"Third times t ..." a New York City Travel Page by willtryanythingonce

After visiting NYC twice before as a "tourist", this time we wanted to do things that were different. Thanks to our daughter living/working in Brooklyn, we had a bit of help in deciding what to do and see. Not your usual things, but still interesting, we took the "road less traveled" and had a great time! We arrived Thanksgiving Day, after the parade (and the million + people in Manhattan) but in time for a nice introduction to our hotel in the Financial District. We've stayed in Times Square before, and decided to change it up a bit - staying at the Millenium Hilton was a good choice for us. We had done our homework, deciding on what to see and do that was different. Our favorite things were the Bryant Park Holiday Bazaar and the Hell's Kitchen flea market. The flea market is open 360+ days a year, an outside delight of vintage clothes, antique glassware and "junk". We bought a 100% cashmere men's dress coat (in perfect condition) for $40. My daughter bought a vintage black lace dress for $5. Check the website www.hellskitchenfleamarket.com for details - a definite "can't miss" if you are in Manhattan for any length of time. Walked to the South Street Seaport on a Monday, stopping at the Strand bookstore (another hidden gem) where we searched through an advertised "18 miles of books" for just the right one. Ended up with bargain books for $1 - endless possibilities! Check it out at www.strandbooks.com South Street Seaport can be the usual shopping and dining experience - don't miss, however, the walkway overlooking the East River and Brooklyn. Fantastic views even on a rainy day. Ryan's Pub, an Irish bar and eatery, is just a few blocks and is very, very nice for a tap or two. Did do Macy's windows, the Rockefeller Center tree and "Top of the Rock" view and walked through TriBeCa, SoHo, Chinatown and Little Italy - each neighborhood unique and special. A "must" to find the special things about Manhattan (it's not all about Times Square).

Wanted to taste NYC through different taste buds than your usual "chains" and needed to stay within a budget (albeit a Manhattan one instead of a Milwaukee one). Started off at McSorley's Irish Pub (15 E. 7th St., East Village (between 2nd & 3rd Ave) for a late Thanksgiving night burger - delish! Upstairs and downstairs means plenty of seating and great atmosphere. Upon the advise of our concierage, we stopped at the Kitchenette in TriBeCa (156 Chamgers St., just off Broadway) for breakfast. Apple and sage homemade sausage, terrific eggs & omelets and homey atmosphere - prices are reasonable and the homemade muffins and biscuits are not to be missed. Wild Orchid, a vegetarian (99% vegan as well) asian-influenced restaurant (380 Broome St.) was not my first choice but a welcomed one after eating! The Orange "chicken" was the best - with brown rice & pine nuts and green onion "pancakes". Didn't miss the meat. Mushroom teriyaki, curry stew with potatoes and pumpkin and many other choices. Great atmosphere and good prices. Frank (no "s") is a trendy Italian place in the East Village (88 2nd Ave.) with a long wine list (reasonable) and really, really good food. The Bruschetta was a meal in itself and only $6.95. Perfectly cooked pasta and great specials - do try it. Stopped at Caffe Palermo after dinner (148 Mulberry between Grand & Hester) for the "Cannoli King" specialties. A cafe, wine and espresso bar, they specialize in sweet treats (too many to mention). The chocolate profiteroles were outstanding - this place is great before hitting the many bars in the area (or after - it is open late).

Brooklyn is a place that most go "through" from the airport(s) to Manhattan, but few visit unless they live here. Our daughter does so we had a built in tour guide. We wanted to see Coney Island before it "disappears" and weren't disappointed. Our subway ride from Manhattan took about 40 minutes, but dropped us right outside Nathan's "Original" flagship store. A bit before 11:00 a.m. we thought it a bit early for lunch so walked the Boardwalk past the empty games of chance and the Cyclone and Wonder Wheel. The "feel" of the place was forlorn and lonely, but expectant of better things. It was a beautiful sunny day and the sand and sea were spectacular. We walked the length to Brighton Beach - what a wonder! If you don't spend much time in Brooklyn, at least go to Brighton Beach neighborhood. This completely russian influenced area was a great place to shop, we stopped at a russian cafe for a cappucino and listened to the language. A true gem that should not be missed. Prospect Park, the brownstone row houses, the bagel shops that beat those in Manhattan - make sure you put it in your travel plans.