Planning a Trip to New York
Planning a trip to New York is easy with insider tips from family and friends.
There was a time when I felt overwhelmed by the Big Apple’s options. That was before I learned to rely on the advice of friends and family who live there. Now planning a trip to New York is a piece of cake. I send out emails, make a few phone calls and – voila – I know what’s on, what’s new, and what’s in.
I love doing this because it enables me to have a great time – and then I get to share my insider tips with you. Remember, this site is all about finding real experiences and avoiding tourist traps.
My sister gets credit for introducing me to Tea & Sympathy, a tiny hole in the wall on Greenwich Avenue that serves the best “ploughman’s lunch” and pot of tea in America. The menu includes bangers ‘n mash, shepherd’s pie, and welsh rarebit, but I always opt for the classic pub combo of sharp cheddar, crusty bread, and Branston pickle. With only nine tables, it isn’t surprising to find a line of locals waiting for a spot, but the all-things-British shop next door provides a good diversion.
New York’s multi-cultural population is also represented at Sosa Borella, an Italian-Argentine restaurant in the theatre district. The same “connection” that helped us get Book of Mormon tickets recommended this spot. I laughed myself silly at the show and devoured the fresh spinach linguini with salmon I ordered for dinner. My nephew, who’d recently been to Argentina, chose a yummy Malbec that we all savored.
Another nephew introduced me to the new(ish) High Line Trail, a park built on an old elevated railway line that runs along 10th Avenue south of 20th Street. This creatively landscaped path, which provides great views over the city and the Hudson River, is a fantastic example of adaptive re-use in urban design.
Tea & Sympathy serves great afternoon tea and British style lunches.
I like the High Line Trail, but Central Park is still my favorite place to stretch my legs in New York. It takes about two hours to walk from one end to the other, but I always allow extra time to stop in the Conservatory Garden at 105th Street at Fifth Avenue. My former college roommate told me about this very pretty six-acre retreat accessed through a wrought iron gate.
I sit there with office workers on a break, moms jiggling a pram, and locals lost in a good book – and enjoy looking at New York from an insider’s point of view.
Tips on New York hotels? These are two of my favorites: The Pierre and The Library Hotel.
The Conservatory Garden is my favorite area of Central Park.
Category: USA Eastern States
Subscribe
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to receive more just like it.
Love your ideas to connect with family and friends for things to do. Discover New York and Beyond can take those wonderful suggestions and open doors to make luxury travel a hands on, fun learning experience for both corporate and leisure guests.