vickib2

It has just been called to my attention, that "The Whole Bead Show" is in NYC the weekend of March 26.

As I have mentioned, I am an amateur (extremely so) beader, and few things excite me as much as a bead show. The show is at the Hotel Pennsylvania, with rooms being available for attendees for $139. I almost got excited until I read reviews for this hotel. *sigh*

I'm wondering if the bead show will be sub-par because of its location site in this hotel. It is a large, national show, so I would expect it to be nice. I guess the facilities don't have to be grand to really have an outstanding show.

The next time I visited the city, I had tentative plans to stay closer to the financial district, so we could see some of the things that we missed on our trip after Christmas. But, if I go to this, I will have to plan to spend one full day in midtown for the bead show. Oh well, I could hack that! : )

Daughter said she's ready to go again. My husband whined "but, you were just there!"

I really wish we could figure out a reasonable way to get there besides riding the train. (we live in Baltimore) It cost $160 each last time, but it will probably cost closer to $120 now. I realize that it would probably cost $45/nightly to park a car, however. Is driving into the city and going directly to the hotel really horrendous? Seems that if you have your route mapped out, and a navigator in the front seat with you, it might be doable. My only concern is the people I saw when we were there who completely ignored the lights and oncoming traffic and just walked out into the street, assuming that the traffic would stop.

Vicki <----daydreaming about returning to NYC

wyatt92

I don't see why you couldn't drive into the city and park at your hotel. It may be less than $45/day, unless you have an SUV which cost more to park. I live in Boston and drive into NYC frequently, I really don't find it difficult at all.

Anonymous

I thought you said you might be ready for the Chinatown bus next time! If not, at least look into regular buses like Greyhound. Though driving is not a big deal, if you're staying a few days the parking fees do add up.

They might have picked the Penn for the show because it's a convenient location for visitors (Penn Station) as well as being virtually within the Garment District zone that features the bead specialists. Many, if not most, of the people visiting the show wll be locals rather than staying at the hotel

vickib2

Well, yes, I did think I might consider the Chinatown buses....but now I wonder why we couldn't just drive there. Now my son-in-law says he would like to go, so we could make him the driver. He is a much calmer driver than I, (or my daughter). He actually has an old college friend in the city who has been urging him to visit, so he could stay there, or he would stay with daughter and I, assuming we could get a large room. I have stayed in a double with them before, and it wasn't akward. (one of us got up and showered early and then took a walk or went down to the breakfast bar while the other showered).

I looked at the map to study the route to New York from Baltimore, and was puzzled.....what happens to I-95? Does it turn into the New Jersey Turnpike for awhile?
Vicki

GoTravel

Stay downtown because most all subway lines stop at Penn Station which is the closest subway stop for the Hotel Penn.

The ballrooms at the Hotel Penn are massive so that is why the show is there.

Can you drive to Northern New Jersey and hop on the NJ Transit and ride the train in?

MikeT

Don't forget that in addition to parking, you are also paying all of the tolls and for the gas.

MikeT

Look at these Amtrak specials, which include 50% off for companions.

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/Conten...85604&ssid=224