IMDonehere

And its hundreds of dollars cheaper than a B'way show

sf7307

welltraveled, my DH beats that - the first time he went to Alcatraz was 2013 and he's lived here since 1972.

yestravel

Defintinely not a NY'er so need a translation -- what or where is 'make a day of LIC."

This is such a great thread thanks to all the contributors - maybe if I live to 100, I will see half of what is suggested.

welltraveledbrit

Not a New Yorker butI believe it's < Long Island City>

progol

Sorry, yestravel! Wtb is right -- "LIC" is Long Island City. I can only imagine what you were thinking!

IMDonehere

Native NY'er baby boomer who has never been to the top of Empire State Building-typical.

progol

>

Been there once - with out of town guests. Lived in NYC all my life.

nytraveler

Well I grew up in the far end of Queens (as did my parents) and then Nassau county. Parents took my B and me to the City at least twice a month on the weekends, visiting most of the tourist sights and museums as well as umpteen visits to Central Park.

But we did the biggies in terms of money (SoL, Empire State) only once each. But to the Museums (Met and Nat'l Histo) MANY times. Once I was old enough (13 or 14) I would sometimes bring my little B into the city for the day during summer vacation (museum of movie or whatever) and meet my father at his office to take the subway/car home.

But I know many people who lived in either of our neighborhoods never took their kids into the City. Can't imagine why not.

IMDonehere

But I know many people who lived in either of our neighborhoods never took their kids into the City. Can't imagine why not.
_____________________
For a few years we lived in a northern burb and there were some who would only come into Manhattan with us, due to a number of irrational fears. That included everything from crime to being ripped off at a restaurant to the local equivalency of not speaking the language.

nytraveler

Irrational is right. I went into the city - with friends or my B - since I was 13, catching a ride with my father to the subway and then going on my/our own way from there. Never ran into any sort of problem. Although there was one guy that cam up to me in Nat'l Histo and wanted me to come have my photo take so I could be a model He seemed really pissed when I laughed at him - and said I would report him to a guard (I was 15).

progol

I lived in Manhattan till I was 12, then moved to Queens. My Queens friends would talk about going to "the city" -- I couldn't get over that folks living in Queens or Brooklyn or other "outer boroughs" would not consider themselves living in "the city". In fact, some of the parents of my friends from 'deep Brooklyn' - ie, Bay Ridge - never went to Manhattan (the City). It wasn't fear that kept them away -- there was absolutely no reason to go, as far as they were concerned.

progol

Getting back to wtb's original request for recommendations...,

The Swann Auction galleries on E. 25th St. often have great collections on display for auction and you'll be nearby. It's just on the other side of Madison Square Park.

http://www.swanngalleries.com

progol

Wtb-- just came back from the Picasso sculpture exhibit at MOMA. Loved it! I was so sure that I'd be disappointed, given the over-the-top review in the NYTimes, but I thoroughly enjoyed it, even on a crowded Sunday. I loved so many things -- his wit and whimsy just made me smile. Each period is nicely delineated and there is plenty of space around each item, so that it never gets too crowded. For Picasso lovers, this is an excellent show.

We then walked over to Christie's auction house on W. 49th between 5th& 6th - was this mentioned earlier? Another highly recommended place to,visit -- there are often great collections on view.

There will,be plenty to do in NYC,

welltraveledbrit

Progol, so great to hear your take on the Picasso show, I was afraid it had been over hyped by the Times too. Not surprised MOMA was mobbed. last time I went on a Friday night completely forgetting it was the free entrance night and it was jammed. I'm hoping to see the Picasso in the morning member hours.

Thanks so much for the auction suggestions. I've been to Sothebys before but have never made it to Christies or Swanns, both great ideas.

Thanks again!

TDudette

progol, my family was the same way about going to the city from in our little town of 413! Perfectly natural I do believe.

WTB, my NYC TR is complete now in case you are interested. I think you hadn't seen my MAD dinner and subsequent visit and dinner.

Looking forward to reading about your stay.

maxima

Some people think "the City", as a term for
Manhattan dates back to before 1898 when the current City of New York came into being.

The old BMT and IRT subway systems had signs that read "To City" meaning to Manhattan.

I do know that people who grew up in Brooklyn and Queens often refer to Manhattan as the city, while those who grew up in the Bronx say they are "going downtown". Don't know about those who grew up on Staten Island.

welltraveledbrit

TDudette - thanks for the heads up I had missed that part of your trip report, very helpful.

kja

It just occurred to me -- and I could be wrong -- that no one has mentioned the option of a day trip (or several!) to Philadelphia. LOTS to see and do there -- easily worth a few day trips.

And what about a few (long!) day trips to DC, maybe even eating your hotel costs to stay in DC a few days? You could make a loop through DC and Philadelphia and see a LOT with just a week, give or take depending on your interests....

welltraveledbrit

Thanks kja - I realize Philly and DC are within a reasonable distance and have lots to offer (I want to see the Barnes in particular) but I must admit I'm not much of a day tripper. It's so expensive to rent a place in New York that I'm inclined to spend my time in the city rather than heading out of town for a few days. I spent four months in Paris two years ago and barely made it out of town. In London recently I did a little better but my inclination is to focus on what's right in front of me.

progol

>

And there are still some stations that have this! Amazing!