My husband and I live in NYC. Just today, as we walked around the reservoir in Central Park, we watched kids playing in the playground, people jogging, rollerblading, walking, reading, laughing. We noted how much we wished the rest of the world could see this.

New York is picking itself up from the tragedy. We need your help. The usually omnipresent tourists aren't here. Businesses, from theaters to restaurants, are suffering.

All my friends all over the country have asked, what can we do to help you? This is a city in mourning, but a city that is very much alive and needs you, if you can, to come and visit. Enjoy this wonderful city, and help hotels and other tourist-driven industries through this tough time...

I love New York. I have tickets to go with my eleven year old and my husband the third week in October. I already have Beauty and the Beast tickets and I previously order empire state building tickets. I've learned the empire state building is not open and the one life long wish my daughter has had is to touch the Statue of Liberty which I've also learned is closed. If New York wants everyone to come back then I wish they could work on getting those monuments open for everyone's enjoyment once again!

I think the main reason people are not coming toNew York is the impression the media is giving to the City. They act like most of the city is still on fire with fire trucks screaming up and down every street. They describe the mood as somber.

Why would a person want to visit a place like that. People go on vacation to escape their normally boring existance.

The media needs to explain the problem is in just a small area of the city and people are moving on.

newyorkfan-
As far as I know, the Empire State Building *is* open. I don't think the Statue of Liberty is open yet, but maybe it will be by the time you come.

The Empire State Building observation deck has been closed since 9/11, you should check their website (esbny.com)to determine when it will re-open. The remainder of the building is open.

The Statue of Liberty will probably be closed for a while - it's so close to Ground Zero. I think most of the city is pretty much back to normal (as close to normal as possible) except for lower downtown. I was in NYC Friday night on the Upper East Side, and it was fine!

Last night my husband and I went to see Chicago on Broadway (fabulous) and ate at Le Madeleine on 43rd St & 9th Ave (fabulous) and the Times Square area was hopping! Last night our friend went to the Mets game at Shea Stadium (Mets won - fabulous) with no problems, of course, whatsoever. Today my family spent the day in Central Park, renting a row boat, eating brunch at The Boathouse and then rollerblading while listening to Tibetan Monks chanting prayers at the bandshell. Certain landmarks may be closed (I heard the Empire State Building may be opened soon) but others are open, especially our museums.

We will be there this weekend to see The Producers (bought the tickets in April), have dinner at Becco's and at Gotham Bar & Grill. I double-checked all reservations, and everyone was pleased that I wasn't calling to cancel.