NYC Questions - Empire State Building and Central Park (plus Statue of Liberty)

[Cindy's Mom]

I've got tickets for the Rockette's the Friday after Thanksgiving--part of DD's 16th birthday present. I cannot wait.

I"m smiling from ear to ear. My DD was 15 when she and I started 3-4 night trips to NYC. We're addicted and have gone every year since and we don't ever see this tradition ending. We've done summer, fall, Christmas time, and Broadway week in January. Each trip is completely different and yet magical in its own way. I tried to MAKE her go to school in NYC and I'd room with her.....I got a hard NO on that. LOL

 

[misse336]

Thanks for all of your ideas. Looking into the tours posted and the bike rental option posted. Am getting so many helpful hints and tips.

 

[misse336]

Questions for anyone who has been up to the Statue of Liberty, especially if you've been to the crown.

Will I be allowed to take my DSL camera/bag up there with my camera in it? Or is it better to just take the camera on the strap?

The website says:
Visitors touring the timed monument pass are required to store all large bags and backpacks in lockers for additional charge. Small purses, fanny packs or camera bags may be allowed. Travel light.

We plan to travel light that day and I will have my kids leave their string bags/purses at home, but there is no size given for what they consider acceptable for camera bags to be allowed to travel with you up to the crown. I'd rather not take it there and then have to store it in a locker.

Any info about locker sizes/prices/etc would also be helpful in case I'd end up having to stow it there in a worst-case scenario type situation.

 

[NYCgrrl]

Should anyone be visiting NYC during the next 2 odd weeks Restaurant Week has started. The details are in this link:

https://www.nycgo.com/restaurant-week-about

Questions for anyone who has been up to the Statue of Liberty, especially if you've been to the crown.

Will I be allowed to take my DSL camera/bag up there with my camera in it? Or is it better to just take the camera on the strap?

The website says:
Visitors touring the timed monument pass are required to store all large bags and backpacks in lockers for additional charge. Small purses, fanny packs or camera bags may be allowed. Travel light.

We plan to travel light that day and I will have my kids leave their string bags/purses at home, but there is no size given for what they consider acceptable for camera bags to be allowed to travel with you up to the crown. I'd rather not take it there and then have to store it in a locker.

Any info about locker sizes/prices/etc would also be helpful in case I'd end up having to stow it there in a worst-case scenario type situation.

I will admit that I haven't walked upstairs to the crown since 6th grade, LOL so here is the current info on the TWO security stops:

https://www.nps.gov/stli/planyourvisit/safety.htm
Sorry, no idea how big the lockers are but since many larger items aren't even allowed on the boat can't imagine the lockers being commodious.

Don't forget using sunscreen so close to the water and don't buy it at the gift shop on the island as the cost will scare you. Any Duane Reade, Walgreen, CVS near your hotel will probably have regular prices.

 

[misse336]

Should anyone be visiting NYC during the next 2 odd weeks Restaurant Week has started. The details are in this link:

https://www.nycgo.com/restaurant-week-about


I will admit that I haven't walked upstairs to the crown since 6th grade, LOL so here is the current info on the TWO security stops:

https://www.nps.gov/stli/planyourvisit/safety.htm
Sorry, no idea how big the lockers are but since many larger items aren't even allowed on the boat can't imagine the lockers being commodious.

Don't forget using sunscreen so close to the water and don't buy it at the gift shop on the island as the cost will scare you. Any Duane Reade, Walgreen, CVS near your hotel will probably have regular prices.

I somehow missed that link about the security on their website. Thanks, it answered all of my questions.

 

[it's kelly]

When we stayed in West Manhattan in June, we did the Top of the Rock as my DD wanted to go there rather then the Empire. So we did, and luckily, the military discount the Rock gave was much better than the discount the Empire was offering. Only info I got from a local we met, was don't bother to go up, unless a clear day. We were lucky too, as that morning it was lovely out. We did buy our tickets when we got there. Though the elevator was crowded, there was enough room in the floors you could look out from, that you could take pictures with no one else around you. Views were great, and took about an hour or so, from the time we first entered the building. I sat on a bench up there, for some time, as it was so nice out. But with anything, summer crowds can be there. We were there the 3rd week in June, a Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. We did the Rock early on that Thursday.

Central Park is huge, and we entered from the one near 70's? street. We walked as far as the Balto statue, and just walked past the little Central Park Zoo. Nice pathway, and some parts shaded, that helped. Times Square was always busy, but we enjoyed seeing all those screens and neon. We toured in daylight, and spent some time at night there.

We only spent 2 nights, as just a quick trip, as I had got a last minute absolutely awesome seat location for the 9,000 show of Lion King, on Broadway, the first night we stayed there. Over those 3 days, we waked almost 60 miles. My feet were very tired by the end of each day. We just did not have time to see Ellis Island, though if we had time, we were going to take the free ferry ride. We didn't get to the Brooklyn Bridge either, but have pictures of it from the Rock.

And remember, traffic is crazy, so give time to get to all the places you mention. And if you walk, make sure you have very good walking shoes. Even with my broken in running sneakers, my feet still were tired from all that sidewalk walking. And everyone walks fast. Which is why my DD said, she could so see herself working in that part of NYC. Me, eh, the suburbs are where I rather be, and am.

Have fun, there is so much to do in NYC.

Living in NYC I always say we need 2 walking lanes, one for tourist and one for the residents.

 

[it's kelly]

This past December me, my mother and DD18 went to see the Rockettes, it was the highlight of the trip. We did maybe the 5:30 show, and then dinner at Patsy's (iconic Italian restaurant where Sinatra used to go to lol). Then walked over to Roc Center for pics at the tree. Best night ever.

Looks like you have plans for your two nights, but if you find yourself back there for the holidays, we took at bus tour to see the Christmas lights at Dyker Heights in Brooklyn. You could do it on your own without the tour and take the subway, but my mom wanted the tour. Our night was unseasonably warm and there were probably a million people out that night. In retrospect it was fun....while we were in it, not so much. LOL. the best part was the first neighborhood they took us to where we pretty much drove around (got to see the Blue Bloods house, which was another highlight for me) and some beautiful homes.

You drove right by my house when passing by the Blue Bloods house! Dyker is beautiful for Christmas and has become such a popular destination it makes driving the neighborhood a horror!

 

[Cindy's Mom]

You drove right by my house when passing by the Blue Bloods house! Dyker is beautiful for Christmas and has become such a popular destination it makes driving the neighborhood a horror!

Shush up! I have tons of pictures from that neighborhood I wonder if I have one of your house lol, it was my favorite part of the "tour". The Dyker part of the tour wasn't my favorite, like I said, it was unseasonable warm and no lie, a million people and cops everywhere. We weren't allowed to walk on the street and the sidewalks were jammed packed, it really wasn't even safe.

 

[it's kelly]

Shush up! I have tons of pictures from that neighborhood I wonder if I have one of your house lol, it was my favorite part of the "tour". The Dyker part of the tour wasn't my favorite, like I said, it was unseasonable warm and no lie, a million people and cops everywhere. We weren't allowed to walk on the street and the sidewalks were jammed packed, it really wasn't even safe.

The lights in Dyker used to be so much more enjoyable before they started the bus tours in. It’s turned into a cattle call and it leaves the streets filthy and disgusting. People will leave their coffee/tea/hot cocoa cups littered all over the street and use the bushes for urinals.

I’m glad you enjoyed the Blue Bloods house. They also just filmed the prequel for Sopranos in this neighborhood.

 

[mjkacmom]

The lights in Dyker used to be so much more enjoyable before they started the bus tours in. It’s turned into a cattle call and it leaves the streets filthy and disgusting. People will leave their coffee/tea/hot cocoa cups littered all over the street and use the bushes for urinals.

I’m glad you enjoyed the Blue Bloods house. They also just filmed the prequel for Sopranos in this neighborhood.

The filmed some of it a mike from my house too (but in NJ).

 

[Claudia Kellenberger]

I live in upstate New York, and it has been about 15 years since I have toured New York City. I love the city very much and miss it. That said …… I have no idea of what you mean by saying ….. "Top Of The Rock", and I would love to know. Also ….. What is "SOL"?

Anyway …… when DH and I used to go about 3 times a year, we would always visit "Battery Park City". Battery Park is at the lower tip of Manhattan, while Battery Park City is lower Manhattan, but the side of The Hudson River. That whole area is absolutely fantastic to walk through !

 

[it's kelly]

I live in upstate New York, and it has been about 15 years since I have toured New York City. I love the city very much and miss it. That said …… I have no idea of what you mean by saying ….. "Top Of The Rock", and I would love to know. Also ….. What is "SOL"?

Anyway …… when DH and I used to go about 3 times a year, we would always visit "Battery Park City". Battery Park is at the lower tip of Manhattan, while Battery Park City is lower Manhattan, but the side of The Hudson River. That whole area is absolutely fantastic to walk through !

Top Of The Rock is an observatory on the top of Rockefeller Center. Similar to the one at Empire State Building.

 

[mjkacmom]

SOL - Statue of Liberty.

 

[SFlaDisneyfans]

The City is such a wealth of things to do that aside from all the great things listed in this thread, there are still hundreds more not listed. It really is choose your favorite flavor. Someone mentioned the Cloisters. Phenomenal place to visit. The museum scene, even for those who "arent into museums" offers something for everyone. You never know what will click with individual people. I remember taking my 12 year old daughter one afternoon to the "Ghostbuster's Library". She got bored quick, and then we wandered into the map room. She started looking at map books from the 1600 and 1700's and the next thing you know we were there for an hour and she didnt want to leave.

The Museum of Natural History has something for everyone is really is a must see. Also, aside from Central Park, check online what is going on in the smaller parks the days you visit. The Intrepid is a real interesting place to visit. Aside from the aircraft carrier, you can also tour (end to end) one of the first nuclear missile armed submarines. Its crazy how tight the space was on the old submarines. Depending on the schedule, there is also the United Nations building to visit. Walking the High Line during the summer will be quite a sight and if you can score the free tickets at Hudson Yards you can walk up to the top of the living artwork piece.

 

[sk8jdgca]

I like to travel thrifty. Here is what my son and I did in NYC

https://www.facebook.com/773648156115317/posts/1660413164105474