Reccomended sights in NYC

[SweetT]

I"m planning a trip to NYC in march and I would like some suggestions of interesting places to visit that may be off the radar of the average tourist. Of course I am planning on going to broadway shows, Statue of Liberty, Empire state building, etc.

I am most interested places that you've heard of or been to that seemed to be unique, fun, and not a toursit trap.

Thanks!

[dlearl476]

I like hanging in Central Park, MoMA, and Madison/Park Aves. And of course, motorcycle shops.

[Scootertrash]

Cruise the subways, check out ground zero, eat in china-town...

[snoone]

I suggest key on the neighborhoods of Chelsea, Soho, The Village, Little Italy, Chinatown for some interesting walking and culinary adventures.

[Belquar]

are few and far between in NY. Look for the golden arches for potty breaks. If they bust your chops for using them without purchasing something, buy a burger and give it to a homeless person. Plenty of them to go around. Watch out for the numerous street hustlers. Eat lunch early or late...figure the entire city will eat during typical business lunch hours. Learn all you can about the subway before you go so you don't have to waste money on cabs. If you have kids or are a grown up kid check out the Liberty Science Center. Cool stuff. Also....while march might be a bit chilly, there is a clothing optional beach across the way in Sandy Hook.

[RandallIsland]

I suggest key on the neighborhoods of Chelsea, Soho, The Village, Little Italy, Chinatown for some interesting walking and culinary adventures.

Gastronomically you should consider the nose first, especially walking around. It sounds simple and pedestrian, but it rarely fails me. My culinary cohorts swear by it also.
Another wise move is to stop by a newsstand and look at the current issue of Gourmet or the New Yorker. Those two publications have well written reviews that keep your taste buds thrilled and the money in your pocket.
I worked restaurants in NYC and one of the best meters for you can go by, believe it or not, is a combination of the smell of the joint and the cleanliness of the restrooms: the theory of which, is if they take the time in the loo, where no-one wants to clean, then the kitchen should be spotless. Find both, and you a good to go. Most menus are posted outside, so you can see what's there. These are my hangouts, but in NYC you should have a ball regardless so give us the scoop when you get back.
Royal Canadian Pancake House IS breakfast.
Carmine's Deli is an institution.
Gotham need reservations if there are 4 of you.
Carmine's is excellent both in Harlem and down in theatre.

Other than food: On a nice day, just walk the Brooklyn Bridge. It's a nexus of NY, and a great way to walk off a huge meal. Morning, day or night.
Cheers!

[BubbaZanetti]

Other than food: On a nice day, just walk the Brooklyn Bridge. It's a nexus of NY, and a great way to walk off a huge meal. Morning, day or night.
Cheers!

or the williamsburg bridge, the williamsburg neghiborhood of brooklyn is very fun and nice, lots of shops and resteraunts, and you'll feel a little less like a tourist

[kbasa]

What do you like to do?

[RTRandy]

This is not a first choice or even a recomendation, but if you happen to be around 57th Street and Fifth Avenue and walk south, there's probably the biggest concentration of major high end retailers from around the world. I'm not a shopper, but the stuff in the windows along with the rich shoppers can be pretty amazing if you're out walking. If you contunue south to around 49th street and look west about a block, you'll see Rockefeller plaza built in the late 20's and is now owned by GE, hence the big initials on the top.

Anyhow, if you get down there early enough in the morning, you can see Katy and Matt doing the Today Show at the NBC studios. You can actually look in the windows and see them doing the show. Please don't stand in the window and wave your arms. :clap :clap That's so tacky!

Breakfast recommendation: Brooklyn Diner at the SW corner of 57th and 7th Avenue. I sent a friend there and he said the french toast was so big that he felt like he was eating a matress. It's actually owned by a top restaurant group and the food is really good.

[BradfordBenn]

I like going down to NYU area and walking around. Also the Hayden Planeterium is cool. The Ground Zero site is moving. Central Park is also a cool place to walk around as is Rockefeller Center.

[tessler]

Alright already. I'm here... I've been lurking around in my typical fashion and with the exception of the surreal "How Old is Your BMW Turntable?" ;) topic finally found a thread that speaks to me in my own language!

I've lived here all my life and currently reside near Lincoln Center. I'm not yet in the Anon Book so send me a PM if there's anything I can help you with. I'd be more than happy.

In a Nutshell, here's what I think you should see and what I think you should avoid:

DO:
Central Park and the Museums:
I'll concur with some of my clubmates, Central Park is a fantastic place to visit and stroll through. I live next to it and I'm biased, but there isn't a more fascinating place in any major city.
There are 2 major museums poised on opposite sides of it in the upper 70s; The Met and the American Museum of Natural History. And several smaller-but no less important museums fringing the park as well; The NY Historical Society, The Museum of the City of NY, The Frick Museum (my personal fave) and the Whitney. Go. Get cultured. It's here. :)

The Statue:
She sits out there in the harbor and if you've never been, you should go. If you find the lines too daunting and long, then a round-trip on the Staten Island Ferry for the price of a Subway ride, is a good way to see the upper harbor and peep the lady.

The Brooklyn Bridge:
All the major subway lines go down the the City Hall/BB area. Take a stroll across the bridge and back for a great view of the East River and skyline.

The Village:
Snoone's got it right: All of those nabes are rife (or Ripe--especially in August ;)) with history and food. But the Village and the neighborhoods directly north (Chelsea) and south (Soho, Noho, Little Italy and the Lower East Side) are in my humble opinion totally New York. Plus the shopping here is totally real.

Cathedral of St. John The Divine:
On 111th Street and Amsterdam Ave. An architectural gem and one of the largest Cathedrals in N. America. Columbia University's beautiful campus is just a short walk north of there.

Times Square:
This should be in both the Do and Don't category. It was 1000 times more interesting with the porno, pimps and street-fights (ah, memories of the 70s of my childhood!). Now it looks like every mall in the US. If you're looking for an Olive Garden or Toys R Us, this is where the only specimens in the city reside. Strictly for rubes as Bugs Bunny used to say, but hey, if you've never seen it, give it a go. Ogle the lights and marvel at the MTV store.

Broadway:
See a show! Or better still, see an Off-Broadway show (a little cheaper)! And check out this site for discounts: http://www.broadwaybox.com/

Food:
I was a professional Chef for 12 years. I went to the Culinary Institute of America. I've only worked in restaurants in Manhattan. Restaurants are subjective. Every person, native, resident or visitor has their own take on what pleases their taste-buds, so, I'll start by saying get over to zagat.com, join up and start researching. Secondly, neighborhoods tend to have cuisines or styles of places that are unique to them. In Chinatown, you'll find not only a plethora of tasty Chinese restaurants, but Thai and Vietnamese (my favorite place is Pho Viet Huong on Mulberry St.). Chelsea has lots of Spanish and good cafes. The Village is great, but differs from the East to the West. On the lower east side, check out Katz's Deli for delicious Pastrami and a very OLD vibe (not the Carnegie Tourist-trap Deli up near Carnegie Hall). I live on the Upper West Side, but favor joints in Hell's Kitchen, along 9th Avenue, south of 57th down to the Port Authority on 41st. And finally, PM me if I can help you with specifics.

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DON'T:
Ground Zero:
I was here on Sept. 11, 2001, 4 miles north of the WTC and I don't want to get into the whole story about what I did that day. It was enough that I expected the entire city to go up in toxic flames, and trying to comfort my wife and aged mother-in-law. I worked a shift with an organization and was actually down at the site on Sept 14. and that was enough for me. Yes, I've taken visiting family back there in the past 4 years, but I personally don't like the tourist-genuflection-industry that's grown up around the site. If you want to go, go, but I don't see the point.

Outer Boroughs:
If you're here for a short time then try to just stick to Manhattan. I was born in the Bronx and raised in Brooklyn and there are most definitely gems to see and incredible places to eat in all 5 boroughs.
With the exception of walking across the Brooklyn Bridge and/or taking the Staten Island Ferry, save the outer four boroughs for a future visit. And don't come to New York and go to New Jersey, for crying out loud.

ETC:
I left out shopping and stuff like that because, well, ANYTHING can be had here and unfortunately so can people too. If you're looking for a camera or electronics gadget, I can recommend several reputable walk-in shops, but PLEASE don't go into ANY of those Times Square area stores that have the several-hundred models of digital cameras in their windows and lots of flashing lights, etc. You'll be ripped off faster than you can say Credit Card.

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The Subways are a great way to get to and fro and the price is right. The buses, while many times, slow and crowded are also a very good way to actually SEE how each neighborhood fades from one to the other. If you're a walker, this is the place to practice your art. Taxis are good, at night, especially if you've had a few cocktails and don't want to risk getting lost on the transit system. Try to avoid strolling around with your subway map opened, but ask a New Yorker for directions and ANYONE will be more than happy to help. Again, PM me if you'd like.

Enjoy and have a great time!

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[BubbaZanetti]

Anyhow, if you get down there early enough in the morning, you can see Katy and Matt doing the Today Show at the NBC studios. You can actually look in the windows and see them doing the show. Please don't stand in the window and wave your arms. :clap :clap That's so tacky!



isn't just being there kinda tacky
:laugh

[Belquar]

Outer Boroughs:
If you're here for a short time then try to just stick to Manhattan. I was born in the Bronx and raised in Brooklyn and there are most definitely gems to see and incredible places to eat in all 5 boroughs.
With the exception of walking across the Brooklyn Bridge and/or taking the Staten Island Ferry, save the outer four boroughs for a future visit. And don't come to New York and go to New Jersey, for crying out loud..

What's wrong with Jersey??? Don't you born and bred New Yorkers run to Jersey come summer? :stick Don't several of your "NY" sports teams play in Jersey? :stick

Seriously though....if you are going to NY go to NY. Don't bother with Jersey. Unless you come to South Jersey where we have our own public use for a nominal fee racetrack. a.k.a. the garden state cash cow or the Garden State Parkway. South of exit 127 the parkway is unenforced unless you are going faster than 80mph or waving a gun or something. You don't even have to pay the tolls....nothing happens if you don't. However frequent disregard for the tolls would eventually lead to rougher than usual roads due to "budget cuts"

Have fun on vacation...

Jonathan... :stick :bliss

[RTRandy]

ETC:
PLEASE don't go into ANY of those Times Square area stores that have the several-hundred models of digital cameras in their windows and lots of flashing lights, etc. You'll be ripped off faster than you can say Credit Card.

You buy a camera in one of those stores and you'll walk out of there with a six inch diameter A*# hole.

Speaking of Cameras and electronics, it's almost worth the trip to experience B&H Photo on 39th and Ninth Ave. It's an incredible camera and electronics store plus it'll be so crowed, you'll think they're giving the stuff away.

[snoone]

you're right B & H is an experience.. We have a Digital art and photo studio right down the block and we buy all our pro stuff there as well.

Take note however that the store is located between 33rd and 34th streets on 9th ave

[BradfordBenn]

If you go to Canal Hi Fi, tell them I sent you. They will take good care of you. really.

[tessler]

You buy a camera in one of those stores and you'll walk out of there with a six inch diameter A*# hole.
Speaking of Cameras and electronics, it's almost worth the trip to experience B&H Photo on 39th and Ninth Ave. It's an incredible camera and electronics store plus it'll be so crowed, you'll think they're giving the stuff away.

Yes, indeed! You guys are both correct (and Snoone's got the address right, too).


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[tessler]

What's wrong with Jersey??? Don't you born and bred New Yorkers run to Jersey come summer? :stick Don't several of your "NY" sports teams play in Jersey? :stick
Sports teams? What teams? Hmmmm... ;)
Seriously though....if you are going to NY go to NY. Don't bother with Jersey. Unless you come to South Jersey where we have our own public use for a nominal fee racetrack. a.k.a. the garden state cash cow or the Garden State Parkway. South of exit 127 the parkway is unenforced unless you are going faster than 80mph or waving a gun or something. You don't even have to pay the tolls....nothing happens if you don't. However frequent disregard for the tolls would eventually lead to rougher than usual roads due to "budget cuts" Jersey's got an awesome shore (we do the LI beaches, tho, a little closer) and great roads up in the NE corner (High Point and the Water Gap area) and down near the Barrens. Come Spring, I'll be there for sure!

[JCBR1150R]

I went to Times Square to the WWE Raw Studio there and the ESPNZone. It was okay I guess. Saw the Mets play the Orioles (I think) but that may be a little too far off the beaten path. If you like high stakes pool, go to the Amsterdam Billards Club. I didn't go to 9-11 ground zero b/c is was only 2002 and I thought I would get nauseated but I hear there is a cool memorial there.

[enjine]

i know a lot of great bars and pricey restaurants if yr in to that stuff.
i wonder how many bmw riders there are on this board from the city. we could plan a big meetup over beers :) !

[RandallIsland]

i know a lot of great bars and pricey restaurants if yr in to that stuff.
i wonder how many bmw riders there are on this board from the city. we could plan a big meetup over beers :) !

I don't need an excuse for a mini NYC rally. Millbrook to JFK took 1 hr and 20 minutes last month. Name the joint friend, I'll buy you a cup!
Cheers!

[tessler]

I don't need an excuse for a mini NYC rally. Millbrook to JFK took 1 hr and 20 minutes last month. Name the joint friend, I'll buy you a cup!Cheers!
A Cup of Beer? I'm down, pardner! (But I reserve the right to drink mine outta a pint glass!)

And hey that's not a bad idea Enjine: If you all are interested in meeting up for beers with visiting members, throw a PM shout.

[BubbaZanetti]

i know a lot of great bars and pricey restaurants if yr in to that stuff.
i wonder how many bmw riders there are on this board from the city. we could plan a big meetup over beers :) !

i'm in nyc regularly (at least 4 or 5 times a year) and usually just hang out in brooklyn/LES, but i'd really be up from bring the bike down and meeting some of you guys for a drink or two (if i can find a safe place to hide the bike)

[enjine]

Cool, why don't we get together when some out-of-towners are in to show them (and ourselves) a good time. my bike is up at the dealership for winter storage so unfortunately i won't be able to do any riding til April :(

i've been goign crazy without it lately... dreams that i'd sold it for a thousand bucks to someone who doesn't even ride (ok, nightmare!) and stuff like that. these next few months are going to be rough, let me tell you.

[tessler]

Cool, why don't we get together when some out-of-towners are in to show them (and ourselves) a good time. my bike is up at the dealership for winter storage so unfortunately i won't be able to do any riding til April :(
i've been goign crazy without it lately... dreams that i'd sold it for a thousand bucks to someone who doesn't even ride (ok, nightmare!) and stuff like that. these next few months are going to be rough, let me tell you.

Dude, I feel for you. A combination of very little time and the onset of a gnarly NYC winter had me doing the same. If my own nightmares keep up, I'll be going up to 57th and 11th in my sleep and banging on their doors! ;)

[tessler]

i'm in nyc regularly (at least 4 or 5 times a year) and usually just hang out in brooklyn/LES, but i'd really be up from bring the bike down and meeting some of you guys for a drink or two (if i can find a safe place to hide the bike)
Excellent! As I mentioned in a prior post, the Upper West Side has fairly quiet street parking for lots of bikes. Let us all know when you're comin' down!

[RandallIsland]

Excellent! As I mentioned in a prior post, the Upper West Side has fairly quiet street parking for lots of bikes. Let us all know when you're comin' down!

Absolutely, please do!
I'd be more than happy to meet up with ... well, anyone who rides. I just got the K down the mudslide driveway simply because it was frozen solid and no longer covered in a sheet of ice. If this weather holds, I could be in NYC tommorrow or next weekend. Either way, I may just ride down for Ss & Giggles regardless.
I was there on Tuesday last week and was more than just a little envious as some biker broke 6000 rpm between cabs. Not that I endorse that ... but ...

Randall
back on my wheels again

[RandallIsland]

a drink or two

Not enough. Why just dip a toe?
Cheers!

[BubbaZanetti]

Not enough. Why just dip a toe?
Cheers!


well, as long as the bike's secured for the evening than i'll do more than just dip a toe, you're talking to someone who "accidentally" fell into the east river once, yuk..............

[RandallIsland]

well, as long as the bike's secured for the evening than i'll do more than just dip a toe, you're talking to someone who "accidentally" fell into the east river once, yuk..............

Did you really?!? That sounds like something I would have done. I wonder what the story there was.
I remember waking up somewhere on the Upper East side and not being able to find either my wallet or ride. So at 23, with no money, and too damn proud to ask for help, I staggered around Manhattan for a few hours looking, before ending up walking all the way home to Park Slope because I didn't have enough change, even for subway fare. Again, too pround to ask for help.

I got home, and my buddy had left a message on my machine telling me that the bike was safe at his place. And NYC pulled through, too. A woman came by the restaurant where I was working with my wallet. She even insisted on handing it to me personally, rather than giving it to the GM. She had found it on the sidewalk where I had left the bike and tracked me down by using an old pay-stub.

I miss that bike. I have no idea how I even came to own that one. NYC years are all a haze to me.
Speaking of which, what's the best way to digitalize old photo's?
Cheers!

[tessler]

I miss that bike. I have no idea how I even came to own that one. NYC years are all a haze to me.Speaking of which, what's the best way to digitalize old photo's? Cheers!
Scan them into a digital file format (JPG or TIFF) on a desktop scanner. If you don't have access to a scanner -- via a friend or relative -- then try a print or copy shop like Kinko's (I think Staples might even do scanning these days, but not sure).

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[Friedle]

There is a MOA chartered club in NYC, the CitiBeemers, listed in your Anonymous book along with a huge number of member listings with the code "kk" to consider as a source of information.

BMW of Manhattan is on 57th Street and 11th Ave.

There is a weekly Tuesday night "biker gathering" at the Ear, a bar downtown whose address I can't remember, but one of the above sources will steer you there if all those other touristy and cultural attractions leave you jonesing for a bike fix while in the Big Apple.

Careful where you step, watch what you eat, sleep with a light and you've got it beat.

Friedle

[jshuck]

I always liked the Immigrant Museum.. each floor is a different era... very cool and close to China Town. Also go to McSorley's.. a very old bar. Harry Houdini's handcuffs are stil attached to the bad rail.. Go early.. mid afternoon.. The Metropolitian is very cool as is the Guggeheim.. Frank Lloyd Wright.. Be sure to go to Grand Central about 6pm... check out the ceiling...

[tessler]

There is a MOA chartered club in NYC, the CitiBeemers, listed in your Anonymous book along with a huge number of member listings with the code "kk" to consider as a source of information.

BMW of Manhattan is on 57th Street and 11th Ave.

There is a weekly Tuesday night "biker gathering" at the Ear, a bar downtown whose address I can't remember, but one of the above sources will steer you there if all those other touristy and cultural attractions leave you jonesing for a bike fix while in the Big Apple.

Careful where you step, watch what you eat, sleep with a light and you've got it beat.

Friedle

Thanks Mike. I've been aware of the CitiBeemers since before joining BMWMOA. Their website may be found at the following URL: http://www.citibeemers.com Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be regularly updated info on the site and for the past year or so their members only section has been "coming soon". If any CB members are out there and can chime in on status etc. of the club and website, please do!

I understand a regular Sunday Morning ride commences at the State Line overlook on the Palisades (I'll probably hop over for one this year).

As for the Tuesday nights at the Ear Inn (also known as The James Brown House (http://www.forgotten-ny.com/STREET%20SCENES/bars/oldbars.html), a landmarked property at 326 Spring Street, between Greenwich and Washington) — Riders have been hanging there for a few decades, though it really exploded in the mid-90s.

For more info: http://www.magpie.com/nycmoto/hang.html

And finally, BMW of Manhattan is my best friend :)


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[RandallIsland]

Scan them into a digital file format (JPG or TIFF) on a desktop scanner. .

Thanks, friend.

I got a new digital camera for a Christmas present, but never played with the software end of pic editing. I'm getting up to speed, I think.

This shot was taken when I was 15, about a month after I bought the bike: the CB350 currently comforting me in my kitchen.
The shot is not the bike for me though. What the shot is ... was a very real expression of how I felt ... there was ice in the river on that day.

Thanks again.
Like so much of life, if you keep it simple it actually is. :bikes

[SweetT]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys! I've also checked out some guide books form the library to help me narrow down some things I'd like to do while I'm there. I'll be arriving on Mar 15th and leaving the following wednesday (the 22nd) If possible I think it would be fun to meet up for a beer while I'm there. Its always nice to meet other riders!

the purpose of my trip is to perform at Carniege Hall with a group I sing with, so a good chunk of my time will be taken up with rehearsals. But I'm arriving a few days early so I will have time to eat some great food, visit some museums, and see some shows. I appreciate all the advice as far as food is concerned, and I already have tickets to Avenue Q, and will probably try to get rush tickets for Wicked as well.

I am staying in Midtown near times square and I realized the other day that I will be there during the St. Patricks Day parade. I think I would like to see the spectacle of the parade, but I dont want to be stuck in a crowded mob either. How early do I need to arrive before the parade starts in order to have a good vantage point? Does the parade make it difficult to still get around the city?

[tessler]

Hey Tarren!
Glad to have provided some info! Give us all a ping once you're in the City!

As for St. Patrick's Day parade, moving around isn't that big all deal unless you're trying to navigate East-West between 44th and 86th Streets. The best place to observe the Parade would be along 5th Avenue around 72nd Street.
Be prepared for big crowds though!

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