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09/14/2017 12:00 AMSearch "NYC Must Do 2017" in Google. There are literally 337,000,000 results! While a few suggestions within the results overlap, many offer unique suggestions. It can be daunting to attempt a trip to the city simply because there isn't enough time in a single day, which got us to thinking.
Here on the Connecticut shoreline, we're only a two-hour train ride in, which means we can go back repeatedly to see everything on our lists. Naturally, this means that when we say we're going, our friends quickly offer suggestions for our visit. So, we asked Connecticut locals to give us (and you) suggestions.
You have four hours to spend in Manhattan. What will you do?
With world-famous chefs and unique dining experiences, NYC is a no-brainer for any meal or snack. And there is So. Much. To. See. With a limited four-hour window, however, you may want to plan your day by cross-section (in loose terms) of the city since it's only about 2.3 miles across the island of Manhattan.
Many of the suggestions we received generated a response of Broadway show, dinner, Central Park, and shopping. Others focused on museums. And of course, there's Times Square. So now, where to go? How to choose?
Here are some suggestions working our way from North to South. Keep in mind that Grand Central Terminal drops you off at 42nd Street (Midtown) near Bryant Park.
Upper West, Central Park, Upper East
Central Park is 843 acres of urban park with lakes, sculptures, restaurants, playgrounds, a zoo, a carousel, and so much more. An ideal day in this area of town could include finding a market where you can grab food and head into Central Park to find a place to eat, enjoy the views, and people watch. This cross-section of New York City also offers some of the most well-known shopping such as Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue, and of course, two of the most well-known museums in the city – The Metropolitan Museum of Art (aka The Met) and the Guggenheim.
"Any chance to go to NYC — I spend my time at museums," says Denise Forrest of Madison. "My favorite is the Metropolitan Museum of Art [Impressionist galleries]. But it is fun to view a show at the Guggenheim while slowly walking the curved ramp."
While he wasn't the only person to note shopping, Adrian Price
of Guilford outlined a good trip.
"Leisurely shop Fifth Avenue and make my way down to Central Park for a horse and buggy ride," says Price.
As we get a bit closer to winter, Peter
Loden of Whitneyville offered a suggestion.
"Ice skate with friends at Wollman Rink in Central Park one evening for two hours," says Loden. "The view is spectacular. While skating, you will look skyward above the tree line which will have the illuminating surrounding buildings adjacent to the Park. The thrill of skating outside on perfect ice, in a park which is beautifully maintained all protected by the lights of the city, is a sight to behold!"
And for a parting option before we head south, "Shakespeare in Central Park," says Ed Tankus of New Haven.
Where to Eat in this Area:
Zabars Deli
Agata & Valentina (with two locations, the other in Greenwich Village)
Serendipity 3*
Midtown, Broadway, Times Square:
As tourist hubs, Times Square and Broadway are always bustling. From the bright lights and digital signs to characters (in costume or just characters in their own rights!) strolling the area, it's a visual sugar high. And regardless of whether you consider yourself a theater-goer, consider getting to a Broadway show.
"Lunch...and a Broadway show!" * says Lisa Martin of Old Saybrook.
"Broadway," echoes Bette-Lou Vasington of Clinton. "Half price tickets in Times Square." Writers note: Do an internet search for TKTS booth so you know what she's talking about.
"MOMA," (Museum of Modern Art) says Shannon Timme of Madison. "Free for kids 15 and under; adults are $25. You can probably do the museum in 2.5 hours."
On your way into Midtown, you can take in one sight right away. "Grand Central Terminal* has a wealth of history, and the Empire State building has breathtaking views," says Ted Aub of Madison. Writers note: If you're in Grand Central, talk to your friends across the Whispering Arch.
"Special events at the Jacob Javits Center," says Dina Dieffenbach of Durham. Coming up later in September are multiple fashion shows from Sept. 17 to 19, Generation Beauty NYC from Sept. 23 to 24, New York Comic Con from Oct. 5 to 8, and more.
Where to Eat in this Area:
The Glass House Tavern*
Carmine's Italian Restaurant Times Square
Ellen's Star Dust Diner in Times Square
Chelsea/Union Square/Flatiron/Greenwich Village/East Village
The 2009 opening of the first section of the High Line elevated (pun intended) the Chelsea area's status. This disused New York Central Railroad section is elevated, providing great views, landscapes, art, performances and more across its now 1.45-mile continuous path. It was among the highest recommended features in Manhattan as people weighed in.
"The new Whitney Museum (of American Art) in Chelsea is amazing, and it's right by the High Line," says Erin Shanley of Hamden. "It's also right by Chelsea Market which is good for shopping/eating/walking around, not to mention within walking distance to some of the city's best restaurants and free art galleries."
Concurring with Shanley is Kara Pierson of East Haddam.
"This nine-story museum focuses on supporting and preserving exhibitions of contemporary art as well as showcasing modern artists," says Pierson. "A series of rooftops faces the High Line and offers an outdoor exhibition space that is enhanced by the view of the park and the river."
And a few more items made it onto the list of must-sees here:
"The Strand," says Kelley Fryer of Branford. "If you are good with time in a book store, this could be a family-friendly option as well as a fun date!"
"Farmers' Market at Union Square," (Union Square Green Market) says Hank Baum of Wallingford.
"The Blue Note," says Ed Tankus of New Haven.
Where to Eat in this Area:
Eataly*
Chelsea Market
Max Brenner
Lucy's Whey
The Frying Pan
The Standard Biergarten
Lower Manhattan
A trip to lower Manhattan offers a visit that pulls at many of us – that of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum to honor those we lost. A moving review of the events and their aftermath is presented in a way that allows visitors time to view and process the information at their own pace. The twin memorial pools, within the footprints of the towers that once stood, are detailed with the names of every person who died in the terrorist attacks. In the Memorial Plaza, The Survivor Tree offers its own unique story of loss and survival.*
"World Trade Museum," agrees Jacqueline Shluger of Niantic. "Walk through the Oculus (shopping mall) at Westfield World Trade Center."
"East Village/Lower East Side pub 'n food tour," says David Minicozzi of Branford. "A great part of the city often overlooked by travelers."
"Stroll the streets of SoHo," says Erica Grasso Azarigian of North Branford.
A relaxing suggestion comes from Nikki Brinn of Madison. The Aire Ancient Baths offer baths of different temperatures, a relaxation room of heated marble seating, a steam room, salt water pool, and more. Visitors can have experiences starting at $77 on a weekday and up to $450 for a red wine bath.
Where to Eat in this Area:
Katz's Deli
Little Italy*
La Mela
Kossar's Bagels & Bialys
Pickle Guys
Grand Banks
Arturo's for pizza
Where to Eat in this Area ANYWHERE in the city:
Baked by Melissa (10 locations on the island of Manhattan)
The Meatball Shop (6 locations in Manhattan)
Sweetgreen (15 locations in Manhattan)
Nuts4Nuts carts* (100+ locations in Manhattan) – just keep walking, you'll find one.
Before you go, consider what kind of visit you'd like to have. Are you aiming for a jam-packed day of activities and food, or would you prefer a leisurely time? In four hours on a Saturday, it is possible to hit Grand Central, Broadway for lunch, walk half of The High Line (and see the Statue of Liberty from afar!), walk through Chelsea Market, eat dessert at Max Brenner, and get back to Grand Central...all using Citi Bikes. By downloading the app, you'll be guided to lower traffic areas with designated bike routes. Despite this trip being possible, this writer may suggest that you just choose a couple of things, take it slow, and take it all in.
*Denotes writer personal favorite.
(Not all areas of NYC are represented.)
Thank you to the CT locals, readers, friends, and staff of élan for contributing to this story:
Julie Amodio of East Haven, Nicole Amodio of North Branford, Ted Aub of Madison, Erica Grasso Azarigian of North Branford, Hank Baum of Wallingford, Nikki Brinn of Madison, Cheryl DiBenedetto of North Branford., Dina Dieffenbach of Durham, Denise Forrest of Madison, Kelley Fryer of Branford, Mary Ellen Ierardi of Clinton, Peter Loden of Whitneyville, Lisa Martin of Old Saybrook, David Minicozzi of Branford, Kara Pierson of East Haddam, Adrian Price of Guilford, Ben Rayner of Groton, Erin Shanley of Hamden, Jacqueline Shluger of Niantic, Andy Stephens of Guilford, Ed Tankus of New Haven, Kathy Testa of New Haven, Shannon Timme of Madison, Patti Urban of Guilford, and Bette-Lou Vasington of Clinton.