I Heart NY

A very unique experience, typical Manhattan trendy restaurant. The big wooden bench-like tables are all together in one central area. The atmosphere is clean, minimalist, yet stylish. My favorite part of being there was the black and white portraits on the walls, people with noodles as accessories. It sounds bizarre, it was, but they were beautiful. The cuisine was inexpensive and tasty. Altogether a fun and memorable dining time.

A small bar/restaurant just off of the southeast corner of Times Square, the Manhattan Chili Company is a fun, not-expensive nightspot. The walls, menu and food is colorful and interesting. Big, tasty drinks and a wide dessert selection round out the experience.

Located a half-block off of the busy Union Square, Chat n Chew is a great spot to unwind with friends. No-nonsense kind of atmosphere is friendly and inviting. The food is old-fashioned, all-American fare. Full bar and dessert case are additional bonuses. The Coca-Cola cake is especially moist and rich.

Much bigger than I thought, Times Square was every bit as vivacious as I'd imagined. Definitely overwhelming at times. Every time I'm there, I wander to the TKTS booth, and think about buying theater tickets. Somehow I never have, despite vowing to do so each of the five times I've visited the city. There's a great 2-story McDonald's that is open late for those night-owls. The people-watching is fabulous. I spent hours wandering around those few blocks with a small group of friends, talking to food venders, club promoters, limo drivers, prom-goers. It was a crazy and fun time.

Bottom-line: a must-see!

*It's expensive, but with the City Pass (pay about $50 for an adult to get in to six attractions/activities around the city), it's not bad.

*The cost is worth it because it's an incredible view. Central Park is right there, and all of lower Manhattan is clearly visible. For those of us only visiting after 9/11, it's very strange to think what the towers looked like from there.

*If you've got the time, do the cheesy Skyride. It's fun.

*Be prepared to stand in line!!

With the City Pass, the regular entry price is far less.

**The Intrepid is a huge museum inside of a retired aircraft carrier. There are exhibits about wars and important battles, the space program, and others. Outside the museum are a Concorde and a submarine.

**It's a fascinating museum, but there's a lot to take in. Great for kids, lots of hands on activities and even rides. Stroll around for awhile!

**Not a 'necessary' stop on the NYC circuit, but if you've got time and especially if you buy a City Pass, you should definitely check it out.

I have had the fortune of taking several weekend trips to the Big Apple during the past year or so. However, all my trips were budget-oriented.

**Lodging--stay with friends! It makes for a cheaper, easier, and more fun trip experience.

**As for transportation, the subway system is extensive and easy to use, though crowded at rush hours. Walking is great too, in many neighborhoods of Manhattan it's the only way to go.

**Sightseeing in New York is as easy as any great European city. There is so much to see everywhere you go! I loved walking the back streets between Union Square and Washington Square Park. Times Square is a blast...I spent three hours cavorting with friends on the streets and in the restaurants. With energetic feet, you can wander for hours, window shopping expensive boutiques, grabbing fast food, or just people watching.