New York, New York

[FantasyIsland]

The crown of the Statue was re-opened on July 4th - big to-do there. You need to book in advance, as early as you can - online - at Statuecruises.com. The boat leaves from Battery Park (near the Staten Island ferry) at the southern tip of Manhattan. While you're over in Battery Park, stop in at Castle Clinton. For info go to: Statuetours.com
NOTE: as of now, crown access is booked through November 12. What that means is that you can still go to Ellis Island, and go up to the pedestal of the statue - as well as the museum both at the Statue and at Ellis Island. The trip is still worth it. (My DH works for the NPS and I asked him to check.)

For a great view of the Statue, and of New York Harbor, take a ride on the Staten Island ferry - it's free, too! Ferries run every half hour during the middle of the day, and much more often during rush hours (7-9 am; 4-7pm).

Broadway Shows: Wednesday afternoon is the least expensive, go to tkts kiosk.

MustSeeNewYork.com - list of the museums - and broadway show info, tours, etc.

Near the Broadway theaters is a restaurant - 50's and 60's themed - your mother is my age and will love it - dishes are named after that era celebrities - there's an Elvis pb _& banana sandwich. The wait staff is dressed in saddle shoes and poodle skirts, they dance and sing - and it's a really nice show with the meal.

Get yourself a metro card - daily or week - info online at MTA.info (Metro card is good for subway AND bus - but you don't need it on the ferry!)

Online or at a subway station, get a subway map and a NY City bus map.

Have fun! But make sure you have good sneakers. NYC is a walking city - unless you're going to be taking cabs everywhere, which I suggest you do at night.

[hcwhcw]

Originally Posted by FantasyIsland Near the Broadway theaters is a restaurant - 50's and 60's themed - your mother is my age and will love it - dishes are named after that era celebrities - there's an Elvis pb _& banana sandwich. The wait staff is dressed in saddle shoes and poodle skirts, they dance and sing - and it's a really nice show with the meal.

I think FantasyIsland is talking about Ellen's Stardust Diner at Broadway and W. 51st St.

Here is a link to their menu, which does include "The Elvis $7.95
Triple-decker peanut butter and jelly ADD sliced bananas ADD $1.00."

[FantasyIsland]

Originally Posted by hcwhcw I think FantasyIsland is talking about Ellen's Stardust Diner at Broadway and W. 51st St. Here is a link to their menu, which does include "The Elvis $7.95 Triple-decker peanut butter and jelly ADD sliced bananas ADD $1.00."

That's the place! Don't go there if you just want a quick bite. Relax and enjoy it.

[Mystkl1]

Just came across this thread and hope this information is not too late.
I love NYC and have tried to go at least once a year since 2004.

There is an organization there called Big Apple Greeter (Welcome to Big Apple Greeter). Basically this organization matches locals with visitors free of charge. The local will spend about 2-4 hours with you showing you their nieghborhood or a part of the city that they are extremely familiar with. Also during the visit, they will show you how to use public transportation. While you can select the specific areas you might like to visit, your best bet is to mark "greeter's choice." This opens up more opportunities. Applying does not guarantee a greeter, but it is worth trying. You are not paired with any others, so it is just your greeter and your specific group. I tried on three previous trips and never got a greeter until this past July. Our greeter took us on a terrific walking tour of Central Park that was fabulous. We ended up spending about 5 hours with him and covered the entire park.

Goldstar requires that you register, but there are some pretty good savings on tours (http://www.goldstar.com).

For theater tickets, try Broadway Box (BroadwayBox.com: free Broadway shows Discount codes for broadway theater tickets). They have pretty good tickets for non-sold out shows and you can order the same day and pick your tickets up at will call. In addition to the TKTS booth that is in Times Square, there is also a booth down by the South Street Seaport that is usually less crowded if you happen to be in the area.
Also, for sold out shows (Jersey Boys is awesome) you can sometimes find tickets available through Ticketmaster.

The Staten Island ferry is free and provides a really nice viewing opportunity for lower Manhattan. That includes the Statue of Liberty, downtown skyline, Brooklyn Bridge, etc. No stops, just to Staten Island and back, but it is a nice ride.

For something a little bit different you might want to check out Accomplice (Accomplice | New York City & Hollywood | Game, Tour, Show & Scavenger Hunt in NYC, NY & Los Angeles , CA). There is a tour for downtown/Tribeca/Chinatown and one for Greenwich Village. I haven't done the Village one yet, but the downtown one was a blast. Very fun and funny.

If you like to research, check out the New York City forum on TripAdvisor.com. It is a wealth of information.

And last but not least, have a great time!

[FantasyIsland]

I just remembered, don't forget to go to the Empire State building - tickets can be purchased online. Empire State Building: Official Internet Site

[hcwhcw]

~

[jensmith9780]

Great tips! I am going to let my DH read this. Dh and DS are going to NYC in 2 weeks to visit my sister-in-law and brother-in-law who just moved there. My son cant wait to go to FAO Schwartz!

[FantasyIsland]

Originally Posted by jensmith9780 Great tips! I am going to let my DH read this. Dh and DS are going to NYC in 2 weeks to visit my sister-in-law and brother-in-law who just moved there. My son cant wait to go to FAO Schwartz!

If you let me know which borough they will be in, I can find out more info.

[jensmith9780]

Originally Posted by FantasyIsland If you let me know which borough they will be in, I can find out more info.

They will be staying with his sister who lives on W. 122nd st. Im not sure exactly what area that is.

[hcwhcw]

Originally Posted by jensmith9780 They will be staying with his sister who lives on W. 122nd st. Im not sure exactly what area that is.

Upper Manhattan. Almost West Harlem. I think it's the border of Central Harlem and West Harlem, or just south of it by a block. Also, to help place it for you, it's a bit northeast of Columbia University and 12 blocks up from the northern edge of Central Park.