Well my friends and I have been in New York City for 2 full days now, and it’s an amazing city. Great restaurants, super friendly people, and so much to see and do! Oh, and the townhouse we rented? Chalk another win up for VRBO.com! I think this rental might trump the beachfront condo we rented in Maui. And.. I’m not sure if I’ll ever stay in a hotel again for vacation! Especially considering it’s cheaper to rent off of VRBO and you get much nicer accommodation.
As for my budget… well … I had anticipated $120/day for spending. And I’m on target for that – if you don’t count the clothing that I’ve bought. It’s not a lot by any standards, but I will most likely not be staying under budget for the entire trip.
Oh, for those that have been wondering, I finally got to meet Pat Hentgen at Tuesday’s baseball game. :D We got his autograph and a photo taken with him. AND near the end of batting practice, he tossed me a baseball. My 18 year mission to meet him is now complete.
On today’s agenda is: Statue of Liberty, Chinatown, and meeting up with Money Maus and 27&Frugal for dinner! :) I also want to find the Chelsea Hotel. Because, well, there’s a somewhat famous Ryan Adams song about it. And you know how I feel about Ryan Adams. In fact, it’s pretty cool to be in NYC and actually see the places he sings about in his songs. And it’s just a few blocks away from where we are staying. Tomorrow is a Mets/Phillies game, and Central Park. For those who’ve been to NYC… bus tour – yay or nay?
A MoRoCo update: Ginger called and spoke to the General Manager of the restaurant earlier this week about our dining experience, but so far, nothing has been done. We haven’t received even an apology. So disappointed.
Anyway, I am sincerely sorry for the lack up updates here at GMBMFB. Unfortunately I wasn’t organized enough to write any material to post while I’m away. In the meantime if you’re interested, you can check out my latest Moneyville articles that I’ve written while I’ve been away:
Don’t forget you only have until next Wednesday to get your application in to become Moneyville’s next blogger!
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That's so cool that you met Pat Hentgen, especially if it was an 18 year mission! When I was a kid, all I wanted in the world was to meet Ernie Whitt, and never accomplished that. I suppose there's still time…
Good luck finding the Chelsea Hotel. It's so neat to go to places that you've heard of, or that you know someone you admire has been. (I was a complete giddy fool when I went to Jamie Oliver's restaurant, Fifteen, when we went to London).
Sounds like a great trip overall, and you're doing well keeping your spending under wraps. I hear NYC is pricey! You're inspiring me to plan a trip there. Enjoy the rest of your stay!
Hi Krystal,
Definitely do a bus tour. A great way to see the sights and get to know where things are in the city. I'm glad you're having so much fun!
I loved the bus tour. The hosts of the bus are kind of hit or miss. I had one man that was ok but all he did was complain about how real NYers just live in their borough and never travel to other ones. Then I had a lady who was fabulous with her knowledge of the city. You also get discounts to places like The Empire State Building. It's really fun but I would only do it if you have a day to set aside.
I would love to see the Statue of Liberty. It's definitely on my bucket list. My sister even lives in Manhattan and I haven't been there yet. You deserve a little shopping. You've been on a shopping ban for quite awhile. Have a great time!
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If you go to Hotel Chelsea (on 23rd street between 7th & 8th ave) make sure to stop at the Doughnut Plant located in the lobby. And while you are on 23rd street head over to Madison Square Park for Shake Shack for a burger. Also, as a native NYer (born & raised & still reside), I think the bus tours are for tourists who are only spending 2 or 3 days in the city. It seems like you are getting around to the places where the bus tours would go anyway!!
Cannot agree more, the donuts and Shake Shack are unreal!
Also awesome is A Salt and Battery, getting take out, and eating in Jackson Square Park.
OMG we went to Doughnut Planet – incredible! It was awesome, thanks for the recommendation!
Yeah, we've been getting by with the Subway. Went all the way to Citi Field and Yankee Stadium too by Subway. Haven't even gotten lost yet! :)
The double deck bus tours or the boat cruises are TOTALLY worth it. I go to NYC several times a year and I did one last year with my cousin who was visiting the first time and I loved it yet again!
No to the bus tour (save the money and walk around!), and yes to the Shake Shack that TiffNYC mentioned.
Nay on the bus tour. Do it authentic style and take the subway. Never know where you're going to pop up!
Whether you live there or not! Those express trains will getcha!
I love New York! Not sure if you are still there, but the best place to people watch for us is the McDonalds in Times Square, especially when it is cold out.
Also just checked out VRBO.com. Totally going to use that for the next road trip!
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I have never been to New York so i really find this article interesting. It is one of the places that i would definitely love to go to. Thanks for sharing one. Seeing the most wonderful spots in New York would really be a dream come true for me.