Please Help Me, New Yorkers!

[qtwns]

I hope some of you can give me some touring advice. My family of 5 is planning a trip to NYC Nov. 5-8. I found out today that this is the weekend for the New York Marathon. Now I know Manhattan is huge, but do you think this will hamper our visit or add to it? We really have no interest in viewing the race. This will be our DSs' (9, 6 and 6) first plane trip and visit to NYC--they are just pumped to be going to Spiderman's hometown! Thanks in advance.

 

[ziggystardust]

The marathon really only causes problems to people that are driving, and there is no need to drive in NY. You have every type of public transportation you can think of. I mean there will be more crowds in certain areas, but I wouldn't be worried.

(I was watching the travel spies last night on travel channel, and one of the guys was pretending to run the marathon - which meant running past pictures of NY w/ a number strapped to his back- you could come home and tell all your friends that you ran it too!)

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

The marathon really only causes problems to people that are driving, and there is no need to drive in NY. You have every type of public transportation you can think of. I mean there will be more crowds in certain areas, but I wouldn't be worried.

I agree wholeheartedly. If you didn't know that it was going on...you couldn't tell the difference. The city's been doing it for so many years, it operates like clockwork!! It is quite fun though to at some point of the day, head down to Columbus Circle and watch some of the runners come in. The finish line is right there at the entrance to Central Park and it can get pretty emotional. We typically have brunch somewhere, a few cocktails, then stroll over to watch for a few minutes. New York is busy regardless of the time of year...it's the greatest city in the world!!! Have fun!!

 

[pixiedust23]

I cant remember where it ends but I want to say Central Park. We're going to see my cousin finish this year...hes the youngest runner registered! So I assume it will be quite crowded there at that time. Just avoid it.

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

This will be our DSs' (9, 6 and 6) first plane trip and visit to NYC--they are just pumped to be going to Spiderman's hometown! Thanks in advance.

Cool!

By the way, when you make your way over to Time's Square (I know you will), you will see Spiderman...but tell the kids to stay away. Some guy's been stealing the Naked Cowboy's thunder and has been taking pictures with the tourists, dressed up like Spiderman. I've seen him on a couple of occasions, wearing a backpack, in full costume, with his gut hanging out. The guy's deranged, but it is pretty funny. Ever see this guy, Ziggy?

 

[RickinNYC]

Hey there. Absolutely NO worries re: the marathon. The only thing you have to consider is whether you will be driving around the city. And, marathon notwithstanding, don't even think of driving! Subways are the way to go.

If you need some touring help, let me know!

 

[Nickunited]

My only advice to you on that day is to stay away from teh Central Park area and Queens and Brooklyn. I would tour anyplace south of 57th street. If you get to close to the park you will be hit with crowds. The Marathon only effects manhattan from the 59th street bridge through central park. You should be fine - just avoid central park.

I think I will feel it more because the Jets have a home game that day and getting to the stadium will be chaos that day! GRR!

 

[Forevryoung]

Cool!

By the way, when you make your way over to Time's Square (I know you will), you will see Spiderman...but tell the kids to stay away. Some guy's been stealing the Naked Cowboy's thunder and has been taking pictures with the tourists, dressed up like Spiderman. I've seen him on a couple of occasions, wearing a backpack, in full costume, with his gut hanging out. The guy's deranged, but it is pretty funny. Ever see this guy, Ziggy?

OMG I think the Naked Cowboy is hysterical (coming from a 20 year old)- Never saw Spiderman. I think tourists who take pictures with them are even weirder . I wouldnt put my hand on some strange naked guy!!
Have fun in the greatest City-

 

[qtwns]

Thanks so much everyone! Y'all are the best! I've only been to NYC once (DH sent me away for a long, surprise girls' weekend 2 years ago), but I can't wait to go with all my boys! This southern girl LOVES New York! I'm excited!

We'll avoid the Park on race day--thanks for the advice.

I've heard of the Naked Cowboy, but will have to be on the lookout for this Spidey wanna-be.

Give my regards to Broadway, and I'll see ya in November!

 

[dg39]

Speaking of the Naked Cowboy...I have one of his boots. I know, kind of stupid, but, I do have it. By the way, he's a very religious guy, believe it or not...

 

[Microcell]

Hey there. Absolutely NO worries re: the marathon. The only thing you have to consider is whether you will be driving around the city. And, marathon notwithstanding, don't even think of driving! Subways are the way to go.

If you need some touring help, let me know!

I believe that! My Dh has completely confused me though, about the public transit system. He was staying in NJ possibly Peramus, and he was there for one night where he could go check out NYC, so they took a bus over the bridge into Manhattan and he said there is no way that he could tell to be able to get back to NJ from NYC after 1030 at night. Is he just a dumb hick, or do you really have to be sure to catch a bus to NJ by 1030 if you are in NYC? That amazed me!

BTW the neked Cowboy must have had that night off, because Dh did not comment on that! He had to talk to me by cell phone the entire way because I want to go there so bad!

 

[eclectics]

Hope you get to see some shows! Take a walk over to Virgils Southern BBQ on 46th afterwards and pig out! Have some biscuits and gravy for me! Enjoy NYC

 

[buddy&wooz]

I believe that! My Dh has completely confused me though, about the public transit system. He was staying in NJ possibly Peramus, and he was there for one night where he could go check out NYC, so they took a bus over the bridge into Manhattan and he said there is no way that he could tell to be able to get back to NJ from NYC after 1030 at night. Is he just a dumb hick, or do you really have to be sure to catch a bus to NJ by 1030 if you are in NYC? That amazed me!

There are so many bus lines, and train schedules- he probably caught one that shuts down early! Public transport out of North Jersey is anything but clear and easy! The people who use it daily have it figure out- but me, I just hope for the best.

I remember years ago going to a Police concert at Shea Stadium, and having to leave the show early to be able to catch the last train home that night, or risk being stuck in Hoboken till 5am!

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

If you need any advice on brunch/dinner spots, I'm sure we'd all be happy to post our favorites. Post the neighborhood that your hotel is in and a price range and the suggestions will just pour in!

 

[Microcell]

I thought so. It must have been the busline that stopped in front of his hotel.

I am from Detroit and can be abrasive at times, while he is Mr Friendly, so he was psyched up for rude people, so he walked up to the subway counter to figure out which train to take and he said in his normal way "I really hate to bother you..." when someone stepped in front of him to pay for a token or whatever it is, and the operator told the other person "Hey! GET BACK IN LINE, THIS GUY HAS A QUESTION, Take your time sir, what do you need to know?" He was nice in that special New York kind of way!

Then they were on one of the red lines and he called to see if I could find out what stop they needed for Tavern on Something. I said, Tavern on the Green? Nope, Tavern on (whatever it is I forget now). There is more than one Tavern? Yep, now we are at 5th and 3rd. I looked at that subway line and could not make heads or tails of it, and he and 20 coworkers were waiting on me to find out. I could not do it, they had to ask someone. I will post here if that ever happens again.

I want to go so bad and just get on a subway line and hope I don't find myself in a bad area!

 

[qtwns]

Right now we are trying to decide between two places to stay:

The Skyline at 50th and 10th -- we can get a 1 bdrm suite and they have an indoor heated pool that my boys would enjoy. It is listed as being in Hell's Kitchen. Is this area better than the name sounds? The description of the place sounds very nice and that is is family oriented.

Churchill Suites at Herald Square (again we can get a 1 bedrm suite, but no pool. I don't care about the pool, but DH keeps bringing it up. I'll be too busy shopping, eating and soaking in the atmosphere to care about swimming!

Advice? We're booking our trip tomorrow. Again--Thanks!

And, YES, I'll accept any and all dining recommendations! I can't wait to hear these.

Have I mentioned yet that I'm excited to be going back to NYC? You'd think I was going to WDW!