Update: Visiting NYC

You guys helped us out with suggestions for our trip to the "Big Apple" and USMMA... so here's an update: (I will do this in stages, since we did so much)

Driving 12 hours, and seeing the skyline for the first time... Wow! Then pulling up to the Lincoln Tunnel and paying $13 to cross... what?

Combat driving in NYC... there is no nice way to do it. Don't expect to be waved into an opening, you have to take it! And... what's with people blocking the intersections during red lights with traffic stopped, resulting in jamming up the people that finally get a green light. Lots of horn honking... I got the hang of it.

Times Square... Cool! Saw batman, Spiderman, a unicorn, and about 20 other interesting characters.

I was warned... "New Yorkers are snobby, don't look them in the eye. If you do they'll know you're a tourist, because New Yorkers don't do that... You'll get mugged!" Hogwash! Everyone we encountered was nice as could be. Cheerful and helpful. Lots of good folks.

So that was day 1... I'll let y'all know more later!

Glad you had a good time! Don't worry - there are lots of ways a local can tell a tourist. It's the jaw-dropping stares at all the Times Square lights, the buildings - and the characters. A local (if in Times Square at all - I know folks who won't even walk through Times Square) usually just keeps walking. Seriously, though, I have always found NYers to be very helpful to tourists. I think the reputation comes from the fast pace of the locals; we tend to walk fast, talk fast - don't stand in the way of a NYer who is trying to catch a train!

Looking forward to the rest of your travels.

Times Square has changed a lot in the past few years. Much better than it used to be. Tolls into NY are terrible. Jamming an intersection is an automatic ticket! Horn in NY is first defense before using the brake and cabs cut all lanes. Watch out for the bicycle riders they think they are immortal. It is definitely "combat driving". My wife always shuts her eyes whenever we travel there.

Driving around New York is interesting. I was really impressed on one of our trips with our DS to Rockefeller Center over a holiday. We went to see the lights, there were many people there, and in my efforts to catch up with my family I tripped on a curb. I was extremely thankful that the crowd actually caught me as I fell, and kept me from landing on my face. Enjoy your time in New York!

Couple of other "driving in NY" pointers:

1. Never block the box - that is, only enter an intersection when you can get to the other side. Big tickets for blocking the box.

2. Read all the street parking sign very, very carefully. Can be tricky to figure out when you can park on the street. If parking in a garage, check internet for discounts coupons, especially at ICON lots. Some other lots will even honor a ICON discount coupon.

3. Many streets have cameras that will take your license plate picture if you are running a yellow light and it turns red before you get through the intersection. BTW, there are several of these "gotcha lights" on Northern Blvd. If the light is turning yellow, stop!! You can see if the light might turn yellow by looking at the cross walk sign. If the little man is white, you're probably good, if he's flashing red look out, you might end up with a $ 25 + ticket.

kpbaseballmom said:

3. Many streets have cameras that will take your license plate picture if you are running a yellow light and it turns red before you get through the intersection. BTW, there are several of these "gotcha lights" on Northern Blvd. If the light is turning yellow, stop!! You can see if the light might turn yellow by looking at the cross walk sign. If the little man is white, you're probably good, if he's flashing red look out, you might end up with a $ 25 + ticket.

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Our DS had a car on campus while doing summer school after his plebe year. He went out to sea right after that. A few weeks later, we received an envelope from the City of New York containing a picture of our PT Cruiser merrily running a light on Northern Boulevard with a "request" for $25 for the privilege of having done so. We paid the ticket and, jokingly, I e-mailed DS to let him know he owed us $25. He responded with a completely apologetic reply, of course he'd pay the $25, and - by the way - "I wasn't driving." Busted!

Why does anyone want to drive in NYC???!!! There are buses, trains, cabs. Much more pleasant, relaxing and a lot cheaper (except for some cab rides) and there is no b/c you are driving/sitting/waiting/cussing in traffic.

Or, of course, there are your two feet. NYC is a great city in which to walk. You get a different feel in each of the different neighborhoods and can find unique shops, grocery stores, parks, etc. And there is plenty of great people watching.

Street people

I bet I was approached by 50 guys wanting us to take "their" tour or attend a comedy show. I had a funny episode with a tiny monk too. He approached and gave me a metallic (foil) emblem. Then he asked me to sign his little booklet offering peace to the world. I did, thanked him and walked away... that little sucker practically tackled me and grabbed my arm and demanded money or the emblem back (all in Chinese) So much for peace!

I did give some $$ to street performers and my son was pressured to buy a CD from a rapper. He bought it, but he'll have to wait 793 miles to play it!

Lots of characters out there! Love it!

Was the guitar playing cowboy in his tightey whiteys out in Times Square? What about the woefully un(der)dressed ax playing granny?
{{{{{{{{shivers}}}}}}}}

¥~¥

OH YEH, I forgot about those 2!!

As long as you have a car make a drive out onto Long Island. Jones Beach State Park along the south shore is beautiful and is a very nice drive. Miles and miles of undeveloped beaches. There is also a great boardwalk to walk along. Stop in Captree on the eastern end of the park and watch the fishing boats come in. Fishing boats also sell their catches on the dock in Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn. and as long as you are in Brooklyn drive down to Coney Island and see the boardwalk and get a hot dog at Nathans. I don't know if the Cyclone roller coaster is still operating.

The Montauk Point lighthouse at the eastern end of the island is also a must see. It is quite a drive from KP but very nice. You can also take a cross-sound ferry to New London and see the submarine base and the USCGA. Mystic Seaport is also a nice place to visit.

this guy????

That would be the one.
I am sure you can find the other one online too!however we probably really do not want to post that one.

Great trip

We took in a lot in NYC.

I highly recommend "On Board Tours" for a sightseeing tour of the city. You meet at the Wintergarden theatre at about 9:30 AM and board a tourbus. We saw lots of great places; Central Park (Strawberry Fields), All the big buildings (from the outside since the lines are unpredictable), Wall Street, Rockefeller Center, cruise around the Statue of Liberty, and various other places. Most are drive bys, with 6 stops where you disembark and get a brief walking tour. Lunch on your own at the Seaport Village, and finishing up at Ground Zero. The cost was about $80 per person. I think it was worth it, especially if you can do it early in your visit and then go back for a more in depth visit to a place such as Wall Street, Rockefeller Center, etc.

Hotel Vettiver (Long Island City) was a good place to stay. About $185 per night and a block from the subway. From our room to Times Square was a 20 minute max trip. Free parking on the street (we got lucky... found a spot and never moved it.) but the lot was about $40 per day if we had to use it.

More about our trip later...