NYC - can't wait to go back!

Thank you so much for all the advise from TA writers!

Our family went to Manhattan Aug. 22-26 and just had a fabulous time. After so much research on what to do and how to get there, it was great finally being in the city. Since we%26#39;re from Orange County, CA (';the O.C.';), I was a little worried about getting around. Turned out to be a waste of my worry - the subways and busses were great! And somewhat easy to navigate, once I got the hang of it.

Our first day was spent traveling, so when we finally arrived at the hotel (Sheraton NY Towers) around 5pm, we were a little beat. But we headed right out for Times Square and found John%26#39;s Pizza - great food. We went back to the hotel (great place to stay) after wandering around TS to call it a night.

Day 2 - We went down to the Circle Line cruise line for the 2 hours semi-circle tour. The guide was great, we learned about the city and how it was laid out. Took some great pic%26#39;s. After the cruise, we tried to find a place to eat, ran into some business men who steered us to a very small BBQ place (Daisy May%26#39;s, I think). The food was great! Messy but worth it. From there, we headed to the Intrepid. The boys (ages 15 and 12), thought it was pretty cool. Walked thru the submarine and Concorde, then onto the aircraft carrier. Lots to see - so much history. From there, we hopped on a subway to WTC memorial. Sad. Found a little bakery and had the best cannoli%26#39;s ever! Then wandered down to Battery Park, had a beer and watched the sunset. Beautiful place. Back to the hotel, then to dinner at a french restaurant across the street (53rd and 7th). The food was superb, but expensive. Thankfully, grandpa footed the bill! Walked around TS again, amazing energy and lights.

Day 3 - Took the subway uptown to the Guggenheim (not impressed and kids hated it - wished we had gone to MOMA instead), then walked thru Central Park over to the Natural History Museum. Much more kid friendly. Walked all over, feet tired. Caught a bus and subway to hotel, then out to the Yankees game that night. Too bad they lost. Even though we%26#39;re Angels fans, still rooted for the home team. The subway ride home was a little nerve wracking, just making sure we were heading the right way. But, people were very helpful with that too.

Day 4 - Went early to the Empire State Building - very impressive. Audio tour was great. We bought NY City Passes (6 attractions for $50 - worth it for the 1st timer). No lines at 9am. Walked around the area, finally ended up downtown, took a water taxi to Brooklyn. Ate at Grimaldi%26#39;s (best pizza ever) and the Ice Cream Factory (great too), then walked back across the Brooklyn bridge. My family thought I was crazy for wanting to do this, but they ended up enjoying it too. Took the subway back uptown to go to the U.N. building. Got there 15 minutes too late. Try again in the morning. We met up with some other families at Carmine%26#39;s on 44th St., and had a wonderful dinner. The food was so good (and so much). Their garlic bread was heaven. Walked around TS again, caught part of the Jimmy Kimmel show - neat. Finally went to bed, pooped.

Day 5 - Got up early and headed back to the U.N. This was something my 15 year old really wanted to do, so we went. The tour was extremely interesting, I was very glad we made time to go back. Once again, navigated the bus system (metro cards are the best), and back to the hotel to pack up and continue our trip on to Cooperstown, NY.

All in all, it was an awesome experience. The people were so nice (natives or not) and helpful. We can%26#39;t wait to go back and see all the things we missed. So much to do, so little time.

Thanks to everyone%26#39;s advise and suggestions!

NYC - can't wait to go back!

The forum is chock full of trip reports today, which I love to read. I am glad that you had a wonderful trip and that you found the people nice. I really hate when people encounter rudeness in my city, no reason for it. Sounds like there was something for everyone and that is worked out for you!

I very much enjoyed Cooperstown, hope you did, too.

NYC - can't wait to go back!

Sounds great! Glad to not need a car for a little while, right?

Curious about canoli, since I work around there and can%26#39;t think of where you would have found canoli. If you happened to remember (no pressure), let me know.

Thanks for nice report.

Good thing you had friends to share all that food with. I think you almost HAVE to walk back across the bridge after Grimaldi%26#39;s and ice cream. And, of course, the fabulous Carmine%26#39;s!

C%26#39;mon, admit it -- weren%26#39;t you secretly pleased that the Yanks lost?

need girl advice