Hampton Bays, NY - Vacation recommendations

[ohmomto2boys]

We are staying in Hampton Bays, NY with plans to visit NY City.  We will take public transportation - have never done this, so should be an adventure.  

What are some do's and don'ts?  We are going to a Yankees game (not fans of Yankees, but fans of baseball).  We want to see World Trade memorial, Statue of Liberty (not go to it, just see if from afar), Empire State Building (not go in it, just see it), Times Square.  

What is easiest way to get around?  

Thank you!

[pulmonarymd]

Walking is always easiest in NYC. After that, it depends on how adventuresome/how much you want to spend. Subway is convenient, but can be scary for tourists, and can exposure you to some unique smells if the weather is hot. Taxis are good, but can get expensive, and for shorter distances may not be faster than walking given the traffic. Do not, under any circumstances bring a car into Manhattan, unless you are prepared to park it in a lot and spend the money. Be prepared to drop a fair amount of cash that day. NYC is a fantastic place to visit, you just have to spend either time or money to do what you wish. 

[Tennesseer]

Jul 7, 2021 9:03:54 GMT -5 pulmonarymd said:

Walking is always easiest in NYC. After that, it depends on how adventuresome/how much you want to spend. Subway is convenient, but can be scary for tourists, and can exposure you to some unique smells if the weather is hot. Taxis are good, but can get expensive, and for shorter distances may not be faster than walking given the traffic. Do not, under any circumstances bring a car into Manhattan, unless you are prepared to park it in a lot and spend the money. Be prepared to drop a fair amount of cash that day. NYC is a fantastic place to visit, you just have to spend either time or money to do what you wish. 

Yup. One always gets a sampling of it as they walk by a subway entrance/exit.


Pickpockets will be out in masse so protect your belongings.

You might want to get a map of the city's subway system. Figure out what you want to see/visit and then locate it on your subway map.

As PMD mentioned, it is often easier to walk around than find transportation so wear good walking shoes.

Check NYC internet sites to see if anything special like exhibits at museums is going on while you are there.

Avoid the typical tourist traps including restaurants. Find out where the locals go (neighborhood eateries).

A saying in Manhattan is people who are always looking 'up' are most likely tourists and are not street smart so try not to look up too often.

[pulmonarymd]

Yes, there are gems to eat at that won't cost an arm and a leg. The only reason there is an Olive Garden in TImes Square is because tourists go there. There a literally 1000 better Italian Restaurants than that in NYC. If you go to Chinatown, look for a restaurant called Wo Hop on Mott Street. No atmosphere, but great Chinese Food. There is always a line to get in,

One thing to get used to in NYC. You will wait on line, even if you have a reservation.

[jerseygirl]

The Staten Island ferry is free and a nice trip on the water. Just get on and on arrival in SI get back on. Gives you a good view of the Statue of Liberty and the busy port of NYNJ. Area around the ferry is also really nice- the World Trade Center memorial, the bull statue and Wall Street and plaque on the sidewalks for the many ticker tape parades up Broadway

[Tiny]

I'd suggest researching how to purchase tickets for public transportation BEFORE you get there. You want to be prepared to either have some idea of how the vending machines look/how to use them OR get the app loaded on your phone. (I assume there's an app... there's an app for my local public transportation and youtube videos on how to use the vending machines).   Make sure someone in your party is watching your stuff while who ever is stumbling thru getting the tickets is occupied with the process (and not paying attention to their stuff).   

I second the "pickpockets" love tourists and not careful locals.

You don't want to leave your suitcase or day bag or anything unattended at any time. Being more than a foot from your suitcase or day bag is "unattended". If it's crowded and people are flowing past - you want to hold on to your stuff.

Not everyone is out to get you. No one will accost you and threaten to take your stuff. It's just that if you provide an "opportunity" thru inattention or leaving something accessible (bag/jacket hanging over the back of a chair at a crowded fast food restaurant for example) someone might take advantage of it.

It's the crowds and/or constant flow of people that you might not be use to that's the issue. Once you get the hang of it - it's second nature/auto pilot to keep track of your stuff when out in public.  And the people looking for opportunities will look else where.  

 

[pulmonarymd]

Another great way to see the Statue of Liberty is to do a cruise around Manhattan. It is especially breathtaking to see it from the water at night. The commercial ones do sunset cruises and take you up close to Lady Liberty. A sight to behold.

[NoNamePerson]

All of the above. But will add that I loved going up to top of Empire State Building! Seeing
the city from that birds eye view was awesome! The High Line is another suggestion. Also got tickets to Broadway. And I agree walking is the best way but took subway too. Found subway more interesting than scary. Wear really comfortable shoes. We went clubbing but couldn’t tell you the name if my life depended on it! Cabbie recommended it   

[ohmomto2boys]

Thank you everyone!  I really appreciate it.  My DH is completely paranoid about the crime in NYC.  I told him we are not morons and we just need to be very aware of ourselves, our stuff and where we are.  I will definitely do research before heading into the city.  Right now, the Hamptons Jitney is looking like the easiest ride into the city - drops us off in Murray Hill area.  

Has anyone gone to the Top of the Rock instead of Empire State Bldg?

[Lizard Queen]

I bought my car on eBay October 2001, flew out to NY to pick it up in long Island, and took it into the city for the day. We found a single road that would take us straight in and out of the city, and parked it in a garage right on that road. We walked around and hopped on the subway, which I didn't find confusing other than some of the lines were shut down due to the world trade center. Crime didn't seem as bad as Europe, but I know how to keep aware of my stuff. Some people in my hometown are oblivious--shopping at the grocery store, leaving purse unattended and flopped open on their cart while they walk away to look at something.

[finnime]

Go to MOMA if you can. It's worth the entry, and I think Fridays are free still. The Met is also awesome, and right on Central Park. I've been to the Top of the Rock and to the Empire State Building. Prefer the Empire. Chelsea Pier is fun and free to wander around. You can walk from Chelsea through Little Italy (great restaurants) to Chinatown (also great restaurants and shops) easily enough, then down to the financial district and get on the ferry a previous poster mentioned to Staten Island/Statue of Liberty, then take the subway back to wherever you need to go. Take a double-decker hop on/hop off bus tour around Manhattan, for that matter. Good guides will tell you things you never thought to ask about.

[ArchietheDragon]

Jul 7, 2021 8:37:34 GMT -5 ohmomto2boys said:

We are staying in Hampton Bays, NY with plans to visit NY City.  We will take public transportation - have never done this, so should be an adventure.  

What are some do's and don'ts?  We are going to a Yankees game (not fans of Yankees, but fans of baseball).  We want to see World Trade memorial, Statue of Liberty (not go to it, just see if from afar), Empire State Building (not go in it, just see it), Times Square.  

What is easiest way to get around?  

Thank you!

Are you planning a single day trip or multiple trips?    My one comment is that Manhattan looks small on a map, but getting around the city is slow and tiring, so pace your self. 

[pulmonarymd]

If I were a tourist, depending on time and time of year, these would be my favorite things to do:

1 Broadway Show- I think this is a must
2 Central Park
3 One of the museums around the park
4 Eat in Little Italy?Chinatown(could do dinner in CHinatown, desert in Little Italy to keep cost down)
5 WTC area/downtown
6 Empire State Building
7 Just wander around a neighborhood. Manhattan is really a whole bunch of small towns, each one has a certain vibe/restaurants/shops, and each one has a certain energy.

I grew up just outside NYC. Went to Medical School there. There is just so much to do/see/experience that nobody can do it all in one short visit, and we all have our favorite things to do. People watching in NYC is half the fun.  

[TheOtherMe]

I was going to say I could spend a day in Central Park.  It's so beautiful.  

I'm weird and I love Greenwich Village.  

[Tennesseer]

Jul 7, 2021 14:52:59 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

All of the above. But will add that I loved going up to top of Empire State Building! Seeing
the city from that birds eye view was awesome! The High Line is another suggestion. Also got tickets to Broadway. And I agree walking is the best way but took subway too. Found subway more interesting than scary. Wear really comfortable shoes. We went clubbing but couldn’t tell you the name if my life depended on it! Cabbie recommended it   

I will say I was and still would be a little paranoid while waiting for a subway train to enter the station. I would keep my back against the far wall while waiting for the train to arrive. Too many crazy folks around and the possibility of being pushed down onto the tracks as the train arrives.

It happens every now and then to innocent riders.

[NoNamePerson]

Jul 8, 2021 11:02:30 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

I was going to say I could spend a day in Central Park.  It's so beautiful.  

I'm weird and I love Greenwich Village.  

We even went to porn district but think they’ve cleaned that up since last there. Had dudes coming out doors and asking us to join in behind closed doors    Did Greenwich Village too! New York ruined me for bagels! Can’t be matched anywhere else   Dang all this talk makes me want to go back   Hope you have a blast ohmomto2boys  

[TheOtherMe]

Yes, the bagels.

It's been a while since I've been to NY.  The last time we were out by Forest Hills and got around by walking through the park--even though we found out the park is closed at night. 

[pulmonarymd]

Yes, the bagels! We usually bring some home and freeze them. Once when we went, we took orders. Spent about $50 on bagels! Hard to explain unless you are from NY. The line was out the door and down the block. We sent a picture of the line and sent it to some friends back home. Not being NYers, they were dumbfounded. It is amazing what you accept when you are there. 

If you visit NYC, just be prepared to hemorrhage money. It just seems to burn a hole in your pockets. There are ways to minimize it, but you have to plan well. And having a car to park will be a budget buster.

[Tennesseer]

Jul 8, 2021 13:54:49 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

Jul 8, 2021 11:02:30 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

I was going to say I could spend a day in Central Park.  It's so beautiful.  

I'm weird and I love Greenwich Village.  

We even went to porn district but think they’ve cleaned that up since last there. Had dudes coming out doors and asking us to join in behind closed doors    Did Greenwich Village too! New York ruined me for bagels! Can’t be matched anywhere else   Dang all this talk makes me want to go back   Hope you have a blast ohmomto2boys  

In the '60s and '70s, the Times Square area was the porn district. That area has now been Disneyized.

[Deleted]

Jul 8, 2021 14:02:39 GMT -5 pulmonarymd said:

Yes, the bagels! We usually bring some home and freeze them. Once when we went, we took orders. Spent about $50 on bagels! Hard to explain unless you are from NY. The line was out the door and down the block. 

Ah, I miss NY bagels. There was a shop in Wyckoff, NJ where I lived that did them right, too- they have to be boiled before you let them rise.  Some places steam them and I suspect others are just making a hard roll with a hole in the middle.  That's the texture they have, anyway. 

[NoNamePerson]

Jul 8, 2021 17:05:43 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Jul 8, 2021 13:54:49 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

We even went to porn district but think they’ve cleaned that up since last there. Had dudes coming out doors and asking us to join in behind closed doors    Did Greenwich Village too! New York ruined me for bagels! Can’t be matched anywhere else   Dang all this talk makes me want to go back   Hope you have a blast ohmomto2boys  

In the '60s and '70s, the Times Square area was the porn district. That area has now been Disneyized.

We were there in the 82. I think they had just started to clean it up. But still had porn shops, etc. hate admit but glad I got to see the seedy side. It was part of the New York experience as far as we were concerned. Yep, I know that is probably weird to some pEEps

[Tennesseer]

Jul 8, 2021 17:19:24 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

Jul 8, 2021 17:05:43 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

In the '60s and '70s, the Times Square area was the porn district. That area has now been Disneyized.

We were there in the 82. I think they had just started to clean it up. But still had porn shops, etc. hate admit but glad I got to see the seedy side. It was part of the New York experience as far as we were concerned. Yep, I know that is probably weird to some pEEps

Not at all. It's part of the area's history. After all, NYC is the city which never sleeps.

[Opti]

Jul 7, 2021 9:33:23 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Jul 7, 2021 9:03:54 GMT -5 pulmonarymd said:

Walking is always easiest in NYC. After that, it depends on how adventuresome/how much you want to spend. Subway is convenient, but can be scary for tourists, and can exposure you to some unique smells if the weather is hot. Taxis are good, but can get expensive, and for shorter distances may not be faster than walking given the traffic. Do not, under any circumstances bring a car into Manhattan, unless you are prepared to park it in a lot and spend the money. Be prepared to drop a fair amount of cash that day. NYC is a fantastic place to visit, you just have to spend either time or money to do what you wish. 

Yup. One always gets a sampling of it as they walk by a subway entrance/exit.


Pickpockets will be out in masse so protect your belongings.

You might want to get a map of the city's subway system. Figure out what you want to see/visit and then locate it on your subway map.

As PMD mentioned, it is often easier to walk around than find transportation so wear good walking shoes.

Check NYC internet sites to see if anything special like exhibits at museums is going on while you are there.

Avoid the typical tourist traps including restaurants. Find out where the locals go (neighborhood eateries).

A saying in Manhattan is people who are always looking 'up' are most likely tourists and are not street smart so try not to look up too often.

I don't know if it is still true, but I got a great book or two on NYC in subway book stores. They usually carry current titles, like shopping in NYC and books on navigating the subway system. I'm old school, so I still have a now outdated fold out NYC subway map for my Filofax. 

If you are willing to spend $$, I think boat cruises around the Statue of Liberty are fun. I've been on two, one with work another through a non work organization. I would guess there are some that must depart on the NYC side, I live in NJ, so the ones I have been on set sail from NJ.

Know where you are going, don't get crowded out on the streets, and watch your feet and other people's hands.

[Opti]

Jul 8, 2021 11:11:04 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Jul 7, 2021 14:52:59 GMT -5 NoNamePerson said:

All of the above. But will add that I loved going up to top of Empire State Building! Seeing
the city from that birds eye view was awesome! The High Line is another suggestion. Also got tickets to Broadway. And I agree walking is the best way but took subway too. Found subway more interesting than scary. Wear really comfortable shoes. We went clubbing but couldn’t tell you the name if my life depended on it! Cabbie recommended it   

I will say I was and still would be a little paranoid while waiting for a subway train to enter the station. I would keep my back against the far wall while waiting for the train to arrive. Too many crazy folks around and the possibility of being pushed down onto the tracks as the train arrives.

It happens every now and then to innocent riders.

I would be a lot paranoid. CNJ is crazy right now and violence is at an all time high across much of the country including NYC & the subway in particular. Apparently according to some article or news story somewhere, it had been predicted there would be a rise in violence etc. as the pandemic eased.

People are the most batshit crazy I have seen in my area of NJ. I don't want to think about NYC, but trust current peep's views over mine. Do listen to footsteps and don't be afraid to look bad by looking back or whatever. Recently the news played a video of a short hispanic man attacking a taller white woman. He literally ran towards her back, jumped up, grabbed her by the neck and pulled her down to the sidewalk. He only managed to grope her, she got away from him, but broad daylight attacks are up in NYC. Be careful!

[ohmomto2boys]

It appears we better get some bagels! 

[TheOtherMe]

After seeing video of the subway last night, do not walk in subway flood water.

[Opti]

Jul 9, 2021 6:52:37 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

After seeing video of the subway last night, do not walk in subway flood water.

If NYC floods, you will be walking through flood waters, unless you are in areas without them. I think the more important thing is do not ford any water that appears too deep or strong whether you are walking or driving through it. Though sometimes you don't have much choice unless you like drowning.

News had pics of the usual storm time flooded streets in NYC and NJ yesterday. I am hoping there aren't any in my near future today as rivers, etc. have to hit their post Elsa crests.

[Tennesseer]

Jul 9, 2021 1:57:09 GMT -5 Opti said:

Jul 7, 2021 9:33:23 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Yup. One always gets a sampling of it as they walk by a subway entrance/exit.


Pickpockets will be out in masse so protect your belongings.

You might want to get a map of the city's subway system. Figure out what you want to see/visit and then locate it on your subway map.

As PMD mentioned, it is often easier to walk around than find transportation so wear good walking shoes.

Check NYC internet sites to see if anything special like exhibits at museums is going on while you are there.

Avoid the typical tourist traps including restaurants. Find out where the locals go (neighborhood eateries).

A saying in Manhattan is people who are always looking 'up' are most likely tourists and are not street smart so try not to look up too often.

I don't know if it is still true, but I got a great book or two on NYC in subway book stores. They usually carry current titles, like shopping in NYC and books on navigating the subway system. I'm old school, so I still have a now outdated fold out NYC subway map for my Filofax. 

If you are willing to spend $$, I think boat cruises around the Statue of Liberty are fun. I've been on two, one with work another through a non work organization. I would guess there are some that must depart on the NYC side, I live in NJ, so the ones I have been on set sail from NJ.

Know where you are going, don't get crowded out on the streets, and watch your feet and other people's hands.

Back around 1989 or so, and while I was still living and working in Connecticut, my employer's local sales office hosted a dinner cruise or its best customers departing out of Stamford, CT and sailing down to roughly mid-town Manhattan and back. While I and another employee were not part of our sales department we we asked if we wanted to go on the dinner cruise. We did and we went.

Interesting to view the familiar sites from the perspective of water versus highways.

[Tennesseer]

Jul 9, 2021 6:52:37 GMT -5 TheOtherMe said:

After seeing video of the subway last night, do not walk in subway flood water.

Many years ago and of the national evening news, a segment was about a recent windy day in Manhattan. A video captured a woman who was passing a subway entrance/exit stairwell being blown into a trash can and then the two of them disappearing as they tumbled down the subway entrance/exit stairs.

[Opti]

Jul 9, 2021 10:26:57 GMT -5 Tennesseer said:

Jul 9, 2021 1:57:09 GMT -5 Opti said:

I don't know if it is still true, but I got a great book or two on NYC in subway book stores. They usually carry current titles, like shopping in NYC and books on navigating the subway system. I'm old school, so I still have a now outdated fold out NYC subway map for my Filofax. 

If you are willing to spend $$, I think boat cruises around the Statue of Liberty are fun. I've been on two, one with work another through a non work organization. I would guess there are some that must depart on the NYC side, I live in NJ, so the ones I have been on set sail from NJ.

Know where you are going, don't get crowded out on the streets, and watch your feet and other people's hands.

Back around 1989 or so, and while I was still living and working in Connecticut, my employer's local sales office hosted a dinner cruise or its best customers departing out of Stamford, CT and sailing down to roughly mid-town Manhattan and back.

Interesting to view the familiar sites from the perspective of water versus highways.

My first one was around that time, for a UNIX deliverable celebration. Somewhere I have the small charger from that milestone.
I do not remember all that much about the cruise except NYC at night from the water is a nice sight. Statue of Liberty was bathed in lights.


Had great views of NYC at night at a wedding venue more than a decade ago. Sadly no pics of even me dressed up, as the official invitees phone allegedly took bad hardly visible pics. I like the city at night. There are great restaurants in Hoboken, NJ and other NYC adjacent areas.