"It's up to you, New York, New York!" New York City by PKCass

New York City Travel Guide: 15,523 reviews and 30,893 photos

First Visit

It was 1986, and a group of six college students decided to rent a minivan and drive from the University of Georgia up the east coast and visit Washington, DC, Philadelphia and New York during our ten day spring break. It was actually a fairly inexpensive trip for us, as two people in the group had relatives in or near each of these cities who allowed us to sleep on their floors. The only expenses we had were the van rental, gas, and food. I had been to Philadelphia and Washington, DC before on school trips, but it was my first visit to the Big Apple. It was also almost my last visit. I hadn't traveled much before and wasn't prepared for the number of people, the cars, the noise, and the homeless people. I know we did some fun things - went to the Natural History museum, went to the top of the Empire State Building, etc. - but I really don't remember anything except how much I wanted to leave. I left with the impression that everyone in NYC was mean and in a hurry and that the streets were dirty and unsafe. I swore I would never return.

Twenty Years Later

The Drowsy Chaperone, October 2006

In 2006 I watched the Tony awards and saw a scene from the musical "The Drowsy Chaperone". I love musicals, and this one really caught my attention. When some friends of mine announced plans to spend a long weekend in NYC in October of that year I decided I would go, too, provided we could go see "The Drowsy Chaperone". I was absolutely amazed at what a different city New York was from the one I remembered in 1986. Granted, I have a lot more experience traveling now than I did then. I also was not crowded into a minivan this time, nor did I have to sleep on a floor. Still, I believe the people seemed friendlier (though in no less of a hurry) and the streets seemed safer. I absolutely loved "The Drowsy Chaperone" (which closed in December of 2007 but is currently touring). I saw three other Broadway shows that weekend, and I was hooked.

Never Say Never

I've been back to NYC twice since 2006. The first time was for work in December 2007, and I went alone! That was something I never thought I'd be able to do before the October 2006 trip. Then in January 2008 I returned with some friends for another weekend of Broadway shows. We are talking about going back again in this fall. If you are like me and your only experience with NYC was years ago, give it another chance.

Pros and Cons