Sorry, couldn%26#39;t get back to Trip Advisor sooner. We extended our vacation by going to Montreal after NYC and have been home in South Carolina only 2 days.
Thanks to everyone on the forum for advice that made our trip ever more special. Had thought our report might be a tad too long but after viewing details from JSMLA (Jennifer) from La, we realise we are sort of short winded. Might take some future entries to complete all our days. So we start.
Day 1, Dec 30, Sat:: Left Charleston, SC, early after 4:15 get-up. Scheduled 10AM arrival at LGA. Arrived early, quick to cab, then quick, very quick, almost uncomfortably quick, to hotel. Meter said $26.50 but with toll and tip, mid $30s. Surprised of $4.50 toll but later confirmed by others. Arrival at Affinia Dumont before 11AM, WOW. Given room immediately, WOW. 37th Floor, WOW. Had asked for high floor and did they provide, its the top.
Unpacked and began exploring/walking before noon. Over to Park Ave and up to Grand Central Terminal. Thought it was called GC Station but chiseled up in granite was GS Terminal? Caught the light show almost perfectly, roamed different levels and restaurants then proceded down 42nd St to 5th Ave. This is a great walking area, look back at Chrysler Bldg,, up front toward the NY Library, big stuff towering all around. Started up 5th, looking everywhere, arriving at the area of Saks and the Rockefeller Center. Along the way found hot pastrami and soup on side street, shared by two, but perfect, don%26#39;t remember the name.
Let%26#39;s go into Rock center and skate ,she said. No way mucho crowds everywhere, specially the skating line. Good photos however and we saw a booth for TOTR. Good choice, not a long wait and we had an internet discount coupon. Top of the Rock is great, I agree that its probably better than ESB for views, can see Central park down one side and then look direcly at the Empire State Bldg on opposite side. When we left Rock Center area traced back down 5th Ave into Brant Park, again looking to skate. Found the rink and another long, long line. Talked to a man that had been in line 1 and a half hours and wasn%26#39;t close to the ice. Well, it%26#39;s the holidays, still we will not stand in line at any price. Do want to say that everyone in New York (Manhattan) was the absolute best, locals and tourists.
Continued on down to 34th, turned toward our hotel, passing the ESB and long lines, big, big lines, which seemed to be there at all hours for the next 4 days, except early in the day, like well before 10AM.
After a short 10 min rest at the hotel we dressed up one level, not a tie, and walked up and over to 2nd Ave for early evening dinner at CIBO. Had a wonderful Prix Fixe at $30 each, enjoyed every morsel but with pre food Manhattans, glass of wine, and coffee, - menu courses were minor part of tab. Walk back to hotel.
Don%26#39;t know if you realize how much we have walked this day but we were not about to take on the next trek. Would have been late anyway, I think. Hailed a taxi at 9PM for the Radio City Music Hall. Had tickets for the Rockette%26#39;s Christmas Show at 10PM, believe it was the last show for the season. Snuck in a side door, don%26#39;t really know how, but had extra time to roam and take pictures. The show was spectacular - would reccommend for everyone in the future. Phenominal production and scenery and graphics. Don%26#39;t even know how they did it! Rockettes were better than I could ever have imagined. We were midway, 26th row, center, not bad, but rows 10-15 would be perfect.
I can%26#39;t ,for sure remember going home (hotel). Let%26#39;s see; started walking then feet so sore that found a cab for last 6 blocks. OK first day was wondeful and its 1AM, we are seniors and proud to have enjoyed the day to the fullest. Will it last?
Try to add next days soon. John
Our NYC Trip, 30 Dec - $ Jan
Yeah, the lines for the big attractions are horrendous over the holidays. I wouldn%26#39;t wait on those lines either.
I%26#39;m glad you had time to explore Radio City. They usually try and rush you in and out because they%26#39;ve got so many shows to do each day. The theater is so gorgous, so it%26#39;s nice you got some photos.
Grand Central Terminal is where all the trains end, or terminate. That%26#39;s why it%26#39;s not GC Station.
Looking forward to your next post.
Our NYC Trip, 30 Dec - $ Jan
Wonderful first day, looking forward to the next.
I%26#39;m so jealous that y%26#39;all got to go to the Christmas Show! I really wanted to It was over by the time we got there. I was willing to fork over actual money to see it! My daughter wanted to grow up to be a Rockette but the poor thing inherited my munchkin height.
And I couldn%26#39;t be concise if I tried. I come from a long line of serious yakkers.
Jennifer
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