I've never been to NY, but I would want to see all the touristy things, especially the Statue of Liberty. But 30 minutes? From what I've heard, it might take you that long to hail a cab.

Someone suggested on your MySpace to take a Sightseeing Bus. That's a good plan, if you can find an Express sorta thing. I have become a believer in them over the years (how to at least peak at everything in London), and if I were to get to go to NY, I'd do it. If it weren't too cold out. Or raining. I confess I've only ridden them in fair, warm weather.

Someone suggested on your MySpace to take a Sightseeing Bus. That's a good plan, if you can find an Express sorta thing. I have become a believer in them over the years (how to at least peak at everything in London), and if I were to get to go to NY, I'd do it. If it weren't too cold out. Or raining. I confess I've only ridden them in fair, warm weather.

Congratulations on getting to go to New York City. Wonderful place . . . any way to extend your trip? There is too much to see in such a short time. If I had to choose, it would be the Metropolitan Museum.

When I went to NY I went on the double decker tour bus. It was great! We saw everything you MUST see in NY and then some. Its perfect when you are on a short visit.

Oh what fun! I'm a former NYer, grew up in the suburbs and used to come into the city on sanctioned (midtown, museums, music and plays) and unsanctioned (hanging out downtown!) trips from my earliest years. Go up to the Metropolitan Museum of Art - it is WAY more than just "art." Mummies, an entire Egyptian temple, a room of medieval arms and armor... plus it's right on Central Park and by late March the crocuses might be coming up... Then, I'd go downtown: Greenwich Village and the still-fun/funky East Village. By the way, if its a nice day, take a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge (yes, there's an entire walking path above the car section). Amazing views and the bridge itself is a wonderful thing to see! (PLus, you'll work up an appetite for Chinatown on the Manhattan side and/or all the fun little restaurants on the Brooklyn side). HAVE A BLAST! Clea www.cleasimon.com

Oh yes, the food!! Go to either Katz's Deli (which still has the WWII vintage "send a salami to a boy in the army" signs) or the re-opened Second Ave. Deli for real NY deli!! I'd go for pastrami, but maybe some kasha varnishkes on the side. Or matzoh ball soup. Or all of the above. And Chinatown... don't get me started.

Neue Galerie, Molyvos for Greek food, buses not subways to get oriented, Met, a stroll up 5th Avenue, that sightseeing bus for sure, Tavern on the Green, Sarabeth's for b'fast..., any play you can get a ticket for...Enjoy!

Oh Barb--I wish I was going along--can I bring along my caretaking charges?!! I would recommend the bus tour (Big Apple Tours I think it was called--to see all of NY very fast but very interesting guides, etc.). I sat on the upper deck of the bus--watch the low-hanging branches of trees--lost my sunglasses when I was looking the other way & a branch whisked mine off my head!! No injuries, just wounded pride & embarassment! There is a tourist center across from Central Park (near the Plaza Hotel & that marvelous gold statue/obelisk across the street?) that can tap you into this tour bus(es) hopefully at discount fares too. I'll also look up a place that specialized with local residents taking a walking tour with you in any neighborhood you want--my nephew & I picked Harlem but then fell in love with the historical significance around South Street Seaport area, so requested that neighborhood instead. I'll let you know what that agency is--it is a free service & great to hear tidbits from actual NY residents (our guide was an 82 YOA man & could walk circles around us!!)

Hey Barb--wasn't "North by Northwest's" claim to fame the scene on Mt. Rushmore? Or did they have a scene in the United Nations Bldg. in NY too? Anyway I thought that (the UN) was pretty interesting to tour too--or have you already seen it?

Mary S., the UN scene is where the guy is murdered and it looks like Cary Grant did it. And they also show the outside plaza with the statue of the gun with the twisted barrel.

Hi Barb, you will LOVE NYC and you're right, there is NO time for sleeping while you're there, lol....I went there for the first time in October of last year and we squeezed all we could into the 4 days. We did all the things you've mentioned and some more, including making it on tv at the Today Show! We saw 3 different shows and I'll have to admit that Legally Blonde was my favorite. The talent in that cast was just electrifying. (I'm not a big fan of the movie, but I LOVED the Broadway show!) I loved walking the streets there and admiring all the architecture. Just wait until you see their Public Library!!! I'm going back in the fall...I sure wish I was going to be there when you are, as I'd love to catch up with you!!!

Hi Barb, you will LOVE NYC and you're right, there is NO time for sleeping while you're there, lol....I went there for the first time in October of last year and we squeezed all we could into the 4 days. We did all the things you've mentioned and some more, including making it on tv at the Today Show! We saw 3 different shows and I'll have to admit that Legally Blonde was my favorite. The talent in that cast was just electrifying. (I'm not a big fan of the movie, but I LOVED the Broadway show!) I loved walking the streets there and admiring all the architecture. Just wait until you see their Public Library!!! I'm going back in the fall...I sure wish I was going to be there when you are, as I'd love to catch up with you!!!

Geez, I have no idea how I posted twice!!! Sorry!!!!

You can see almost everything you want to by walking from 59th and Broadway (Columbus Circle) to Battery Park, then taking the Staten Island Ferry over and back. Even if you sprint it will take you longer than 30 minutes! There are all sorts of walking tours provided by licensed tour guides too. If you love libraries, don't forget to stop by the General Society Library at 20 West 44th and look at one of the oldest private libraries in NYC. It's one of my favorite stops. Wear good walking shoes and be prepared for very weird weather! Welcome to the Capitol of the World!

I'm so envious of your going to NYC. You're gonna love it. I was there a couple of years ago and absolutely loved it. Although my time wsa limited I did manage to go to the top of the Empire State Building. Fascinating. Also took a walk in Central Park and went to see ground zero.

I'm so envious of your going to NYC. You're gonna love it. I was there a couple of years ago and absolutely loved it. Although my time wsa limited I did manage to go to the top of the Empire State Building. Fascinating. Also took a walk in Central Park and went to see ground zero.

I wish I could be there with you! This is going to be such a fun trip.

A lot would depend on where your hotel is located--yes, you can take cabs/buses/the subway but it's such a great city to walk in, especially down 5th Ave. Beautiful churches to drop into (including St. Pat's), Rockefeller Center (watch the skaters), The Frick Museum (absolutely gorgeous) and the Met of course (although you have to pick and choose because it's huge). And Central Park! The sightseeing buses and the harbor ride are fun if you have the time; same with the ferries. Do you really want to sit on a boat? You can also take some great walking tours.

Barbara, I have never been to NY either and I'd loved to someday, so enjoy it for the rest of us too. :)

Barbara, I have never been to NY either and I'd loved to someday, so enjoy it for the rest of us too. :)

Another envious person here. I've never been, but I know you'll have a blast.

I'll be blogging every day from the conference, so you all can "visit" NY with me.