Girl Scout trip to New York

[MrsPete]

We've just decided to plan a New York trip for our scouts. They're 14-15 right now, and we'll need a year to do the fundraising, so let's assume they'll be 15-16 when the trip takes place. I've never been to New York, so I could use advice on the following questions -- and feel free to toss in other topics that I might not've considered:

What time of year is best? When will crowds be most manageable and prices be most reasonable?

We'll definitely ride the Amtrak train, which means we'll arrive in Penn Station around 9:00 PM. What will we be near when we arrive? Is this area safe?

My initial thought is that we need to stay in Manhattan (because the touristy things are there, and we don't want to waste time/money in transit every day). People with experience, do you agree or disagree? Any specific suggestions on hotels?

What do we want to see? I'm thinking that we want to do all the big touristy things: The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, a couple museums, a show. A friend told me that the Lower East Side Tennamant Museum was great. Please give details on anything I should include! Remember, I'm just starting this research, so I know little right now.

Thanks!

 

[PatsGirl]

Hi Mrs. Pete I've never taken my troop to NY (we're heading to upstate New York for a dude ranch trip this weekend in very cold conditions ) but I'd suggest you stay in New Jersey. My family has stayed in the Secaucus area several times ~~ it is easy to get to, most hotels have free parking, some hotels have "suite" type rooms, free breakfast, those sorts of things that will stretch your girl scout dollars. Last time we stayed in NJ, there was a bus stop right outside the front door of the hotel. Bus was I think $2 OW, kids free or 1/2 price maybe, and was 11 minutes from hotel to Port Authority. Definately compare hotel prices in Manhattan with the ones in Jersey -- generally, you can expect to pay at least double for 1/2 the room Of course, if there are only a handful of girls, say you need only 2 rooms for everyone, you might try Hotwire. I've done well with both Hotwire and Travelzoo for NYC rooms.

BTW, don't worry about getting around from Penn Station or Port Authority. The subway is easy to learn. I don't have any ideas of where to visit with girls that age, my DD is younger and we haven't been for two years. When we went last it was American Girl Place and Build a Bear topping our list. If all things were equal, I'd pick the Spring to visit. We have always done a broadway play when we go -- maybe your girls would like to see Legally Blond? or something like that. We've seen Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast, Lion King, and a few others and it's always a great time!

Have fun whatever you decide. Brenda

 

[Loverly]

We went to nYC last summer and were totally SHOCKED by the cost of hotel rooms!
$400 is the norm-AND there are virtually no queen beds in NYC-all rooms have 2 doubles...and lots of the smaller hotels have two SINGLE beds!
But this was a special treat so we stayed at the Times Square marriot which was smack in the center of things.

I agree with the other poster about staying in New Jersey to save $$$

We rose the subways because my son lives up there and was a "pro"-but the coolest thing NYC has is this huge red double decker bus system. You buy an all day ticket and get on and off the bus at the big tourist locations.


We took the harbor tour-near the brooklyn Bridge-which was really fun and circled the Statue of Liberty.

Tip-the lines to see NYC from atop the Empire State Bldg are impossibly long. Go to the "Top of the Rock"-at rockefeller center-MUCH faster to get atop and you get to SEE the Empire state bldge -all all the gorgeous panorama views of the city-this was my very favorite sightseeing thing!

 

[The LK 4]

I am currently planning a trip for this June for our neighborhood Girl Scouts! We have a total of 53 moms and daughters making the trip.

I booked through a local bus company. We are leaving the Pittsburgh area around 6 am on a Thursday. I would expect we would arrive around early afternoon.

Because we wanted to keeps costs as low as possible, and also to stay in Manhattan, we are going to stay in a hostel. http://www.hiusa.org/programs/girls-scouts.shtml

Thursday afternoon, we are scheduled for a workshop for The Little Mermaid, and then we are seeing the show that night. It seems like many of the Broadway shows have a related workshop where the girls can learn about the show, careers on Broadway, etc. I believe there is also a special patch associated with the program.

Friday, we are touring the National Girl Scout Headquarters, Rockefeller Center, Top of the Rock, Radio City Music Hall, and NBC Studios. Our tour company also has a special walkabout tour of the World Trade Center area with a member of the 9/11 community. We will also have free time on Friday for everyone to head out on their own and do more shopping or sightseeing.

Saturday, we are going to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. We will probably leave late that afternoon.

We can't wait for our trip!

 

[funhouse8]

We also took our girls to NYC for the weekend. We rented a bus though, so can't help with transportation but we stayed in NJ too. Had a Hotel with a pool which is a big hit with the girls. Free breakfast too. I remember we got a package deal from ESPN Zone for an early Dinner that was fun and didn't cost to much. We also went to a play, NBC tour, Central park Zoo, St Pat's, Toys R Us Store. We had a lot of of fun. I wish we had done the tour bus but being we rented our own it didn't make sense. Even though we are from Long Island I was surpised how many of the girls never spent a day in the city. Have a wonderful safe trip and happy planning. Here is a greast site to help with transportation. http://hopstop.com/

 

[allison443]

I think it's a great idea to go to a Broadway show! There is a website called Broadwaybox.com which has discount codes for tickets. I'm not sure how far in advance you can buy them. Unfortunately Broadway is a little bit in the doldrums just now..Legally Blonde, Hairspray, Grease and some others just recently closed. The Disney shows are still there, and Wicked would be great for that age group!

Some other suggestions: Dylan's Candy Bar (candy store), Jekyll and Hyde, (restaurant), John's Pizza (pizza restaurant in a converted church near Times Square), Hard Rock Cafe (teen girls would probably like it-also in Times Square).

I want to go the Lower East Side Tenement Museum myself...also I recommend the Metropolitan Museum of Art (apparently the kids on Gossip Girl eat lunch on the steps of the Met ) but you have to see the Temple of Dendur!!

How long are you planning to stay?

 

[MrsPete]

My family has stayed in the Secaucus area several times . . .Last time we stayed in NJ, there was a bus stop right outside the front door of the hotel. Bus was I think $2 OW, kids free or 1/2 price maybe, and was 11 minutes from hotel to Port Authority.

I'll compare the NJ hotels. Do you remember the name of the one with the bus stop just outside? What's the Port Authority? What would be the total travel time to some of the touristy things in Manhattan?

If all things were equal, I'd pick the Spring to visit.

Spring Break was already on my radar as a good choice. We're talking about 2010, so I'm looking to set the date waaaay in advance.

We rose the subways because my son lives up there and was a "pro"-but the coolest thing NYC has is this huge red double decker bus system. You buy an all day ticket and get on and off the bus at the big tourist locations.

We bought Tour-mobile bus tickets in DC and were pleased with that hop-on-hop-off method. Is this similiar?

What about the subway? Is it safe? What does a typical ride cost? Is it like DC's Metro; that is, do you buy a fare ticket and then use it over and over?

Tip-the lines to see NYC from atop the Empire State Bldg are impossibly long. Go to the "Top of the Rock"-at rockefeller center-MUCH faster to get atop and you get to SEE the Empire state bldge -all all the gorgeous panorama views of the city-this was my very favorite sightseeing thing!

That sounds great! Is this a day-time activity, or do we want to see the view at night? Is there a moderately priced restaurant in this area? Sounds like those two things might go together.

I am currently planning a trip for this June for our neighborhood Girl Scouts! We have a total of 53 moms and daughters making the trip.

We also travel in large groups, which isn't always easy!

Because we wanted to keeps costs as low as possible, and also to stay in Manhattan, we are going to stay in a hostel. http://www.hiusa.org/programs/girls-scouts.shtmlI'd love to hear how that hostel works out for you. I've had positive experiences in them, but they aren't all created equal, and some of my moms are . . . particular.

Thursday afternoon, we are scheduled for a workshop for The Little Mermaid, and then we are seeing the show that night. It seems like many of the Broadway shows have a related workshop where the girls can learn about the show, careers on Broadway, etc. I believe there is also a special patch associated with the program.

I'll look into those workshops. That sounds like something my girls would love.

I remember we got a package deal from ESPN Zone for an early Dinner that was fun and didn't cost to much . . . Even though we are from Long Island I was surpised how many of the girls never spent a day in the city. Have a wonderful safe trip and happy planning. Here is a greast site to help with transportation. http://hopstop.com/

ESPN sounds like a winner, and I'll try out that transportation site!

I'm also surprised that many of your girls hadn't spent time in a city so close. Most of my girls are very well-traveled, which is both good and bad: They know to expect delays, etc. and they appreciate museums and attractions they can't see at home, but most of them are not used to traveling on a shoestring, and they fuss a little about slumming in what I consider "just fine" for travel!

website called Broadwaybox.com which has discount codes for tickets.

Great! If we're looking at a trip more than a year away, when should we start looking for workshops and tickets? I have the impression they don't change all that frequently.

Some other suggestions: Dylan's Candy Bar (candy store), Jekyll and Hyde, (restaurant), John's Pizza (pizza restaurant in a converted church near Times Square), Hard Rock Cafe (teen girls would probably like it-also in Times Square).

Those all sound good. I"ve heard of Jekyll & Hyde, and that's the type of place I'd like to take them. I don't like to go to, say, TGI-Fridays or Applebees -- places we have a mile from my house -- when I'm traveling.

but you have to see the Temple of Dendur!!

Being woefully uninformed, I'm going to have to look that one up.

How long are you planning to stay?

We're VERY early in the planning process, but I'm thinking one day on the train up there, three days to tour, one day on the train back.

Thanks to all for your advice, and -- please! -- keep it coming!

 

[LisaNJ25]

Just a tip if you are going to go the the Statue of Liberty make sure you you get your tickets online ahead of time. The do sell out. Also make sure to read all the security requirements.

I took my troop in May and they had a good time.

There is a council in Ny where you can order SOL badges from. I know they have one for juniors and brownies plus NY fun patches.

 

[minniebeth]

Wow! You guys are ROCKIN' Girl Scouts!
All your plans and trips taken sound great! I'm from NJ right outside of NYC originally and I think it is an awesome experience you are doing for the girls! Very memorable! Just wanted to say thanks for doing that for your girls and you are an inspiration for me for when my GS are older!

 

[mjkacmom]

Since you are planning so far out, get tickets to Wicked way ahead of time - it's amazing! Unfortunately, it was one of the first broadway plays I brought dd12 to, and now no other show can measure up! Girls that age will love Chinatown.

 

[The LK 4]

You might also look into eating lunch or dinner at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, which I believe is in Times Square? We are scheduled for a dinner there. It sounds like a unique place and lots of fun! I agree with you about trying something new instead of the TGIFriday's/Applebee's/Hard Rock places that you can go to anywhere.

http://www.ellensstardustdiner.com/index.htm

I was a bit worried about some of our moms having an aversion to staying in a hostel, but everyone said it was a good idea. I didn't want to take up time traveling from a hotel outside of the city, so I think this was a good compromise.

 

[MrsPete]

Just a tip if you are going to go the the Statue of Liberty make sure you you get your tickets online ahead of time. The do sell out. Also make sure to read all the security requirements.

I took my troop in May and they had a good time.

There is a council in Ny where you can order SOL badges from. I know they have one for juniors and brownies plus NY fun patches.

I do like to have my tickets, etc. ahead of time and safely stored away in my backpack!

What's an SOL badge?

Wow! You guys are ROCKIN' Girl Scouts!

Thanks! I have a fantastic group of girls, and here's how we operate the troop: THEY decide what they want to do, and together we figure out how to make it happen. I was a scout all through high school, and -- literally -- I use something that I learned in scouts every single day. If you're in a great troop, it's a wonderful experience. I know that my girls are all "good girls" who have families pushing them to make good choices for their future, and that's the kind of kid I want for my own daughter's core group of friends. I really think my girls will be life-long friends. I can imagine them being college roommates, being in each other's weddings, and remaining good friends long after they've finished high school and scouts -- and that was my goal for them!

Girls that age will love Chinatown. I'm sure they'll want to see it put back on the itinerary.

Oh, Chinatown! We just finished a trip to DC, and the girls had wanted to visit Chinatown there (though my impression is that NY's is more impressive?), but because we were limited on time, that was cut.

You might also look into eating lunch or dinner at Ellen’s Stardust Diner, which I believe is in Times Square?

I like the website! These prices, though high for my area, look pretty reasonable to my untrained eye. It looks like you could have a sandwich dinner for $15-17. I'd love to hear about more places like this.

Going back to a previous topic: The Jeckyl & Hyde house looks really cool. Perhaps it'd be a splurge dinner. But it empahsizes the alcohol, and it doesn't give prices on the online menu. 1) Would this be a better choice for scouts at LUNCH? 2) How much might a meal run at J&H?

I was a bit worried about some of our moms having an aversion to staying in a hostel, but everyone said it was a good idea. I didn't want to take up time traveling from a hotel outside of the city, so I think this was a good compromise.

You haven't actually been there yet, have you? I'd like to know to what kind of a hotel it'd compare. Hostels aren't fancy, but I think my group'd be fine if this one compared to a Days Inn or maybe a Best Western, though they'd prefer a full-scale Marriott (and most of them have the bucks to pay, but since ALL don't, and since the girls are EARNING their way, we're --in their minds -- slumming it). They would rebel if they thought it was Motel 6ish. We just finished a trip to DC, and they took offense at some of our food choices; i.e., "food courts are just nasty". Ironically, my own daughter's FAVORITE meal was a food court where I had pre-purchased meal vouchers. She thought it was super-cool that they could all go grab whatever they wanted without paying.

I looked at the hostel website, and the prices are VERY attractive! If we could pay that little for lodging, we'd certainly have more leftover for tours, food, etc. I'm definitely pursuing more info on this hostel.

 

[The LK 4]

No, I've never stayed in a hostel. I'm expecting it to be the equivalent of college dorm rooms, with a community bathroom. I need to find out the specific one we are staying in so I can call them with more questions. I'm hoping our group can be divided up into their bigger rooms.

 

[emma'smom]

If I were a scout, I think I would prefer to stay IN NYC if the whole point of the trip was to go to NYC (as opposed to staying in NJ). Granted getting a bus or train to NJ won't be horrible, but it is an extra added expense and time killer each day....and not nearly as much fun (especially since these girls are at an age when they will able to walk around night as a group and enjoy the city lights, etc--especially in really touristy/relatively safe places like Times Square (and who ever thought anyone would write something like that, right?)...NYC has come a long way to be tourist friendly--but still use caution and stay together.

As for places to eat....why not move beyond the expensive touristy stuff (like Jekyll and Hydes) and head to places where NY'ers really go to eat. There are so many great restaurants in town that don't cost a fortune. Head to a noodle shop (Ollie's are all over and are very inexpensive) or good italian (Carmines on the upper west side is great) or a real deli (like Artie's on the upper west side on Broadway) or Thai (Spice on the upper eastside or even a Lemon Grass--there's one in the Village and in several other places). Delta Grill is great New Orlean's style food (over on 9th Avenue--within walking distance of Times Square).

Also, there is a hotel called Skyline that we've noticed tourist groups stay at...not far from Times Square (just west of the TS area in a neighborhood now known as Clinton). Also, there is Holiday Inn near TS that isn't too outrageous and was clean and fine (not glam...but fine).

The hostel sounds like a good option too---and a good way to expose the Scouts to other kinds of lodging options should they want to travel more (like backpacking in Europe) when they are in college.

My scouts are Brownies....but some day---I'd happily take them to NYC!

 

[PatsGirl]

Sorry, I don't remember the name of the hotel we stayed at but there are numerous ones on the bus line, all at 1/2 (or more) the price of the city hotels and all within 20 minutes of major attractions (12-15 minutes on the bus and another 5 minutes either subway or walking a few blocks).

I've never stayed at the hostel in NYC but I've stayed at numerous other ones in the states and many, many in Europe. They are generally dorm-like with bunkbeds and shared bathrooms and kitchens. A great idea and one I'm going to look into for my troop now that I've read about all the other exciting things for GS to do in NYC!

I have to second Carmines for a great family-style italian restaurant and SO PERFECT for a troop! I've been to Jekyl &Hyde twice now and will not go back -- overpriced and not worth the trip. I've also heard that Ellen's Stardust is just okay. Try tripadvisor for reviews on NYC restaurants. A famous NYC deli would be fun for the girls too and wait until they get a load of the 6" sandwiches I couldn't believe how much deli meat was loaded on those babies!

DD doesn't like Chinese food so we just walked around Chinatown but we did hit the italian section for a cannoli and that might be a nice idea -- if it's too expensive, substitute dessert for lunch and let them order a cappucino-- the girls will love that Greenwich Village is fun for sight-seeing too, especially if you have any in your group. If they are more of the valley-girl types, shopping at Fifth Avenue is a must.

Ooohhh, I'm getting so many ideas from everyone and just thinking about it, now I know where our next big trip will be. First, dude ranch in the bitter cold, then plan, plan, plan.....

 

[MrsPete]

No, I've never stayed in a hostel. I'm expecting it to be the equivalent of college dorm rooms, with a community bathroom. I need to find out the specific one we are staying in so I can call them with more questions. I'm hoping our group can be divided up into their bigger rooms.

Dorm-like is a good description of the hostel where I've stayed. It was exclusively for scouts, and we felt totally safe there (it was Olave House in Mexico City). Most of our troop was in a huge room with 8 sets of bunk beds. There was little floor space, and each girl had a large "locker" of her own. The leader had a locker THAT LOCKED in addition to her own clothing locker, and she could store the troop's plane tickets, purses, cameras, etc. It was very reasonable, and they served breakfast at no extra cost. Since it was in Mexico, they did provide safe water for us. It was in a HUGE jug, which we tilted by hand and poured into a cup. Beyond the huge jugs of water, I have no memory of the bathrooms, so I assume they weren't good or bad. I would definitely take my troop there.

Please share any info that you might learn about this New York hostel. I'd be very appreciative.

If I were a scout, I think I would prefer to stay IN NYC . . . As for places to eat....why not move beyond the expensive touristy stuff (like Jekyll and Hydes) and head to places where NY'ers really go to eat.

I'm thinking the same thing about the hotels, BUT I have to investigate all my options and see what prices are available -- and see what the girls want! -- before I commit to anything.

I've noted the names of the restaurants you've mentioned, and I'll look them up. This is exactly the type of info I was hoping to get because -- never having been to New York -- I don't know what's what.

hit the italian section for a cannoli and that might be a nice idea . . . shopping at Fifth Avenue is a must.

My own daughter LOVES Italian food, so that's definitely noted. I think some upscale shopping is a must for my girls. Fifth Avenue, is it? Noted.

Again, THANKS to all!

 

[The LK 4]

PatsGirl - are you staying at the Rocking Horse Ranch by any chance? My mom stayed there a few years ago and brought me back a brochure. It looked like a lot of fun things to do. I'd love to try that one day.

 

[Loverly]

WE felt very safe in the subways-the express ones tend to have more tourists and higher end people.

We rode one local subway(DS forgot that on Sunday this one turned into a local instead of express)-stopped every couple blocks-
to Brooklyn's Botanical garden(gorgeous)
and it was like the United nations! I'm not kidding-every nationality you could think of! But i still felt safe

You get a subway credit card and load it up =its like $2 a ride-we loaded DS's card up with $$ and he swiped it 3 times for the 3 of us.

 

[PatsGirl]

Laura ~ yes we are going to Rocking Horse Ranch this Friday for three nights. The girls have been saving for a long time for this trip. Hopefully it will not be so cold that the outdoor activities are no fun. Many of the girls have never been on a horse or been skiing so those are must-dos but if the temp isn't going over the teens I'm not sure just how long anyone will want to be outside

On the upside, while it is supposed to be bitter cold, the sun is supposed to be out and no rain is in the forecast. Suppose it could rain for three days and there would be no option of outside activities

Wish us luck. It's a long drive and lots of $$ -- most of my girls have never been anywhere "special" so most likely just being away for three nights, having a pool and WII room and all the other extra stuff will be enough regardless of the weather.

 

[allison443]

OP I think the girls will have a great time planning the trip with you!
I was the person who mentioned Jekyll and Hyde, yes it is touristy, but I think sometimes tourists LIKE to do touristy things, kwim? Things that they don't have in their hometown.... Especially teens-they may have heard of or seen a place on tv and want to visit it..

Here's a store the girls might like
http://www.pearlriver.com/v2/index.html