I need some daytime activities for a NYC shower/bachelorette party in late May. The group includes about 10 ladies in their mid-20s, plus two moms. The 20-somethings will be going dancing without the moms after dinner, but we'd like to do something fun and low-key (and low-cost) together during the day. I was thinking something along the lines of shopping, a fun lunch, something touristy like the Staten Island ferry or a Circle Line cruise...No museums or spa days. I think that would be a little too sedate for this crowd. Any ideas? The organizers are not from NYC so we need advice!

I'd consider doing the Staten Island Ferry or Circle Line cruise after breakfast, then an early lunch followed by walking around Greenwich Village and Soho for shopping/window shopping and people watching. The reason I'd do the shopping in th afternoon is that these areas are much livlier and better for people watching in the afternoon. This area has a hip, Nw Yorky vibe that'll be fun to wade into for a while.

I would look at one of the shopping guides in the travel section of your bookstore to get an idea of the boutiques and little shops in Soho and the Village (or the East Village, if want things a little hipper and funkier). Most tourists head for the area right around Broadway and Houston, but it's so filled with chain stores it'll resemble your local mall. There are plenty of cafes around if you want to take a load off.

I recommend dim sum in Chinatown for a fun lunch. However, now that I think of it, if you'll be here on a weekend, it's best to do brunch first, because the wait will be long for dim sum on Saturday or Sunday. But picking dim sum off the carts and sharing is fun with a big group. There are many large dim sum houses to choose from; one I like is HSF on Bowery. You might have fun roaming the newly expanded Pearl River Mart in Chinatown, on Broadway near Grand, which also has a tea room.

Some other shopping ideas. If you do he Staten Island Ferry, you may want to head over to Century 21, a big designer discount store, near the WTC site. And if the ladies are into knockoff designer handbags, you can head to Canal or orchard streets near Chinatown, where there are plenty.

Thanks for the ideas! Any advice on a fun, yummy restaurant for dinner? Someplace that's nice, moderately priced, and where we could get a big table and possibly play some traditional shower games, open gifts, etc.? Also, anyone know of hotels cheaper than the Gorham (though still pretty nice) where we could put 5 or so people in a suite?

B..

You might try America on 18th St between 5th and Broadway. Good food, great bar, and big tables. The restaurant is large so making a bit of noise won't be a problem. We have done a couple of bachelorette parties there over the years and they are great about accomodating large groups.

Have a great time.

In what area are you staying in NYC?