New York New York [Any "less mainstream" experiences?]

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ayebee

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We have been to NYC a number of times as our daughter has been studying there for last 5 years.
At first you start with the obvious attractions, and progressively explore various neighbourhoods and looked for the less obvious.
We are heading to NYC twice this year.
While checking latest exhibitions at The Met and MOMA, plus a couple of shows is always on the agenda, I am interested in advice on any less "mainstream" experiences you may have enjoyed in that great city.
 
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We did a short train ride out to Poughkeepsie which is along the Hudson River into the Hudson Valley. Quick and easy. Gorgeous scenery.
The market in Grand Central was interesting that many might miss.
Last time there we did 4 shows in 4 days by picking up a matinee. We stay at the Marriott Marquis.
 
Have you had a walk around Jersey City. Thought the walk around Journal Square & neighborhoods was interesting & the view back to New York is pretty good!
 
We did a short train ride out to Poughkeepsie which is along the Hudson River into the Hudson Valley. Quick and easy. Gorgeous scenery.
The market in Grand Central was interesting that many might miss.
Last time there we did 4 shows in 4 days by picking up a matinee. We stay at the Marriott Marquis.

Sounds good.
A couple of years back we drove up the Hudson to Storm King, then onwards to the Catskills and upstate. Agree beautiful scenery.
A train ride could be a good idea.
rgds
IB
 
ayebee...have you ever heard of this Parlor Jazz at Marjorie Eliot's – New York, NY – Harlem One Stop went to Marjories place on an apple greeter tour many many years ago in Duke Ellington's building, at the time it was a coin donation it was an amazing experience and if you google you will find lots of information, it still stays in my mind of one of the most memorable things we ever did while travelling, along with a funny story about getting back to Manhatten on a bus. We also loved the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir Sunday service and a visit to Harlem to see where Langston Hughes was born Langston Hughes - Wikipedia
 
Have you had a walk around Jersey City. Thought the walk around Journal Square & neighborhoods was interesting & the view back to New York is pretty good!

Hi RB,
Thanks for the suggestion.
One year we stayed in Jersey City - had a v nice apartment at "the Pier" with view of Manhattan midtown - glorious at night.
We did explore the old / historic parts of Jersey City but more to south of Journal Sq - eg Columbus Drive / Grove St and the area towards the water near Liberty Park.
 
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A trip to the Hudson Valley is a great idea-FDR library,Kykuit-a must but also go to the family church with the chagall windows,Sleepy Hollow,Vanderbilt mansion and the old Rhinebeck aerodrome.
Museums in NYC-Whitney,Museum of natural history,Rubin,Frick collection,The Cloisters,NY Transit museum,Asia socirty,Brooklyn botanical gardens,Japan Society.
Yes we have been to all of these as our son worked in NYC for 5 years.
But mrsdrron would say a day at the Woodbury Common Outlets.
And The Glass house in CT-can get the train there.
 
  • How about the newish ferry to Rockaway Bay. Then, do a big walk along the 'boardwalk' where you wish you had a bike at hand. It has been regenerated after the terrible damage from Hurricane Sandy. I hope the recent 'bomb cyclone' didn't do too much damage.
  • Take a guided walk around Gawanas Brooklyn, and then eat at the delish Surfish Peruvian restaurant (550 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215, Tel: 718.788.8070)
    Can Gowanus Survive Its Renaissance? https://streeteasy.com/neighborhoods/gowanus/
  • The Canaan Baptist Church choir on Sundays in the Bronx. I went on their Mothers Day and the service was so moving that I cried for quite a while.
  • The Federal Reserve Bank of NY - Museum and Gold Vault tour in Maiden Lane. Needs to be booked at 0900 (or whatever time it is precisely when staff start work), one month in advance. Museum & Gold Vault Tour - FEDERAL RESERVE BANK of NEW YORK
  • A walking tour with the Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space was very interesting. USD20 MoRUS
 
Last edited:
ayebee...have you ever heard of this Parlor Jazz at Marjorie Eliot's – New York, NY – Harlem One Stop went to Marjories place on an apple greeter tour many many years ago in Duke Ellington's building, at the time it was a coin donation it was an amazing experience and if you google you will find lots of information, it still stays in my mind of one of the most memorable things we ever did while travelling, along with a funny story about getting back to Manhatten on a bus. We also loved the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir Sunday service and a visit to Harlem to see where Langston Hughes was born Langston Hughes - Wikipedia

Wow - That might get me started!
Parlor jazz looks amazing & will check it out.
Several occasions we have taken buses just to see where they go. Sometimes boring, but mostly interesting.
Thanks
 
A trip to the Hudson Valley is a great idea-FDR library,Kykuit-a must but also go to the family church with the chagall windows,Sleepy Hollow,Vanderbilt mansion and the old Rhinebeck aerodrome.
Museums in NYC-Whitney,Museum of natural history,Rubin,Frick collection,The Cloisters,NY Transit museum,Asia socirty,Brooklyn botanical gardens,Japan Society.
Yes we have been to all of these as our son worked in NYC for 5 years.
But mrsdrron would say a day at the Woodbury Common Outlets.
And The Glass house in CT-can get the train there.

Thanks Drron.
Museums ? I think the Frick is my favourite in NYC. You mention a couple I havn't seen, so will investigate.
I also enjoyed the Tenement museum and the Fire Fighting museum.
Outlets / shopping is always on the agenda for the obligatory new runners etc.... but a trip up the Hudson looks a distinct possibility.
 
  • How about the newish ferry to Rockaway Bay. Then, do a big walk along the 'boardwalk' where you wish you had a bike at hand. It has been regenerated after the terrible damage from Hurricane Sandy. I hope the recent 'bomb cyclone' didn't do too much damage.
  • Take a guided walk around Gawanas Brooklyn, and then eat at the delish Surfish Peruvian restaurant (550 3rd Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215, Tel: 718.788.8070)
    Can Gowanus Survive Its Renaissance? https://streeteasy.com/neighborhoods/gowanus/
  • The Canaan Baptist Church choir on Sundays in the Bronx. I went on their Mothers Day and the service was so moving that I cried for quite a while.
  • The Federal Reserve Bank of NY - Museum and Gold Vault tour in Maiden Lane. Needs to be booked at 0900 (or whatever time it is precisely when staff start work), one month in advance. Museum & Gold Vault Tour - FEDERAL RESERVE BANK of NEW YORK
  • A walking tour with the Museum of Reclaimed Urban Space was very interesting. USD20 MoRUS
Thanks get me outta here.
Some thoughtful & diverse suggestions there. Have been meaning to explore Brooklyn more.
If you are looking for a bike ride / walk, Governors Island is pleasant - a free ferry from pier beside the Staten Island ferry. There is also a fort with guided tour by National Park Service.
 
When I return in August I’m planning on walking the length of the Manhattan section of Broadway. Marble Hill to Bowling Green. Then a few blocks over to Fraunces Tavern for a couple of well deserved beers.

If you enjoy walking this could be an interesting way to see many of the different neighbourhoods.
 
When I return in August I’m planning on walking the length of the Manhattan section of Broadway. Marble Hill to Bowling Green. Then a few blocks over to Fraunces Tavern for a couple of well deserved beers.

If you enjoy walking this could be an interesting way to see many of the different neighbourhoods.

Thanks No Name - that will be quite a hike.
My daughter did the annual "round Manhattan" walk (The Great Saunter) last year - first Sunday in May. That was 51km and she was pretty shattered by the experience. We always walk a lot, but not planning quite that distance.

One day we did jump on the 10th Ave bus northbound at Chelsea Market and sat and watched until they turfed us off at the terminus about 145th St. That was at park on west side where it was nice to walk further up the Hudson through the park.
 
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