What to do in New York City -- 2/28/2019

In the previous week's newsletter, I provided some useful tips on how to navigate potential challenges in New York City. This week, I'd like to suggest some activities to enjoy while you're there. My recommendations are not solely based on my recent visit but stem from several trips I've taken over the years.

Times Square - It's a must-see for any visitor, given its prime location, so it goes without saying that you should stop by. However, it's interesting to note that there's not a lot to engage with once you get there. It’s an ideal spot for capturing that quintessential New York photo, but after that, it might be best to move on. Towards the end of my visit, I learned that they host a show featuring all the illuminated advertisements at midnight, but unfortunately, I only discovered this on my final day. I'm not sure if it’s worth seeing or not.

Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island - If you plan to visit, make sure to set aside at least four hours for this experience. There's a lengthy security check followed by additional queues to board the ferries. Once you arrive at the Statue of Liberty , you’ll find that taking photos is pretty much the only activity available. As I mentioned last week, tickets for a visit to the crown need to be booked months in advance. On the other hand, Ellis Island offers a rich educational experience. I had assumed that anyone healthy could enter, but the audio guide revealed they were quite selective about who was granted entry, prioritizing good health, employment prospects, some financial resources, and preferably having family in the U.S. I believe many longtime New Yorkers haven’t visited either site since their own school trips, if they’ve been at all.

Broadway Shows - Although it might come across as overly touristy, I genuinely recommend attending a Broadway show. It’s similar to how I would enjoy a performance while in Las Vegas. There’s an incredible range of shows available—likely more than anywhere else on the globe. During my time in New York, I caught a Chorus Line , Rent , Book of Mormon , and Hamilton . The only one I don’t particularly care for is Rent ; I still don’t get the hype surrounding it. The Book of Mormon , however, remains the best musical I’ve ever experienced (and I've seen many others in different places). If you’re looking for a high-quality performance, consider just arriving at the theater on the morning of the show you wish to attend. You’ll pay the standard theater rate rather than an inflated price from a ticket agent. I managed to grab tickets for Hamilton and Book of Mormon when they were at the peak of their popularity that way. If you’re open to other options, there’s also a discount vendor under the stairs in Times Square for same-day show tickets.

Tall Structures - I’ll admit that climbing to high vantage points used to be a thrill for me in my younger years. I've been to the top of the Empire State Building , the original World Trade Center on two occasions, Sears Tower , Hancock Tower , and Jin Mao Tower (which was the tallest building in China at the time). Nevertheless, that excitement fades over time. Also, keep in mind that tickets to access these locations usually cost around $30. For me, it's more about checking it off the bucket list than genuinely enjoying the experience while you're there.

Parks - New York City is home to some fantastic parks. Personally, I have a fondness for the smaller ones. While I have no qualms about Central Park —which many would argue is the finest urban park in the nation—it is so vast that it requires several hours just to explore fully. Perhaps merely walking from the east side to the west side is sufficient to savor its essence and check it off your list. My favorite park is Washington Square Park . I was fortunate enough to visit... Colin Huggins perform on the piano

As I wrap up this writing, I feel slightly embarrassed by how little I’ve shared. I seem to be content with strolling around and enjoying free attractions. I recognize that I’m only scratching the surface of a vast topic, but I genuinely hope these suggestions prove to be useful.

Written by: Michael Shackleford