In a New York Minute -- ooh-ooh-ooh

Overview

The highlight of my trip, hands-down, was seeing The Lion King on Broadway. It was worth every penny of the ticket. It's beyond words -- one of those things you have to see for yourself.

Another highlight, only slightly less exciting, was dinner at 21 Club. It was like living the life of a movie star for two hours. The food was great. The service was great. I was just treated like the queen of the universe!

The other thing about New York that I loved was walking through Central Park. Seeing something new each time! Three days I went into the park, three days I saw a whole different piece of the park. The boat pond, the statues, the Great Lawn, etc.

Quick Tips:

In my hotel room, there was a book of local restaurants, services, etc., that came in useful in finding things near the hotel. Also in the lobby, there were brochures for all the shows and things to do in the city, which I used to know where to tell the cab driver where I was going -- so I didn't have to remember all the cross streets!

Best Way To Get Around:

The best way to get around depends on how fast you want to get there, and how in shape you are! You could literally walk most everywhere in the city -- of course, we could be talking a distance of 40 blocks here. In a specified area, I found that walking is faster and better. However, no way was I trekking from my hotel on 81st Street to 42nd Street -- for that, I honed my hailing skills for the NY cabs. (You've got to look for the lit number on top, no "off duty" lights, etc. It's more complicated than I thought. Then you just stick out your arm and even step out into the street!)

For central park, there are several options. You can walk leisurely, you can stroll, you can run, you can bike or you can be all touristy and take a horse-drawn carriage. I prefer the stroll -- with lots of stops.

Cheer
Flag

Excelsior Hotel

Hotel

I chose the four-star rated Excelsior hotel for its proximity to a conference I was attending, but once booked, I heard from everyone what a great place to stay it was. And they were absolutely correct!

The rooms were what I’d call New York European style. They were small, like European rooms, but had the style and sophistication expected of a New York hotel. The hotel, however, called it a French country motif. While small, you certainly didn’t feel cramped. There was a closet behind the entry door to hang "wrinkleables," The bathroom was a sufficient size and there was even room for a tv armoire, a desk and chair, and sitting area in the room – all this AND a bed. ;)

I had been granted a view of Central Park and the planetarium (the two choices were city view or park view.). Located on 81st street between Columbus and Central Park West, I was within walking distance to the New York Historical Society (where my conference was held), Central Park, Amsterdam St. (and it’s fine shops and diners), Columbus St. (and it’s shops) and more.

The staff was very helpful. The bellman took care of the luggage in a prompt and very courteous (not snooty) way and there was always someone there to flag down a cab (though I enjoyed this part of getting into the New York spirit, and liked to do it myself as much as possible.) The front desk tried as hard as they could to get me a room with two double beds (I had one queen bed, and a friend coming for the weekend to hang in NY with me) – even though the hotel was booked solid. At least they tried.

The lobby of the hotel was gorgeous, with two sitting areas on either side of a small staircase that was through the rotating door. There was also a tourist desk and a very small shop near the elevators.

My stay was pleasant – I managed to get plenty of sleep (despite the noise level outside) as the bed was comfortable and you could block out the morning light with the window treatments. It was clean, and I even got a complimentary copy of USA Today and The NY Times (if requested) to read as I got ready in the morning.

I was very impressed by this hotel. I would stay there again and recommend it to anyone. I rate it a 9 out of 10.

Cheer
Flag

by Carmen on May 10, 2004

Excelsior Hotel
45 WEST 81ST STREET New York, New York 10024
212-362-9200

Trump Tower Bar and Grill

Restaurant

With "You’re Fired!" T-shirts hanging everywhere and, of course, the opportunity to buy one (and the Donald’s book) everywhere, I was constantly reminded that I was in the central location for the taping of The Apprentice. Heck, that was half the fun of stopping here for lunch – maybe some of the big money would fall into my lap.

The Trump Bar and Grill was exactly what you’d expect from Mr. Trump. With a dimly-lit room and a view of the famous fountain, I felt as if Mr. Trump would walk by and wave any second. The wait staff might have been fired, if Mr. Trump had been there (they weren’t bad, they just weren’t right on top of things as he’d probably expect) but hey, I’m not Mr. Trump!

I ordered the D.T. Burger, and it certainly was a meal worthy of the Donald’s initials. The burger was HUGE (I could only finish half), the serving of fries was gargantuan and the fries themselves were hearty potato-filled fried delights. It was cooked just the way I liked it (well done, not burnt, please) and was juicy and delicious. Usually, I wouldn’t spend upwards of $15 for a burger, but a) it was Trump Tower, b) I was expensing it, and c) I was starved and didn’t want a street vendor hot dog.

I enjoyed my meal there, but as I couldn’t justify the pricing on a normal basis, I probably wouldn’t return. However, it was a nice novelty for the day. I’d rate the service a 7 out of 10, and the food a 9 out of 10. Ambience would be nothing short of a 10.

Cheer
Flag

by Carmen on May 10, 2004

Trump Tower Bar and Grill
725 5th Avenue New York, New York
(212) 715-7290

Blondies

Restaurant | "Blondies Sports Bar"

When it’s late and you’re hungry and tired, you look for what’s close to your hotel. That’s what motivated the decision to go to Blondie’s for a late evening dinner. That and I was craving something greasy and fried.

While famous for its buffalo wings, I’m not really into the hot and spicy. (I’d like to keep my taste buds ON my tongue.) Though my collegue did go with the mild wings and found them much to her liking. We split a plate of chili cheese fries (which could’ve fed five easily) and I ordered the chicken tenders with honey mustard sauce.

The chili cheese fries were very good – and fattening. The chicken tenders weren’t bad, I was just expecting something different. They were less fried than breaded, and the breading had what I considered an odd texture. Almost like crushed corn flakes. They were edible, but lacked the taste I was looking for. The total bill was around $30 for the appetizer, drinks (soda) and the main meal.

This bar was a safe bet. Nothing fancy, nothing special. The wait staff wasn’t terribly attentive, but I didn’t expect them to be. The food was mediocre, but I didn’t think it would be anything else. I guess we got what we were looking for. The staff, the food, and the ambience all get a 6 out of 10. I can see a real sports fan liking the place, as there are big screen TVs and a good set up so that all can see the games being shown. I, however, was probably too tired to appreciate it.

Cheer
Flag

by Carmen on May 10, 2004

Blondies
212 West 79th Street New York, New York 10024
(212) 362-4360

Lunella Ristorante Italiano

Restaurant | "Lunella"

A trip in a taxi to Little Italy is sure to delight your senses and taste buds should you pick the right location.

Choosing by name only isn’t a smart way to pick a restaurant. Nor is listening to the guy on the street who tells you that you won’t find a better Italian meal. When I mentioned that I was going soon to Italy, and I’d know if he was lying, he tried to make me a deal. He said that if I went to Italy, and liked the food better, to come back and he would give me my money back. Well, if I ever make it back to NY, I’m going to find him and demand my money back. I’m sure the food in Italy has to be better than what I had.

I ordered chicken Parmesan and it came with a side of spaghetti with tomato sauce. First, the chicken was like a piece of breaded chicken that you buy in the frozen food aisle at the grocery store. Is it too much to ask for an actual chicken breast? The tomato sauce on the chicken and the pasta had an odd taste to it, like it, too, had been frozen and thawed only moments to putting it on my plate. Needless to say, I ate only what I needed to sustain me until I could find a place for dessert. The waiters made a fuss over how little I’d eaten. Only my Southern politeness kept me from saying it was because it was so bad. (I was eating with a colleague. No need to make a fuss and show my bad side.)

I would not recommend this place to anyone. Despite it’s Italian charm with the interior décor, the food was atrocious. At least mine was. For $51 (two people, drinks, main course, and tip), it was certainly not worth my time or taste buds. I’d rate the food a 2, the staff a 6, and the ambience a 7 (though not enough of a seven to justify the 2 for the food.)

Cheer
Flag

by Carmen on May 10, 2004

Lunella Ristorante Italiano
173 Mulberry Street New York, New York 10013
(212) 966-6639

Sarabeth's

Restaurant

The breakfast at Sarabeth’s was worth every bite and every bit of sugar that turned into fat on my body. Well, I walked a lot, so maybe it didn’t. Still, it was bad for me, I knew it, and I loved it all!

Sarabeth’s is a cute little eatery where your eyes are met with all sorts of deserts and muffins in the bakery counter as you walk in. The morning I was there it smelled of coffee and pancakes. There were plenty of tables available at 9am, but by 9:30, the tables had filled up and the place was filled with early morning chatter and the clinking of coffee cups on their saucers.

I ordered the French toast – and what a splendid choice that turned out to be. I ordered skim milk to drink (I can’t have French toast without milk) and it came with fruit (strawberries and bananas, which I ordered on the side.) I also ordered a side order of bacon, extra crispy, and it came cooked to perfection! It was just crunchy enough to be crunchy, but not at all burnt or hard. The maple syrup was a tad warm, which made it pour even more richly onto the French toast – which was thick and coated with egg all over. Not a spot was missing the coating! My friend ordered some kind of pumpkin pancakes and she raved about them as well. Refills were forthcoming, and the waiter was attentive and in good humor for so early on a Saturday. We even joked around about how he’d have to roll me out.

I’m told that a Sarabeth’s breakfast is a New York institution. I can see why! I’d highly recommend this little café as a place for the most important meal of the day. However, get there early on the weekend to get a table. And the price isn’t so bad either: $30 for breakfast for two, coffee for two, milk for me, and the tip.

I’d give the service an 8, the food a 9, and the ambience an 8 as well. You must go!

Cheer
Flag

by Carmen on May 10, 2004

Sarabeth's
423 Amsterdam Avenue New York, New York 10024
(212) 496-6280

'21' Club

Restaurant | "21 Club"

As mentioned in the overview of my New York journals, I said that if I ever came back to New York it was going to be for a Broadway show and dinner at 21. I’d read about 21 in several novels and heard it was one of "the" spots to be –- on par with Tavern on the Green or the Rainbow Room. I’m glad I was lucky enough to get a reservation -– pre-show at 5:30pm.

Once the cab pulled up in front of the restaurant, I knew I’d arrived into New York society. Decorated on the outside with statues of miniature jockeys with a definite "speak-easy" flair in décor. (It used to be a speakeasy in the ‘20s. You can read more about its history at the 21 Club website.) The waiting area reminded me of a parlor where the men would go and smoke their cigars (ah, but thank you to NY, who passed a law prohibiting smoking in public areas!) It was so elegant and refined that I thought perhaps I wouldn’t fit in. The bar (where we ate) however, was not anything I could’ve imagined. Dark, with antique toys and such hanging from the ceiling, and deep-colored woods made it very manly – but in a way, had I been there with "the one" it would have been very romantic.

In no way was I made to feel that I didn’t belong (although some people who sat around us were.) My friend and I were treated like movie stars. A glass of champagne and red wine on the house were presented to us with flair and sophistication. We were presented with a fixed price menu and the traditional menu, as well as a bread assortment so vast that I could’ve made a meal off just that. We were seated beside each other at first, and it just seemed too odd – not being on a date and all. My request to sit across from each other was at first greeted with confusion, and then understanding, and was accommodated quickly.

I ordered of the traditional menu, and had the filet mignon with potatoes soufflé (these were puffed up French fries with the taste and texture of potato chips.) The sauce that was served with the steak was wonderful, as was the whole meal. The chocolate soufflé I had for desert topped it off with an extra yum.

When the bill came, we were a bit shocked. We were prepared for pricey, but not $200 worth. Seems they’d mis-rung up the bill. I felt like such a cheapo for bringing it up, but again, we were treated as if we were the queens of the universe, and it was taken care of. For the two of us, one appetizer, two entrees and two desserts ended up at $140, with $30 for tip. Yes, more than I’d normally spend, but it was a treat! A 10 all around!

Cheer
Flag

by Carmen on May 10, 2004

'21' Club
21 West 52nd St New York, New York 10019
+1 212 582 7200

Artie's Delicatessen

Restaurant | "Artie's New York Deli"

I was on the hunt for a New York bagel with a schmear of cream cheese for breakfast. (Did I spell that right? Obviously I’m not Jewish. Sorry.) I was led to H&H Bagels, but they must only sell in bulk because they wouldn’t put cream cheese on the bagel and there was no place to sit and eat it. So I passed on that NY tradition and went down the street to Artie’s. Turns out, they served H&H bagles –- among other things -– and I quickly sat down and ordered one plain toasted bagel with cream cheese. In addition, I ordered a side plate of potato pancakes.

While waiting for breakfast, the waiter entertained my colleague and I with stories of Artie’s famous deli meats (some fancy new york recipie for pastrami was handed down or something. He was so excited, I couldn’t keep up.) and how good all the deli sandwiches are. (see more at www.arties.com) I don’t know about the deli sandwiches, but the bagel and potato pancakes were good enough to bring me back another day for more. The bagel was chewy and warm with soothing cream cheese, and the potato pancakes were crisp and yummy and served with applesauce and sour cream. Yum!

If you’ll look at the pictures on the website, you’ll notice it looks like an old-timey diner. The look of the whole place said, "It’s 1950; come in and relax and eat!" And it was cheap too (price, not quality). The total came to $12 with tip ($9.50 for the potato pancakes, the bagel, a glass of milk, and a glass of OJ.) I give Artie's a 9 for its breakfast food, an 8 for the service, and an 8 for the ambience.

Cheer
Flag

by Carmen on May 10, 2004

Artie's Delicatessen
2290 Broadway New York, New York 10024
+1 212 579 5959

Cafe Palermo

Restaurant | "Palermo Cafe "

After a horrid dinner at Lunella in Little Italy, I was desperate for something that would fill me up and taste good. A few doors down from the restaurant was Palmero Café. The bakery case was a smorgasbord of pasteries and treats.

The sweet that caught my eye – and screamed my name – was the chocolate cannoli. It just looked so good that I even took a picture of it before eating it! And it tasted as good as it looked. It was a bit challenging to eat, however, but I made due with my fork and the good old fingers I have and made a big old mess! Accompanying my dessert was a big, cold glass of milk, which broke up the sweetness and made each bite new again. The dessert and milk came to about $5, and made up for the bad taste experience before-hand.

On my way out of the café, I noticed that there were Al Pacino pictures posted all around the room. I asked why and the waitress told me that the owner was the spitting image of Mr. Pacino. Well, I didn’t get to see him to confirm, but it was an interesting story anyway.

My colleague and I were the only ones in the place (it was 10pm and they closed at 11) so we had it all to ourselves. The waitresses were very dedicated (we were their only business) and they enjoyed finding out where we were from and hearing about our trip. I’d give this place a 9 for the dessert and a 9 for the service. And just for the sheer fact that it satisfied my craving, a 9 for the ambience.

Cheer
Flag

by Carmen on May 10, 2004

Cafe Palermo
148 Mulberry Street New York, New York 10013
(212) 431-4205

Central Park

Attraction

Of the four days that I was in NY, I visited Central Park three of those days – and each time found a new path to walk and discovered a new piece of the 250 acres of lawn or the 150 acres of water. br>
I loved discovering the park, and found myself wishing we had something similar back home. Everything was blooming – crab apples, cherry blossoms, tulips, etc. Birds were singing (we saw the fattest robins ever – they must get fed well.) The park was alive with people – oh and we can’t forget the dogs. Apparently, if you don’t have a dog to walk in Central Park, well then you’re nobody! I found myself wondering how these big dogs could be happy in the small NY apartments I’ve heard so much about.

One of the highlights was seeing the model boat pond – where you can rent a sailboat and become captain for an hour (as seen in Stuart Little). Another was seeing the Belvedere Castle (as seen in a recent ABC Family movie, the name of which escapes me), which was completed in 1872 and situated right next to the turtle pond – appropriately named, as several turtles poked their head out of the water to greet me. Everything looked familiar – it seemed everywhere I turned was a scene out of a movie or TV show – You’ve Got Mail, The Apprentice, etc. It was like coming home, but having never been there.

I also learned in my conference of an art project to take place in the park for nearly three weeks in February of 2005. Artists Cristo and Jeanne Claude (famous for their "wraps" in fabric of the Pont Neuf in Paris 1975-85, the Reichstag in Berlin in 1995, and other projects such as The Umbrellas in Japan and the US, 1984-91) will create their next work, The Gates. They will create 7,500 "gates", 16-feet high, will follow the walkways and footpaths in Central park. From these gates will hang the most beautiful saphron-colored fabric. (See their site for more on the artists.)

I could get lost for days inside Central Park and be happy as a lark. It’s a beautiful place, and probably one of the best ideas the city planners had for New York. It’s a must see – but it’ll never be the same experience twice.

Cheer
Flag

by Carmen on May 10, 2004

Central Park
59th to 110th Streets New York, New York 10023
(212) 310-6600

Lion King (The Show)

Attraction | "The Lion King"

For me to even attempt to describe this play in words will do the Lion King an injustice, but I loved it so much that I’ll make an attempt. However, when you see it, don’t hold my lack of descriptive words against me,

Maybe I should start by explaining that I have wanted to see the Lion King on Broadway since it opened seven years ago. I had seen a traveling cast for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and I knew that The Lion King would far surpass even that extravaganza. And it did.

Tickets started at $100, which seems pricey, but I would have easily paid that and more just to see and hear the first 10 minutes. I started to get all teary-eyed as the character of Rafiki began to sing, and all of the "animals" came to the stage to pay homage to the newly born lion king, Simba. There were giraffes (puppets of course, but so magnificent that you were momentarily fooled), a cheetah (which was a costume that moved flawlessly with its wearer, attached not only on her arms and legs but also by wires to her head, which caused the cheetah’s head to move exactly as hers did), birds, hyenas, and yes, even a life-sized elephant. That’s right – I said LIFE-SIZED.

That was just literally, and figuratively, the beginning. The young Simba and Nala were so engaging, I couldn’t believe they were eight years old. The costumes for Scar and Mufasa were out of this world – at first, it just looked like the lions heads were something of a headdress, but the lions’ heads could easily become animated, falling in front of the actors’ faces to make them even more realistic. The set was also fantastic – even how it was demonstrated that Pride Rock’s water supply was drying up – just unbelievable.

It really is something you need to experience. Disney has done a great service for both the Amsterdam theater (renovated recently) and the 42nd Street area to revitalize and bring even more people than ever to NY City. Spend the money on the tickets – you won’t miss it, and you’ll see the play of a lifetime. As the marquis states, it’s the "eighth wonder of the world."

As a side note, take time during the intermission to talk to the ushers – hear their stories and learn about the theater. The paintings in the Amsterdam Theater are all based on Shakespeare’s stories. The ushers are union and paid by Disney – probably with the strictest policies (they can’t sit during the show, etc.). The usher I spoke with was named Carla and she was very informative!

Cheer
Flag

by Carmen on May 10, 2004

Lion King (The Show)
New Amsterdam Theatre New York, New York 10036

The Boy From Oz (The Show)

Attraction | "The Boy From Oz"

Boy, that Hugh Jackman can do it all! He stars in this musical about the life of Australian Peter Allen – flamboyant performer who married Liza Minelli, wrote staying-power songs like Olivia Newton John’s “I Honestly Love You” and “Arthur’s Theme,” for which he won an Oscar, and who died of AIDS at age 46.

Let me start by saying that Hugh Jackman was amazing, and so was the rest of the cast – especially the women who portrayed Judy Garland and Liza Minelli. Perhaps it was because I had seen The Lion King the night before, and it’s just hard to follow that lead, but I wasn’t terribly taken by the story or the music. As I said, the performances themselves were great, I just didn’t “get into it” if you know what I mean.

It was, however, entertaining. Hugh Jackman really interacts with the audience – calling a young gentleman out of the very back row to come sit front row center, and asking a couple who arrived late why they were late. “Was it sex?” He asked. “Don’t worry, you’ll catch up.”

For Hugh Jackman fans, exit the theater after the show from stage left – as you’re facing the stage. About a half hour after the show he makes an exit from that side of the theater, and takes about five minutes to sign autographs. While I wasn’t lucky enough for an autograph, you can see from the photos that I was close enough to see his gorgeous smile, and drink in his essence for a while. What a hottie! (I’m sure his wife agrees.)
The people of NY that I spoke to – even the usher I spoke with during the intermission for the Lion King – couldn’t say enough good things about the show and Hugh Jackman. I agree – about the Hugh Jackman part. I’d say the $79 ticket was a bit high, but I was entertained for two and a half hours.

Cheer
Flag

by Carmen on May 10, 2004

The Boy From Oz (The Show)
Imperial Theater / 249 W 45th Street New York, New York
800-432-7250

Times Square

Attraction

Wow! What more can you say about Times Square. First, it’s huge! Second, on a nice night it’s PACKED with people. There’s more neon than Vegas. And it’s a New York experience you’ve got to see for yourself.

If it looks familiar – of course it does! There’s the NASDAQ board that tickers the stock prices, there’s the CBS studio board with its marquis that ticks the news stories (which you often see on 20/20 as they go to commercial), there’s the Virgin Records Megastore and more! You could stand for an hour and not see all the advertising – not catch all the blinking lights, nor realize that there’s a board for every single Broadway play you could imagine, etc.

I was trying to get the perfect New York picture of Times Square – and I think I got it. It’s of a New York cab in the foreground and the neon billboards in the background. I saw it in a similar photograph taken by another person and for sale in Central Park, and I just had to try for my own artistic vision of that.

And for all you non-New Yorkers, don’t catch a cab on the main drag. Walk a few blocks and catch one. You’ll do nothing but sit -– and sit -– and sit in the traffic. Especially on weekends, as some of the streets are blocked off, and there are millions of people trolling around.

Cheer
Flag

by Carmen on May 10, 2004

Times Square
1560 Broadway New York, New York 10036
No phone available

Statue of Liberty

Attraction | "The Statue of Liberty"

On my previous trip to New York, I had "seen" Lady Liberty from the top of the Empire State building, but it was so foggy that I’m not sure I really saw it. So this trip, the goal was to get up close and personal with the statue.

Before going, I watched a Travel Channel show on the Statue to learn some background. I highly recommend catching that show if you can -- arm your TiVo! I learned that she’s green because she’s made of copper and it’s a natural reaction to the air. I also found out that she wasn’t intended to be hollow – original plans filled the center with concrete. Eiffel – of the Paris tower fame – created the structure with which to hold up the statue. The Statue of Liberty was in America for eight years before it went up, because we couldn’t fund the pedestal building, and that had to go up first. Lastly, (well, there’s much more, but lastly for now) the original flame was glass, and it leaked, causing damage to the internal structure of the statue.

I have to say that I got a little choked up as the ferry approached closer and closer to the statue. (Hint, find a spot to stand on the right side of the ferry – that side is the one to see the statue as it approaches -- or get on the top deck if there's room.) Her 24-karat-gold-plated flame shone in the morning sunlight, and reminded me how lucky I am to live in the U.S., and how many people wanted to come here – and did – through Ellis Island. Plus, with the flag flying in the background -- it just made me feel very Patriotic, thinking this is what immigrants saw as they came to the country. Beckoning them to a hope of a better life.

You also don’t realize how big the statue is from a distance. It’s really hard to get a person in the photo with the whole statue behind you. It’s massive.

At the time we went (spring 2004) we still couldn’t go up into the statue due to restrictions put in place after 9/11 (it’s due to reopen summer 2004, no date specified). I don’t think we missed anything, however. Just to go to Liberty Island to see the statue up close and personal -– it was an awe-inspiring experience.

Cheer
Flag

by Carmen on May 10, 2004

Statue of Liberty
Liberty Island New York, New York 10004
(212) 363-3200

Empire State Building

Attraction

I had been to the top of the Empire State building about 10 years before and don't remember it being the complete disappointment that it was this time. If you like to stand in line, this is the place for you. Plus, you can't even go to the tippy top, they stopped that five years ago. You're going to the 86th floor observatory deck.

First, waiting in line to get the ticket takes a while. For me, it was a half hour, but it's often longer. Buy tickets beforehand at a nearby shop or I understand you can buy them online. They'll pitch you this "combo" package. It's a ticket to the top and also a ride/movie experience that takes you on a "helicopter ride" of the city. They say if you buy that, you'll get through the line faster. Um, not really. It might save you 15 minutes, but in the grand scheme of a two-hour wait, don't do it unless you really want to see the movie anyway.

Then they catch you when you get to the top. You have to stand in line again to get your photo taken. They won't let you bypass it -- how annoying. Another chance to make a buck.

Now you're at the top. Big deal. There's New York -- behind a fence with a lot of grafitti on it. Yes, I know for some it's just to say you've been to the top of the Empire State building. Make it last on your list if you've other things to see.

Now, you have to wait in line to get DOWN the darn thing. That was another 45 minutes. Ugh! Plus, it's not air conditioned, so prepared to be hot and sticky. The random fans give momentary relief -- until the line moves again.

In case you haven't already garnered this, I thought it was a huge waste of time and energy. Nothing like when Meg Ryan rushes to the top to meet Tom Hanks -- let me assure you. Do it if you must, but be prepared for lines and depending on the weather, a view that's not all that.

Cheer
Flag

by Carmen on May 11, 2004

Empire State Building
350 Fifth Ave. At 34th Street New York, New York 10118
(212) 736-3100

Hershey's Times Square Store

Attraction | "Hershey's Times Square"

I didn't even know that the Hershey's store existed in Times Square, until I met the creative director of Hershey's advertising agency at my conference who used it as a case study for branding a product. Once I found out about it, it was on my list of things to see!

It's truly in Times Square fashion. There's a representation on the outside of all the products that Hershey's sells - the big Hershey bar, the cup of Hershey's cocoa that's steaming hot (literally, there's steam rising from the cup), the Twizzlers, the Swoops, and more! To let you know you're in Times Square, there's even a Hershy's marquis.

A neat momento of your visit could be a $4.95 purchase of some time on that marquis. That's what I did. Since it was close to Mother's Day, I put a note to my mom (and my dad so he wouldn't get jealous) that ran for 15 minutes on the marquis. I took a picture of the unique building with the personalized marquis and it was a cute gift from New York!

Let's get to the inside of the store! If you like candy, you'll be in heaven. As you bounce and sing through the store (all the music is candy- or sweet-related like "Sugar Pie Honey Bunch" or "Lollipop") you can buy Hershey's products -- many with the Hershey's Time's Square logo. There were even cookie chips that were raspberry flavored vs. traditional chocolate chips. I didn't even know they existed! There are also a lot of interactive things, not that anything happens when you turn the wheel or honk the horn; it's just for fun.

This place just made me feel like a little kid in a candy store -- hey, I WAS in a candy store! It's a treat for everyone, with some unique gift ideas for those back home.

Cheer
Flag

by Carmen on May 11, 2004

Hershey's Times Square Store
1593 Broadway New York, New York 10019
(212) 581-9100

IgoUgo

New York

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

In a New York Minute -- ooh-ooh-ooh