Going to NEW YORK & DC for Xmas and new year (12 DAYS!)

[malt]

> Oh, and as for Broadway shows, I'd recommend Throughly Modern Millie. If you wanted to see something different, you could also see Movin' Out, which is a musical show filled with Billy Joel music. 42nd Street, Chicago, and Cabaret are all good, as well

I'd recommend Millie too.

Here are a few links you may want to check out:

Big Apple Greeter --> A volunteer New York resident will show you around the city. It's FREE! I think they even give you a one-day Metrocard for the day of the visit. Reservations required.

The NYC Insider --> I like their "Hidden Treasures" and "Daily Survival" sections.

Cheapo New York --> The name says it all... Great searchable database of cheap things to do in NY, by category (list includes "Tourist trap"!), by area and by price.


Enjoy!

 

[rh71]

I don't know if anyone's already mentioned this, but DC is 5 hours drive from NYC. I did it one day for a hockey game in DC (Go Caps). You should be wary of that fact when you do the driving back and forth... then more going to the Falls, 7 hours (1hr by plane), from NYC.

Also, check out First Night festivities for New Years in NYC. Not sure if they're cancelled.. but here's a good site for NYC around Christmas/New Years...

http://www.newyorkled.com/moreNYseasonal_christmas.htm

HAVE FUN!!

 

[xuanman]

Originally posted by: wjones

the world-famous Anchor Bar in Buffalo, which invented the buffalo wing.

Really? I guess I'll have to try it then

By the way, how's the Les Misérables show? They will close the show next year March, do you think it is worth the $100/ticket?

it's ok....why not just stand in line at tkts and get whatever's available..all for 20 bucks and a good selection of shows. some of my best seats ever were from tkts (used to be one in wtc and times sq, now only in times sq i believe).

 

[wjones]

Wow... these websites are really helpful. I just sent a request for the Big Apple Greeter.

 

[chizow]

wjones, a little info on your age/demographic/interests would help a lot. Also your travelling companion. I'm 25, so my interests and "must-sees" may be very different from yours. Also, I've lived in the DC area a good portion of my life, so I take a lot of the local attractions for granted. It sounds like you are into the sight-seeing thing, so you'll definitely want to check out the various monuments. I pass 'em all the time, but actually have to stop and wonder if someone seeing them for the first time would think they were worth seeing. I guess they would, b/c I really enjoyed the architecture of Paris and Rome even though they shared much of the same classic design.

Chiz

 

[wjones]

Originally posted by: chizow
wjones, a little info on your age/demographic/interests would help a lot. Also your travelling companion. I'm 25, so my interests and "must-sees" may be very different from yours. Also, I've lived in the DC area a good portion of my life, so I take a lot of the local attractions for granted. It sounds like you are into the sight-seeing thing, so you'll definitely want to check out the various monuments. I pass 'em all the time, but actually have to stop and wonder if someone seeing them for the first time would think they were worth seeing. I guess they would, b/c I really enjoyed the architecture of Paris and Rome even though they shared much of the same classic design.

Chiz

Both of us are around your age, i bet a lot of Anantechers are around this age too Yup, I like sight-seeing and love taking pictures (not the professional kind of taking pictures, more of the memorial purpose). Another of my big interests is EAT! I can't resist good food I also like to walk around the neighborhood of the cities for a few miles. Shopping might be another thing, but that is my gf's interest mostly.

 

[Hagau]

I'll be visiting NYC around the same time as you, wjones. Actually, I'm kinda weary of travelling on the 24th *shudder* Just to think about all the ppl travelling on that day...blehh. Anyways, check out Central Park if you can at this time. Go on one of those horse-pulled carriage rides with your girl. It'll score you quite a few brownie points Other things to do, is to go to that one little coffee shop from the movie Serendipity's in Midtown (i think it's midtown...not sure.) Definitely try their frozen hot chocolate. Have fun there. I can't wait to visit my girl over there...plus, I finally get a white Christmas.


Oh yeah, what's all this talk about the public transportation going on strike?! Man, that's seriously screwing over almost 2/3 of everyone there!

 

[gba]

Go to Canal Street and check out the neat shops. You can find surplus electrical and electronic parts, amazing lucite and other plastic odds and ends, arts and crafts and just about everything else down there. I go just about every time I visit dear ol' Mom. WARNING: keep one eye on your wallet at all times and be careful negotiating with the savvy NYC merchants. Let me know if you were able to find the purple duct tape.

Places to eat? Don't forget Katz' Deli of "When Harry Met Sally" fame for the authentic, ol' time NY Deli experience. Absolutely mind-blowing Pastrami. Arrive with an empty stomach and give the sandwich maker a couple of bucks when you are ordering.

I'd rent a car for a few days and head for the hills, if I were you. Avoiding NYC rush hour, head up to the Berkshires, home of Stockbridge, MA of Norman Rockwell and Alice's Restaurant fame. The Berkshires are easy enough to research. Personally, I just love those rolling hills which resemble (perfect) women's breasts. Stockbridge is less than three hours from NYC. If you have got a little time with the vehicle, think about shooting over to Northampton, MA, "the Eugene, Oregon of the East Coast" and do some people watching. If you do get to "the Pioneer Valley," let me know, I am at UMASS, Amherst and could let you know what was happening at the time your arrival.

HAVE FUN and be sure to use public transportation in NYC.

 

[oboeguy]

Yes, there may be a transit strike, not only screwing-over those of us who live here, but also those who visit. Bad luck, dude, chosing this time to visit.

There have been two strikes in the past (last one was like 1980) so it may happen. I got most of my Xmas shopping done yesterday just in case. I have no sympathy for these transit workers, union or not, if they strike at this time of year, after all that's happened here.

 

[yoda291]

Originally posted by: wjones
I'm going to NY for TWELVE DAYS! (12/24 - 1/5) Well, my company shut down for a couple weeks and don't want to stay at home - in bay area, CA. I can't believe I booked the air ticket today and it is $40 more expensive than yesterday per person for the exact same flight! Should have booked it yesterday and save $80 for two persons

Anyway, for those you have been there and those New Yorkers out there, PLEASE help me to plan this trip. I never been to east coast and have no idea how to plan this trip. I looked at the map and it looks much more complicated than California!!!

This is my first brain storm. Walk around in NYC for a couple days during the Xmas and drive to Washington D.C. for 2-3 days. Then spend 2-3 days in Niagara Fall. Then spend the rest of the time in NYC, of course, I'll be there for new year

I heard that there are a bunch of travel agents in NYC for trips to Washington DC and Niagara Fall. Any recommendations? Can I make reservation online? How much does it costs?

Which broadway show I should see?

What's the MUST DO list in NYC, Washington DC and Niagara Fall? Places to eat? etc. I got so many days so tell me as many good places as you can

At last, what's the best place for shopping? (this is not for me )

Thanks for helping out

Don't bother with travel agents. Unless they can magically teleport you from place to place they prolly won't help much with the probable strike coming up.

As far as things to see...It really does depend on your interests. Normally, I'd recommend the American Museum of Natural History, but they took down the blue whale so it's kinda pointless IMO. Theres always the Bronx Zoo...but I digress...these are all kind of touristy places.

As far as things that you MUST DO...that's really up to you.

As for places to eat, I suppose you'll wanna grab a New York hot dog (I've been told we new yorkers take out hot dogs for granted...who knew?). I recommend BB Sandwich bar on west 3rd for upscale junk food. If you're not headed to chinatown/little italy, sammy's noodle shop is in that area...respectable food. If you are in little italy, I DO NOT recommend eating at a place called Pomodoro's Pizza. It's the "home of the vodka slice", but when I see a 5 inch long roach crawl across my table as I'm about to eat, it's walkout time. I DO recommend wild lily tea room as a nice place for a hot drink. Most of the places I eat are in the village. I recommend balucci's for indian food. Ben's Pizzeria for pizza and/or calzones. Peanut Butter and Co for surprisingly good peanut butter sandwiches and BBQ for respectable bbq pork. Haven't found good korean food in that area yet tho.


As far as shopping goes, it really depends on what you're looking for. Canal street if you want a novelty/knockoff, if you go along 6th between 30th and 42nd, you'll find wholesalers. 5th ave for upper class shopping. and between canal and houston along broadway and sixth otherwise(SOHO).

Note:
SOHO = SOuth of HOuston street
NOHO = NOrth of HOuston street

Oh, BTW, VERY IMPORTANT. Houston Street is pronounced How-stun. NOT Hyoo-stin. There are people who get quite agitated at people who mispronounce it including at least one police officer that I know....don't ask.

Hope that helps.

 

[galas]

go see les miserables...it's the sh*t and won't be on broadway for much longer

 

[TNTrulez]

bling bling

 

[malt]

So... how was the trip?

 

[Aves]

Originally posted by: malt
So... how was the trip?

Yeah let's hear about it and of course... pics?

 

[wjones]

Originally posted by: malt
So... how was the trip?

Before this trip, NY sounds like a place as described by Ameesh "get mugged. its a tradition.". However, I kinda like NY. People there were friendly, they helped me a lot on the direction/subway and get around tips/recommendations. I can't believe those people were sooo familiar with the subway system. They knew which subway changed route etc (especially during the weekend).

The trip was great! We walked to whole Manhattan downtown and midtown. It was a little chilled but my jacket kept me warm Times Square for NYE was too crowded! But for the experience, i think it was worth it. We went there around 6pm and were arranged (by the police) on 49th/Broadway, still clearly saw the crystal ball. If you are going for the Times Square NYE, REMEMBER, go to wash room and clear out everything before you go there. Once you squeeze in the crowd, you won't be able to get out until next year (midnight). Well, you can get out but you won't be able to get back in. Thanks to HSBC bank, my face was on one of the top screen of the Times Square screen for 30 seconds Too bad I didn't bring my camcorder.

We joined the travel agent to Nigara Fall and Washington DC. The trip to Nigara Fall not worth the $90/person since we just watched it at US side The trip to DC was good, went to a few museums. Too bad the White House was closed for tourist since 911 event.

Overall, I like NY and will go visit there again when I've the chance. One sad thing though, my luggage handle was damaged by the airline. I went for claim and just got a $50 GC for that particular airline on the next trip, which will expire in 1 year. I'm not sure I can put that GC in use in near future (my luggage worth over $120). I still can use the luggage but without the handle, I can't pull it and have to carry, which is kinda hard.