NEW YORK, NEW YORK ... AMAZING!!!

NEW YORK, NEW YORK ... AMAZING !!! 

Just returned from our fabulous New York City vacation!!

The first thing we did, pre-trip, was PACK WELL and PACK LIGHT!  Here's how we did it --- No suitcase to check; take only a carry-on swivel wheel (very important) suitcase and a large lightweight bag (quilted works great), with enough room for small/medium purse and lots of other items.  Just make sure all of your toiletries, etc. are travel size...easily found at your local pharmacy.

TIP...You'll love the ease of a swivel wheel carry-on suitcase! No pulling that weight...just scoot it at your side, with your quilted bag on top (handles secured to pull-up suitcase handle).  If you haven't tried this, you'll be amazed at the difference!

That's all we needed for a week in New York!  Not having to check a suitcase and wait, at your destination, to retrieve it at baggage is such a great time-saver! And not having to lug all of that luggage through the airport, in and out of cabs, etc. starts and ends our vacation with comfort and ease! 

Yes, we did buy souvenirs, etc. in New York....and here's one of our best tips....We found that boxing them and shipping them a day or two before you leave is easy and economical!  We'll talk about how this works later in our NYC vacation (check it out!)

Now on to our amazing week in NEW YORK!!

On our last trip to New York, we took a shuttle from the airport to our hotel.  I can assure you, we made a wise decision when we chose to take a taxi this trip! For a little more money, a cab is quicker and much more convenient.  Last NYC trip, we waited and waited for the shuttle and then sat on the shuttle while it made several long stops before finally getting to our upper mid west hotel.  This trip, we stayed on upper mid east and the taxi took us right to our hotel door, saving much time to enjoy the beginning of our vacation.  Well worth the few extra dollars! 

The Renaissance 57 Hotel, on 57th and Lexington, was our very comfortable home for our week in New York.  Love the location and we were pleased to receive an upgrade to a lovely and large room.

The marvelous king bed, with lots of pillows and luxurious comforter and cushy, comfy sofabed, were awaiting us each day after our adventures!  We appreciated our room attendants, who went out of their way to accommodate (always remember to leave a tip, each day ... we left $5.00 a day...it's worth it!) .

Jason, our concierge, was knowledgeable, helpful and friendly.  All of the doormen were conscientious and always greeted us with a smile and a "good morning", "welcome back", etc.   However, the front desk employees (with the exception of hardworking, friendly Raymond) left much to be desired! Maybe, it's because they're tired of standing at...not a true front desk...but two small "pods" in  a dark area of the "hallway" size ground floor "reception". Not a very inviting  "welcome to our hotel" arrival.

Again, loved our room.  However, with the above said, the hotel is generally very dark in all common areas. Throughout the hotel there are beautiful glass works of art by Jordan Mozer, but they get lost in the darkness.  A shame!   The rooftop terrace is small, but relaxing, with a view. 

New York...Here we go!!

Our first evening, we checked out our hotel's location and found it to be fabulous!  We were within walking distance of many NYC sights and conveniences (shops, groceries, restaurants, pharmacies, etc.).  A bus across the street from our hotel or a subway 2 blocks away took us everywhere!

Our first morning, Peggy's daughter, Nicki and her family..husband, Mike and son, Lincoln met us at our hotel.  They traveled from Florida to rent an apartment in Brooklyn.  Lots of hugs and plans for our first day's activities together!  

Our first adventure....subway to the High Line!  This is a "must experience"!    The High Line is a one mile of former New York Central Railroad track beautifully and painstakingly converted to a gorgeous park!  From Gansevoort St., through Chelsea, to 30th Street, glorious gardens, city views, sculptures, and food oasis.  Marvelous!  And lots of benches and rest areas along the way.

After all that walking, we were ready for lunch in Times Square.  We picked the closest restaurant, Brooklyn Diner, which, it turns out, wasn't as interesting (food, wait staff, decor or prices) as we'd hoped it would be.  One highlight...we saw our first celebrity..Carole King!  

x Times sq. photo subway

Next, we took the subway back to upper midtown to visit F.A.O. Swartz (on Lincoln's list of "to do's).  It is amazing, as expected!  Always enjoy their displays!  Lincoln especially liked the lego displays....Wow!  

xLincoln lego

We said our goodbyes for the day...Nicki and family continued to their next adventure and Peggy and I went back to our hotel to get ready for Broadway's Jersey Boys!  Lots of rain that night, so we opted to take a cab.  Not easy in the rain!  Finally after getting drenched (another tip...pack a small umbrella), a taxi stopped and, to our surprise, actress Tyne Daly got out!  (Second celebrity sighting.)  She was most gracious, sweet and a lovely woman.  Okay, so we have our cab...on to The Jersey Boys!  Happy with our orchestra seats and thrilled with the musical!  We liked the movie, but the musical was a real treat!  

 Thursday - After all of our walking yesterday, we were really looking forward to our Day At The Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa (a Christmas gift from Peggy's husband, Dick)!  It was marvelous!!  Peggy, Nicki and I spent 4 glorious hours in the heaven of massage, facials and make-up!  Thank you, Dick!!

Before.....

During....

After.....

We met Lincoln and Mike back at our hotel (again, great location) and headed to Dylan's Candy Bar (owned by Ralph Lauren's daughter).  After filling our candy bags, we headed down the street (E. 60th) to Serendipity for their indulgent and delicious Frozen Hot Chocolate!  Wow!  

We left Nicki and family to continue sightseeing.  Peggy and I ... back to our hotel (via bus, this time) to get ready for our evening with my son, Tommy, who arrived by train from New Jersey.   We met him at the theatre, excited to see the musical, Mama Mia!  What a thrill!!  We had center orchestra seats...the best!  We loved the music, the performers...all great fun!  

After the theater, we went over to  54 Below on, what else, 54th Street. 54 Below Supper Club, in the basement of the building that used to house famous Club 54 is an interesting collaboration of Tony-Award winning producers and designers.  The club was packed so we were grateful we had reservations and sat at a good table for 3.  We ordered dinner and drinks and sat back to enjoy the entertainment. Performers from various Broadway productions gathered for a sort of "jam session".  Mixed reviews here...the MC was a bit overbearing and seemed to be playing to "the usual crowd". That said...the performers were really good!  Enjoyed their music, but wish they would have let us know what plays or musicals productions they were appearing in.  We were intrigued by the location and atmosphere.  It was a fun night!

x54 below

Friday - Fourth of July!!   Woke up early and went to our favorite for coffee - Palace Restaurant, conveniently only 2 doors away from our hotel.  Yes, there was a coffeemaker in our room, but the coffee was, (how can I put this) awful! So, we made Palace Restaurant our "to go" place...close, good food, good prices, great coffee and friendly employees!

Tommy joined us for our Fourth of July adventure!  First up...back on the subway to Chelsea Market.  (Our kids like the subway....we prefer the bus!)

What a place!  Lots to see...marvelous restaurants, shops, cafes galore!  Had delicious panini sandwiches and Ghost beer (highly recommend!).  

A walk through lovely Greenwich to beautiful Washington Square Park, with a delicious stop at Magnolia's Bakery on Bleeker St. for Wow! Banana Pudding and Cupcakes!  Stops at a few local stores and back to our hotel.  Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks (the best in the country) next!  

Arc de Triompe

It's been a long, but exciting day!  Peggy decided to stay in with a front row seat to view the fireworks.  Tommy and I opted to see them, in person.  Back on the subway, to the East River and and one of the fireworks central's ...City Hall Park. After some maneuvering in the crowd, Tommy found a good spot!  Lots of ooohhs and aaahhs!  A short walk to Little Italy for dinner and wine at Da Gennaro!  A relaxing and delicious way to end our Fourth of July in New York City!

Saturday...Back on the subway to Brooklyn.  Nicki and family will drive back to Florida this afternoon so we all met at their rental apartment.  Then, brunch at Walter's Restaurant...a bit of a wait, but well worth it!  After a walk around the area and Fort Greene Park (with a surprise parade on our route to the subway), back to Manhattan.

A rest at our hotel ... with a luscious surprise Paris Baguette strawberry shortcake courtesy of Tommy... then off again.  

This time ... The Plaza Hotel.  Magnificent inside and out!  Dreaming that our next NYC stay will be at the Plaza! After a tour of the Plaza, we walk across the street to Central Park.   Strolling through Central Park is such an amazing experience!  We see new parts of the Park on each of our NY trips.  

Central Park!!  

Out of the east side of Central Park, we head to Tommy's pick...Carlyle Hotel's Bemelman's Bar on E. 76th St.  (Special for me since the bar is full of art done by Ludwig Bemelman, creator of my favorite childhood books, Madeline!) 

  

   

After relaxing with drinks and music by Chris Gillespie, we're ready for dinner.  A walk to Shake Shack (admiring the mammoth American Museum of Natural History along the way) for some of the best burgers I've ever had!  Loved it! 

Sunday - Ahhh...one place we've been waiting to experience...Le Train Bleu in Bloomingdale's on 59th Street for brunch!  Tucked away on the sixth floor, is a staircase leading to an actual train car .. thus, Le Train Bleu!  Amazing...atmosphere, history, food...another "must experience"!!

Walking off our delicious brunch, we head to Roosevelt Island aerial tramway!   A hidden gem!!  Four minutes on a tram that gives you awesome views...spanning the East River.    Tram station is located at 59th St. and 2nd Ave.   Roosevelt Island is approximately 2 miles long.  It's an oddity...(and so different an aura from Manhattan)...given it's history of 1800's lunatic asylum, prison and small pox hospital.  Okay...it's well worth the $4.00 round-trip tram ride and 25 cents bus ride around the Island!!

Another favorite Peggy and I discovered on our last NYC trip is Green Flea Market on Columbus Ave. between W. 76th and 77th Sts.  We left Tommy at a local Irish Bar and we headed to the Market!  It was even better than we remembered and, we made some super purchases (mostly jewelry, of course!).  

Ready for lunch, we met up with Tommy for food and a beer at Kurant. A good place to people watch (if you sit at the front bar),  but very slow service considering we were three of only six people in the bar! 

Next up.... Alice's Tea Cup on W. 73rd St... Cute, but crowded.  Just took a look around. 

Whew!  We have had some very full days!!  Time to relax back at our hotel!  Tommy had to train back to New Jersey for work on Monday...so hugs and goodbyes to Tommy.  Peggy and I ventured out, on our own, to sightsee and window shop the area around our hotel, ending with a stop at Paris Baguette (this time, berry shortcake) and dinner at our now frequent favorite, Palace Restaurant. Here's one of our best tips! After all of our walking, climbing, lugging purses, etc., our legs, backs and shoulders really hurt! This is actually Peggy's amazing idea...and I love it! Simply 2 plastic bags (from souvenir purchases) one inside the other, and fill with ice! Absolutely heaven! On your back, legs, shoulders...wherever it hurts! I felt rejuvenated in no time! 

xroom view

Monday - Our last full day in New York City! Chinatown..by bus! Believe me, buses are better! Those subways are a hike! Spent the day browsing, shopping and trying the local food. 

xchinatown

Busing back to the hotel to relax...(Another plus for buses versus subway...you see so much and it's enjoyable). Here's where our packing plan takes shape! Acquire a cardboard box and federal express form (our concierge, Jason, handled this for us). Pack your souvenirs with a few of your clothes for padding. Seal the box (our room attendant found us tape), label it, fill out the fed ex form and call Federal Express for pick up. They'll pick up your package right at your hotel. For us, cheaper than the airlines charges for checked luggage, and no lugging that suitcase around! It works! 

 That's it! Our wonderful New York City trip...made even better when our children joined us!! 

Stay tuned....LAS VEGAS and SEATTLE in August!!   

December, 2013 - Pre Christmas in Naples, FL

Our son, Scott, was planning to be in Naples for a business meeting so Dick, Mary K and I decided to drive over and have lunch with him.

He was staying at the beautiful Ritz Carlton on the beach and it was decorated to the hilt for Christmas!

The Ritz Carlton is gorgeous and the service is impeccable!

We had a wonderful lunch at the Ritz' beach bar....loved the bartender...

and the food was delish.  The dipping sauce for our coconut shrimp was wonderful!

The 3 of us stayed at the Waldorf Astoria just down the road and it was much less expensive than the gorgeous Ritz.  We were able to book one of their bungalow suites...loved the large patio and beautiful landscaping!

The Waldorf isn't on the beach but they own beachfront property and have large golf carts running shuttles all day from the main hotel through a beautiful mangrove forest to the beach.

 

 

 The beach was wonderful with lots of shells...Mary K and I will plan something crafty to do with the shells...right now they're still in the trunk of my car.  The only complaint we had with the Waldorf was having to pay rental fees for beach lounges...seems like the daily $25 resort fee should have covered this.  Not a big deal but seems a little chintzy for the Waldorf.

October, 2013 - Halloween on Board Carnival Victory

We wanted to make sure we booked a cruise over Halloween -- this holiday is an added bonus on most cruise ships!  Just bring a costume and join the fun!

Last year we were on Royal Caribbean for our first Halloween at sea and we couldn't believe the ways in which the crew decorated the ship for this holiday.  We were only sorry we didn't bring costumes but decided to book a cruise next year and "do it right".

This year we decided on the Carnival Victory and it truly exceeded our expectations.  Mary K and I brought our costumes....we were an elderly couple (not too much of a reach for this one!) who were looking for their lost dog.  Here's a couple of pictures of our "dress rehearsal" before we left home.  And, thankfully, yes....we added lots of padding.....

On Halloween night, we decorated our cabin door and left candy for the kids....

and got into our costumes to be judged by the crew on the Promenade Deck in hope of being chosen for the big costume contest.  Passengers wore fabulous costumes and here's just a few...

We were thrilled to win trophies and champagne!

HALLOWEEN on the Carnival Victory - 10/13

Mary K and I had a fabulous time on the Carnival Victory!  Just arrived home after having a ball at the Halloween Party.  Thanks to all the cruisers who voted for our costumes....we came home with bottles of champagne and trophies!  Many of the people on our cruise are e-mailing photos of the beautiful costumes and we'll post as soon as we receive them.  We were too busy looking for our lost dog and couldn't carry cameras....but here's a picture we took of our dress rehearsal.....

Las Vegas 9/13

Just arrived home from our long trip to Las Vegas and then on to Seattle.  We spent 6 days at the beautiful Mirage on the Las Vegas Strip.  Found the best deal on this hotel on Mirage's website...upgraded room and $50 off the total bill.

It's in a wonderful location...between Treasure Island and Caesar's Place and across Las Vegas Blvd. from the Venetian and Harrah's.

View from our room

We arrived at around 9 PM and there was no waiting in line.  The desk staff was very pleasant, checked us in right away and then it was a long, winding walk through the casino to the guest elevators.  There are plenty of elevators...very little waiting.  We were on the 2lst floor and our elevator skipped the first 17 floors which made for a quick ride.  Our room had a lovely strip view and, of course, we got to see and HEAR the volcano every night until midnight.  I loved it but Dick couldn't sleep through the noise.  I ask you, who sleeps in Las Vegas??

The room and bathroom were spotless and we were happy to leave a daily tip for the housekeeper.  In return, she left lots of bathroom goodies everyday....the shampoo and soap are heavenly.  Wish we would have brought a small coffeepot.  We ordered a "large" pot of coffee everyday through room service at $22 + plus tip....no pastry, zip...only a very small pot that held about 4 cups (not mugs).  But we were on vacation.......and we were in Las Vegas.....and I can put a $20 bill in the slot machine and lose it in about 3 minutes (yes, I'm justifying!)

The bed and pillows in our room were heavenly.  I'm sorry I didn't purchase 2 pillows at the Impulse Shop at the Mirage and have them shipped home.  I'll spend forever trying to find those pillows!

Went down and signed up at the MLife Player's Club since I knew I'd do most of my gambling at the Mirage.  (I'm a small timer, only playing slot machines).  But I actually got some free play, 2 buffet breakfasts and $380 comp'd. off our hotel bill...a pleasant surprise.  Oh, yeah....I now have a "pearl" status card so start those hotel discounts coming, Mirage!

As far as the slot machines go, I was up and down....had a little luck on the Buffalo slots, Michael Jackson slots and Triple Dragons.  But I'm like most other people and just can't walk away when I'm ahead!

Met Scott and Christi the next day and the fun began.  We went to Dick's Last Stand (a wacky restaurant) at Mandalay Bay before seeing One (the Michael Jackson cirque show).  Dick's was crazy...all the tables are covered with white paper and the waiter throws the paper at you so that you can set the table yourself.  Insults are thrown back and forth between the wait staff and the customers so you really have to be in a party mood for this place. 

 

 

"One" tickets were a birthday gift from Scott and Christi...thanks again, you two....and it was wonderful.  Lots and lots of choreography and most of Michael Jackson's hits!  Terrific!

Next day I spent the afternoon at Caesar's Form...the shops...and it's a "not to be missed" place in Las Vegas...circular escalators, moving fountains.... painted ceilings...and of course, the up-scale shops. 

If you search hard enough, there's an H&M so you don't have to spend all of your money at Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, etc.

The shops at the Mirage are small stuff compared to the Forum but I found one shop appropriately named ---

The pool area at the Mirage is terrific....it's not crowded because, unfortunately, it rained again in Las Vegas.  Back to the slots for me.

While I was doing a little shopping, Scott and Dick were betting on some football games at the Mirage...lots of TV's, lots of seating and they won their games!

We had a beautiful dinner at the Heritage, Tom Coliccio's restaurant at the Mirage.  The dinner was pricey....about $450 plus tip but the filet mignon was delicious.  Three of us had the filet and Dick had the fish of the day which he didn't like (it was smothered in sauce, not his favorite especially since he asked that it be put on the side).  Our fault for not sending it back....the waitress and waiters were terrific.  All of our entrees were served at exactly the same time by 4 different waiters.  Classy!

The concierge at the Mirage quickly printed our airline tickets and we were off to Seattle to meet up again with Scott and Christi and the grandchildren.

Upcoming Trip - Las Vegas and Seattle

Getting ready for our next trip!  Dick and I will be staying at the Mirage (our first time at this hotel) and I'm already impressed by one of their employees, Relita B. a Guest Coordinator who has been so very helpful.  It's great to get a warm, fuzzy feeling about a resort before we even arrive!

Booked tickets for Terry Fator....we've seen his performance before and he's terrific. 

Scott and Christie have booked tickets for all of us for the cirque performance -- Michael Jackson One.  I can hardly wait...loved the Beatles cirque show in Vegas and I'm really looking forward to the  music and dancing in the One show.  Thank you again, Scott and Christie....it's a terrific birthday present.


I found a neat web-site showing (believe it or not) free attractions in Las Vegas.  Here's a sample:

     Bellagio Conservatory - A larger-than-life greenhouse atrium filled with seasonal foliage and changed every 6 weeks.  Open 24 hours and sounds like a neat place to just relax.

     Bellagio Fountains - Giant spouts of water shoot up, down & sideways carefully choreographed to music.  Daily every half hour starting early afternoon, then every 15 minutes from 7PM to midnight,

     The Forum Shops Fountain Show at Caesar's - Giant "marble" statues come to life.  Daily every hour starting at 10 AM.

     Mirage Volcano - Fire, lights, sound and special effects.  Every 15 minutes after dark until midnight.  (We have an upgraded room overlooking the volcano and strip....I'll let you know if we can hear the noise every 15 minutes!  Ooops....what am I talking about?  We won't be in our room until well after midnight anyway....right, honey?  Party!)


Let me know if there are other freebies we shouldn't miss!