Getting into a New York State of Mind

Posted on by Marcia Mayne

There’s nothing quite like summer in New York City. School’s out, buses and subways are less crowded, restaurants spill out onto sidewalks, beaches are open, and there are free concerts and movies in the parks.

Although I won’t be in New York City the entire summer, I’ll be there next month. Just thinking about it makes me feel giddy with excitement. I’m really looking forward to doing a few things while I’m there, like:

  • Try out a new restaurant. With more than 3,000 in New York City, there’s always something new to try. My favorites: Thai, Mexican, Spanish, Brazilian, Italian, and Indian.
  • Catch a Broadway play. High on my list, the revival of Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire. I’ll check TKTS for half price tickets. 
  • Watch the fireworks at Coney Island. No matter how many times I’ve done this, it always feels like the first time. Fridays 9:30 p.m. Ends August 31st. FREE
  • Take in a movie at Bryant Park. It’s Monday, I’ve found a spot on the lawn and I’m waiting for dusk and the start of another classic movie. Ends August 20th. FREE
  • Experience The Ride. Never heard of it? The Ride is a bus with seats facing sideways and a huge picture window so you see what’s happening on the sidewalks. It’s like moving theater with the action changing as you drive by.  Best of all, this summer, The Ride is offering a special rate of $59, down from $74.
  • Walk the High Line. The High Line is an elevated park that runs over the old New York Central Railroad line. 10th Avenue from Gansevoort to 30th Streets. FREE.
  • Cross the Brooklyn Bridge on foot. One of the oldest suspension bridges in the country, and definitely one of the most beautiful, it spans the East River and connects Manhattan and Brooklyn.

So that I can soak up more of New York’s frenetic energy (wish I could bottle some and take back with me), I plan to stay in the city and have identified a few places, including B&Bs and hostels near my old neighborhood.

Now that I’ve made my list, I can’t wait to see New York City again, and hear what my friends have been up to. It’ll be just like old times.

 

 


photo by:


The U.S. Army

8 comments on “Getting into a New York State of Mind”

  1. You’ll want to move back after you visit again, won’t you? You’re more of a New Yorker than Jamaican. 🙂 Sounds like you’ve got well laid out plans for your visit. Enjoy!

  2. We’ll see. I do miss it, little things like having a selection of movies to go out and see. Will definitely try and see a few while I’m there. I have the days all mapped out, will see how much I get done. Thanks, Totsymae!

  3. Love that you are coming to New York this summer, how exciting! Great list you have there…I actually had NO IDEA that Coney Island does fireworks on Fridays, thanks for the tip!:-)

  4. I’ll be there in time for the 4th. Excited!
    Yes, yes, yes! It’s a great treat and totally free. What I love about it is that depending on where you’re standing on the beach, it’s like you’re right under the fireworks.

  5. I haven’t been to the big apple yet, but this summer we are going to spend our vacation there. I really like your tips, they are less common than the most tips of the usual travel guides, I’ve just bookmarked your post!

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