UP|New York City

High Line Park

StevenRocks — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:02 +0000

My pictures of the High Line

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High Line Park

The Voice of Reason — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 02:51:49 +0000

http://www.courant.com/features/travel/hc-...0,5996343.story

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High Line Park

Neo — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 19:18:48 +0000

Some great images of the High Line here: http://www.inhabitat.com/2009/06/09/new-yo...ky-opens-today/

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High Line Park

Neo — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:47:37 +0000

The High Line is now open (I think as of today). If anyone goes, can you take some photos and post them so the rest of us can see it in all its glory?

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HAMMETTM — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 16:36:52 +0000

Well it's been a while but I've finally made my decision. I will be staying at the Wellington Hotel in Midtown (I guess that's midtown) Manhattan. It isn't too far away from Times Square (or at least it doesn't look too far according to Google Earth). I'll have to see just how "ghetto" or "cheesey" Times Square is but I'll make my own experience out of it all. More than likely when I do go to Times Square I won't notice either of those things because I'm looking for something totally different.

If anyone knows anything about the Wellington or about any fun things to do in proximity of it, I'll be happy to see your suggestions.

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Green Light for Midtown

The Voice of Reason — Tue, 19 May 2009 20:05:03 +0000

The city will be closing broadway to vehicle traffic starting the night of May 24th.

Broadway will be closed between 47th and 42nd and between 35th and 35th

6th ave through Herald square will remain open as will 7th Ave thru times square.

This is a very interesting concept.

apparently this will help with traffic in this extremely congested area. it will also create an additional 3+ acres of public space.

The city will be running events on these new plazas all summer long.

I found this article on my Bloomberg terminal, but a quick search found me this link.
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/html/about/broadway.shtml

renderings
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/...efore_after.pdf
http://www.nyc.gov/html/dot/downloads/pdf/...efore_after.pdf

I can see NYC is thinking about making Broadway kind of like Las Ramblas in Barcelona, I honestly cant blame them. as far as a transportation option is does not contribute that much, it has an interesting history and it passes plenty of interesting places worth walking around.

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The Voice of Reason — Tue, 19 May 2009 03:02:17 +0000

mallguy, on May 16 2009, 01:35 PM, said:

So you want to physically attack me for my viewpoint, you swear and misspell words in your posts, and you admit to having very limited familiarity with Times Square?

And you're doing this in front of someone who is planning a summer trip to NYC?

Times Square is ghetto, in my view, and I work in the Times Square area. For the reasons I list above, I pay no attention to your attacks, other than to laugh hysterically at them.

First off, pissing and moaning on the internet is not really something I get joy out of, regardless, here is in my opinion the end on the subject.

I never personally attacked you. I certainly never physically attacked you or your ego would not be the only thing injured. If you took my judgement of your words as a personal attack I am sorry, but it is not my fault you took it personally. The fact however is that I attacked your position I attacked the act of making an ignorant statement. good people make absolutely stupid statements all the time. It does not make the person stupid. I admit to making stupid statements all the time.

on to Ghetto, lets face it, some words are trouble. You used one of them and you are welcome to, but you are to be judged for it just as I am to be judged for "swearing and mispelling"

when did damn become swearing? someone call George Carlin!!!
damn made it past the censors in Casablanca, but I digress

fact is, I type the way I talk, so swearing will happen. You are certainly welcome to call me out on since it is something I wish I did a little less(but I mean real swear words). As far as the spelling, I taught myself to type and I am clumsy. me aculpa. calling out someones spelling on the internet is weak sauce. I could run spell check, I do not. pick on my swearing all you want. pick on my spelling too, but there is no defense for calling Times Square ghetto to a potential tourist who is planning on going there. You can warn someone away from an unsafe area for real reasons of personal safety. However, tainting someones view of a safe place before they even venture there, and to do it in a flippant manner is just sad. The whole point of travel is seeing what you have never seen and making your own experience. dispelling myths, proving steryotypes, whatever.

Ghetto is a term that goes back to the Jewish Ghettos in Europe, at least it does as far as I know, but I'm not going to look it up just like I do not spell check my posts. It might even translate into neighborhood from yittish or something like that? Those old ghettos are actually usually very nice areas now, but the term Ghetto has lived on and now a ghetto is some mix of what you imagine in "South Central" LA or Detroit and what a true real modern ghetto is in India or Africa. so if you are going to use a pointed term like Ghetto and bring up images of Calcutta, or Krenshaw when talking about times square? are you serious?

midwestern tourists in Khacki shorts, black socks and sandals are terrifying, I agree, but not ghetto.

re read what was writen in the other posts I am done.
and frankly mallguy I dont give a damn.

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mallguy — Sat, 16 May 2009 19:35:59 +0000

The Voice of Reason, on May 15 2009, 02:03 PM, said:

I have no problem saying every place I have lived and worked, and my contact with times square is maybe 1 dozen visits over the last 15 years when I had family around or whatever, but the fact is that your ignorant statement has nothing to do with where you live or have lived. it is ignorant no matter your "qualifications".

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The Voice of Reason — Fri, 15 May 2009 19:03:24 +0000

I do not give a damn where you live or have lived. What you wrote was wrong. think about what you wrote. Times square is not ghetto. Parts of the Bronx are "ghetto". East St. Louis might be "ghetto". The North End of Hartford might be "ghetto", there are tons of places that can be called "ghetto" with some accuracy, but times square is not one of them. Heck, even labeling the areas I just listed as ghetto is not fair, and reeks of elitism.

Using the term "ghetto" is inappropriate for times square. It is a disservice to the area and especially when giving advice to someone visiting on a forum like this.

I have no problem saying every place I have lived and worked, and my contact with times square is maybe 1 dozen visits over the last 15 years when I had family around or whatever, but the fact is that your ignorant statement has nothing to do with where you live or have lived. it is ignorant no matter your "qualifications".

Hey I hate Times square as well. It is crowded, it is touristy, but its more corporate and cheezy that ghetto.

I stand by my innitial attack against your post.

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mallguy — Thu, 14 May 2009 23:43:30 +0000

The Voice of Reason, on May 9 2009, 10:34 PM, said:

I kind of want to reem you out.

the use of the phrase Gheto is entirely innapropriate in Manhattan. you may be some kind of preppy kid from the burbs that is scared by urbanity, but time square is not ghetto by any sense of the word.

it is kitsch, it is touristy as all get out, but ghetto?

I am no fan of really anything touristy in NYC, but to call it ghetto is completely off base.

FYI I have lived in Manhattan, apart from a brief break, for over 10 years- from lower Manhattan to Midtown to the Upper East Side. And you?

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High Line Park

mlsimons — Thu, 14 May 2009 07:13:56 +0000

Hey, this is Matt from Norfolk, Va...I am a grad student of Urban and Regional planning and I just stumbled across this project, this is seriously the most fascinating urban renewal project I've ever heard of. I can't seem to find any up-to-date info on this project tho. Does anyone know when its expected to open? I will be thru NYC in two weeks and I would like to check this place out. If anybody konws about any updates or sick renderings please send them my way.

-matt
msimo003@odu.edu

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Lowerdeck — Mon, 11 May 2009 16:07:20 +0000

I can't stand Times Square, seeing it once was enough for me. Far too touristy, far too crowded, far too many nutjobs trying to peddle crap (comedy show tickets, bootleg merchandise, religion, political agendas).

Ghetto? Well, unless you call all the creepy people trying to peddle crap as ghetto - I think not.

I don't get down there enough to explore more of the non-touristy things to do in New York.

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The Voice of Reason — Sun, 10 May 2009 03:34:51 +0000

mallguy, on May 9 2009, 09:26 PM, said:

The Pod on 51st between 2nd and 3rd isn't that expensive and it's right near the E train stop at 53rd & 3rd (which as other have said connects to the Airtrain to JFK at Jamaica). It's a short walk to Fifth Avenue and it's in midtown Manhattan; everything is definitely within walking or subway distance.

I am a NY'er (now) and I hate Times Square- tourists, crowds, ghetto.

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mallguy — Sun, 10 May 2009 02:26:58 +0000

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GRguy — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 17:33:17 +0000

Check out the Jane Hotel. It is in the Village, but could be a great adventure. Rooms are small, some with shared bath, but the rates are great...

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HAMMETTM — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 01:56:22 +0000

The Voice of Reason, on Mar 31 2009, 08:56 AM, said:

JFK is easiest by far unless you want to take a cab.

Airtrain is so easy a small child can figure it out. but if you recall my post earlier, just be aware of the transfers you will take to get into the city.

Thanks. From reading the map, all I would have to do to get to my destination is hop on the E train. It looks pretty easy to me but I'll have to wait and see when I get there. I'm sure it's not bad.

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The Voice of Reason — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:56:11 +0000

HAMMETTM, on Mar 29 2009, 02:59 PM, said:

Can you elaborate? From looking at MTA's website, it looks pretty easy to just take the airtrain to the Jamaica station from JFK. From there you take the E train to Manhattan and do the reverse to get back to the airport.

Need Help with NYC Trip

StevenRocks — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 03:11:27 +0000

HAMMETTM, on Mar 30 2009, 08:57 AM, said:

Thanks, Steven, I appreciate all of your help, man.

You're welcome. I appreciate being able to help others enjoy the city that I enjoy!

I came up with a small list of Manhattan sights I think you'll enjoy.

Metropolitan Museum of Art - Easily the biggest and best general museum in town. There are lots of great exhibits, and a really cool roof garden. Admission prices are suggested only, so if you don't have the $20 they suggest, you can get in for whatever you care to pay.
Macy's - If you only go to one New York department store, this is the one. It's not as fancy as Bloomingdale's or Saks, but it's fun and affordable.
Grand Central Terminal - One of the most fascinating transit hubs you'll see. The architecture is amazing and so are the food choices, which include a public market, a food court and several fine dining options.
The Chrysler Building - Often overlooked, but one of the finest Art Deco skyscrapers ever built. It's within easy walking distance to Grand Central.
Rockefeller Center - One of the first "mixed use" complexes. The art and the shopping are first rate, plus you're adjacent to St. Patrick's Cathedral, Saks Fifth Avenue, and a host of Fifth Avenue attractions including Trump Tower and Central Park.
Zabar's - A uniquely New York grocery store. Trust me on this. It's worth the trip to the Upper West Side.
Museum of Modern Art - There are newer and flashier modern art venues, but this is the most comprehensive you'll find.
Brooklyn Bridge - Iconic (and free). Walking over to Brooklyn gives some amazing views of the Manhattan skyline.

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HAMMETTM — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 12:57:19 +0000

StevenRocks, on Mar 29 2009, 07:38 PM, said:

Maybe I've let my experience getting to and from LaGuardia a few years ago cloud my opinion. That was a nightmare. I don't think I've ever taken the Airtrain, but if it's as easy as it sounds, that's the way to go and JFK would be the easiest airport to fly into.

Thanks, Steven, I appreciate all of your help, man.

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StevenRocks — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:38:58 +0000

HAMMETTM, on Mar 29 2009, 04:59 PM, said:

Need Help with NYC Trip

HAMMETTM — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 20:59:16 +0000

StevenRocks, on Mar 29 2009, 08:44 AM, said:

I've found that all the airports are a pain to get to from Manhattan. I'd choose an airport based on the best travel rate.

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StevenRocks — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 13:44:14 +0000

HAMMETTM, on Mar 26 2009, 09:11 AM, said:

Thanks. Since you visit NYC a couple times a year, what hotels have you stayed in? Which ones would you recommend?

Also, do you think it's easier for a person that plans to walk and do the subway to fly into JFK or another airport?

I'm not the best resource on this. I do mostly day trips to New York these days. In fact I just got back from one as I type this. There is a local tour bus company that offers an amazing deal where you sleep on the bus to and from the city and spend all day sightseeing without assistance.

When I do stay overnight, I usually will stay in a hotel in northern New Jersey and commute in. I have stayed at a hotel in Tribeca next to the Chambers Street subway station (name escapes me) and there was another in Hell's Kitchen (Best Western?) that was a bit of a dump but served its purpose.

On the next trip I'm taking in May, I'll be staying at the Milford Plaza, which is on 45th or 46th Street between Broadway and 8th Avenue. That could be a good option for you. The rates are fair, and you're smack in the middle of Times Square.

I've found that all the airports are a pain to get to from Manhattan. I'd choose an airport based on the best travel rate.

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HAMMETTM — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 13:11:32 +0000

StevenRocks, on Mar 25 2009, 08:14 PM, said:

You're right. You can only trust most online reviews so much. Most people who repond either are really enthusiatic or really negative.

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StevenRocks — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 01:14:37 +0000

You're right. You can only trust most online reviews so much. Most people who repond either are really enthusiatic or really negative.

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HAMMETTM — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:40:59 +0000

StevenRocks, on Mar 24 2009, 09:10 PM, said:

The Wellington, according to what I found review-wise on Yelp.com, isn't a great hotel. The lcoation is good, though. Holiday Inn tends to be very consistent, but it's farther downtown, which I like, but you might not work as well for what you want to do.

That's pretty interesting. I haven't checked yelp.com but from the reviews I've seen on travelocity, expedia and orbitz, it's a pretty decent hotel. From the reveiws, I understand that it's not the Waldorf Astoria but I don't really plan to stay in my hotel room much; I only need a place to sleep.The only bad reviews it got was because people thought it was too small or the furniture was too outdated. The one thing I do like is that it's very close to all everything including being right across the street from the subway.

Since Holiday Inn is so farther downtown, I don't think I want to stay there.

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StevenRocks — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 02:10:42 +0000

Need Help with NYC Trip

HAMMETTM — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 20:06:57 +0000

Ok everyone, I'm a little indecisive. I've looked for hotels online and I came across two that seem appealing or at least ok. The first is the Wellington Hotel. From what I saw it seems to be in walking distance to all of the cultural attractions (times square, central park, 5th ave., etc.). What really attracted me to it is that it is right in front of the subway. Anyone familiar with this hotel? Is it in a good spot for what I want to do?

Also, I found the Holiday Inn/Manhattan-Downtown/SOHO. Is this a better location than the Wellington Hotel?

I'm open to any other hotel suggestions that anyone may have.

I appreciate everyone's help.

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StevenRocks — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 06:15:23 +0000

Keep us updated. I go to NYC five or six times a year, and I'm always willing to help a fellow tourist.

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HAMMETTM — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 21:22:03 +0000

I appreciate everyone's help. I'm not intimidated by the subway system as I have done the L in Chicago and it's pretty decent. I am, however, intimidated by the bus systems as they can become confusing. I just wanted to make sure that I could just use the subway and only the subway to get to where I want to go while in NYC.

Once I have a hotel in line, I'll really be able to ask the questions I want.

I'll update everyone soon.

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The Voice of Reason — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:51:02 +0000

To an outsider the Subway can be a little confusing, but if you have traveled a litle and used a few other major subway systems around the world without problem you will be fine. I think nothing else in the USA compares in scale and scope, but maybe Washington DC.

The train from JFK is called AIRTRAIN it is NOT part of the subway. it is automated, and extremely easy to use and navigate. It stops at every terminal and long term parking. Jamaica station is a major transit center believe it or not. The LIRR, air train, the subway, and a ton of busses meet up there. You might want to take airtrain to Howard beach instead. its another subway station and you would take the A train to midtown. Not making a suggestion since I have never made that transfer, but I would guess it easier than Jamaica.

Its not too confusing, but make sure you give yourslf a little time to make the transfer. and I waned you to know that it is a seperate system that the subway.

It sounds like you definately want to stay near midtown to hit up all that tourist stuff. but getting a view of lady liberty will be diffacult without taking the subway down to battary park and taking a ferry. Midtown is pretty damn dense and your hotel room view is likely to be of another building quite close by

You can walk all of manhattan like nibble says, but its am immense pain. Unlike a regular 10 mile walk, you have to wait for traffic at most of the 200 or so cross streets between Harlem and that battary So I would suggest you find a hotel in mid town and walk like mad from there, but when you head down to the financial district and the battary and the WTC site, take a train. that should be pretty easy for you to navigate. Take the R or W to whitehallSt-South Ferry Station

after you do the ferry thing you might want to "walk along the shore" you cant really, there is a highway(FDR), but just a few blocks is South Street seaport. and views of the Brooklyn Bridge the whole way. from the seaport you can get a ferry up the east river to 34th street (under the Brooklyn, Williamsburg and manhattab bridgees) and you end up back in midtown. likely a reasonable walk to wherever your hotel is. If you choose against the ferry back to midtown, you can walk down fulton away from the waterfront

Regarding empire or rockafeller, do the rock. it has much smaller lines to get to the top, is much cheaper, and you can actually see the empire state from there and take some sweet pictures. If you want to do empire because it is empire and yada yada yada, totally understood, but I hate lines.

I am by no means a NYC expert, but I did grow up on Long Island, so know some of the basics by proximity.

Some of the places you mentioned are extremely close together, so you should have no problem on your planning.

just start using online maps to get your bearings.

Google maps shows subway stops, and important locations, so you can see that Empire is kind of on its own on the southern edge of midtown. Rockafeller center is pretty much on 5th. as is St Patricks (worth seeing) then walk North on 5th untill you at least get to the park.

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