Yihan & David
Things To Do
New York City
Welcome to the Big Apple! There are five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, (The) Bronx, and Staten Island. Tourists tend to stick around Manhattan. Here are some tips: Try the pizza - the classics are plain, pepperoni, or garlic. Pick a local place (John's Pizza and Patsy's are excellent), and if you like toppings, avoid more than two. Visit a local deli. NY classics include a Reuben, a hot pastrami on rye bread with brown mustard, a baconeggandcheese (we say it like it's one word!), and a chicken parmesan sub. Little Italy lights up at night, so take stroll down Mulberry St. You'll find La Bella Ferrera at the end, a small bakery with authentic Italian pastries and gelato. There's also lots of good food over there and in Chinatown next door. If you want to see the Statue of Liberty, but don't need to be on the island, take the Staten Island Ferry to get close for free. Don't buy anything in Times Square except Junior's Cheesecake.
Midtown & Times Square
Most people who haven't been to New York City want to see the major sites. To walk around Midtown, start on 42nd St and go east until you hit 5th Ave. Walk north on 5th Ave. You can either get to Central Park from here, or turn west somewhere between 50th and 54th St. Turn south on either 7th Ave or Broadway. Head west on 42nd St again until you've completed the loop. This route should take you by the major tourist areas, including Bryant Park, the New York Public Library, Grand Central Station, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Saks 5th Ave, and Times Square. It will take a full day, so anticipate eating along the way. The food trucks are always fun. Times Square lights up at night, so it's a good one to save for last if you're on a time budget. It's also worthwhile to walk into Grand Central, the library, and St. Patrick's (all of which are free).
Westchester County
Westchester is known for historic sites and picturesque setting among its many towns and cities. White Plains is where the state declared independence from England. Sleepy Hollow is the home of Washington Irvine and the basis of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow". Katonah along the Harlem Line and Peekskill along the Hudson River are artsy towns if you're looking for the eclectic side of NY. There are also plenty of natural excursions in the Hudson Valley - go for a hike up Anthony's Nose or Turkey Mountain, stroll around Rockefeller State Park or Bear Mountain Inn. Have a picnic by the Kensico Dam, or walk on the North County Trail. Or just wander off into the woods somewhere in my hometown - don't worry, the old-looking stone walls don't mark property anymore... mostly ;) The pizza and delis here are just like in the city. Peppino's Pizza in Somers is David's favorite!