Another New York Minute

There are so many interesting things to see and do in New York City. The highlight of my trip was riding on the subway for the first time. I loved the fact that we could go anywhere in the 5 boroughs on the subway and most attractions had their own station. I loved seeing the Statue of Liberty and seeing how small it was compared to the image I had in my mind. I was moved by seeing the site of the World Trade Center towers. I learned that New York truly has the best tasting hot dogs. Ultimately, I found a city that I loved being in and look forward to visiting again soon.

Quick Tips:

The best tip I can give to someone visiting New York City for the first time is to learn how the city is set up and how locals refer to the areas. It's easier to use the subway if you know that Uptown is towards the Bronx and Downtown is towards Brooklyn. Manhattan has many sections and gets referred to mostly by the East Side or the West Side. To find addresses and nearest subway stations try the Manhattan Address Locator or Citidex.

Best Way To Get Around:

The best way to get around is by subway. I purchased a 7-day unlimited ride Metropass for .00 at the first subway station with a credit card. There are also shorter and longer term passes available. The card I used was good for 7 days from your first ride and not from its purchase time. Be sure to ask the station attendant or a hotel clerk for a free subway map. Check out the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) website for more information.

Taxi cabs are available everywhere in the city 24hrs a day. The bright yellow cabs make up a large portion of traffic traveling through Manhattan. The New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC)is very strict on regulations making rides in taxis comfortable and safe. Remember the passenger is responsible for all tolls the taxi must pass through. See the TLC's section on Passenger Information for more detailed information on rates and rights.

If you would like to explore more options for airport transportation from La Guardia, JFK, or Newark see NY.com's list of related sites.

The hotel's location in Manhattan makes the Park Central New York a great place for tourists to stay. The hotel is located in Midtown Manhattan within walking distance to major midtown attractions, such as Times Square, Rockefeller Center and the Theatre District. From La Guardia airport, the taxi fare was $27 including tip and toll. Right outside the door of the hotel is the 57th Street subway station where the Q train can take you directly to Coney Island or to another connecting station. The hotel has many restaurants and delis around that stay open very late, if not 24hrs.

I stayed in the hotel from July 3rd-5th. I bid on Priceline.com and received a rate of $95 per night. The hotel rates range among $189-$329 if booked directly.

Check-in was a bit confusing since no one seemed to be creating a line. There were airline flight crews standing about and full luggage carts everywhere. A friendly bell hop brought up our luggage to our very small room. I mentioned the size and he explained that a remodel had turned some 1 rooms in to 2 hotel rooms. It makes the room very narrow and hard to maneuver your luggage out of the entry hallway inside the room. The bathroom was newly remodeled and gigantic. The hotel's website says all rooms and suites include: two-line direct dial speakerphones with voicemail and data port, a writing desk, iron and ironing board, hairdryers, in-room safe, spacious bathroom, color cable television, Nintendo and movies on demand, and a complimentary daily delivery of USA Today which I did find to be true.

To find out more information about the hotel or make reservations see the Park Central New York website.

On July 5th, my sister and I were able to see the New York Yankees play the Detroit Tigers. I ordered the tickets from my computer at home and they came less than two weeks later by mail. I paid $35 per ticket to be seated in the Main Reserved Section. Check out the seating chart and ticket prices in the Stadium Information section of the Yankees website.

It was exciting to be there with some of the best players in baseball, even if I am an A’s fan first and foremost. The stadium was full since most people didn’t work that day (Independence Day observed). It was also Lou Gehrig Statuette night. The first 18,000 fans received a small statue of former Yankees player Lou Gehrig who died of ALS (widely known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) in 1941. To learn more about finding a cure for ALS see the ALS Association website. Food and beer is overpriced as in any ballpark. I chose not to pay the $7-$8 per beer that some of the fans tended to drink way too much of. The game had a few home runs and the Tigers pitcher almost tore off A-Rod's head with a baseball. I did purchase a $25 Jason Giambi (former A's player) t-shirt to remember my evening at Yankee stadium. Ultimately, the Yankees beat the Tigers 10-3.

The best way to get to the stadium is on the subway but it’s very crowded to and from the game. The Yankees website states "The Yankee Stadium Subway stop is located right outside the Stadium at the corner of 161st St. and River Ave. The Stadium is conveniently reached by several subway lines and a trip from midtown Manhattan takes less than 25 minutes. The #4 train, as well as the B (weekdays only) and D trains make stops at 161st St. /Yankee Stadium. Metro North train service to Connecticut and Westchester County is available at the 125th St. subway stop."

Check out the Yankees website for information on tours, tickets, or even player stats.

The entire time I walked around the Met, I was in awe. The art and the exhibits are set up so well. I was able to see paintings by my favorite artists up close. The Met allows photography in the museum (no flash), which enabled me to bring home memories. Set aside a lot of time for this museum (it's 1.6 million square feet) and wear good walking shoes.

Tips:
*Don't bring a stroller on Sunday (back carriers available at 81st St. entrance coat-check area.
*Be prepared to have your belongings searched.
*There is more than one booth to purchase tickets; look around since I found that most people went to the booth closest to the security check. Smaller lines are found at the opposite end.
*Make sure you wear the metal "M" button given to after paying your admission and it is in easy view for museum staff. I attached mine to my camera strap I wore around my neck. The staff expected you to know to wear it without ever being told.

Hours:
Friday 9:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m.
Sunday 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Monday Closed
Tuesday 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Wednesday 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Thursday 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.
Closed on January 1, Thanksgiving Day, December 25.

Directions:
Your best bet is to take the subway (trains 4, 5, or 6) to the 86th Street station.
The Met's website provides detailed driving directions from many areas. The parking garage will cost you between $14 and $35, depending on how long you are parked.

See the latest information at the Metropolitan Museum of Art website.

My sister and I went to the aquarium on July 4th, so needless to say it was packed. We had planned on spending more time at Coney Island but there were too many people to truly enjoy it. My recommendation would be to visit during the week when its likely to be less crowded.

The aquarium starts you out with a tour of ocean life in tanks. They have a large stingray tank followed by smaller tanks full of more obscure species. It's a bit tough to see since most people cluster in front of the tanks to get a better look. For this reason, we made a quick tour of the aquarium before heading back to Manhattan.

I enjoyed seeing the odd, bright yellow seahorses. I couldn't resist buying a stuffed yellow seahorse from the gift shop.

Getting to the New York Aquarium is pretty easy and even has its own subway stop. Take either the D train to the Stillwell Avenue station or the F or Q train to the West 8th Street/Aquarium station in Coney Island, Brooklyn.

The hours vary by season so check out the NY Aquarium hours and rates page.