Soul Patrol Travel Guide to NYC

LizzyG · Member

Soul Patrol Travel Guide to NYC

hs5sunny · Senior Member

Thanks Lizzy, this is MUCH appreciated!!! smile

I'm one of the 25 that are seeing Grease next week, can't wait!!! biggrin

-- Edited by hs5sunny at 18:50, 2008-08-09

azure · Senior Member

We really enjoyed the "Top of the Rock." There are three viewing decks and the views are incredible. We also enjoyed the videos they show before you get in to the attraction while waiting in line (just a couple of minutes.) If you're not going to have a chance to visit some of the big buildings or attractions, this is a great alternative because you can see them all at a distance. But, if someone's afraid of heights, it's not the place to go! It's also very close to the theater, if you want to schedule it around the show.

Canal Street, of course, seems to be a must for all visitors. It's sort of like a combined flea market, street sale, circus, boardwalk atmosphere. Crazy, but you can get some "buys" and it's an experience for sure - and judging from the number of double decker sightseeing busses that you see there - it's pretty popular.

We walked down amidst the throngs of people, in the wicked humidity, to check out Planet Hollywood, and it was a virtual mob scene. It was just too crowded and crazy to enjoy it and the line was way too long, but we did go in and look at some of the displays, which would have been much more interesting, had we been able to hang around a bit. But the crowds (and heat) were overwhelming. The crowds reminded me of the busiest times at DisneyWorld and the LasVegas Strip combined - but the streets were filled with trash and not so good smells. It was definitely a turn off that particular night. I'm sure at a different time of year, it would be lots of fun - but not so much on a hot August night.

Walking the Brooklyn Bridge was memorable. We did that last October. Got dropped off in Brooklyn and walked back to Manhattan - taking pictures from the Bridge. A nice memory.

It's a great weekend trip. I'm looking forward to going back, maybe over the holidays, to see another show and do some shopping.

LizzyG · Member

Azure, thanks for the tips. Canal St. sounds fun and would be cool to check out next trip. I'm
hoping to get back during holiday time if Taylor extends his run, as the city is so pretty with all
the lights,tree,skating,etc. I didn't get to Top of the Rock, but a few from our group did and also enjoyed it.Diane took us to one of the fancy hotel bars ($18.75 for a margarita-gasp, we're not in Kansas anymore lol) where we rode on a glass elevator. A dizzying but cool experience. Our
group also liked their visit to Strawberry Fields which I forgot to mention earlier.

I also want to see some of the WTC memorial sites next time I visit. It sounds like there are 2 or
3 really good ones. So much to see, so little time!

hs5sunny · Senior Member

Thanks for all the great info!

We would like to see Taylor's handprint at Planet Hollywood, so certainly appreciate the heads up on what it was like for you Azure smile

I have a question for anyone that has been to the show in hot weather; what's the temperature in the theater like? I'm considering carrying a sweater in case it gets chilly in there but don't know if that's even necessary(?) smile

BBS420 · Guru

I really hope it isn't too hot in the theater.

azure · Senior Member

BBS -

I think the theater is air conditioned. It must be, because I would have remembered if it were uncomfortable, and it was fine. With the costumes the actors wear, the heavy make-up, wigs, and all the dancing and running around, I'm sure they'd die without a/c. (I wore linen pants, a shell and linen shirt, and I remember being hot and sticky outside, but not in the theater.) One of the girls that was with me really minds the heat, and she didn't complain either, now that I think of it. You'll be fine, but I always try to have some kind of sweater or jacket with me wherever I go. Sometimes they turn the air up so high, it's freezing! I swear one night at Foxwoods, I thought my nose was frostbitten! LOL!

Lizzy -

I think the restaurant/lounge you're referring to is inside the Marquis up on the 8th? floor. It's called The View and it revolves. Is that the one? It has unbelievable views for sure, but it's definitely a tourist trap, money-wise. We did that in October, when we went to NY to see Jersey Boys, but we didn't do it this trip. We were there one less day, and it's impossible to do it all.

One of the most important tips I forgot to mention earlier, is it's really imperative to have a "plan." Don't walk out your hotel entrance, without knowing where you're going and how you're getting there. If you do, you'll waste valuable time. I remembered that from our October trip, where we had so many places we wanted to see, that we rented a car and driver and gave him our itinerary. He took us every place, dropped us off and picked us up at an arranged time. We managed to do everything on our list that day, and it was fantastic! The following day was the theater matinee, but we had a plan then too. We went to Mass at the Cathedral (which we wanted to see anyway), followed by brunch with an old friend, then walked to the theater and shopped a bit on the way. After the performance, we went to "The View" for a drink and then took a cab to Becco, for dinner and got back in time to watch the Red Sox in the Series. You have to have a plan!

-- Edited by azure at 01:11, 2008-08-10

DogsandBirds · Guru

Let's see what I can do to help. Yes, the theaters are all air conditioned (for the price they charge, they should be!)

The View is at the top of the Marriot (not the 8th floor) and for the price of a drink (which are on the expensive side) you can sit there for a long time and watch the city as the place revolves and shows you 360 degree view of the Manhattan.

Circle Line is a great deal and it's really a beautiful ride. Carnagie Deli has amazing sandwiches, HUGE!!!

Restaurant Row on 46 Street off 8th Avenue has every kind of restaurant you can imagine. Take a walk down there and look at the menus.

Ground Zero can be done in an hour and while there is construction there now, it is worth seeing. Then walk down to where the Wall St Bull is and take a picture. Further down you can go Liberty State Park and go see either Ellis Island or the Statue of Liberty or if you have time, both since the ferry brings you to either for the same price.

Shopping on Canal Street - inspect the merchandise carefully and don't be afraid to ask for a better price.

Ask me if you want any information other than this. If I don't know, I will find it out for you.

Enjoy!!

-- Edited by DogsandBirds at 04:38, 2008-08-10

StockardFan · Senior Member

D & B is right. If you go to Canal Street DO NOT just give them the asking price. They are totally prepared to negotiate. In fact, they expect it. You can find some fun stuff there though.

BBS420 · Guru

THANKS AZURE, hubby and I would melt in a puddle if the threater wasn't air conditioned.

LizzyG · Member

Cool tips everyone-thanks for adding all the info! The bar we were at was in one of the hotels.
Not the top floor-building had glass elevators which were really cool (unless you have a fear of
heights or claustrophia lol). There were other elevators too if you didn't want to do the glass ones.

Azure is right about having a plan-it's too easy to get sidetracked and distracted there (but fun).
If it's a short visit just pick the most important things and you can always come back again.(like
we need another excuse to see Taylor

)

BBS-it is hot in the theater-you'll be in the same room as Taylor LOL just kidding-it was very
comfortable temperature wise when we were there. Have a great time and be sure to tell us all
about it when you get back.

Is anyone going to the show for Taylor's last night? (if it is 9/7?)

BBS420 · Guru

LizzyG wrote:
Cool tips everyone-thanks for adding all the info! The bar we were at was in one of the hotels.
Not the top floor-building had glass elevators which were really cool (unless you have a fear of
heights or claustrophia lol). There were other elevators too if you didn't want to do the glass ones.

Azure is right about having a plan-it's too easy to get sidetracked and distracted there (but fun).
If it's a short visit just pick the most important things and you can always come back again.(like
we need another excuse to see Taylor )

BBS-it is hot in the theater-you'll be in the same room as Taylor LOL just kidding-it was very
comfortable temperature wise when we were there. Have a great time and be sure to tell us all
about it when you get back.

Is anyone going to the show for Taylor's last night? (if it is 9/7?)

oh yes, I'll be hot anyway.

DogsandBirds · Guru

LizzyG wrote:

Cool tips everyone-thanks for adding all the info! The bar we were at was in one of the hotels.
Not the top floor-building had glass elevators which were really cool (unless you have a fear of
heights or claustrophia lol). There were other elevators too if you didn't want to do the glass ones.

Azure is right about having a plan-it's too easy to get sidetracked and distracted there (but fun).
If it's a short visit just pick the most important things and you can always come back again.(like
we need another excuse to see Taylor )

BBS-it is hot in the theater-you'll be in the same room as Taylor LOL just kidding-it was very
comfortable temperature wise when we were there. Have a great time and be sure to tell us all
about it when you get back.

Is anyone going to the show for Taylor's last night? (if it is 9/7?)

The hotel you are speaking of is the Marriot Hotel which is at 45 and Broadway.

BBS420 · Guru

DogsandBirds wrote:
LizzyG wrote:

Cool tips everyone-thanks for adding all the info! The bar we were at was in one of the hotels.
Not the top floor-building had glass elevators which were really cool (unless you have a fear of
heights or claustrophia lol). There were other elevators too if you didn't want to do the glass ones.

Azure is right about having a plan-it's too easy to get sidetracked and distracted there (but fun).
If it's a short visit just pick the most important things and you can always come back again.(like
we need another excuse to see Taylor )

BBS-it is hot in the theater-you'll be in the same room as Taylor LOL just kidding-it was very
comfortable temperature wise when we were there. Have a great time and be sure to tell us all
about it when you get back.

Is anyone going to the show for Taylor's last night? (if it is 9/7?)

The hotel you are speaking of is the Marriot Hotel which is at 45 and Broadway.

I think we are having dinner there before the show.

DogsandBirds · Guru

They have a wonderful buffet at that bar on the top of the hotel and a great view.

BBS420 · Guru

DogsandBirds wrote:
They have a wonderful buffet at that bar on the top of the hotel and a great view.

is that the one with the theme dinners? Like Grease?

Bill747 · Veteran Member

BBS420 wrote:

is that the one with the theme dinners? Like Grease?
________________________________________________________

The one with the 50's theme is Ellen's Stardust Diner at 1650 Broadway, NY.
Max/Laura sang there in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WentrowQmcE

The waiters/waitresss are dressed in Rectro-Costumes and sometime sings. The food is ordinary comfort food, probably similiar to Planet Hollywood's, but cheaper.

Greaser Bill

BBS420 · Guru

thanks