New York City in Winter

[Kiley]

DH is switching jobs at the start of the new year and is planning on taking a week off before starting his new job. My aunt lives out east and we were thinking of visiting her. We'd like to take a few day trips to NYC with DS (who will be 17.5 months). Is this crazy and not recomended during this time? What do you guys think? If we go, what should we do?

[justHB]

We were in NYC in mid-February this year and one day was in the mid-to-upper 60s while the next day was snowing and 17 degrees. Truthfully, we were FREEZING outside, so I don't know how a young child would do.

[tinkerbelljenny]

We were also there last Feb and there was no snow when we went and it didn't seem cold to us, it was actually nice out. I just wore a warm jacket and my son wore a warm jacket and a hat and we were fine. I had my 2 1/2 year old son and we stayed near Times Square and walked everywhere and took the subway. Now upstate the weather was so much different that week, we also went to Syracuse and it was snowing there and very cold. It sounds like the weather can change at any time.

[dream]

It's hard to predict if it will be too cold for a baby or not. My biggest problem about NYC during the winter is the wind among those buildings. Just bungle up even on a nice day. ;)
Also, try going to the city during the week, as it tends to get packed w/ tourists on weekends.

[ginad724]

We go every December and last year was our first year with DD when she was 8 months. It can be cold...one year we went during a blizzard, but if you're prepared, you'll be fine. We layer up and hats, scarves and gloves are a must. For DD, we use our Maclaren (great because it's light and manuveurs well in the NYC crowds) and use the rain/wind guard. She stayed warmer than we did :) We just planned plenty of stops and did more museums than we usually do to get her out of the stroller and with some physical contact.

Have fun!

[kk junebug]

i see that you're from the midwest, so cold winters SHOULDNT be abnormal for you (i think?)
NYC can be cold and blustery from now until springtime...but at the same time there can be a week of mild weather in the middle of winter. New England weather is certainly unpredictable. But if you're prepared w/warm layers, you should be fine! Being prepared is the #1 factor for braving the winter around here.
I say go for it! check the weather, bundle up and have a great time!

[Kiley]

Yes, we're used to cold weather, but it's not like we go touristing around or anything like we would in NYC. So, it seems like we should be okay unless we hit a blizzard or something. What kinds of things are good to do with a toddler there?

[Asha]

i live in nyc, and i HATE the winter here. though, i am also a native californian. jan and feb can be brutal, and it is actually quite rare to have a day above 30. the wind chill can get really bad too. my long,down coat is my life saver. there's usually at least one bad snowstorm during those months when things end up shutting down and airports are closed and delayed a lot during the winter.

as a native ny'er, a huge pet peeve of mine is strollers. the sidewalks are already really crowed and strollers are really hard to manuever without innevitably running someone over. native ny'ers do fine with the strollers, but tourists don't know how to naviagate them and hold up pedestrian traffic. strollers are also harder to maneuver in the winter bc the sidewalk space is usually more limited bc of the snow piled up on the sides of the sidewalk.

a taxi can be harder to find in the winter bc less people are willing to hoof it in the cold weather. a stroller again is very hard to maneuver up and down subway stairs. very few subway stations have working elevators.

[Kiley]

Very good points, Asha, thanks!

[Asha]

oops, we xposted. there's a ton of stuff to do with a toddler.

the natural history museum is great bc of the dinosaurs. there's the children's museum of manhattan. if you go in december, there's the xmas light display at the botanical gardens in the bronx. i don't know if the central park zoo is open in the winter, but its a great zoo for kids bc its small and manageable. also, you should definitely take the subway at least once bc little kids love trains. i don't know if the lion king would be too advanced for your son, but that's a great show and they have matinees too, so he wouldn't have to stay up too late.

[ginad724]

I can see where more strollers on already crowded sidewalks can be a hassle, but I think it only takes a bit of common sense to blend in. Try not to rush through the crowds, don't stop in the middle of the sidewalk or at a corner and just be considerate to those around you. We do fine, and I don't believe manage to annoy anyone :) I would use a lightweight stroller though.

Subway stairs are a challenge, but if there's two adults, you should be fine. We either both carry the stroller up/down or one takes the kid and the other takes the stroller. Most, if not all, stops have handicap gates so you don't have to go through a turnstile. We never take a cab, though we usually take the train to NYC to Penn Station so subway access is easy. Not sure how easy it is if you're flying.

I second Asha's recommendations for the museums, but we also just like to shop and people-watch through the neighborhoods. We always go before Christmas too so we take advantage of the displays and the tree at Rockefeller.

Like I said previously, we were there during a huge snowstorm, but we've also been there when it's warmer as well. The wind is always an issue though because of the buildings, but I never thought it was too bad.

[ysolde]

I am not sure how old the toddler is, but Serendipity 3, with its "frozen hot chocolate" dessert, is a fave with the under-ten (and many of us in the over ten) crowd. Central Park is great with children any time of year, as is the Toys R Us in Times Square, with its indoor ferris wheel. Saks has great post-holiday sales, and its children's department is fabulous! It also has a cute cafe (Cafe SFA), where you can rest and get a great view of Fifth Avenue. Strollers are welcome. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is wonderful during the week -- uncrowded, and easy to maneuver. Elevators everywhere. The Neue Galerie, with its gorgeous art nouveau collection, and the delicious Cafe Sabransky, is another must-see. Children love the Build a Bear Workshop on 5th Avenue in the mid 40s (has this made it outside of NYC?). The skating rink at Rockefeller Center is always a fun place (and check out Atlas around the corner).

[Sashi]

I'll be going to NYC for a few days after my wedding. From 1/7/07 (my b-day) through 1/10/07. We have tickets to two shows (Spamalot on Sunday evening and Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me on Tuesday evening). We are staying at the Benjamin Hotel which is located at 125 East 50th Street, New York, NY 10022. I don't know where we should go to eat. At least 2 nice dinners and maybe 1 really nice lunch? I figured a nice dinner on Mondy and Tuesday nights (after or before the show).

My questions are for anyone with these experiences or who lives in NYC who could possibly help. I'd like to go to Lydia's restaurant, the italian lady from the food network (or one of those food channels), the restaurant and her full name are escaping me! I'd also like to possibly go to Tavern on the Green but don't know where they are, if they are feasible, etc. I'd like to be able to go to Central Park one day but I don't know how to plan all this and plan the wedding! :eek: Any help would be greatly appreciated?!

[CBMarie]

I live in NYC. My boys are almost 3 and 4.5.

There are some great recommendations for kids in here; I'll list mine, too:

1. The Central Park Zoo has a great kid's zoo where you can feed and pet llamas, goats, cows and pigs.

2. The Children's Museum on 83rd between Amsterdam and Broadway is fabulous, especially in the cold winter months. It is closed on Mondays.

3. The Natural History Museum is fantastic. Go to the Ocean Life room to see a life-size whale and a larger-than-life movie about ocean life. The dinosaur exhibit on the fourth floor is world class, absolutely one of the best.

4. FAO Schwarz on Broadway and ... 59th?

5. Serendipity on the east side for dessert and frozen hot chocolate.

For adults:

1. Tavern on the Green is at 67th and Central Park West. My honest opinion is that it's great to go there to see the lights, Christmas tree, and topiary, but overrated for food.

2. I haven't been to Lydia's restaurant, so I'm not sure.

3. If you are going to splurge at all, I'd highly recommend Union Square Cafe. http://www.unionsquarecafe.com/

3. For a nice dinner near Times Square and Broadway theaters, go to Osteria al Doge.

4. For the Flatiron area I'd recommend 11 Madison - it feels more expensive than it is. It's on Madison at about 26th or 27th.

5. In Soho you need to go to Chumleys for a drink - it's an institution. There's just a door with a tiny sign, no big production.

86 Bedford Street
212-675-4449

"This is one of the West Village's more famous historic drinking dens -- Edna St. Vincent Millay, e.e. cummings, and F. Scott Fitzgerald are all said to have propped up the bar here at one time or another. Its speakeasy heritage is still evident (there are two entrances and there is no name on the door), but the crowd is a fairly young and noisy one. In winter, though, the fireplace makes it a fine choice for a drink (especially earlier in the evening), and there's a good selection of brews and decent burgers as well as weekend brunch."

6. Do you like Mexican food? There's a great Mexican place called Los Dos Molinos in the Union Square area:

119 East 18th Street
212 505 1574

"This casual eatery is nestled in the trendy restaurant district near Gramercy Park. It serves Southwestern food in a space best described as “Native American chic.” The bright loft space has high ceilings and blue walls, and is decorated with American Indian art and trinkets. Pale wooden chairs and wood floors tie everything together. Patrons include workers from the nearby offices on weeknights and locals on weekends. The food is good and features standard Southwestern fare like fajitas."

7. I like EAT on the UES for the NY factor - you pay 12 bucks for a tuna sandwich but they have a great gift shop and it's just sooo NYC. http://www.elismanhattan.com/eat.html

[andrew&shannah]

My questions are for anyone with these experiences or who lives in NYC who could possibly help. I'd like to go to Lydia's restaurant, the italian lady from the food network (or one of those food channels), the restaurant and her full name are escaping me!

I've been to Lidia Bastianich restuarant Becco several times. It is always a must visit on our list of places when in NY (I am sucker for the pasta course).
Here is the info:
Becco
355 West 46th Street
(212) 397-7597
www.becconyc.com

[LeslieR]

Kiley, too bad it's this year and not last year! We could have totally met up and saw DMB at MSG.:D On that note, all I have to say is don't wear slippers if you go out trekking around the city in the snow.:p

[Sashi]

Thanks for the tips, CBMarie, you were so thorough! I appreciate the honesty about Tavern on the Green. I'm gonna look into Union Square. Food is the most important part of our trips usually!

[CBMarie]

Thanks for the tips, CBMarie, you were so thorough! I appreciate the honesty about Tavern on the Green. I'm gonna look into Union Square. Food is the most important part of our trips usually!

No problem. What kind of food do you like? I have good recommendations for various cuisines, different neighborhoods.

[Sashi]

Anything but mexican and thai places. We do sushi but not raw sushi (we're chickens). I love Morimoto here in Philadelphia but don't want to go up in NYC because I could go any day down here. The new type of fusion restaurants we like were you can get anything with a twist and we love SEAFOOD, any kind.

[CBMarie]

For seafood I'd recommend Aquagrill at Spring and 6th. Expensive but extraordinary. I'd also recommend Blue Water Grill at 16th and Union Square West.

[Sashi]

Aquagrill looks just like our type of place! I'm gonna look into both. I realized today that I SUCK at planning trips....not my thing. Parties, yes.........Trips, no!

[Sashi]

Any other ideas or recomendations for a seafood restaurant in Manhattan or even in the Central Park area?

[kimthebride]

What kind of things were you imagining to do?

A lot of us have kids your age around here, but we're used to the weather (frickin' cold), aggressive sidewalks (people resent strollers and have no issues knocking into them), mass transportation (you can't board a bus until your kid is out of the stroller and the stroller is fully folded up..subways are fun as well with the crowds and staircases) and things of that nature.

I wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the country...but I don't know if I'd reccomend coming here for a quick trip at that time with a toddler unless he's really easy going and patient. But it depends on what you want to do. It would be such an easier trip with a kid if you came pretty much any other time of the year.

Some things you do need if you do come:
- sturdy stroller to manage sidewalks, slush, etc.
- wind shield and very warm stroller muff
- patience ;)

Some things to consider:
- You can't just jump into a cab with a toddler, and how do you feel about riding in a cab with no carseat?
- Where would you stay and how would you get around? Drive? mass transportation?
- Did you want to fill your days with NYC sights (Rockefeller center, Times Square, Central Park, FAO, etc etc) or do 1 "NYC thing" and have a nice meal out each day?

[CBMarie]

Any other ideas or recomendations for a seafood restaurant in Manhattan or even in the Central Park area?

There's a restaurant on the upper west side called Ocean that I like a lot - it's on Columbus between 78th and 79th, I think. There's a restaurant in Central Park called The Boathouse and it's supposed to be good, but I haven't eaten there. It's right on the boat pond and is so romantic looking.

[Sashi]

I'm gonna look them up, is it this place? ????? (http://events.nytimes.com/mem/nycreview.html?res=9D02E6DA1131F936A25754C0A96E958 260)

[Sashi]

Ok just looked, the Boathouse is only serving dinner seasonally April - November. I think it's primarily outside. Oh well. I'll look into Ocean now. But I'm thinking that Aquagrill will be our destination.

[CBMarie]

Yes, that's it. Too bad it's cold, but I guess it makes sense since one whole wall is glass and faces the water.

[Sashi]

Alrighty I've decided on Aquagrill. It's not close (walking distance) from our hotel so I think we'll go earlier in the day by cab and walk around. I've got to find stuff to do around there, I'm not sure that will be difficult. What area is it in CBMarie? I'm clueless about NYC as you can tell.

[CBMarie]

It's in a great area: SoHo! There is SO MUCH to do there, tons of shopping, great coffee shops, great bars. It's one of the best areas in the city.

Do you have a good guide book? Or have you found a good online site for the city? You might try http://www.nyctourist.com, http://www.nycvisit.com, http://www.fodors.com, and http://manhattan.about.com.

[Sashi]

You are the best.....I'm getting so excited now!

[cari2]

Sashi, I lived/worked in NYC for years before moving to the burbs. If you are still looking for places to eat with excellent fish/seafood, try Avra. It is near where you are staying (on 48th between 3rd and Lex), and has great food in a pretty space. I would recommend making a reservation as it draws a pretty big work crowd. website is avrany.com

[jnettie]

I'd also like to possibly go to Tavern on the Green but don't know where they are, if they are feasible, etc. I'd like to be able to go to Central Park one day but I don't know how to plan all this and plan the wedding! :eek: Any help would be greatly appreciated?!
I also agree that Tavern on the Green is too expensive for very little effect. It's horribly "touristy", for lack of a better word. The best way I can describe it is like it's the Disney version of a fancy restaurant.

For seafood I'd recommend Aquagrill at Spring and 6th. Expensive but extraordinary. I'd also recommend Blue Water Grill at 16th and Union Square West.
Oh, yes! Blue Water Grill is very very nice and very very good. Amazing oyster bar. And right in the middle of Union Square. There is also a really good Cuban restuarant that is fun off Union Square on 17th St. (I think) called Havana Central. Good sangria!

- Did you want to fill your days with NYC sights (Rockefeller center, Times Square, Central Park, FAO, etc etc) or do 1 "NYC thing" and have a nice meal out each day?
I think this is a good idea for visiting NYC with a little one in winter. Pick one place to go and a nearby restaurant. Or, pick an area with a variety of things nearby. I agree with others that the American Museum of Natural History is fabulous for kids, and there's plenty of places to eat within walking distance.

If you think you'll use the subway, check the MTA website (http://mta.info) for stations with elevators. Like Asha said, they do tend to be broken, but I've found them quite handy when I lug around large things in the subways (which I do often enough ;) ). Most of the major stations have elevators (Union Square, Times Square, certainly Grand Central).