We arrived at the Port Authority early Friday am, and hailed a cab with ease, gave the taxi driver the hotel address/name, but I wasn't sure of the cross st. He refused to take us, and dropped us off around the corner, and asked for the $4. I refused to pay.
We then asked for assistance at a nearby hotel, took the subway(bought a metrocard)and arrived at the hotel in a very short time.
We were staying at the Hilton Garden Inn in Tribeca. I had the intention of simply checking in and storing the bags,(it was only 6am), but the desk clerk offered to check us in directly as there was an available room.(No extra charge) We got to shower and freshen up before getting on with day. The room itself was clean, nicely decorated, and of average size. The downside was an obstructed view, only got to see a brick wall. lol
We headed out for breakfast and decided to walk as the weather was gorgeous, but the lineup at Clinton St Bakery was enormous, and it would have made us late for our Graffiti Tour. So we ate some breakfast sandwiches at Think Coffee on Bleeker st, met our tour guide and went on our tour which was very interesting. We walked through the East Village/LES.
Next I visited the Tenement Museum, while the kids stocked up on candy at EconoCandy. I was able to get a ticket on the spot, and throughly enjoyed visiting the museum.
Then we were off to Broadway st for shopping. Tons of people, great people watching, beautiful buildings. Bought tacos from a truck vendor. Yummy. We walked all the way to Union Square, and ended the evening with dinner at Blue Water Grill. The food was amazing(sushi, swordfish, atlantic char), service wonderful, and attentive.Back to the hotel by taxi, as we were way too tired to take the subway.
On Saturday morning, we took the subway to the Brooklyn Flea Market, and had an amazing time time there. Between meeting so many friendly people, and eating delicious food, and getting some incredible finds........it was a successful day. I ate a Puposa with cheese and cod!!!!!!!!, as well as a Mac'Cheese Lobster roll!!!!! and for dessert.......a donut! The kids had the Porchetta sandwiches. Thanks TA and BrooklynMel for steering me in the right direction. That food was the best. We bought some one of a kind items, and some collectibles.
We had dinner reservations at Capital Grill,(Time Life Building) prix fixe.........good food, good service, but I found the atmosphere to be a bit stuffy.
We the headed off to Upright Citizen's Brigade on W 26th st, and was told there was only standing room only even though we booked the tickets in advance online. We left at intermission, as we were too tired to stand anymore. ( I prefer the venue at E 3rd st)
Last day, we decided to eat at Balthazar, before heading uptown. Way too expensive, $80 including tip for 3 plates of french toast and pancakes. I was not impressed.
We stored our luggage at the Port Authority, $8/bag.
Grand Central Terminal.......beautiful
When we got to the Sony Wonder Lab, it was closed. Big disappointment. I had checked the hours, had only read that it was closed mondays.
We ate at John's before seeing Rock of Ages at the Helen Hayes Theatre/ Pizza was quite good actually, and reasonably priced.
Rock of Ages was great. We had great seats, first row on the Mezz, with nobody sitting in front of us.
Caught the bus at 6:30pm, and left for Montreal.
All in all, we had fun........didn't get to see everything we wanted.
Best advice........get a Metrocard, dress for the weather.
