My wife and I are coming to New York in the middle of November. She will be attending a conference during the daytime, and I would like to know some things to do on my own during the day. We're staying at the Crowne Plaza Times Square. I'd like to save the major attractions for us to do together on her days off. I know there are several art museums, but I'm not a real artsy person. I do enjoy history, and sports. Also, any recommendations on a good place to grab a reasonable breakfast or lunch near my hotel (48th & Broadway)?

I suggest a walk through Central Park and then onto the Museum of Natural History on West 79th Street and Central Park West. Whether you're a spectator or a participant you might want to visit the Chelsea Piers sports complex on the Hudson River near West 34th Street. From there you could walk to the Intrepid Air and Space Museum also on the Hudson River.

Chelsea Piers is at 23rd St, not 34th. THe area is not conducive to walking.

I said near West 34th Street to give a well known reference point. You can walk along the Hudson River Park walkway that they made for walking, cycling, and skating.

What about the wax museum on 42nd? It is not a traditional museum; there are figures from the sports & entertainment worlds and many others of historical importance. It's lots of fun and you can esaily spend 3 hours there (although I have seen some "run" through it in an hour!) Also, Madison Square Garden gives "backstage" tours. If you want more info on that let me know and I'd be hapy to post it.

Take a tour of Yankee Stadium. Takes a couple hours and costs a couple bucks. Includes the yankee shrine with plaques of great dead yankees. Mantle, Maris, Ruth, Ghreig, Steinbrunner, etc. There is also a track and field hall of fame at one of the armories downtown.

If you're a basketball fan, walk over to Fifth Avenue, then up a couple of blocks to the NBA store.

See if Radio City has its Holiday Season show (it used to be called the Christmas show, is it still?). Anyway, it's a live show, Rockettes and all. Not something you'll see anywhere else.
Took our kids and mother in law two years ago. Loved it. Get there early enough to walk around Rockefeller Center. Maybe you'll get on the TODAY show.

The museum of photography is in that area. Or check out bryant park and the reading room of the main branch library, awesome. For cheap cafeteria style chinese lunch oriental cottage on 39th off 6th.

I wanted to recommend another place for a reasonable lunch or dinner, cabana carioca at 123 w 45. Sit at the bar and get a good meal (I love the grilled chicken) for around 6-8 bucks (they just raised their prices but stll a great deal) including salad bar.

How about the museum of television and radio? (I think that's what it's called) Also - *ahem* there's this new...uhhhh...museum opening up that's getting quite a bit of publicity ....it's uhhh...the museum of sex...I kid you not...it just opened.

Also, around your hotel is the legendary Carnegie Deli where you can grab one of their massive sandwiches for lunch. Your hotel is also around Rockerfeller Center - it's just a good place to say you've seen - and usually there's an exhibit or 2 out.

New York is chockablock with museums, beyond 'art.' Here's a link that gives only a partial listing:

http://www.ny.com/museums/

Why not decide with your wife any that you know you want to visit together and then, from the remainders, you can come up with something of interest to you. There is a Museum of the City of New York, I believe..and I think there's a separate NY Historical Society, or some such. We very much enjoyed a visit to the Museum of Photography (might not be the exact name). Hope you get good weather - have a great time!