Chopping at the Bit...

WARNING: This is LONG!!
I am dying to go to the city, that is NEW YORK CITY! I love going as frequently as possible. I love New York. Due to my pregnancy and the inability to walk like a normal person (or run, depending on what part of town I am in when it gets dark) through the busy city streets, I haven't been since last Sept. I feel like it has been ages, and I am ready to get back. Several people have asked me about tips while there. I am by no means an expert, but here are a few things I have learned and a few places I like to go.

-Never drive in New York if you can help it. Park your car at Newark Penn Station and take the train in. Park in a secured lot. It is worth the 15 dollars.(Once you see what Newark looks like, you will know why)

-Taxi's are a waste of money if you are in good health.
-Subway entrances are typically located on street corners with a staircase for descending into the station. If a station is marked with a large green ball, you can buy a MetroCard inside; if a station is marked with a red ball, you need to already have a MetroCard to enter.At many Subway stations, there are separate entrances for trains running uptown and downtown. Once you swipe your card, you can't get a refund, so be sure to check the sign to make sure you're swiping your card at the right entrance. Typically, trains run in the same direction as the above ground traffic. Enter on the same side of the street that the traffic is heading in the direction you want to go.

Remember: One New York mile is approx 20 blocks. You can see alot in a short walk.

-If you want to see the Statue of Liberty by Ferry, get to the ticket booth EARLY! I mean like 8 am be in line!
-Battery Park is awesome to just go and hang out.
-My favorite part of the city right now, is the West Village. Find Bleecker and enjoy great restaurants and fun stuff! Washington Square is a must when in the West Village.
-I also love Chelsea Market. Its a great place for kids too!

Best Street Vendor: Kwik Meal 6th & 45th Street-GYROS!!! LAMB!
I tried Super Tacos too, it was ok, but the meat was really fatty and had some grissle. I found this on youtube about the Vendy awards. I used it to start tasting some great food. I also frequent www.chowhound.com before going.


Food is the best part of NYC!!!

Museums with free or pay-what-you-wish hours
Tuesdays
Brooklyn Botanic Garden - Free all day Tuesday, all year around (normally $8)
China Institute Gallery - free from 6 to 8 p.m. (normally $7)
Wave Hill gardens - Free all day during off-peak months (January–April, July–August, November–December) and free 9 a.m. to noon during peak months (May–June, September–October) (normally $6)

Wednesdays
Bronx Zoo - Admission by optional "donation" all day (new spring/summer rates are normally $15)
Museum of Jewish Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust - Free from 4 to 8 p.m. (normally $10)
NY Botanical Garden - Free grounds access all day (grounds-only access normally $6)
Van Cortlandt House Museum - free all day (normally $5)
Transit Museum - seniors free all day (normally $3 for seniors)

Anyway, this is making me excited. Im planning on going again next month and then again in Sept. WOOHOO!