“DON’T WORRY. I’M A NEW YORKER.”
When I was a very little girl, one of my favourite movies was “Crocodile Dundee.” While my fascination with that film still endures, it was also the beginning of a love affair that, to this day, has yet to be consumated. In it, the main character takes his first trip ever and finds himself in New York City. And as Mick Dundee landed in The Big Apple for the first time, I was instantly thrust into a stunning world of fast cars, big fashion, style, sophistication and distinctive people.
It was love at first sight.
Photo: Matthew Field on Flickr
To this day, I have yet to set foot in New York City. Growing up, travelling was never an option for my family, so I never was bit by the travel bug – even once I hit my 20s. On my own, it’s an entirely different story. If I’m going to do New York, I’m going to do it right.
For several months now, Rebecca and I have been tossing around the idea of a girls’ trip. She spent a weekend in NYC a few years back during her stint in Boston, but it was certainly not enough. Everyone that visits the City says there is never enough time, not enough hours in the day – it’s impossible to see it all. And in truth, I don’t plan on seeing it all. I know that would be an impossibility.
What I do plan on is experiencing the City. Tourist attractions and “traps,” as they may be, are designed to lure in those from far away and woo their money from their fannypacks. I’d much rather spend my days there with Becky wandering the streets, snapping photos, buying that which is unique rather than cliche and making a trip there all my own. The only real question is: where do we start? The island of Manhattan is roughly 13 miles long by 2.5 miles wide, but in that area, the possibilities are endless. I want to know the place that gave Sue Charlton her class and her edge.
Photo: James@mannequindisplay.com on Flickr
The tentative plan at this point is to head East sometime in May, 2009. So this is where you who have been to NYC come in: where do we stay, eat, shop, wander? I want to find the unique treasures and the places that will make the trip both memorable and exceptionally special.
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Let me just say that I have been to the Prada store in Soho…and it’s basically heaven on earth. I’ll fill you in on lots of other great treasures that you must check out while you’re there too! Oh, how I love New York.
Hard to believe that movie is over twenty years old…and I know you’ve wanted to visit NYC since then!
comfortable shoes
Greenwich is a must
Soho is overrated
Staten Island Ferry a must
avoid ground zero
walk Broadway
Times Square at night, once
oops … save the Park for your next visit and do it with the Guggenheim, MOMA and fifth ave – or, well, reverse the 2
Stay at the Waldorf….dance on the piano upstairs at FAO Schwartz (ala Tom Hanks in “Big”). Eat anywhere in little Italy. Museum of Natural History
i went to new york when i was 18 and fell in love with it. i was expecting it to be just like toronto but it was so different and i want to go back so much.
we stayed at a pretty cheap but nice hotel just a block from times square. i think it was called milford plaza hotel, and we had 4 people to a room and split the cost.
“Greenwich is a must” – absolutely true. In terms of places to stay, either book well ahead of time, or use Priceline at the very very last minute to get the best deal. Another great way to find a cheaper place to stay is check craiglist for people renting out their apartment while they’re out of town during the time you plan on spending there. I’ve done that a couple of times and it (usually) works out terrifically.
you HAVE to go to the MoMA
Central Park, without a doubt. It’s rather amazing. Go with Rockefeller (top of the rock) viewpoint as opposed to Empire State building if you have to choose one. Times Square is a tourist trap so stay away.
“That’s not a knife. THIS is a knife.”
totally necessary.
I effing love NYC! I’d live there if I could, and often ponder the possibility of moving there temporarily there one day for school, work, who knows?
Everyone is going to find their own special places but I recommend you go to a bookstore, and buy a couple of travel books on the city. That way, you can browse and daydream before you go.
The White Horse Tavern and Magnolia and the Marc Jacobs store across the street in the West Village.
Also, I loved Gay Street in the Village, it’s really cute.
C.O. Bigelow Apothecary (you will love it)
For pizza, John’s Pizzeria. Their Times Square location is in an old church.
Times Square, 260 W. 44th St., between 7th & 8th
Have a great time. You can take suggestions, but just explore on your own.
Also MoMA and Central Park. Have fun!
Central Park – allll over! From Strawberry Fields to Alice in Wonderland.
@entropy “Times Square at night, once” – I totally agree. It’s like Vegas where you can only stand it for so long although I think Keira will need to play chopsticks on the big piano at FAO.
Everyone here has made some great suggestions. I could recommend a few restaurants/bars/etc in Manhattan that are nice. Though, I think I’m going to take a different approach – go check out Brooklyn.
It’s a short subway ride (in one of two possible directions). You mention living in NYC – nobody “lives” in Manhattan. I would recommend visiting where people actually live. Check out Williamsburg for sure, should be up your alley. Park Slope is very nice as well. I personally prefer Prospect Park over Central Park any day. If “Manhattan” is touristy (which it is), “Brooklyn” has the truly unique treasures and places that will make your trip both memorable and special.
Teany is Moby’s Vegetarian Tea House. https://www.teany.com/cafe
I haven’t been there but I hear it’s scrumptious! Have an amazing time!!
re: “I was instantly thrust into a stunning world of fast cars, big fashion, style, sophistication and distinctive people.” It still has dirty alleys, rats, and corners and stairwells that smell like pee pee… just to prepare you
Walk the Brooklyn Promenade at dusk/evening. Amazing views.
If you want to go see the Statue of Liberty, there’s 2 ferries, one’s free and just goes around the statue (which is just fine) the other isn’t free and actually takes you to the Island.
You can spend hours strolling around Central Park. “The Mall” part of the park is beautiful.
And for kicks you can check out “Tom’s Restaurant” in memory of Seinfeld
Check out Chamber Street for the most unique small designer shops. Also on Chamber Street there are alot of things to do that are free like wine tasting and art tours. You might want to also check out Little Italy for some great Italian food.
I am always in the city, traveling from New Jersey either by train, ferry or just driving in.
If you want to see the statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, the best way to see that is taking a ride on the Circle Line boats that will take you around the statue and also take you around Manhattan and show you sites along the way like South Street Seaport and the Millitary ship the Intrepid.
Hope this helps in planning your trip. You will have a great time.
My friends and I were in the northeast doing some snowboarding when I was about 19. We had some rain on the mountains one day so we took off for the city to take up the day. It was absolutely the best part of the trip.
We went with one objective which was to go to Grays Papaya (72nd and Broadway) and grab a hot dog. There’s so much history and things to do and see there you really don’t need a plan. You’ll definitely get more out of it though if you plan it.
I’m sure catching any Broadway show would make the experience that much more incredible.
Chelsea, Central Park (that Duane’s a happenin’ dude) and C.O. Bigelow Apothecary for sure. Also, the Chelsea Savoy is such a great hotel. Simple, but plush and makes you really feel like New York is somewhere you’d be happy to wake up to every day for the rest of your life.
Keep up the good work.
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