

Maybe this is a good time to remind people coming to NYC that it rains here during all seasons, bring waterproof shoes if you have them, and just go with the flow. Other than an outdoor picnic in the Central Park, there's no reason to cancel most plans.

Go to Ellis Island on Friday. I have been there on rainy days and on sunny days. The security area is covered and the ferry also has covered sections, the museum is indoors. Wear your rainy day things and you will be fine.

Top museums: The Metropolitan Museum of Art is one of the best museums in the world. You can pay what you wish..the $25 admission is suggested. the museum is open till 9pm on Saturdays, and is closed on Mondays. Look at the museum website to see what special exhibits are on this weekend, as well as free guided tours and what you want to see in the permanent collection. Its huge you wont see it all. If you rent an audio guide and want to leave the museum and come back later, go to the first floor audio desk and get a stamped receipt when you hand in the audio guide and you can get another guide when you return. best place to enter: the handicapped/ group entrance behind the fountain on 81st street.. there is a coat check there, a small gift shop, a desk to pay and rest rooms near by and its never as crowded as upstairs and you can take the elevator up to the main and second floors.

other top museums: Modern Art(MOMA),
the Frick(its small and a personal favorite), Natural History.. depending on your tastes.

lots of fall events too that are indoors.. at the park ave.armory you can get tickets to the art and antiques fair...

dont let a rainy forecast bother you.

Thanks, everyone! We'll stick with Fri for Ellis Island. Not going to let it rain on my NYC parade! :)

Oh - and now it looks like weekend will be dry.