Judy Rongey shares her New York trip hints and tips

 Here are some things we enjoyed in New York last week:

We did a downtown tour which included wall street and the first Capitol. This walking tour included the boat ride to the statue of liberty. We got to go through the reserve line by passing about a 2 hour wait. The company was statuecruises.com and the cost was $25for each adult.

We enjoyed the museum of natural history which is across the street from central park. There were lots of rocks, minerals and fossils. My husband and my 12 year old niece loved the large rock and mineral specimens . Admission was $33 which included four attractions: IMAX, underwater flouroscent exhibit, and two other shows. You don't have to do all the exhibits. We liked the IMAX show about monkeys and elephants. Then we did the carriage ride around Central Park $50 for 40 minutes.

 We enjoyed eating at a 50s diner called Ellen's Stardust Diner. The wait staff entertain you while you eat. The diner is at broadway at 51st st.
 
 We visited the Empire State Building at night around 7 p.m.I believe it was less crowded than the day. We paid to go all the way to the top at 102 floors. It was cold at the top. You will need a jacket.

We went to the tickets' outlet at times square to get discounted broadway show tickets. We got tickets at 50% off for Sister Act. These tickets go on sale at 3 pm for the night of the show. We waited about 45 minutes to buy our tickets. You have to check the board to see what is discounted that day. There is no guarantee what shows will be available. I would have a couple of choices. We ordered Mary Poppins on line and paid full price. The theater seats were about in the same location as Sister Act.

We walked a lot and bought a week pass for the subway. The pass was the way to go. Just get a map of the lines. You can go about any where from times Square. We took the taxi to and from the airport only. 

We also visited Chinatown, visited Bronx Zoo, FAO Schwartz, M & M shop, union Square farmers market, and saw Blue Man Group. We walked by the 911memorial but you need to get tickets on line before you go.

Things we didn't get around to were Madison Square Gardens or Rockefeller Center.

Hope you have a wonderful visit.

Truly,
Judy Rongey