I am going to NYC on Thursday 27 November

rocktron

I am flying out to NYC on Thursday morning at 11:15 from London Heathrow, for 3 weeks Annual Leave. Hopefully, there will be something left for a late Thanksgiving Day lunch when I arrive at my relatives' apartment.

I'll be returning to London on Sunday 21st December, arriving back early on Monday 22nd to be back at work. Unfortunately, too many colleagues have booked holidays during that week, so I could not pre-book to stay on for Christmas and the New Year celebrations. 

I booked with British Airways, but my outbound flight is with American Airlines (Boeing 777), and my inbound flight is with British Airways (Boeing 747). 

If anyone is going to be in NYC on a pre-Christmas shopping trip, do let me know. I know the city very well and can take you on a whirlwind tour of the tourist hotspots and shopping areas, in a day. 

I have my own USA Virgin Mobile Phone and can be easily contacted.

stickyfiddle

I am jealous!

Danny1969

Me too, been twice but love the place, bet it's getting cold there now though

Have a good trip @rocktron

rocktron

stickyfiddle said:

I am jealous!

IIRC, you were there during the summer, staying at the Library Hotel by Madison Avenue & 42nd Street, and had a great time. 

This is an e-mail I sent to a colleague, last week:-

You must visit NYC for a pre-Christmas shopping trip. NYC (like most big cities) is fantastic at Christmas. 

I know the flights and hotels can be obtained at good prices if you book early. 

I would be happy to be a tour guide for you and a friend(s), for a day around the main tourist hotspots, very quickly, if I am there when you visit. You don’t want to waste too much time looking at maps. 

I plan to visit the Top of the Rock at the Rockefeller Center, this year. I haven’t been up there since it was reopened. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2ak5HhjBOY 

The viewing gallery at the new One World Trade Center would not be opened until Spring 2015, but I will take a walk around the building. Check here for a virtual tour:  

Last year I went to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes, at the Radio City Music Hall. It was magical. It is on every year, but I’ve never been to see it, until 2013. You know how it is – you always say that you will go and see something but never end up doing so. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiPyQxd--vQ 

I will be doing the usual visits to Fifth Avenue, the Ice Skating Rink in Central Park, Time Warner Center, Trump Tower, Times Square, the Christmas Store in  Macy’s, Roosevelt Field Mall, Greenacres Mall, the Christmas Shops and Ice Skating Rink at Bryant Park (at night), Chinatown and Little Italy, Lower Broadway, etc., etc.  I’ll pop into a museum and an art gallery, but otherwise to see nothing in particular.   

Rockefeller Center is nice to hang around in the evening, at this time of the year, with a great atmosphere. The Christmas Tree is spectacular. I was there for the tree lighting ceremony in 2013, but it was so freezing cold that I left. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZGjE2WPICs. 

I would go to see the Nativity display in the St. Patrick’s Cathedral on 5^th Avenue. That is always worth a visit. 

The Light and sound display on the SAKS building is fabulous, but the crowds are huge. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tHegtOwQIs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nl8da3ovLEU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_g-31CnQ3I 

The SAKS building is directly in front of Rockefeller Center, on 5th Avenue. They have unlimited power handling Bose speakers around the building, and they are cranked up very loud. You may be able to see the speakers on the videos. The music you hear is from the actual Light and Sound Show, and was not music dubbed in later on the Youtube video. I wonder what they will be showing this year. J 

I like to walk around in a store named Lord and Taylor, though I can’t afford to buy anything in there!!!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GusGPFg3UJY 

One thing that I miss is The Station At Citicorp. I loved the model trains.  None of the big businesses are sponsoring them. I hoped Donald Trump would do so, this year. This used to be under the Citicorp Building – the one with the wedge shaped top. Take a look: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjAZbk8hszQ 

I will buy a One Month Unlimited Travel Metrocard and go up and down the city on the subway and buses. There is so much to see and do that there is no time to be bored. 

Jalapeno

Very jealous ....  have fun !

holnrew

I'd love to go. It will probably be many years before I can afford it.

Panama_Jack666

Have a wow for effort!

Very jealous as well. I'd love to whisk the Mrs away for a cheeky week in the Big Apple over christmas... Maybe next year!?

fastboy

I've not been for a fair few years now but been 4 times in the past. 

If it's just general shopping you are after then Macy's and Bloomingdales should be on your list. I can't remember the name of it but if you want sports equipment there's a humungous sports shop in Harold Square about 100 yards from Macy's. 

I wasn't playing guitar at the times when I went so I can't recommend any stores I'm afraid but sure plenty of other members will be able to

stickyfiddle

@rocktron - well remembered. I just love the whole city. I really wan to go in Winter. It's always been hot when I've been there.