Robert is taking Sid to New York City for his 16th birthday. I'm very excited for them (I'm so jealous that they'll be there when all the Christmas decorations will be out!); neither of them have been before. I booked them a room in the Pod "Hotel" and they're taking it from there. I know Robert would like to see at least a few touristy sites (Ellis Island, The Statue of Liberty, Central Park, a museum or two, Times Square) while Sid wants to wander around Queens and Brooklyn and avoid all touristy locations (with the exception of maybe Greenwich Village).
(Personally, I'd do Katz's Deli, Ellis Island, The New York Public Library, The Tenement Museum, and definitely a Broadway show at a minimum.)
We have an old friend who is an artist and lives in Brooklyn. If they can visit him that'll be a huge bonus! (Note to Robert, email him to see if he'll be in town.)
Neither Sid nor Robert like musicals so many of the Broadway shows are out but there are a few options: God of Carnage (too bad James Gandolfini isn't still in it) and Superior Donuts with Michael McKean. There may be other shows out there; I'm trying to nudge them into looking into them. I worry that they'll get there and just walk around for 2 days.
Anyway, I am excited for them. Sid has dreams of going to Columbia University so he should definitely go up and see the campus.
If you have any ideas for where they should go send them my way!
I'm with avoiding the touristy stuff, but if you must, you must. I would definitely hit the Museum of Modern Art and if they want to see the Statue of Liberty w/o actually going to Ellis Island, then there are plenty of harbor cruises which run daily from the South Street Seaport. The Christmas Tree at Rock Ctr. is a must, though I don't usually go in until after Christmas, b/f New Year. I really liked "Jersey Boys" and "Mama Mia", but if they are not the musical type, then I wouldn't know where to send them. Too bad Sid can't get into bars, then, my list would be longer. There are a lot of really cool bars around, especially in the Village. I would say, they should also check out Grand Central Station. There is lots going on there to see, and places to eat. Central Park should be on the list too. I'll ask Stef what he thinks, he went to NYU and he works in the City, so he is more knowledgeable than I. Too bad you can't come, it would be fun to see you!
oooh, they should totally go to East Harlem and go to the brand new Costco! Just kidding.
I've only been there once and only for about a day and a half so we pretty much just saw the touristy things so I don't really have any suggestions. Does Sid like the late show with Letterman or The Daily Show? It's probably too late to get tickets though.
I'm jealous - I'd love to go there again.
I am so excited for them both also... such a great trip and cant beat father son time.
Hope it was a great time