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M$10 July 06, 2009 04:26 AM

Help plan my trip to NYC

What's up, my Mahizzles? I'm going to Manhattan August 14-16 (Fri night - Sun night). I need your help in planning the trip. I'm looking for fun, romantic (taking the lady, of course) and/or exciting things to do.

I don't really want to do the "regular" touristy stuff--Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, etc. And I already have broadway show plans for Saturday night, so that knocks some time out.

I'm looking for fun bars, a nice restaurant (where I can drop a couple hunny for a really good dinner but where I can get a reservation), and anything else you can think of.

So here's the challenge: come up with an itinerary! We're getting in late-ish Friday night and are leaving late-ish Sunday night. Fill in the time gaps with an awesome weekend. I'm not renting a car, so please factor that in--no Sunday morning drives to Westchester.

Please feel free to ask questions. M$ prize goes to my favorite. Thanks!
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Interesting: mysterygirl89, bunnyphuphu, buddawiggi, easyeboy, krysstel, robbrown, brandy76

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July 06, 2009 02:29 PM
As someone who lives in New York City, I can tell you some of the best places to go, visit, and see.

Friday Night Arrival:

You do not want to miss Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum in Times Square. You see my picture, that's Oprah from Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum.

http://www.madametussauds.com/NewYork/

http://www.madametussauds.com/SiteImages/Assets/1/OvalOffice_Default.jpg

When you arrive Friday night, take your first stop to Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, then you might want to check out Ripley's Believe it Or Not, which is right next to it right in Times Square.

Ripley's NYC
http://www.ripleysnewyork.com
http://www.ripleysnewyork.com/images/RipleysBIONNYHor_002.jpg

Saturday or Sunday Morning:

For breakfast or lunch, here's a few good suggestions to try out:

Jane in Soho, here's the review:
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/11504679/new_york_ny/jane.html
They've got great french toast here.

Bubby's Pie Company, here's the Review:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/bubbys-pie-company-new-york
Excellent breakfast, and in fact it's now open 24 hours.

Gansevoort Rooftop Brunch is fabulous, and you'll love the views from above. Great brunch, just opened up in May, excellent city views if you want a romantic feel to the city.
http://www.hotelgansevoort.com

http://www.hotelchatter.com/files/6929/plungegansevoort.jpg

1. Saturday Afternoon Shopping and People Watching, be sure to check out SoHo and peruse the city.

http://newyork.citysearch.com/list/141071

2. Rockefeller Center, there's plenty of shopping and great views in Rockefeller Center, so check it out.
http://www.rockefellercenter.com

3. Shops at Columbus Circle
http://www.shopsatcolumbuscircle.com
http://gonyc.about.com/od/shopping/p/columbuscircle.htm
There's some great shopping here, as well as fine dining (check out the restaurants) in the evenings. Be sure to check out the shops here if you like a traditional mall like look and feel. It's closer to Central Park, so this might be the place to go before you head out there.

Be sure to check out the Top of the Rock 30 Rockefeller Plaza for a great view of NYC.

4. Top of the Rock
http://www.topoftherocknyc.com

http://www.smartdestinations.com/design/images/explorerpass/attractions/NYC-TopRock.jpg

5. If you want a formal bus tour of NYC, City Sights NY is a great place to check out.

http://www.citysightsny.com

6. Restaurants

Fine dining in Central Park:

Tavern on The Green
http://www.tavernonthegreen.com
Great restaurant with an outside ambience, and you can walk around Central Park as well.

http://eater.com/uploads/2007_06_tavern.jpg
http://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/bc/spotlite/news/tavern.jpg

If you like Pizza, check out Lombardi's Pizza
http://www.firstpizza.com
http://www.firstpizza.com/images/400_nyc_corner_entrance.jpg

NOBU
http://www.noburestaurants.com
If you like fancy Japanese food, be sure to check this one out.

http://nycgo.com/uploadedImages/devnycvisitcom/venue/Nobu-New-York_V3_460x285.jpg

Another one you might want to check out is Sushi Samba is a fun and laid back bar atmosphere that serves sushi.
http://www.sushisamba.com

http://focuslighting.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/1-sushi-samba-restaurant-3-photography-copyright-mark-ballogg.jpg

7. Bars to check out:

M2 Ultra Lounge
http://m2ultralounge.com

http://www.wantickets.com/images/event/mans_content11.jpg

Marquee NY
http://marqueeny.com

http://howtowintojudge.com/images/product_images/marquee.jpg
Asker's Rating:
• Awesome suggestions. Thanks.

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July 06, 2009 04:31 PM
You should have kept that a secret. We all thought you and Oprah were best friends. Now I know who to call when planning my next NYC trip!

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July 06, 2009 11:23 PM
Thanks! It was going to come out eventually as more people visit the wax museum! Maybe someday Oprah will be my best friend, but it takes patience, perseverance, luck, and time to make it on Oprah Winfrey Show.

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Other Answers (6)

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July 06, 2009 05:54 AM
I went like, 6 years ago. IT WAS AMAZING! There is so much to do, and so little time. I will name some things that really stood out to me!
You would have to plan the order to your schedule and where you are staying ... P.S. Going on a guided tour would be the best bet. I am not going to recommend any because they would all just be amazing. And it is honestly up to you.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn2/sortofbeautiful/Photography/NYC.jpg

This is the normal but I still wanted to say it all, I could not help myself, I was not old enough to do the bra scene. Lol and am still not. Scroll down to get to the Bars and stuff.

(1) Statue of Liberty, of course this is a must! It is amazing, the gift shop was pretty cool, I did not get anything though, I was basically broke and on a budget and was saving my money for other things.

(2) The Empire State Building, it felt really awesome being in this building, we were not able to go to the top at this time, I am not sure if anyone really is allowed to yet, but the feeling that we still felt at the level we went up was amazing, the building seriously felt like it was moving.

(3)Times Square at night was beautiful, so many lights, but also so many people, be careful not to get lost lol. There is nothing like it! Don’t be put off by the crowds. It is seriously a must, especially at NIGHT.

(4)Grand Central Terminal

(5)St Patricks Cathedral, I am not Catholic but this place was just beautiful.

(6) The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, again simply beautiful.

(7)Brooklyn Bridge, it takes about thirty minutes to walk across, but it is a very beautiful view.

(8)Central Park, the place is beautiful, I would not go here at night though, Kind of scary. This park has it all though,

(9)The Charging Bull: Broadway & Whitehall St. It is soo cool looking. Pictures near this thing is a must!

(10)Radio City Music Hall. This place was really cool, I love music so yea.

(11)Strawberry Fields, it is a Memorial to John Lennon. So beautiful

(12)World Trade Center, yes they are gone, and yes I went when they were gone too. But it is still worth going over there and seeing.

(13)Macy's, that was cool, we went during a time when there was tons of flowers, I am not sure if that is all the time but it was very cool!

(14) Some people would say do the subways but if you are a girl or have a girl with you, I would not do it. While I was there, so many creepy people where near the subways. Not being rude or judgmental. Just stating how i felt.
(15) The American Museum of Natural History, it MIGHT takes a whole day, at least, to get through. But it's wonderful. Depends on how long you want to stay.

Now I will just list to save room
(15) Lincoln Center
(16) Coney Island
(17)South Street Seaport
(18)Bronx Zoo, did not get to go here but would have LOVED to.

Wait we can't forget
(19) Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, lol, take pictures next to people and brag. Even though they are wax.
For example:
http://www.nidhin.com/images/madametussauds/MJ.jpg
Michael Jackson
http://www.nidhin.com/images/madametussauds/Marylin_monroe.jpg
Marylin Monroe

I recommed visiting this website before you go
http://www.NYCTouristCenter.com
This website is very useful and can seriously give you tons of information. I really hope this helps and I hope you enjoy your trip, I know I enjoyed mine and it is something that I will remember for the rest of my life. (^_^)V

BARS AND NIGHT LIFE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It all depends on the day meaning like the 10th 11th and what ever. Go here and find your taste in clubs and bars http://www.clubplanet.com/US/New-York

New York is crazy at night and it all really depends on what type of person you are. Might I recommend looking up New York Nightlife or New York City Nightlife or NYC Nightlife. There are tons of sites out there. Seriously it all depends on you and your age.
Have fun and be safe.

For Restaurants, I think of romantic places... I found a list!

---------Quote------------
Looking for a romantic place to eat on Valentine's Day in New York City? Try these places (if you are lucky enough to get a reservation):
Top 10 Most Romantic Places to Eat in NYC
1. RAOUL’S 180 Prince St., between Sullivan & Thompson Sts., (212)
2. ELEVEN MADISON PARK 11 Madison Ave., at 24th St., (212) 889-0905.
3. DRESSLER 149 Broadway, near Driggs Ave., Brooklyn, (718) 384-6343.
4. PUBLIC 210 Elizabeth St., between Prince and Spring Sts., (212) 343-7011.
5. DESSERT STUDIO (at Chocolat Michel Cluizel), 888 Broadway, at 19th St., (212) 477-7355.
6. ONE IF BY LAND, TWO IF BY SEA 17 Barrow St., near Seventh Ave., (212) 255-8649.
7. CAVO 42-18 31st Ave., near 42nd St., Queens, (718) 721-1001.
8. L’IMPERO 45 Tudor City Place, near 42nd St., (212) 599-5045.
9. SILVERLEAF TAVERN 43 E. 38th St., at Park Ave., (212) 973-2550.
10. BACARO 136 Division St., near Ludlow St., (212) 941-5060
---------/Quote------------ http://www.listafterlist.com/tabid/57/listid/11097/Food++Dining/Top+10+Most+Romantic+Places+to+Eat+in+NYC.aspx

(^_^)V ENJOY
Source(s):
Personal!


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Unhelpful: aaeeiioouu13

Tip mysterygirl89 for this answer
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July 06, 2009 07:33 AM
You listed all the things he said he DIDN'T want to do.

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July 07, 2009 03:38 AM
Its ok Mystery aaeeiioouu13 most likely did not notice the bottom part of your answer, its ok though I know you did answer the question and just wanted to list that stuff. But you should have just listed more about the clubs and stuff.

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July 06, 2009 07:13 AM
Go to the club Pacha for the nightlife on Saturday night. Best club in NYC. Go to Paesano's in Little Italy for some of the best Italian food you'll ever have! Central Park is a must, and catch a baseball game at the NY Mets new stadium Citi Field, it's been voted by us New Yorkers as the better of the two new baseball fields and you'll have a great time whether your a baseball fan or not.

Tags: park, mets, pacha, central, paesanos

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July 06, 2009 02:29 PM
I'll appologize in advance for the length of my answer. However, a 3 day trip in NYC where an eye to the authentic is appreciated over the tourist track deserves some detail.

I've tried hard to provide tips, places and events with not only an eye for romance but to also move you around the city. This way, you can be a tourist without feeling like one.

== From the Airport ==
There is a simple luxury that I've come to enjoy. While I rarely do it... when I do, it's like a breath of fresh air. Call a stretch limo before you leave on Friday. Have the limo pick you up at the airport.

When you work out the price of a limo vs. an airport cab, the price is usually well worth it for all of the extras.

http://img.skitch.com/20090706-rrng3wqxdphd4ysg6qfrk2h19b.jpg

Most limo's will take your luggage from you, guide you through the airport and best of all, scurry you into the car for the relaxing ride to the hotel. It's a welcome treat after cramped airplanes and not having to deal with cab lines or group shuttles is great.

== Friday Night ==

While the flight from DC to NYC isn't very long or far, the general stress and miles of walking at the airport will make you and your Chicita a little tired.

So, call now and talk to the concierge at the hotel. Quote your reservation number and say that this is a special weekend. Ask if the concierge has any better ideas (they've seen it all).... Some fresh flowers, a bottle of wine, candles and a lighter in the room will get this weekend off to a good start.

http://img.skitch.com/20090706-3rcyafp76d7n9169m36nt5gq5.jpg

While you're at it, pre-order breakfast for Saturday. Most nice hotels in NYC have a restaurant specialty and if you again ask the concierge, she/he will likely tell you about a tasty breakfast option. Pre-ordering takes all of the worry out of it so you can both sleep in without wondering about breakfast. This is a small psychological trip and you'll be surprised how well you'll sleep knowing that your breakfast will be waiting for you at a pre-determined time.

== Saturday ==

If you're anything like me, you'll be up and ready to explore on Saturday morning!

1)
Horseback Riding
The horses start early and it's an unexpected treat to ride along the bridle paths of Central Park. There are a good number of rental stands and rates generally range between $25 and $50 per hour. Even if you've never rode a horse before, this is a really fun thing to do.

2)
Go Shopping
NYC is nothing if not a mecca of shopping. There are many small and large shopping districts to choose from. If you're looking for "NY Experience Shopping" stick around times square. If you're into sniffing out deals, Canal Street is the place to go - and don't forget to visit Century 21. If you're looking for something else, plan your specific attack here: http://www.ny.com/shopping/

If shopping isn't a big deal, head over tot he East Village to explore. There's a lot to do and see. There is a strong art community and has a lot to do without being "touristy". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Village,_Manhattan

3)
Lunch at the Little Owl.
http://www.thelittleowlnyc.com/
212 - 741 - 4695
On the corner of Bedford and Grove

http://img.skitch.com/20090706-bkf2autna7ktmwy8298spridwx.jpg

4)
Personally, I'd want to have a quick nap at this point in the day. Nothing wrong with a little bit of down time while your significant other unpacks from shopping and calls home to brag about the day so far.

After a nap, I'd likely want to poke around a book store and enjoy a quiet bit of time with a coffee at a street cafe. Heck, might even be a good time to indulge the geek in you and check out the fabled Apple store so that you can see where all the nerds line up on TV!

I would send the significant other to a Spa over this time. It's nice to have a little bit of time apart too. Here's a great guide: http://gridskipper.com/62712/manhattans-best-hotel-spas

5)
Dinner

Zaggat has the best restaurant listings. Depending on exactly what makes your "perfect" meal, they'll have the answer.

http://www.zagat.com/Search/Results.aspx?Ne=1118&Ntt=New+York+City&VID=8&N=120+4293984554&Ntk=Geo+Zagat+Region&Ns=Frontmatter+Number&Ln=Romance+Best+Bets+-+NYC

Personally, I'd enjoy the french menu at the new Bouley. Serviced by Chef David Bouley, I'm sure that I wouldn't be disappointed with a fine dining experience here:

212.964.2525
163 Duane Street
http://www.davidbouley.com/

Many people consider a great steak meal to be second to none. If you're one of those folks, check out this list:
http://gridskipper.com/60972/ode-to-new-york-steak-palaces

Specifically, this steak house is outstanding:

Peter Luger Steak House
718-387-7400
178 Broadway
http://peterluger.com/

6)
Show

7)
Bars / Clubs / Dancing

Start at the Roof Garden at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. A great view, well created cocktails and an atmosphere that will let you both talk about the theater show will start the evening right.

Next, review the great list here for places to hit:
http://nymag.com/nightlife/

Generally however, bars and clubs are fickle and live in the moment. You'll have up-to-the-minute advice if you ask the concierge at your Hotel. The problem with recommending clubs is that they change from night-to-night. Tell your concierge what you want to do (dance, enjoy a well crafted drink, mingle with artsy folks, whatever)... and they'll give you the best help with this one.

== Sunday ==

1)
Brunch at Wave Hill
http://www.wavehill.org/
West 249th Street and Independence Avenue
The Wave Hill Cafe is located inside of the Wave Hill House. It's a little bit of a trek (not too far, just the Bronx) from downtown, but it's well worth it. You'll have picturesque views of the Hudson River and Palisades with indoor or outdoor garden seating.
http://img.skitch.com/20090706-83h8hqyu4t4s1s2tyaurfgt2sx.jpg

2)
If you're going to do something "touristy", now is the time to do it. You'll be relaxed and will have seen a good portion of the city, so diving into the Museum of Modern Art, the Museum of Television and Radio, or heck even the Statue of Liberty might be fun. They just opened up the observation deck in the Statue again (first time since 9/11).

If you want to stay away from everything touristy, hop on the NY Water Taxi at West 44th street. It docks at the Fairway Market where you can poke around and have lunch at the Fairway Cafe. You'll have a nice view of the Statue of Liberty.

http://www.nywatertaxi.com/

3)
This is a good time to grab some famous NYC pizza from a place like this:
https://rayspizza.rapidorders.com/default.php
http://img.skitch.com/20090706-11msgwg319ars4wp97cmw3ca83.jpg

4)
Check out of the Hotel and ask for your bags to be held. Also a good time for a quick nap.

5)
Take a private cooking lesson at one of the primmer culinary schools in the world:
https://web.iceculinary.com/icereg/index.asp
This will serve as a light dinner as well as a lot of fun with your partner.

6)
This is your last chance to do a little more shopping, enjoy Central Park with maybe a boat ride, or generally indulge in something you've seen but haven't had time to do. I think that the best trip plans always leave room for this sort of thing.

If nothing else, take the Rockefeller center tour - it's fun to remember your trip every time you recognize something on TV at home: http://www.rockefellercenter.com/

7)
Last, I would pick one of the rooftop bars from this Frommers guide. There is nothing like watching the sun set with a glass of champagne, some strawberries while quietly reveling in an outstanding trip: http://www.frommers.com/rss/articles/5905.html

Each of these places will give you an outstanding view of the city without being clouded by tourists, waiting in lines, etc. You'll be able to enjoy a drink or a snack and share what you love about NYC and what you'll do next time you come!

Personally, I might pick the Rare View:
http://www.affinia.com/New-York-City-Hotel.aspx?name=Shelburne-Murray-Hill&page=Rare-View
http://img.skitch.com/20090706-eg82b1fijrnsrt5i7qbd1iktbw.jpg

Leave with enough time to grab your luggage (check it at the desk) and head back to the airport. If you're high rolling all the way home, ask your limo driver to swing by the hotel to get your luggage and then come pick you up.
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July 06, 2009 03:05 PM
Don't miss the broadway.

Wicked is Playing - http://www.wickedthemusicalticketsonline.com/wicked-new-york-ny-tickets.html

Best of Luck.

Happy Travel
Source(s):
http://www.wickedthemusicalticketsonline.com/


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July 06, 2009 04:15 PM
Horse carriage ride through Central Park. Tickets to her favorite live audience tv show. Shopping at her favorite place, of course! Boat tour of the area! Ferry boat ride! Have fun!!!
Source(s):
personal experience


Tags: fun, new, tour, york, vacation

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July 08, 2009 12:38 AM
I wish Conan still did his show in New York City. =[ I loved NBC studios just for him.

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July 07, 2009 04:49 AM
Arrival

Make reservations at The Alex Hotel. I recommend purchasing the Honeymoon Package rather than the Ultimate Romance Package because it comes with a $100 dinner credit at Riingo as well as a chilled bottle of Moet and Chandon Brut Rose Champagne & Chocolate Truffles and one dozen long stemmed sterling roses. Pick the room of your choice, they're all pretty pricey. The Studio Suite is probably what you need since you'll be out most of the time, but if you decide to come back and have a romantic night in, this is the hotel to do that at. Studio Suites are $450/night plus tax.

Your Room:

http://reservations.ihotelier.com/crs/p_prodb.cfm?HotelID=3783&ProdID=237371&AgentID=0&PortalSymbol=SSS&TAID=0&FromAdmin=0&LanguageID=1&Navig=1

Riingo:


There you can eat your dinner and then take your lady to bed without having to walk far. ;-]

The Morning After

If you plan to sleep in, that's fine. The day won't be wasted. Get ready and have breakfast right there at the hotel whether it'd be breakfast in bed or down at Riingo's sidewalk cafe.



Go to Central Park to see the most gorgeous part of New York City. There's plenty to do there. You can have a horse drawn carriage take you around the whole park if you'd like.



I guess it'd be time for lunch, now, wouldn't it? Just walk right over to the Boat House right on The Lake at Central Park. You can watch the swans float by as you eat your finger sandwiches and drink your sparkling water. =]


http://www.thecentralparkboathouse.com/

Next, I suggest walking along 5th Avenue and just shopping. FAO Schwartz is a must-stop where every adult can be a kid again. I guarantee they have every one of your childhood toys.

After your shopping extravaganza, it'll probably be time to go back to the hotel and get ready for dinner and your trip to Broadway. Since you're going to the theater district anyway, go to ViceVersa. That way you won't have far to walk to see your show. It's a casual romantic restaurant, so you don't have to worry about getting too fancy. Most Broadway shows I've been to didn't have a dress code, but night time I suggest black slacks and a button up shirt. No real need for a jacket.

ViceVersa:


It's Morning Again!

Check out of the hotel and go to Balthazar for breakfast this fine Sunday morning. Balthazar offers a great morning menu with everything from sour cream-hazelnut waffles to a full English breakfast.



After breakfast, how about a little exercise? The fun kind of exercise! A ballroom dancing lesson could be interesting and amusing to the both of you. Dance Manhattan Studio offers couples lessons that are one hour long and range from $80-$100. Yes, they're open on Sundays.


You'll probably have worked up an appetite with all that dancing, so head over to Blind Tiger on Bleeker Street. Its a great coffee house and bar and you can grab a light lunch for a decent price.

"Blind Tiger Ale House on Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village is one of New York’s best beer bars. Partly this is because of the extent of the beer selection, which bartenders can discuss with precision. But it’s also because of the food."- Eric Asimov, New York Times



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