What’s in New York?

[almostwitty]

Liberate your money!

Originally uploaded by almost witty

My siblings and I are basically looking at taking my parents to New York for a major celebration.

This is a great idea with the only flaw being that parents being parents, we’re not really sure of their hobbies and walking miles upon miles of city streets isn’t quite an option either. The main reason for taking them to New York is that they’ve never been to the United States before, and it’s a world-class city with major tourist attractions.

That said, the list of places we’re thinking we could take them mostly consist of:

Empire State Building
Statue of Liberty / Ellis Island
Central Park
Chinatown
Times Square

Can you think of touristy places in New York (or the surrounding area) that don’t require much brain or feet power?

btw, I’m flying through New York, Cleveland, Las Vegas and Phoenix in April if you’re interested in following my trip!

Originally published at almost witty. You can comment here or there.

Comments

[f-l-i-r-t.livejournal.com]

The 'Empire State Building' is something everyone says you must do, but it was a royal pain when I went. The air conditioning had broke on a hot summers day, elevators not working and there was a queue to walk up the gazillions of stairs. When we entered the building it was sunny and beautiful, by the time we got to the top it was raining and cloudy and not good views. So depending on how much you like to see 'city views' I wouldn't necessarily do this with your parents.

I would definitely go to a play on broadway, so much fun and no fee action. Times Square is good in small doses. Very crowsed, smelly in summer and lots of walking. China town is grungy but in a great sort of way, hard to explain, and fabulous food.

There is FAO Shwarts, big toy store, and Dylan's Candy Shop, two floors of cool candy including old nostalgic favourites, but not sure you parents type of thing. But fun anyway.

I live a short-moderate train ride away from New York City, how long are you there for?

[almostwitty]

The parental trip - if it comes off - will be in June 2009. But I imagine spotting a party of 9 people trying to shepherd a confused elderly Chinese couple through New York won't exactly be difficult. And I want to be there for a week, the sisters are suggesting a long weekend.

[f-l-i-r-t.livejournal.com]

I meant your April roll through... as in meeting up to say hello have a cuppa tea or something, silly boy!

If you are headed here in summer would definitely avoid Empire State Building...

[almostwitty]

From memory, I think I have a five-hour layover, but then US Immigration is notoriously tough and cumbersome to get through. Especially if you're carrying a Michael Moore book and say you're here to see your girlfriend. Ouch.

[f-l-i-r-t.livejournal.com]

ahh, so you won't be getting into the city than, not enough time... another time perhaps. it will be great to finally see your girl again. long distance can be so hard.

[del-icious.livejournal.com]

Yeah, you've named all the main ones and Id recommend all of those! When I went to NYC we visited Ground Zero which although is not 'touristy' it was very humbling and was nice to pay our respects.

We also went on a Skyride over NY which was amazing - New York Skyline Inc if you're interested - and the Radio City Music Hall and Central Park Zoo are all really good.

If I ever go back I want to go on the Sex and The City tour but I doubt you're parents would want to haha! x

[gillian16.livejournal.com]

The Met or the Museum of Natural History both came to mind. But really any museum in NY would be aweome

Ha, got a bit spaztic editing. I sorry. :/

[skarlettfever.livejournal.com]

Phoenix and Vegas are both very close to L.A.-I think you should add L.A. to your trip and come play with me :)

[almostwitty]

We're only there for three days I think... but otherwise very tempting.

or you could drive out to Las Vegas and take us to Phoenix and the Titan Missile base :P

[brenda-k-a.livejournal.com]

You're planning to go to the Titan Missile Museum? That's down by me! I haven't been there yet but heard it's pretty cool.

[almostwitty]

Got any plans to visit the base and ride the missiles? ;)

[argylesocksrulz.livejournal.com]

Agrees that one should avoid the Empire State Blding in the summer time, lots of waiting around for a 15 min browse through at the top.

[sushisweetie.livejournal.com]

The Village both East and West. Maybe a stroll through Gramercy Park, but the Village for sure. Lots of culture and counter culture, the hub of the gay scene and very welcoming no matter what your orientation.

[almostwitty]

I'm sure it's very welcoming, but I imagine escorting two 60-year-old Chinese parents around the place would be a challenge. Plus I doubt they'd appreciate it. They think *I'm* weird and countercultural...

[sushisweetie.livejournal.com]

OK then way up town is the Cloisters, lots of pretty art in and old monastery on the water. Very beautiful.


Sorry, I was in a state last night and I misse your bringing your parents. I agree, they would not enjoy the sex shops in the East Village lol.

[shove-this-job.livejournal.com]

We have to take them to do a double decker tour bus ride!