New York...tips?

sairose · #1 03-13-2004, 09:57 PM

Many of you replied in my thread about going to NYC. For those who didn't, I'm excited to say I will be going to NY with my university's choir and singing in Carnegie Hall!

I leave this Thursday, and I couldn't be more excited!!

A few last questions:

1)what to wear. I'm used to Arkansas weather. What's the weather like up there? Also, I'm a big flip flop wearer...is it too cold for flip flops? Will I need my jacket? Here, for the most part, it's been warm enough for just a long sleeve shirt or sometimes a t-shirt. Also, keep in mind that since we're going in a group via an organizaiton, we can only have one piece of check-on luggage on the plane so I have limited space.

2)Me and an SAI sister have tickets for Beauty and the Beast on Saturday evening. What's appropriate to wear for that?

3)Because we can only have one piece of luggage, I have to...eek...FOLD UP my choir dress in my suitcase!

Any tips for minimizing wrinkling?

4)We are staying in the Grand Hyatt above Grand Central Station, and rehearsals are at Church of Our Savior (Park Avenue at 38th St). Where's some good places to eat around that area?

Thanks in advance!!

ETA: location of church

dakareng · #2 03-13-2004, 10:19 PM

First of all, congratulations! That is so exciting! What a great opportunity for your choir.

I don't live in NY but visit there frequently and would strongly advise closed toe shoes that you will protect your feet. Flip-flops and subways (and crowded streets) are not a good idea unless you like to pick dirty glass out of your feet (that's the nurse coming out) plus NY weather in March is very unpredictable (flip flops and snow would not be pretty) and usually drops into the 30s at night. Unless you want to spend a fortune on taxis, you will do A LOT of walking so you'll want footwear that is comfortable and supportive.

As far as what to wear, it's predicted to be 45-55 daytime high and 30-39 nighttime lows so keep in mind what your comfort level is. Although I now live in Texas, I grew up in Ohio so don't need to wear a coat unless it's less than 40. Some folks need a jacket when it's below 60. In general, if you have layers that you can mix and match and maybe a jacket (that you wear on the plane) and a sweater you should be okay. I love the packing bags (like Pack-Mate) that compress your clothes so you can fit more. They really do work!

What fabric is your choir dress? In general, most clothes will wrinkle less if you roll them with tissue paper, not fold them. Travel stores also sell small, travel steamers. It might be a good idea to get one and share it with some friends (then again, there's the old hang it in the bathroom and take a really hot shower trick).

I went to Lion King last August (the weekend BEFORE the blackout) and saw all varieties of dress. I wore dressy black pants and a fun silk blouse but saw people in dresses/ suits as well as khakis. DOn't know if that will help...

This is all from a fellow tourist. The NY natives can give you more specifics but have fun!!

sairose · #3 03-14-2004, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by dakareng

I don't live in NY but visit there frequently and would strongly advise closed toe shoes that you will protect your feet. Flip-flops and subways (and crowded streets) are not a good idea unless you like to pick dirty glass out of your feet (that's the nurse coming out) plus NY weather in March is very unpredictable (flip flops and snow would not be pretty) and usually drops into the 30s at night. Unless you want to spend a fortune on taxis, you will do A LOT of walking so you'll want footwear that is comfortable and supportive.

Well I find flip flops the most comfortable thing to walk a lot in...but wow, didn't even think about the glass and stuff. (We don't have subways in Arkansas LOL

)

So are subways the best way to get around? We have rehearsals in the mornings and are free the rest of the time, and me and some SAI sisters and choir friends will be sightseeing, running around, etc. Someone in choir told me you can get a weeklong subway pass. How much does that cost? Where would I get one?

honeychile · #4 03-14-2004, 01:37 AM

My mama has a nifty little booklet on how to pack. One of the comments is to lie the item that you want to wrinkle the least on a bed, spreading it out wrinkle-free. Then stack the rest of your clothes (none folded) on top, with the things that almost can't wrinkle - such as jeans - on top. Carefully pull up the sleeves & sides of each item, until you have your pile of clothing the size of the suitcase. Stuff soxes & underguccis into your shoes, and tuck them in the sides.

If I can find the website that shows this better, I'll post it. Have fun in NYC!!!

KerriMarie · #5 03-14-2004, 01:59 AM

The subway is probably the easiest/cheapest way to get around NYC, but it's quite confusing... I hate it! I've been to several citites with subways (Chicago, London, Paris, Washington DC...) and I think the NYC subway is by far the most confusing. I'm trying to remember what I got last time I was there... I think I got a pass that was good for like ten rides, and you can get that probably at any subway station - they have touch-screen displays and it takes cash or credit cards (I think...?)

It depends on how much you're gonna use it, really - if you're expecting lots of subway rides, you might be better off buying a two or three-day pass (I'm pretty sure they have those) but if you only take the subway twice a day, it'll probably be cheaper to get a 10-ride ticket or whatever.

I'm sorry if that was confusing. It's past my bedtime.

Sister Havana · #6 03-14-2004, 02:33 AM

A one day subway pass is $7. A weekly pass is $21. One-way fare is $2 so if you're making two round trips a day it is definitely worth it. The subway is the best way to get around...I always take it when I'm there.

As for places to eat...Confetti Pasta is right near that church! It's on 38th Street near Madison. It's a good place for lunch. You pick a pasta, a sauce, and whatever you want in it (tons of choices!!!) and you get that plus salad and bread for something like $8. Big portions and it's good. There's a lot of eateries in Grand Central Station itself. You can also take the shuttle over to Times Square and find zillions of other places to eat.

Have fun! I love NYC.

DeltAlum · #7 03-14-2004, 02:40 AM

You won't see many flip-flops in Manhattan. I wouldn't recommend them.

And, I agree that the NY subways are more confusing than most, but still a great way to get around.

I did a TV remote production at the Grand Hyatt once, but I only remember the Irish Pub across the street. On the other hand, as I recall, the Grand Hyatt is on 42nd between Park and Lex and there are a huge number of great restaurants a very short cab ride (or even walk) pretty much anywhere in Manhattan.

Sounds like only a four block or so walk to the rehearsal hall. That's great. Manhattan is a great place to walk around.

If you have the time and money, there are a lot of other great shows on Broadway right now. I saw Wicked a few weeks ago and it is outstanding -- expected to win numerous Tony's this year. Also saw Movin' Out, Hairspray and Nine. Would recommend any of them, but Wicked and Movin' Out are really good. I'm sure Aida is also still playing -- which is one of the best musicals I've ever seen. (Actually, that might be my first choice) Dress is usually anything from jeans to fairly nice clothes. Nice pants and top or sweater will be fine.

This may sound kinda corny, but I've been to NYC MANY times on business, but a few years ago, Mrs. DA and I took the time to do the double decker red bus sight seeing tour -- and really enjoyed it. Just a thought.

And, I agree with everyone above. The weather could be anything from Springlike to blizzard. Take a coat -- or layers of clothes.

Whenever I travel (often), if I'm going to be in the same hotel for any length of time, I'd recommend unpacking immediately and letting your clothes hang so that some of the wrinkles will "hang out." Plus, better hotels generally have ironing boards and irons in each room.

Just earlier tonight we saw our kid's HS music teacher who took their choirs to Carnagie every other year, and, although he's at a different school now, he took his choir there about two weeks ago and they had a great time. Hope you do, too. (BTW, he saw Wicked and loved it, too.)

KerriMarie · #8 03-14-2004, 02:31 PM

Oooh, if you're looking to see another show, AVENUE Q!!! Sign up for rush tickets at the theatre, I think the drawing is at 5:30 (maybe 5...?) and they're $22.25 if you get them... best money you'll ever spend. Funniest musical EVER.

AOcutiePi4ever · #9 03-14-2004, 03:41 PM

1)what to wear. I'm used to Arkansas weather. What's the weather like up there? Also, I'm a big flip flop wearer...is it too cold for flip flops? Will I need my jacket? Here, for the most part, it's been warm enough for just a long sleeve shirt or sometimes a t-shirt. Also, keep in mind that since we're going in a group via an organizaiton, we can only have one piece of check-on luggage on the plane so I have limited space.

--->its gonna be cold. unless your gonna be there in like early may, i'd say no flipflops. plus, in NY you do A LOT of walking. you might want comfy flat shoes or runners. as for glass and stuff ive never had a problem with that, the sidewalks and stuff are pretty clean.

2)Me and an SAI sister have tickets for Beauty and the Beast on Saturday evening. What's appropriate to wear for that?

--->i wore pressed black pants, dressy black shoes and a royal blye buttom up shirt with satin trim. the good thing about NY, is you can pretty much wear whatever you want to these shows-- some ppl go ultra dressy, while others go trendy in jeans and a great top and shoes. i'd say as long as your not in like sweatpants, anything goes.

3)Because we can only have one piece of luggage, I have to...eek...FOLD UP my choir dress in my suitcase! Any tips for minimizing wrinkling?

--->roll your clothes, saves space too

4)We are staying in the Grand Hyatt above Grand Central Station, and rehearsals are at Church of Our Savior (Park Avenue at 38th St). Where's some good places to eat around that area?

--->no clue, veggie here

Peaches-n-Cream · #10 03-15-2004, 01:12 AM

It is supposed to be cold this week so bring winter clothes.

I recommend that you dress nicely when you go to the theatre, i.e. no jeans, sneakers, etc. Since a trip to Broadway theatre is rare for you, I think that you should wear a dress. Enjoy the total experience.

A great restaurant near your hotel is the Oyster Bar & Restaurant in Grand Central Station. It is expensive, but worth it if you like seafood.

xo_kathy · #11 03-16-2004, 11:08 AM

Just a quick update - I'm looking out the window at snow. It will probably be melted by Thursday, but I'm wearing the shearling today so it's nippy. Definitely NOT flip flop weather!

Also, something to remember here, it's not like other areas where you can go from a warm building, to a warm car, to a warm building. There's always a walk involved and even subway platforms can be super cold in the winter. Don't think you'll be okay with a hoodie in 40 degree weather.

From weather.com the local 5 day forecast is:
Tues. - High 34
Weds. - High 38
Thurs. - High 41
Fri. - High 44
Sat. - High 51 (that will be a nice day!)