So, how do I look? Seriously, are you digging the changes? I decided it was time to buy my domain name, update to a more sleek theme and Steveo made me a kick ass new header which is totally up my alley. You’ll have to bear with me as I try to figure out the formatting…
Steveo and I wanted to go to New York for our honeymoon but after a destination wedding (yeah Vegas!) it wasn’t in the cards. We have some friends getting married next week that will be heading out to the Big Apple and it’s made me both jealous and curious. What would I do with a week in New York? I’m glad you asked… New York is the city that never sleeps and as such there is more to do than most people could accomplish in one trip and way more than I can write about in one post. Instead of attempting the impossible I give you my Top 7 Things I’d Do in New York:
1. American Museum of Natural History
This one’s a no brainer and long time readers of the blog will know why. I can’t wait to get here and spend an entire day exploring exhibits, taking in shows and being a nerd. This is one attraction I’d have to leave my family behind on or arrange to meet them back at the hotel. While they rocketed through and caught 50% of the exhibits I’d be making sure I saw every artifact, read every plaque and ask the docents a million questions. Plus, what if the exhibits really do come to life after dark? Not something I’d want to miss.
2. Broadway show
Believe it or not this socially awkward blogger was once into drama in a big way. Throughout junior high and high school I took drama faithfully and had parts in many school productions. I only stopped because of my crippling self consciousness during auditions. If I could just be guaranteed every part I’m interested in I’d totally get back into acting. Of the shows currently playing I’d likely choose Wicked or Seminar.
3. New York Public Library
Speaking of being a big nerd… I wouldn’t be able to pass up the opportunity to hit up such a beautiful library. Would it be weird to spend a day of my vacation in cozy reading chairs with a stack of books? Not to you nerds but I bet my family would ditch me. That’s okay, they’d only get in the way of my reading anyway.
4. Ellis Island
Ellis Island was the first stop for 12 million immigrants on their way to get a piece of the American Dream. According to the Ellis Island website: “the descendants of those immigrants account for almost half of the American people.” That’s cool stuff and the kind of social history I’m super interested in. On the island you can take a 45 minute audio tour which allows you to live the “Immigrant Experience” first hand. Other exhibits include: The Peopling of America Center and The American Flag of Faces among others. Tickets to the island are available from Statue Cruises and are $21/adult for access to the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the audio tour.
5. 30 Rock
A NBC studio tour would definitely have a spot on my trip. While I don’t think they actually go through the 30 Rock set it wouldn’t stop me and Steveo from acting out some of our favourite Jack and Lemon scenes. (“You know what, Mr. Bag? I WILL have a nice day! I’m going to hang you in my kitchen and fill you with other bags. You will eat your family!”) At $24 per person it’ll be a steal!
6. The Moth
The Moth is a nonprofit that promotes the art of story telling by hosting themed performances showcasing storytellers telling true tales live and without notes. There are two types of shows: the StorySLAM which is a competition/open mike where anyone can tell a story based on the night’s theme, and the Mainstage where well known authors, actors etc. tell stories that have been directed and polished by the Moth team. There is a podcast available but since it started in New York it seems like the best chance to check it out. Tickets are only $8 per person but the shows sell out quickly and it’s often standing room only.
7. Five Points
This former slum is one historic location Steveo and I can agree on (Thanks Leonardo DiCaprio!) and are both psyched to go to. Even though the street names have been changed and most of the buildings have been torn down, we`ll be able to find it because…. there’s a walking tour! The tour costs $18 per person, is approximately 2 hours long and was originally intended as a partner to the Gangs of New York movie. It includes stops at Murderer`s Alley, sites of the Draft Riots and, of course, the famous intersection.
Have you been to NYC? Did I miss any must sees?

I’d love to tag along to Wicked with you!
It came here to Vancouver and I missed it, lame. Luckily if we do end up moving to Toronto we’ll be super close to NYC so my dream trip might just happen!
Jessica, I’ve been dreaming about NYC for years! My daughter and I really want to go. As well as your list, here’s my list of “must sees”:
-Central Park
-Harlem Jazz or Gospel tour (sometimes includes brunch)
-Metropolitan Museum of Art
-National Museum of the American Indian
-Julliard (just to to see it)
-Do a pilates session in NY
-Century 21- dep’t store with good stuff at bargain prices
I have book called Frommers NYC Free and Dirt Cheap, which has hundreds of shows, galleries, cheap eats, etc.- written by a native New Yorker. You can fly to NYC any evening on Cathay Pacific for only $477.99 return! The problem is, where to stay which doesn’t cost an arm and a leg? Seriously- hotel rooms are like, $300/night! I’ve considered hostels (they do have a few private rooms), staying in New Jersey, or trying one of those homestay exchanges. That’s the part I haven’t figured out, because you definitely need a week or more in NY.
When we move NYC will be so much closer and it will be so much cheaper. I wonder what the Hotwire rates for hotel rooms are? My mother in law has found some great rooms at great prices in Europe and elsewhere so we’ll definitely check that out. Our problem is trying to figure out what part of the city to stay in!
Being a big nerd myself I’m SO glad the museum of natural history and public library are on your list!! I’ve been to New York several times and have never gotten to go to either, but I’d LOVE too!
I did visit Ellis Island and you’d LOVE it! I was just sad I didn’t get to spend more time there…it was very creepy though, they do a very good job of lending voices to the people that went through there on their way to our country. It’s really incredible and not to be missed.
P.S. FAO Schwartz friday after thanksgiving BAD idea.
P.P.S. If going to see the Macy’s day parade pay the price to get a viewing spot from a hotel room…it’ll be way worth it. We froze our butts off and all I remember of the parade is the line in McDonalds for coffee.
Thanks for the tips! I have a pretty intense fear of crowds so I’ll probably avoid the Macy’s parade all together
Hopefully next time you go you can make it to some of the nerdier attractions!
If I get on a train and sit there for a very long time i can reach NY from my little farm without too much problem and NOW I know exactly what i am going to do. i have never been there either, but knowing where to go when i get there would be a wonderful start! thank you for the list! c
We will be moving to Toronto this year and are able to do the same thing, I think it`s 13 hours by train. It`s part of my agreement with my husband that if we move there for his job he has to take me to NY. I`m glad you liked my suggestions and would love to hear what else you do while you`re there. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi: I would add the Metropolitan and strolling around Central Park. Ruby
Central Park is definitely a must see, we’re big on walking and people watching. I’m not sure if I can convince my husband to hit up more museums but I do think he’d be interested in the Met. Thanks for the travel tips!
I love it. It’s totally you.
Thanks Kate… I love it too!