NEW YORK – The Big Apple is, well, big – too big to see in a few days.
But as Frank Sinatra often sang, I wanted to be a part of it. So I recently took a bite out of the Big Apple over a three-day period. And I didn’t even have to break the bank.
In David Letterman fashion, here are 10 things that make New York worth visiting, even for just a short time:
10. People watching: We saw the Naked Cowboy at Times Square. He wasn’t naked – he was wearing underwear, but he did attract attention. There was public break dancing in four places from Battery to Central parks. People from all over the world can be seen in New York. Watching people in all their individual fashions on the subway is a treat. A band played in the underground subway. Walking by a small park through Greenwich Village was entertaining. People sold watches and purses all over, and there were street performers and craftsmen all around. Just don’t buy movies on the street, I was told. They were made illegally using camcorders in movie theaters.
9. Transportation: The taxi drivers are crazy in Manhattan. I heard more horns honk in three days than I’ve heard in my entire lifetime. Somehow they weave their way in and out of traffic without getting into accidents. They come within inches time and time again. But the subway system is the best. It takes you all over for just $7 a day. It’s easy and gets you where you want to go in minutes.
8. Eating: We enjoyed Bubba Gump Shrimp with all its memorabilia from the “Forrest Gump” movie. It’s right in Times Square. We also got a great deal at Macy’s, with a two-for-$25 salmon dinner. Even the street vendors’ hot dogs smell amazing in Manhattan. We also had some award-winning dumplings in Chinatown at Joe’s Shanghai.
7. Shopping: Times Square is a great place to pick up souvenirs of the city. Hats, 3 for $10. Shirts, 5 for $10. We also enjoyed Macy’s, of “Miracle on 34th Street” and Thanksgiving Day parade fame. The store even had wooden escalators on the eight floors.
6. Central Park: We took a ride on a rickshaw. The horse-and-carriage rides only go to a small part of the park. We got to see the carousel and beautiful Jacqueline Onassis Lake filled with rowboats. We saw where part of the movie “Ghostbusters” was filmed. And we saw Strawberry Fields, dedicated to John Lennon. A guitarist played the tune as we looked at the “Imagine” memorial, which is just across from the Dakota apartment building, where Lennon was killed and his widow, Yoko Ono, still lives.
5. Ground Zero: I was there the day before the fourth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Locals recommended I not go there on the actual day because of all the media, family and friends of Sept. 11 victims. Still, it was very solemn. Three people read the names of victims and told short stories about them. A huge flag on a nearby building gave the place a patriotic feeling. A cross made from steel beams from the World Trade Center reminded all of what happened, along with pictures and a timeline on display.
4. Broadway: I couldn’t get into “Spamalot,” but I did see John Lithgow in “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels” and Christina Applegate in “Sweet Charity.” Tickets are half price if you buy them the day of the show at Times Square. And while we waiting in line for about 45 minutes, an a cappella group sang for donations for Hurricane Katrina victims.
3. Times Square: I’m not one for advertising, but you can’t help but be impressed at all the visuals here. There are photos of stars and commercial advertisements all over the place for blocks. Street vendors and musicians are all around. People hawk things such as bus tours and theater tickets. Electronic video displays add to the spectacular setting.
2. Statue of Liberty: You can see if from Battery Park, but take an hour and ride the Staten Island Ferry for free to get a closer look. It’s worth the time, and the price is right.
1. Empire State Building: The views are amazing. You can see everything from the Statue of Liberty and Central Park to far beyond. The taxis on the streets 86 floors below look like ants going every which way. You can even feel the building sway. When you listen to others speak, you realize they come from all over the world. And at only $14 a person, it’s a thrill of a lifetime, even if Meg Ryan doesn’t show.
I’ve been asked if the city was scary – not at all. But just like visiting anywhere, you have to be smart. In general, the people are amazingly friendly. That rude East Coast thing is just a myth – kind of like our rain.
Assistant city editor Steve Powell: 425-339-3427 or powell@heraldnet.com.
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