the Chinatown Express
by richiecdisc
So much to see, so much to do but let's get talking: SO much to eat. You name it they got it and they got it good. Okay, this is where I went a bit overboard with my obsession with food. My wife could understand my wanting to find the best pizza, the best bagel, and even the best deli in NYC but the best Chinese food? And not even IN The City but in perhaps North America, possibly outside China. Well, maybe that's taking it a bit far but as strange as this sounds, this entire trip to New York City had its inception in an article in our local Sunday paper about how you could find more types of Chinese cuisine in a small neighborhood in Flushing, NY than anywhere outside of China. It sounded not only incredibly good but such an adventure that not only I but my wife was dying to go there. Of course, once we got to New York City and only had two days there, she started to ease up a bit on “having to go.” It was out-of-the-way, it was going to be time-consuming and we most certainly could not go during the day and waste valuable site-seeing time. No, we'd have to go at night and maybe miss out on some of the foodie treasures and we'd have to brave NYC winter temperatures in doing it.
Taking the train sounded daunting and would take too much time so we opted on going on one of the Chinatown Shuttles we had read about. Sure, they sounded possibly a bit hair raising in NYC traffic with a crazed Chinese driver but it was quicker and much cheaper. As it turned out, it was easier to do than it sounded. You just had to wander around NYC's Chinatown looking for small white vans heralding many destinations. As it turns out, this mostly for Chinese American shuttle network shuffles people from one US Chinatown to another rather efficiently and largely unbeknownst to the population at large. And we are not talking taking a slow boat to China either, baby. No, they move you about as quickly as is legally and even illegally possible. (continued below in Fondest Memory)
Skating at Rockafeller Plaza
by keeper7
If you want to add a romantic touch, what a great way than to take a skate around the ice ring at Rockafeller Plaza. Also you can eat in the concourse area next to the ring. They provide the skates and they have instructors that can teach you & help you while you skate.
Visit the Finger Lakes. They...
by tanguera
Visit the Finger Lakes. They are deep, clear, blue lakes set in long, steep narrow valleys. Good for swimming and boating. Summer cottages are available for renting on all of the lakes as far as I know. Farmers grow grapes on the hillsides and there are many small wineries that offer tasting and tours.
If you like hiking the Finger Lakes Trail winds all over the area. It's good for day hikes and there are lodges and campgrounds if you're interesting in a longer trip. Swimming in cold, clear Keuka Lake in the summer and views of the lake driving from home to town. I miss the quiet and darkness of the countryside around my house. The constellations of stars above and the constellations of porchlights on the opposite hills at night. Walking with my brothers through the woods and along the Finger Lakes Trail.
Greenwich - Washington...
by Chris_Dahlia
Greenwich - Washington Square
The Washington Square neighborhood surrounds Washington Square Park and spreads down toward Houston Street. This section is the heart of Greenwich Village, known for its cafés, nightlife and diverse community. Take time to view the elegant townhouses that overlook the park. Browse through the boutiques and jewelry shops along the narrow treelined streets. Stop in a chess shop on MacDougal or watch a game in the park, where there is always some form of entertainment. There is an eclectic mix of restaurants and music spots to relax and enjoy.
Big Onion walking tours
by Dabs
I saw Big Onion recommended by someone on Fodors, the walks are $12, last about 2 hours long and the guides all hold history degrees.
The only one I had time for was on Saturday, a tour of Gramercy Park and Union Square. It wouldn't have been my first choice of an area to explore but it was interesting and the guide was very knowledgable about the subject matter.
There's also a book for sale (you can buy on Amazon) if you want to self tour, The Big Onion Guide to New York City-Ten Historic Tours.
Some other walking tours that I've seen recommended but didn't have time for:
Municipal Art Society of New York
Foods of New York tours
Free walking tour of Lower East side
NYC Visit searchable calendar
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Waiting for our drinks at the Champagne Bar
more views
to the trump tower
corned bef hash
