Need suggestions for weekend in NYC (Tacran)

That's one of the things about the City - it's a million things to a million people and still more to explore.

David and I just went up the end of August, and food is usually the last thing on *our* minds (altho we did find a place called "John's Pizza" that is in an old renovated church near Times Square that was really very good!!)

We went to take in a couple of shows -- saw "Mama Mia" on Friday night (what a GOOD time) and then Saturday nite we saw "Around the World in 80 Days" at the Irish Reperetory Theatre (that's a play we saw developed here in Orlando and we know the playwright).

But during the day on Saturday we went to the Cloisters (which is the Medieval part of the Metropolitan Museum that's like 200 blocks away) because we wanted to see the Unicorn Tapestries and then we spent just a couple of hours at the actual Metropolitan downtown (which is like sticking the tip of your little toe in the Pacific and saying you've been swimming in the ocean??).

 David's sister is living in Queens so she met us for brunch Sunday morning and then we flew home. 

We tend to do shows and museums (altho last time we went to the Central Park Zoo which was fun).  I'm not a big zoo fan, but it was something we'd both heard about so much that we wanted to do.

I think, tho, that I could spend an entire weekend at the Met Museum every year for the reast of my life and never see it all or even see all I wanted to see!!

Callie, you're so right about the Met!  When I lived in CT, I made many trips to the city to spend the afternoon at the museum - usually to see a special temporary exhibit - and I've never seen all of it!  Jeff is a huge nut about all things medieval, so one time we went there simply to see the armour collection, and that took up a good part of the visit!  I've never been to the Cloisters, so that might be someplace to check out on this trip - we'd both love it!

I know it sounds stupid to make food a focus, but honestly, I'm like a drug addict craving real Italian food out here.  As for bagels, my aunt used to overnight mail a couple dozen to me every few months and I'd put them in the freezer to savor one at a time!  She got them at one of my favorite Jewish delis where I used to live when I was single. 

We may look into a show/matinee - I'd love to see just about anything, but Jeff would enjoy only certain comedies, so we'll see what's available.  I've been to the Bronx zoo, and like you, I'm not a fan of zoos in general. 

What about checking out the ASPCA?  I'd like to see what it's like -- as a volunteer at our local humane society here, I like to see other shelters, even though that one is WAY out of our league in terms of budget, facilities, etc.  Still, it could be educational and fun!

I liked the bronx zoo the best out of our last NYC trip, but then again, it's a zoo.  Same with the other overly-touristy things, but we had fun at the statue of liberty, central park, etc.

I have a coworker, though, that was there this weekend and went to see the Lion King musical --for the second time -- and said it's worth every penny!  I'm not sure exactly where it was playing, but if you can still get tickets she said it was amazing.

Have fun on your trip!!

While you're there, if you like zoos, the Central park zoo is quite small and not too overwhelming. There you can see Sea Lions, Penguins, Polar Bears, and some other kinds of animals. The Bronx Zoo is amazing, but very very big.

Italian food... I guess that somebody's already got that covered, but if you like Italian AND seafood, I highly recommend Cucina di Pesce, its located on 4th st. and 2nd Ave, I believe.

For getting around the city, I suggest the website www.hopstop.com, its great for looking up subway/bus/walking directions if you're not familiar with the systems.

Of course there is always shopping.... the biggest Macys is in Times Square.

Speaking of Squares, I really love the feel of Union Square and the small park there, and there is a little bit of shopping around there. There is a great used bookstore, called The Strand.

I have *never* been to a show, but if you see one, definitely let me know how it was!!

I could go on...

alieliza

I could go on...

You mentioned Union Square -- someone told us about a restaurant there that serves foods from local markets and such, as well as a couple other great spots to eat in that area.  I think we'll check it out. 

I'd love to see a musical like "The Lion King," but I'm not sure my husband would sit through it.  I hadn't thought of a regular comedy club -- that's a great idea!

Our other friends who are coming in from CT on Saturday to meet us booked a scavenger hunt throught Watson Adventures.  They've done them before, and I guess they're a really fun, neat way of seeing particular neighborhoods, museums, etc., while looking for answers to puzzler questions.  The one we're doing involves famous spots in Greenwich Village.  Our friends did one in the Met that was a "Murder at the Met" theme with clues in all the artwork.  They said it was great!

I'll definitely check out the website you mentioned - I haven't heard of that one.  And I love used bookstores! 

I really appreciate everyone's input.  I feel like I never have anything dog-worthy to contribute here anymore, but you guys are always so kind about answering my non-dog questions!  Thanks!

We saw "Mama Mia" and it was marvelous -- I don't think you could grump thru that.  The cast aren't well knowns, but the music is not only incredible and incredibly good, it's just so incredibly infectious -- you get to the end and literally everyone is ON THEIR FEET for the last two songs just like you were at a concert!!  Seriously! 

We saw the movie and David was ho hum about that (altho he said "I'm not sure if I loved it or hated it!";) but the live show is absolutely incredible -- the theatre is wide so all the seats are really good.

People have preconceived notions about shows -- like you have to 'dress up' (not true) or that they're hard to follow (most aren't).  You can get pretty cheap tickets if you're willing to stand in Times Square in line, but I have to have a wheelchair seat anyway. 

If he's into all things Medieval, you *gotta* go to the Cloisters sometime -- that is what it IS!!  But it's way out there -- like 190th street or something.

I think we all miss certain foods from "other times".  In the south you can't get Cherry Crush.  (you can get strawberry -- bleeeechhhh, but not cherry).  Bagels?  You're right -- you can't get a good bagle down here for nothing! 

When we went up, MY thing was pizza.  I wanted **REAL** pizza.  (and no Dominos and Pizza Hut ain't gotta clue!!).  So that's how we wound up at John's. 

It's not crazy to theme your trip around something like food -- we do that all the time.  Whatever works for you guys and helps you have FUN!!!!

Do you like Latin food? Try Calle Ocho (http://www.calleochonyc.com/) on the upper west side, or La Palapa (http://www.lapalapa.com/) or Cafe Habana (http://www.ecoeatery.com/).

As far as pizza goes I recently ate at a place called Pala (http://www.pala-ny.com/) on the Lower East Side and their brick oven pizza was really really delicous!! Yum.

Comedy Clubs: I have only ever been to the Laugh Lounge, and its funny, but usually pretty empty (though, the last time I went was a couple years ago) http://www.laughloungenyc.com/

I hope you enjoy your weekend and if I come up with anything else I will certainly let you know.

If there is any other kind of food you're dying for, let me know, and I will recommend. The best thing about New York is the availability of just about everything!!!

Oh, and if there is any slight chance you'll make it to Brooklyn, let me know! I can recommend here too!!! Though, there is so much to see in New York that in just a weekend long trip you'll never make it here. :)

Alieliza, as a matter of fact, we may get to Brooklyn because our friend who lives in SoHo works in Brooklyn (he's a carpenter and his workshop space is there).  We haven't seen his new shop, and I know my husband will want to see it, so there's a good chance we'll go.  In fact, I heard about a place called Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory -- do you know it?  Besides chocolate, ice cream is my favorite dessert, so I might want to find that place!

Callie, I saw "Mamma Mia" on stage when it went through CT about 5 years ago, I think.  My mother and I went with two of her friends.  I love ABBA music, and you're right, everyone was dancing by the end of the show.  We had a great time -- the show itself was a blast, and the row of men sitting in front of us was almost as entertaining with their singing and dancing, too!    And pizza is not pizza if it comes from Domino's or Pizza Hut! 

I think the trip to the Cloisters sounds worth it.  I'm going to research that.  I like having a few ideas to do some planning ahead, but I'll try to stay flexible so we can enjoy whatever comes our way -- we only have 3 days, so we can't be too over-zealous about doing too much.  It's going to be great, no matter what -- I miss being close to NYC.  Portland pales in comparison (although many people would argue with me on that point!).