<p>BTW serendipity has been closed by the BOH —rats, flies and coachroaches, so much for the 10000K sundae</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/397375-visiting-nyc-just-fun.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/397375-visiting-nyc-just-fun.html</a><br>
Here is my old thread from this fall. I need to do a trip report!</p>
<p>Mary, yes, you do need to do a trip report! 
It’s fun to hear what people have chosen to do while in the city.</p>
<p>The Staten Island Ferry has indoor, heated seating, so it’s nice but, oy!, all those tourists! </p>
<p>The South Street Seaport is also fun at this time of year and you could be brave and actually venture a toe onto Staten Island and come to the Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Center for Tibetan Art, Richmondtown restoration (think Williamsburg), Fort Wadsworth, or even the Conference House which is historical from the Revolutionary War.</p>
<p>I believe there is ice skating near National Archives in DC, too, depending on the weather.
See the baby panda at the Zoo…</p>
<p>The Corcoran has exhibits currently running of photos by Annie Liebowitz and Ansel Adams (probably need reservations…)[search</a> results on washingtonpost.com - City Guide for D.C., Maryland and Virginia](<a href=“http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/CGSearch?field_1_categoriesnavigator=^Exhibits%24&sortBy=106&field_2_typesnavigator=^Photography%24]search”>http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/CGSearch?field_1_categoriesnavigator=^Exhibits%24&sortBy=106&field_2_typesnavigator=^Photography%24)</p>
<p>I’ve heard raves about the view from the top of Rockefeller Center (better than the Empire State Building, and usually less crowded). We were going to do it with my niece but by the end of the day we were all too pooped!</p>
<p>You’re getting a ton of great ideas here!</p>
<p>If the weather on those dates is not too bad I would highly recommend getting a 2 day grey line double decker bus hop-on-hop off pass for each of you. It is a fun, laid back way to get around the city with a loved one. It isn’t just about seeing sights- the double decker bus allows you to absorb the hustle bustle, lights, sounds and smells of the city while all the time being just high enough to get an aerial view and take great pictures. If you have a car, buy the tickets online in two single purchases, if they still have the internet special you will also get two days of free parking in midtown- which alone will be worth the money. Even veteran New Yorkers will enjoy the experience and learn something about their city on the tour.</p>
<p>Any chance this is going to turn into a <em>really really</em> romantic time? If so go to “one if by land two if by sea” for an expensive but great meal in a very romantic intimate restaurant where lots of people get engaged every week. </p>
<p>For other personalized restaurant recommendations, join Zagat online and search for restaurants by neighborhood, cuisine, price range etc. They have a very sophisticated search engine.</p>
<p>Enjoy!</p>
<p>I just thought of another fun place to go in NY - Ellen’s Stardust Diner - on Broadway and either 51st or 52nd St. It’s a 1950s-style diner with waiters/waitresses who sing (mainly Broadway showtunes). It’s fairly inexpensive for Manhattan and if you go early enough, there’s usually not much of a wait. </p>
<p>I have also heard the view from the top of Rockefeller Center is better than the view from the Empire State Building, and that it is less crowded - but I think it’s also way more expensive.</p>
<p>My D and her friends love visiting Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum which is right off Broadway, in the low 50s. I think it’s a little pricey, but they always have a great time when they go.</p>
<p>Have a great time!</p>
<p>" have also heard the view from the top of Rockefeller Center is better than the view from the Empire State Building, and that it is less crowded - but I think it’s also way more expensive"</p>
<p>At this time of year, it’s incredibly difficult to maneuver around in the Rockefeller Center area.</p>
<p>My sons had Thanksgiving Dinner at Ellen’s Stardust Diner 3 years ago!</p>
<p>On Fridays after 4 pm admission to MOMA is free (normally $20)</p>
<p>Also, you should visit the Frick Collection on 5th Ave south of the Met</p>
<p>zoosermom - you’re right, it is crowded near in the Rockefeller Center area at this time of year - but if you’re going to be there anyway…</p>
<p>binx - wow, your son ate at Thanksgiving at the Stardust Diner - that must have been fun! I used to take my kids there all the time when they were younger.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for the suggestions! I’m really excited about this; I’ll let you know what we decide to do. :)</p>
<p>I have to suggest a restaurant. If possible, for dinner, go the The Spice Market, in the 403 W. 13th Street (Meatpacking District). Romantic/exotic atmosphere, Asian streetmarket food - the best tastes of Thai, Indonesian, Indian and again, the most delicious smells and ambience. Sit upstairs, if possible. Not that expensive, generous portions. Great place to share & sample dishes. Place I always recommend - had to do it!</p>
<p>tia3 - The Spice Market sounds great - we’ll definitely have to give that place a try one night. Thanks for the recommendation - we’re always looking for new places to go.</p>
<p>If you’re looking for some great music in the D.C. area try The Birchmere in Arlington, The State Theatre in Falls Church, or the 9:30 club in the District. Blues Alley is outstanding for jazz.</p>
<p>Oh, I love the 9:30 club! I went there several times when I lived in DC… I’ll have to check if any good bands are playing.</p>
<p>D assures me Serendipity will reopen soon. She took her boyrfriend from Atlanta there.</p>
<p>Max Brenner’s on Union Square – amazing chocolate cafe and really fun.</p>
<p>Cathedral of St. John the Divine – largest Gothic cathedral in world and college walk at Columbia on the next block, all lit up for Christmas.</p>
<p>Ice skating at Rockefeller Center and a quick trip to FAO Schwartz – right there, for the kid in him.</p>
<p>Times Square. I love it.</p>
<p>Butterfly exhibit at Museum of Natural History, and the blue whale! I like the dioramas of evolution. </p>
<p>Met – Temple of Dendur. Egyptian tomb.</p>
<p>Lincoln Center while it still has its fountain. Sob.</p>
<p>Chrysler Building. Uncle works there, and I never get tired of it, and Grand Central Station.</p>
<p>Paris Theater near the Plaza. Wonderful selection of movies and so NY.</p>
<p>mythmom - great suggestions - but would you really want to go to Serendipity knowing it was just closed down by the Board of Health? Even if they are allowed to reopen, I would worry that they are not too careful about cleanliness. I’m sure for now it will be fine, but no more Frrrrozen hot chocolate for me! I’m a little squeamish when it comes to things like that.</p>
<p>Max Brenner’s is the Bald Man place, right? I think we went there for hot chocolate this time last year - it was fun!</p>
<p>Oh, and what are they doing to the fountain at Lincoln Center? Almost all of my high school graduation pictures were taken by that fountain! I will join you in your sobbing.</p>
<p>If you want to visit Gothic cathedrals, the Episcopalian one in DC isn’t covered with scaffolding. I used to give tours there - it’s an interesting place, but a bit off the beaten path. It’s nice in the summer when they ring changes and you can sit in the garden and listen.</p>