tchoiniere

Couple of us are heading down tomorrow. Probably getting there around 9 (hopefully earlier). The only definite things we want to see are the Museum of Natural History and Top of the Rock (presumably around 4:30-5). What else can we fit in? Or are we just insane for this. Would have to be back at Grand Central around 9 to catch Metro North back to New Haven.

Is there school in NYC tomorrow?

J62

I take day trips to NYC all the time so I don't think you're insane- go for it. Weather for tomorrow is supposed to be sunny but very windy, so it'll feel colder.

It may be quicker for you to get off at the 125th St. MTA station rather than going all the way to Grand Central then backtracking to Central Park West. I'd grab a taxi from 125st to the museum myself.

My tolerance for Museum of Natural History is about 1/2 at most, but there's enough to stay there longer.

From the museum, take a stroll across Central Park, checkout Belvedere castle, then wind your way south towards Rockefeller Center.

J62

Or, instead of taxi, walk a few blocks west on 125th st and get the 2or3 subway, which goes right to the Museum.

bmw732002

i like J62's information. I would add this:

After the Museum visit, take the Park Path that is behind the museum near 5th avenue (not the road) and stroll south. It is a pretty stroll (although the trees are still in winter mode) and you will pass the Boat Pond, and Childrens Zoo, go under the Famous Zoo Clock, into the Main zoo (free along the path) and you will be coming out at 59th and 5th. Depending on the time ( and fitness!) you can either head back into the park for more views, or head down to T.O.R.

If you have not been into GC Station save some time to tour around the facilities (lower level for food and rest)

Vttraveler

You aren't crazy to try to fit in a day trip to NYC. I agree with J62 you should plan to spend a little time in grand central, probably in the morning when you arrive.
Museum of Natural History has great collection--should take you several hours minimum
on the way from Central Park to Top of the Rock you can stroll down Fifth Avenue

tchoiniere

Thanks for your help on this.

4 of us got on the 5:40 am train to NYC yesterday morning (quite bleary-eyed). Thankfully, I slept on the train for awhile.

Got into Grand Central around 7:30 and walked around quite a bit. It is an amazing building. Decided to come here rather than 125th because we were so early and had some time to kill.

Took the subway to 81st St. Made our 1st mistake of the day and headed towards Penn Station. Oops but didn't waste much time.

Got to the Natural History Museum much too early after breakfast at a deli on the way there from the Subway. decided to hang around rather than walk into the park to save the energy. I really enjoyed the museum (except for the crowds obviously). Only covered about 1/2 and am expecting to go back sometime in early May. Saw the Dinosaurs Alive movie which was ok.

Left the Museum and went into Central Park. Walked from Summit Rock towards Belvedere Castle, where I figured out I really hate Spiral staircases. previously thought it was just the ones with open staircases...Then we made our 2nd wrong directions of the day - thought we were headed south and then hit the South Gate of the Reservoir. Was worth it to see more sights but it added a lot of walking. Turned around and headed south to the Central Park Zoo. Walked around there for a little while. Not sure if it was worth the $8 each but enjoyed it.

Took cabs from there to Rockefeller Center (due to how much we had walked). Rather than try to cram 4 of us in there (doubt it would even be possible) we decided on 2 cabs. Friends of mine got one first. As the remaining 2, people tried to cut in front of us. However, the cabbie outright told them he would not bring them to Penn Station. They were not happy. We then walked around the outside of Rockefeller Center and watched the Ice Skating (including someone proposing on the ice). Walked past St Patricks Cathedral. Looked like there was a service going on so we didn't try to enter.

Spent too much time walking around and had very little time for dinner before heading up to Top of the Rock. Had dinner at Angelo's Restaurant. It was good but very expensive. Each of us only had an appetizer and 2 bears for around $100.

Really enjoyed Top of the Rock and stayed up there for around 1.5 hours, including watching the sunset.

It was perfect weather yesterday. Nice clear day with moderate temps for this time of year. Windy but manageable.

We decided to head back from there to Grand Central, skipping Times Square. Got back to New Haven around 9:30. Was extremely tired and sore (still am...) Good way to spend our day off from work.

And only took some harassment for all 4 of us wearing Sox hats in NYC!!!

nytraveler

It's still spring training and the trams are in FL. I wouldn't try wearing them in September unless you want a lot of colorful comments.

J62

The reason you only took a little harassment is that anyone wearing a Sox cap in NY these days is greeted with a wry 18-1 smile.

bmw732002

Follow up to my earlier reply.

I am sorry to say that I did not note that you were going to the Museum of Natural History. I somehow thought of "MET" when I gave my reply! I am so glad you did not follow my directions!!

My wife always tell me to 'listen' before answering!!

Wonder why no NYC experts did not call me out on this!!

So next time, if you go to the Met........