The NYC

[housemouse]

Ok so this isn't really an announcement, but I couldn't figure out where else to put it. I need some advice from you East Coasters. I am wondering if it is worth my while to take the trip out to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Is it worth it to go out there? Or is it like the Hollywood sign, I just need to see it from afar and take pictures? Please give me your opinions. Thanks!

[maggiethecat]

housemouse said:

Ok so this isn't really an announcement, but I couldn't figure out where else to put it. I need some advice from you East Coasters. I am wondering if it is worth my while to take the trip out to see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Is it worth it to go out there? Or is it like the Hollywood sign, I just need to see it from afar and take pictures? Please give me your opinions. Thanks!

The Statue of Liberty really is almost better from afar -- but you can walk around Liberty Island and take pictures and buy a kazillion souvenirs at the gift shop. As far as I know, they're not letting anyone up in the crown for security reasons. By the way, the BEST souvenir -- and you can also get these at the souvenir stands in Battery Park (at the bottom of Manhattan where you get on the boats) is the green foam Lady Liberty crowns -- they are too funny and wonderful. A green sheet, a little green body paint, one of these crowns, and you've got a great Halloween costume.

Okay. The boats stop first at Liberty Island and then go onto Ellis Island. Ellis Island is amazing, truly (I think) a not to be missed experience. It has been restored so you can go through all the various exam rooms the way our ancestors did -- something like 40% of all Americans can trace back to someone who came through Ellis Island. And the view of lower Manhattan from Ellis Island, or the middle of the harbor on the boat, is really spectacular. If you're even the least bit of a history buff, don't miss Ellis Island.

A warning if it's a very hot day, because I actually got heat stroke (bleecchh) when I went at the end of August a few years ago and it can be hot in September, too. You have to stand in line in the open air to get your tickets -- drink plenty of liquids! Plus, New York Harbor can be choppy so sit downstairs in the MIDDLE of the boat if you're at all prone to seasickness -- least amount of "sway" and so the smoothest passage. Hope this doesn't warn you off, because it really can be a wonderful experience.

I don't know how long you're going to be in the City, so I'd use time as a deciding factor. The subway ride from midtown to Battery Park takes about 45 min, plus there's two half hour boat trips, the time to go through Ellis properly, waiting time to get on and off the boats (big ferry boats like the Staten Island ferries). So it will take the lion's share of an afternoon.

If you just want to see great panoramic views of lower Manhattan and Liberty and Ellis Islands, take the Staten Island ferry over and back -- a classic! Then you can use your time at the bottom of the Island to do the South Street Seaport, or just wander around and look at some of the beautiful old buildings if that's your thing, like the old Customs House which is now the Museum of the American Indian.

Do NOT, however, miss the chance to go to the top of the Empire State Building. That's the great thing about New York -- it treally is one giant movie set, and the touristy stuff is actually the most fun to do.

[verorl]

We went on top of the Empire State and it was truly a wonderful experience! THe sun was setting and the views were spectacular! Just be prepared for lines. We actually spent about an hour in line to get in.

[doobrah]

Why don't you just go down to the Port Authority and take the Staten Island Ferry over and back. It's cheap and you can see both places from the water. If you have limited time/$$, I would do that. It's a less touristy thing and more of a NYer thing to do.

[dott]

While we are on the subject of NYC. We will be there at the end of August before a cruise, any suggestions on midtown and chinatown eateries ?? The Ferry sounds like a must do. Any food recommendations at the South St.Seaport? Much thanks.

[doobrah]

It's been a long time since I was at SSS, but you're not too far from Chinatown or Little Italy (ralatively) and you can take the subway to all of the above. Go to Chinatown on Sunday morning for Dim Sum -- they bring a trolley around and you can choose from all kihds of things to eat. They stack the little dishes on your table and then count them up for your bill when you are done.

There's a NYC restaurant guide on the Web somewhere where people rate the restaurants. You can search by neighborhood. I forget where it is...

[carl1951]

News Update:

Thieves in the 109th Precinct in Queens are investigating the theft of whole doors off of vehicles. Mostly Toyota Camry and Highlander doors (your Odyssey is safe, with our Kia, Housemouse.) Of course, they're not in Queens either.

They are know as the "Whole of the Door Gang."

I found it humorous.

Later, Carl

[Deleted]

carl1951 said:

News Update:

Thieves in the 109th Precinct in Queens are investigating the theft of whole doors off of vehicles. Mostly Toyota Camry and Highlander doors (your Odyssey is safe, with our Kia, Housemouse.) Of course, they're not in Queens either.

They are know as the "Whole of the Door Gang."

I found it humorous.

Later, Carl

You guys aren't making fun of my neighborhood, are you?

[carl1951]

No way. Lucy's family was from Astoria, Queens
It's a true story about the doors.

Later, Carl

[mlm828]

A question for those who have already made the trip to NYC: where did you stay, and would you recommend it? I'm going to Philly for a wedding next month and am planning to spend a couple of days in NYC beforehand. I might even take in a play. . . .

Please feel free to send me a PM with any information you'd care to share. Thanks in advance.

[housemouse]

The first time I stayed at the Renaissance Times Square, the second time I stayed at The Paramount. The first hotel was nicer, but The Paramount was fine too. I did like staying in or near Times Square, there is so much going on there.

[mlm828]

As much as I enjoyed Doubt and meeting Ron Eldard, the real highlight of my NYC trip was seeing an old friend who lived upstairs from me on the Upper West Side. As we were walking along the river, we encountered a family of Canada geese. Wildlife in NYC -- who knew?

[housemouse]

So, did Father Flynn do it or not?

[mlm828]

housemouse said:

So, did Father Flynn do it or not?

My thoughts on this issue are in the "Doubt -- Spoilers" thread.

On the subject of wildlife in NYC, I opened this morning's paper to find this article: www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20060529/news_1n29animals.html

[bjobsessed]

Wanted: Have you seen these people?

They left Carl and I stranded on Liberty Island. I was stuck on the very hot red pavemet too.