Visiting NYC for New Year's Weekend - What to do? (New York: hotel, restaurants)

[Organized Mess]

Hi all,

On a whim's notice, my best friend and I decided to visit NY during New Year's weekend and we are super excited! But since that's such a busy time and I'm expecting some things not to be open so...what can we do? I was hoping some of the awesome posters from the NY board can shed some light. Here's the background on us, our trip and a few questions:

- We're 24. I haven't been to NY since I was 13, and she's never been -we have no idea what to expect.

- Safety is not too much of a concern. We're both Chicago natives, (the actual city not some craptastic suburb) so we're pretty street saavy.

- We'll be in NY from 12/30 - 1/4 and staying in Brooklyn with a friend. How do I get to Brooklyn from JFK? On a flight to Boston last year, I had to stop at JFK and it seems like it's a little farther from the city...

- We want to do the generic tourist things but try out some not-so-touristy things as well. What can you guys recommend? BTW - We probably won't do the Times Square thing on NYE.

- She's a vegetarian, and I've never met a cow I didn't like. Any food suggestions?

Anything you guys have to offer, I'm all ears. Thanks in advance!

[NYorkFeinix]

About the JFK to BK thing i normally take the airtrain right outside to howard beach then the A train

[LadyR1990]

- She's a vegetarian, and I've never met a cow I didn't like. Any food suggestions?

My lil sis is a Vegan and I took her to Cafeteria (i kno i know) and she really loved the veggie burger. she liked it so much we went twice in 2 days!

Also cant go wrong with sushi for veggies since they usually have vegetarian rolls and other things you might like.

[Chava61]

For a vegetarian I would suggest kosher dairy restaurants that don't serve meat such as The Vegetable Garden Kosher Dairy Restaurant .
There are plenty of things to do in NYC. I suggest the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, the Museum of the City of NY Museum of the City of New York (which gives you the history of NYC). All these museums have a suggested contribution so you can pay what you wish for admission.
On New Year's Day when most things are closed, if the weather is okay, I suggest visiting Central Park, walking along 5th Avenue. Alternately, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, visiting the promenade in Brooklyn Heights (which gives you a great view of Manhattan). Also taking a ride on Staten Island ferry (which is free) from which one gets an excellent view of Statue of Liberty (good for picture taking). Another great view of the Manhattan skyline you get from the Roosevelt Island tram and also there is a promenade on the Roosevelt Island side looking towards Manhattan.

[Organized Mess]

Originally Posted by ohiogirl22

My lil sis is a Vegan and I took her to Cafeteria (i kno i know) and she really loved the veggie burger. she liked it so much we went twice in 2 days!

Also cant go wrong with sushi for veggies since they usually have vegetarian rolls and other things you might like.

Mmmm...I would kill for good sushi. Know of any good places? Also, where is Cafeteria?

[Organized Mess]

Originally Posted by Chava61

For a vegetarian I would suggest kosher dairy restaurants that don't serve meat such as The Vegetable Garden Kosher Dairy Restaurant .
There are plenty of things to do in NYC. I suggest the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the American Museum of Natural History, the Museum of the City of NY Museum of the City of New York (which gives you the history of NYC). All these museums have a suggested contribution so you can pay what you wish for admission.
On New Year's Day when most things are closed, if the weather is okay, I suggest visiting Central Park, walking along 5th Avenue. Alternately, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, visiting the promenade in Brooklyn Heights (which gives you a great view of Manhattan). Also taking a ride on Staten Island ferry (which is free) from which one gets an excellent view of Statue of Liberty (good for picture taking). Another great view of the Manhattan skyline you get from the Roosevelt Island tram and also there is a promenade on the Roosevelt Island side looking towards Manhattan.

Thanks again for the tips!

I don't expect us to do much except nurse hangovers on New Year's Day, but is there anything worth going to during the evening?

[LadyR1990]

Originally Posted by Organized Mess

Mmmm...I would kill for good sushi. Know of any good places? Also, where is Cafeteria?

Cafeteria is at 17th and 7th ave. As for sushi I like Haru on 42nd I think it is? It's in time square but there is one on park ave too. Its really good. I also like Matsuri at the Marintime Hotel...

[Organized Mess]

Originally Posted by ohiogirl22

Cafeteria is at 17th and 7th ave. As for sushi I like Haru on 42nd I think it is? It's in time square but there is one on park ave too. Its really good. I also like Matsuri at the Marintime Hotel...

Thanks! We'll be checking it out.