Hi folks,

My daughter and her girlfriend (20 and 21) are travelling to NYC this weekend. They're flying out of Buffalo into LaGuardia. I booked them on a last minute package through Expedia and at the same time, I booked them on the hotel shuttle. Can anyone tell me where they will find the shuttle at LaGuardia. I'm sure there will be lots of signs and they can certainly ask, but as a worried mother, I'm hoping to arm them with as much info as I can.

As students they have lived in Toronto for 2 years, but I'm not sure how really street-wise they are....you know -- the confidence of youth! Are there any areas or things they should avoid or watch out for or does anyone have any ideas of cheap/free to see or do -- outdoor concerts, festivals etc.

I'm always amazed at the wealth of information available on this board so any tips you have would be greatly appreciated.

http://www.cityguidemagazine.com/nyc...DAILY%20EVENTS

scroll down above website for specific date.

Well kiddo, there are several shuttles (Super Shuttle and NY Airport Shuttle) and frankly for 2, neither usually save much money vs a cab for 2 people. A cab is only about ~$30 each way and you probably paid about the same for the shuttle. There will>/i> be signs and they should follow them. There's a transportation desk near baggage claim if they have questions. Assuming it's Super Shuttle which is the one that drops you at your hotel, if you booked a round trip shuttle, what they shouldn't do is wait too long on the return if the shuttle doesn't turn up. People constantly report late pick ups and sometimes missed flights.

As for activities, if you go to nycvisit.com and check the calendar there, there should be plenty of info on events for the weekend. Ofcourse the biggest free event will be the fireworks. Someone posted a link to the Macy's website the other day with times and info on best places for viewing.

Here's a good link for info

http://nymetro.com/visitorsguide/index.htm

Here's a website that lists free events by day

http://www.clubfreetime.com/new_york.asp

This weekend there will be concerts in Central Park and down in Battery Park. Also a huge street fair, which is always fun on Water Street on the 4th and has been mentioned the fireworks. We think the best spot is around 23rd or 34th St for good viewing. The FDR is usually closed so people stand up there as well. There will be extensive security so they should feel pretty comfortable.

The sales are on in the stores as well, so there are some good bargins at this time of year, and they can get a preview of Fall clothing as well.

Hope they have a GREAT time.

Have them check out Time Out New York and the New York Magazine web site for whole lists of things they can decide between.

Remind them the drinking age in the US is 21 - and is strictly enforced - making clubbing a real issue unless the 20 year old has fake ID. Also - they will likely not be ale to get into any of the trendy clubs unless they go VERY early (like when they open) - and the chances of seeing anyone this weekend are not great - usually trendies are out of town - and in any case would not be in the clubs until after 11/112.

If they want a day at the beach tell them to try the train/bus service from Penn Station to Jones Beach - but expecrt it to be mobbed after about 10 am.

Thanks very much for your replies and suggestions. They're busily checking out your various suggestions and links.

We noticed that there is viewing of the fireworks on Roosevelt Island with reserved seating etc. Would this be a good place or not?

They also might be interested in a Yankees' game if they could get last minute tickets. What is the best way to get to Yankee Stadium?

Thank you again to all who took the time to reply -- it's much appreciated!

I beleive that you can take the subway all the way up to the Bronx near Yankee Stadium. We did that a few years ago, if my memory is correct.

I also was in NYC last July 4th weekend, and there were concerts and fireworks, as people mentioned, but my favorite part of the trip was going out to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (must get tickets early at Battery Park!). I don't remember the cost though.
We also went to the Metroploitan Museum of Art, but that's not free either (unlike the Smithsonian I grew up near!).
They will have a great time!

Yankees will not be back in town until Monday - when they play Baltimore - and I asume the game is sold out. They might still get tickets from e-bay or a scalper - but at a price.

If they do - transit from Manhattan is easy - takes about 30 minutes - and two trains go right to the stadium. It's perfectly safe since about 40,000 other people are doing the same thing. The MTA (metropolitan transit aurhtority) website has a downloadable interactive map they can use to get exact info.

The drinking age is certainly not strictly enforced. An appropriately-attired 20 year old should not have a problem getting into most bars and clubs (particularly if they arrive early). The NYPD has more important things to do than worry about 20 year olds having a cocktail.

They'll have a great time in the greatest city in the world!

It depends on what you mean by strictly. In europe there are several different type of drinking ages - for beer/wine for mixed drinks etc - and they are almost completely ignored - except for "teen" places that cause complaints.

In comparison - most places catering to younger folks in NYC card you if you appear to be 21. Almost any faux ID will get you in - but most clubs do at least go through the motions. (Unless you are rich/famous - in which case no one cares at all.)

Here is a good thread about New York

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...d=1&tid=100608