Romancing Manhattan- Help!
Feb 17th, 2006, 01:17 PM
#21
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Maybe I am a New York cynic, but I would be just a teeny bit skeptical of a recommendation from someone whose name and e-mail are posted on a web site that is selling something like that. Would YOU let a car company post your name and e-mail address on their web site? Just a thought. It sounds like you got lots of advice, enough to decide for yourself. Have fun, however you decide to see the city.
Feb 18th, 2006, 06:22 AM
#22
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Me again- less we leave you with the impression that we New Yorkers are unfriendly!
To answer one of your questions-which is unanswered thus far- yes you can see all the things in the "tour" on your own with a combination of cheaper tours, subways and taxis. From what I see on the list -If you start at Grand Central- you can cab over to the UN and back. The walk is about 15 minutes each way-but I would definitely plan take a tour there and plan for some shopping in the basement. Then west up 42nd to the Library and say hello to the lions. From there you can walk (north) up 5th Ave-see the Diamond district, St Patricks, Radio City, Rock Center up to the Plaza and Central Park. Or from Grand Central take the 4-5-6 to Fulton and walk over to the Seaport (avoid the mall, see the boat) and then cab back over to the Trade center. Or walk via Wall Street. Or if you rather, take the 6 back up to Canal Street and wander over to Chinatown and on into the Lower East Side-and subway back. From the Trade center you can take the 2-3 back up to Times Square. Its all doable. I have trotted a lot of folks around though, and if you really want to experience things without sensory overload- only plan half or less of that for any one day. Young ones tend to get bored with "buildings" in my experience, and the highlights for them are usually the crowds in Chinatown, taking the Staten Island ferry, the musicians in the subways, the Pickle man on the Lower east side-and then renting rollerblades and hitting Battery Park or Central Park-or going to Chelsea Piers for rockclimbing. As much as I try to steer friends away from Times Square-kids love roaming from store to store there-especially Virgin records. And the older ones have liked standing in front of the MTV studios. I am not sure what to say about Harlem- that does help to have a tour-because its a big area and mostly history. I like to take folks ot the Studio Musuem. Many like to go on Sunday and go to a church service (Abyssian has a special tourist section.) And yes- the double decker tours are enjoyed - although there are articles occasionally about the info that is shared by the tourguides- lots of misinformation. I always recommend and have never had any one not enjoy the Joyce Gold tours. She is a most enjoyable historian and really fun for Harlem or the Lower east side-although I have done every tour myself and loved them all. http://www.nyctours.com/javatst.html
My family has a policy of not planning on seeing more than three "things" each vacation day- that means museums or places with tours. Then if we are high energy we do more- but have lots of time for diversions or shopping or long lunches. Or taking the round trip on the Staten Island twice!
I never took a gondola ride in Venice because I was too cheap- but this year may do it- if you really really want to take the tour- do it. But it is not the best way to see what you want. But you will have fun-whatever you do- New York is very exciting and I always enjoy coming back after a trip somewhere else.
To answer one of your questions-which is unanswered thus far- yes you can see all the things in the "tour" on your own with a combination of cheaper tours, subways and taxis. From what I see on the list -If you start at Grand Central- you can cab over to the UN and back. The walk is about 15 minutes each way-but I would definitely plan take a tour there and plan for some shopping in the basement. Then west up 42nd to the Library and say hello to the lions. From there you can walk (north) up 5th Ave-see the Diamond district, St Patricks, Radio City, Rock Center up to the Plaza and Central Park. Or from Grand Central take the 4-5-6 to Fulton and walk over to the Seaport (avoid the mall, see the boat) and then cab back over to the Trade center. Or walk via Wall Street. Or if you rather, take the 6 back up to Canal Street and wander over to Chinatown and on into the Lower East Side-and subway back. From the Trade center you can take the 2-3 back up to Times Square. Its all doable. I have trotted a lot of folks around though, and if you really want to experience things without sensory overload- only plan half or less of that for any one day. Young ones tend to get bored with "buildings" in my experience, and the highlights for them are usually the crowds in Chinatown, taking the Staten Island ferry, the musicians in the subways, the Pickle man on the Lower east side-and then renting rollerblades and hitting Battery Park or Central Park-or going to Chelsea Piers for rockclimbing. As much as I try to steer friends away from Times Square-kids love roaming from store to store there-especially Virgin records. And the older ones have liked standing in front of the MTV studios. I am not sure what to say about Harlem- that does help to have a tour-because its a big area and mostly history. I like to take folks ot the Studio Musuem. Many like to go on Sunday and go to a church service (Abyssian has a special tourist section.) And yes- the double decker tours are enjoyed - although there are articles occasionally about the info that is shared by the tourguides- lots of misinformation. I always recommend and have never had any one not enjoy the Joyce Gold tours. She is a most enjoyable historian and really fun for Harlem or the Lower east side-although I have done every tour myself and loved them all. http://www.nyctours.com/javatst.html
My family has a policy of not planning on seeing more than three "things" each vacation day- that means museums or places with tours. Then if we are high energy we do more- but have lots of time for diversions or shopping or long lunches. Or taking the round trip on the Staten Island twice!
I never took a gondola ride in Venice because I was too cheap- but this year may do it- if you really really want to take the tour- do it. But it is not the best way to see what you want. But you will have fun-whatever you do- New York is very exciting and I always enjoy coming back after a trip somewhere else.
Feb 18th, 2006, 12:17 PM
#23
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hi
Italygain thank you so much for answering the one question that I kept asking and no one answered. I can tellyou a day stuck in a car does not sound appealing to me.
I also asked the questions of the people on the web site why they gave out their info. The lady who phoned me said it was her business site so she did not care. I do not know I just know that I love NYC and New Yorkers, they are the best.
Thanks again and I hope the temps I saw today on CNN were wrong 15 degrees? Brrr!!!
Love to you all!
Italygain thank you so much for answering the one question that I kept asking and no one answered. I can tellyou a day stuck in a car does not sound appealing to me.
I also asked the questions of the people on the web site why they gave out their info. The lady who phoned me said it was her business site so she did not care. I do not know I just know that I love NYC and New Yorkers, they are the best.
Thanks again and I hope the temps I saw today on CNN were wrong 15 degrees? Brrr!!!
Love to you all!
Feb 18th, 2006, 12:29 PM
#24
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If you are coming this week, momof5, bring your hat, gloves, and scarves! No mistake about the weather -- it is very, very cold! 
Just in case you are wondering, even New Yorkers bundle up when it's cold!
Just in case you are wondering, even New Yorkers bundle up when it's cold!
Feb 19th, 2006, 04:56 AM
#26
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Italyagain and other NYers,
I'm interested in taking my 16 year old daughter on a Foods of New York walking tour of the Village. It starts at 11 a.m. for three hours. Any ideas on what 10 year old brother could do with Dad nearby during this time?
I loved your suggestions above for specific grouping of sites to see. We will be there for 8 days so we will be able to get a good feel for the city. I do think 2 or 3 things a day is perfect especially with children.
Thanks for your comments. They are appreciated!
I'm interested in taking my 16 year old daughter on a Foods of New York walking tour of the Village. It starts at 11 a.m. for three hours. Any ideas on what 10 year old brother could do with Dad nearby during this time?
I loved your suggestions above for specific grouping of sites to see. We will be there for 8 days so we will be able to get a good feel for the city. I do think 2 or 3 things a day is perfect especially with children.
Thanks for your comments. They are appreciated!
Feb 19th, 2006, 05:26 AM
#27
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Ooh- I would like to take that tour. Sounds yummy. I would send dad and son to http://www.chelseapiers.com/
Expensive- but incredibly popular. Unless they are not active ones- then I would say The Natural History Museum. Have fun.
Expensive- but incredibly popular. Unless they are not active ones- then I would say The Natural History Museum. Have fun.
