Some of these may come across as tongue-in-cheek, but I assure you that I mean every word! For background, my mother and I were travelling as part of a shopping trip on one of 5 buses. We left WV at Midnight Friday and arrived in NYC at about 8 am. The buses picked us back up at 10:30 Saturday night and we headed back to WV (where I took a LONG nap and then headed home to OH). So here are my recommendations:
- When waiting in line with 80 other people at the Cinnabon at a service station in New Jersey, strike up a conversation with the people around you. We ended up having a nice long chat with a couple out of Brantford, Ont on a similar bus trip. :o)
- Shop Macy's. Check out the specials and sales. Then, to cover both ends of the spectrum, walk through the estate area and check out the jewelry. Wonder if they are going to start charging you a viewing fee to cover the depreciation whilst you are drooling.
- Walk down 5th Avenue and window shop. Obviously, we were there for the holiday window displays but it should be worth a peek year-round.
- Visit the Empire State Building. We had a beautiful clear day and could see for miles! Go early to avoid the crowds (We went in at about 9:30 to a 15 min wait. When we came out the wait was up to 90 minutes. If you are going, buy tickets ahead of time online to skip 2/3 of the line.)
- Work as a team with a couple of guys from Russia or the Ukraine to snap pictures without someone walking into the frame.
- Have a conversation about ears popping with a couple in the elevator with whom you share no spoken language. Include comments about the craftsmanship and artistry of the building and well-wishes for a great day.
- Shop the sidewalks. Oooh la la! Haggle for a great price.
- Check out Bryant Park. These little pockets of greenery in the middle of downtown NYC amaze me.
- Times Square. I could never take a steady diet of Times Square with all of it's flashing, bright lights but it was interesting to visit! Find the webcam next to Friday's at 46th and Broadway. Call up a friend and wave to her through the magic of the internet.
- Eat at Thalia's. Rachel Ray mentioned it on one of her shows and I have to agree. We had the Thalia's Omellette with dungeness crab, asparagus, and roasted tomatoes. It came with a free drink (drink as in Bloody mary, Mimosa, Screwdriver... ). Have a conversation with the woman at the next table about Rachel Ray and the great places she tells people about.
- Stop by Rockefeller center. The tree was HUGE and people were enjoying a skate. Hop into Brookstone while you are there and buy your father a giant TV remote that even he would have a hard time losing track of. *snortchuckle*
- Visit St. Patrick's Cathredal. This place is beautiful with stained glass all over and alcoves down both sides of the sanctuary. The artistry is amazing. I know some people will find this challenging, but I am not Christian yet do believe in the strength of the saints. I lit a candle for a couple of people gong through a trying time.
- Check out FAO Schwarz. We thought about buying the full-size woolly mammoth from Ice Age... it was quite a bargain at only $12,000.00... but took a pass on it. We would have wanted the bison to keep him company and the bison was already sold (he had a sign stuck to his butt that said so).
- Take a carriage ride through Central Park. What better way to spend a half hour on a chilly afternoon than sitting in a carriage with a blanket wrapped around you while Sal tells you what you are passing and George the horse takes you on a lovely drive?
- Take the subway. It's full of interesting characters! Smile to yourself as a gentleman gives up his seat for a woman with 2 children, and another helps a couple with their baby carriage. Go the wrong way at least once, just for giggles.
- Do a lap on the Staten Island Ferry. It's free and a great way to see the Statue of Liberty and the New York City skyline. Wait until after dark in December for the perfect weather to stand outside on the rail. (Okay... so some of this might be a tad tongue-in cheek...)
- Stop by Grand Central Station. Another amazing work of craftmanship!
- When you are tired after hiking all over the city all day and still have a couple hours to go before your bus picks you up, stop by Hurleys for rest and protein. My mother had printed off some coupons for a few different restaurants and Hurleys was one of them. I knew I had heard of it somewhere but couldn't place where and since we wanted steak we chose Hurley's. Partway through the first divine margarita I remembered I'd heard of it HERE. Fantastic food and even better service!
- I recommend a margarita on the rocks, no salt
- The lobster bisque was deliscious.
- So was the steak... and the steamed vegetables were that perfect temp of cooked but not killed.
- Take a mad dash in a taxi when you realize you are late. Encourage your driver as he swerves, makes holes that weren't there, yells at other drivers/pedestrians/pedicabs, honks and gets you where you need to go in an altogether astonishing 6 minutes and 37 seconds. Triple his fare. Trust me... he deserves it!
- Have pharmaceuticals on hand to compensate for the aches and pains and try to catch some Z's on the bus home.
- And the most important tip... Do this all with your mom who lives 200 miles away.
We had a fabulous day! We did other things but for hte lie of me I can't remember them at the moment. Thanks to everyone who made suggestions. :o)
~Kes
Desperate times call for desperate measures
Open your mind to all life's little pleasures
The hole in this world could be healed if by chance
everyone just stood up, took their pants off and danced~Bruce Guthro