First time to new york....cool things to do?

I'll be visiting NY for the first time in late september to catch a couple of the rancid shows in times square, most likely i'll be travelling by myself. i'll be there friday through sunday or monday - what are some must do or see things there? i don't think i'd get into the typical tourist stuff, so where are the good bars/record shops/vintage clothing/etc... also where should i be looking for a hotel, as times square is gonna be way too expensive for three nights... thanks alot for the help, i'm trying to get this planned asap.

This info. goes back to pre-911, so it may be outdated... East Village has a bunch of mom & pop and hole-in-the-wall record shops. Vintage wear pretty much anywhere in lower half of Manhattan (think EV, SoHo, lower East Side, Tribeca, upper parts- Harlem) and quite a few places outside in the boroughs, the Island, and Jersey. Not sure how adventurous you are, so there you go. Oh yeah, there's a big flea market in SoHo on Sundays. Hotels...check online search engines for best deal.Things to do & see...really up to you. It's very cool when you strip away the tourist stuff, but sounds like you don't have much time. Checkout local paper, Village Voice & TimeOut New York for local activities. Last, try to memorize the subway lines, so you're not one of the tourists. Quickest way through Manhattan N-S is through subways, and for E-W travel on foot. Generally have an idea where you want to go before you do, so you really don't become a tourist. Have fun!

<font color="#FFFF00" size="1">[ June 28, 2006 10:55 AM: Message edited by: scuffed 8ball ]</font>

thanks alot for the tips, much appreciation

damn anyone know about anything interesting in FLint Michigan cuz i cant find shit to do

I went there last July and there's a few cool places in the east village lots of little shops and CBGB's. Also there SoHo and all around NYU there's cool stuff and its all within walkin distance. You can check out ground zero but it on the other side on Manhattan and a little depressing... Queens has some nice food along with Brooklyn GREAT italian food!!! But all in all I dont think I'm gonna go back I'm from Socal and NY is a little to cramped and smelly... Hope this helps.

I live in NYC so it's kinda hard for me to say what's cool to do.

I'm out in Astoria, Queens. Great Greek food out here if you like that, affordable too.

You get these street performers that are actually really fun to watch out at Washington Square Park in Manhattan, it's in the NYU area.

Katz deli on Houston Street in the village is interesting because its where the whole "faking an orgasm" scene in "When Harry Met Sally" was shot. Great food there as well, but a bit pricey.

If you're looking to catch a show, the more popular venues are Bowery Ballroom and the Mercury Lounge. See CBGB's if you really want to, I've lived here for a year and still haven't wasted my time or money on it though.

Probably the best thing you can do is get up really early and start waiting in line outside NBC studios around 7:00 AM. You'll probably be one of the only ones there. I think by 9:00 AM the come out and give stand-by tickets to see Conan.

I did it once and got in no problem, there are always cancellations so if you get there early enough you have a good shot of getting in. They don't film the show until 4:00 PM so you'll have the rest of the day to do stuff as well.

There's a really cheap hotel out in the 40s somewhere on Madison, but I can't remember the name of it. If it comes to me I'll let you know. Best of luck.

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Originally posted by social_d_fan01:
damn anyone know about anything interesting in FLint Michigan cuz i cant find shit to do

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<font size="2" face="verdana, arial">You can always make documentaries about the Ford plant closing.

Astoria, Queens... YEAH, baby!!!!
A real gem of New York and my old neighborhood.

What can I add that hasn't been said? NYC has great food, plenty of things to do...theatre, music, arts & museums, history, etc. Every borough & neighborhood has its own flavor and charm, pros & cons, etc. It really depends on what your interests are, your budget, and your time.

I'm not sure if this board frowns on non-SxDx talk, but feel free to PM me if you have questions.

Btw, I think some apologies are in order...

My original post wasn't meant to slam tourists, the sites, tourism, etc. Tourism is important for New York and I did find some tourist attractions fun whenever family & friends visited me.

As for my tourist remarks, it's a shame when I hear other people's horror stories. Locals tend to develop a sixth sense about safety and awareness that you won't have unless you had previous experiences. I'm all for FUN, but be safe out there.

Two travel NY books I'd recommend are: Let's Go New York and Fodor's. First book geared toward budget travel. Your local library should have a copy or PM me and I may be able to hook you up with an old copy of mine. Zagat's guide gives a review of restaurants, but I often find the best things are those found by accident.

Autumn is a terrific time to visit New York, because the weather's mild. No muggy, humid summers or crappy winters. Yeah, imagine train commutes during those times.

As for the cramped-up feel to New York or smells, well, it is New York. A lot has changed during the Giuliani administration and thereafter. I can also recommend places in New York that won't make you feel like you're still in a concrete jungle.

Well, hope this helps and enjoy!

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Flint, Michigan...things to do... H O C K E Y !!!

<font color="#FFFF00" size="1">[ June 29, 2006 07:25 PM: Message edited by: scuffed 8ball ]</font>

right on guys, way cool of everyone to help me out, thanks

The Rodeo Bar is a cool place. They have live bands most nights and the bar is built out of an old horse trailer.

http://www.rodeobar.com/

There's a bar around the corner from Irving Plaza Ballroom that's pretty good. It's more or less a dive but no one bother's anyone. I can't remember the name of it 99 or 19 Bar - something like that.

St. Marks Place is cool place for punk-rock stuff. Some decent shops and interesting scenery - it's in the East Village.

Molly's is a great Irish pub on the east side. A very cool old man bar with a great atmosphere - you'll forget your in NYC. Some of the greatest burgers I've ever had. U2 has been known to hangout there when playing the Garden.

Molly's Pub & Restaurant
287 3rd Ave
New York, NY 10010
(212) 889-3361
(212) 545-9464 (Fax)
Cross Street: Between 22nd Street and 23rd Street

Glad to hear your headin' over to New Yawk! Like our fellow sxdx'ers have posted, you must find some time to visit the village. And try to check out who else is playing that weekend. Try to get your hands on The Village Voice a week or 2 before you come for all the show listings. I've got my tickets for Rancid at BB Kings in Times Square on Sunday 8/27. Too bad your coming after Labor Day, if your trip was during the summer, this born and breed Brooklyn Kid highly recommends you take the train to Coney Island (during the day!) and hit Nathans for some dogs and then ride the Cyclone. In that order!

Ummm...whenever I knew of someone travelling to New York (and they were always broke) they stayed at the Y for like $26 bucks a night. I think you have to bring your own sheets, but thats not too bad...

Astoria Rules! I lived there for a little while. Great neighborhood. Great food.

Definitely check out the Rodeo- very cool place with great bands.

Also, if you're a musician, do yourself a favor and see Les Paul play at the Iridium. The guy's almost 90 years old and he plays better, faster, and cleaner than anyone you'll ever see. It'll give you goose bumps. He tells great stories, too.