New York, New York

[kiki-do]

Originally Posted by whygreenberg

This couldn't be more true. New Yorkers get a really bad rap.

I love The Cloisters myself and don't go there nearly enough. That said, I also actually really love Times Square at night. There's nothing quite like the sheer spectacle of it.

The Cloisters?????

[cb977]

Originally Posted by kiki-do

Thank you everyone, and keep the ideas coming. I am enjoying this thread and taking lots of notes. I have never been to NYC and only have the four days (well, only three and a half), and want to experience it to the fullest. I don't think I will take time for shows, but perhaps a couple museums. I've seen the ads for the "circle line boat tour" and was wondering if it is a good choice. Definitely want to pay my respects to the world trade center and will take advantage of the bus tour. I want to experience central park. And silly or not, I want to find where John Lennon lived and the memorial that is there for him. He was an all-time favorite. So if anyone knows where that is, please tell me. Thanks so much for all your input and please keep telling me more places of interest. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Big fan here too, kiki...I remember exactly what I was doing at the moment it hit the news

Here's some info:

The Dakota:
The Dakota, New York City

Strawberry Fields:
Strawberry Fields in New York City's Central Park - Vacation Idea.com

Folks here are coming up with some great ideas...except I always hated the subway, although it is the best way to get around the city.

Any of the museums will knock your socks off! Great suggestion!

One of my favorite things to do years ago was to just walk around in the Village...great stuff

You'll be overwhelmed if you try to "do it all" in just 3 1/2 days...pick a few things you'd really like to see and take your time enjoying them. You can always go back another time to see more of what's available

[whygreenberg]

One of my favorite things to do years ago was to just walk around in the Village...great stuff

You'll be overwhelmed if you try to "do it all" in just 3 1/2 days...pick a few things you'd really like to see and take your time enjoying them. You can always go back another time to see more of what's available

I have to agree with Sue on both these points. There's so much here, and simply walking around different areas can be great.

Kiki, it may not be your thing, but here's the webpage for The Cloisters... The Metropolitan Museum of Art - Works of Art: The Cloisters

[Sandy4453]

And when you're in the mood for the best pizza in the world, right off the Long Island Expressway in Queens....Brothers Pizza...doesn't get any better. And then, you'll want something a little sweet for dessert, the Lemon King for Italian ices in Corona.

[kiki-do]

Originally Posted by cb977

Big fan here too, kiki...I remember exactly what I was doing at the moment it hit the news

Here's some info:

The Dakota:
The Dakota, New York City

Strawberry Fields:
Strawberry Fields in New York City's Central Park - Vacation Idea.com

Folks here are coming up with some great ideas...except I always hated the subway, although it is the best way to get around the city.

Any of the museums will knock your socks off! Great suggestion!

One of my favorite things to do years ago was to just walk around in the Village...great stuff

You'll be overwhelmed if you try to "do it all" in just 3 1/2 days...pick a few things you'd really like to see and take your time enjoying them. You can always go back another time to see more of what's available

Hey Sue, what is "walking around the village?" I've been thinking that the walking from one street/avenue to another will be quite a distance. Perhaps it isn't that far apart? Or do you mean take a bus and get off here and there and walk around? I'm totally green to NYC, don't forget.
This trip, however short, has been a wish of mine for 30 years now. Why we haven't gone before is a puzzle. It was like pulling teeth, I guess, not on my hubby's list of "must see." So going back might not be in the stars for me. That's why I want to see the most I can cram in for a short amount of time. I feel so fortunate to have this chance.
So far on my list: Empire State Bldg., Central Park, Time Square, Met of Art Museum, Twin Towers area, Boat trip, Bus tour, Greenwich Village (my sister's suggestion, and is that what village you mean?), and Statue of Liberty (too much time to do?)
Now the Botanical Gardens are quite a distance from me, right? That would take a day in itself probably.
Thanks for everyone's help so far. I'm still going through all the suggestions, and seeing what I can manage. I've heard the subway is an experience, Ross, but I'm not sure about that one yet. And ask a New Yorker for good places to eat. Times Square at night, yes, perfect. Thanks so much and keep the ideas coming.
Realistically, will I even get half this done?

[CoolPhrog]

How exciting Kiki! What a great gift!!

[cb977]

Hey Sue, what is "walking around the village?"

Greenwich Village (my sister's suggestion, and is that what village you mean?)

Yup, that's the one

What you need to remember is that everyplace in NYC is easily accessible by jumping on the subway...print this out (or see if you can get one mailed to you):

MTA NYC Transit - Subway Service Information

My suggestion would be to make a list of what you'd really like to do, see if there are web sites for them so you can check locations and map out your plans. If you plan it out, each location could be as easy as one or two stops on the train :

[Ross]

Originally Posted by kiki-do

I've seen the ads for the "circle line boat tour" and was wondering if it is a good choice.

That's the one we took and it is a great value. My grandson still talks about it - a couple years later.

[Ross]

I still stand by my first choice - the open-air bus tour. Great way to see the city in a couple hours and never leave your seat! All the suggestions have been great, (especially the pizza one), but as a tourist myself (not already accustomed to the sites and sounds) I was most impressed by standing in Times Square (where the "ball goes down New Year's eve") and seeing the TV studios up on the sides of the buildings, and then touring through the streets without worrying about traffic. We were there in August when it was hot. But while the bus was driving, it wasn't bad. The boat ride was the peak, though. I just threw the subway thingy in, 'cause I doubt anyone from Maine has ever ever experienced anything like this. Just a trip down the stairs and then back up will give you all the experience you need! It's another world! I know there are a couple members here either already living there, or from there, but I offer a tourist's viewpoint.

[lepanthes89]

Oh by the way; When visiting the MET(tropolitan Museum of Art),there is a suggested entrance fee.This is only a suggestion, you can pay what you wish.I go there often so $1 is my contribution.
Trust me when I tell you that they get quite a lot from the exhorbitant taxes we are forced to pay as New Yorkers.