Travel Tuesday: Traffic in NYC

I live about an hour north of New York City. Technically, my community could be considered a suburb of the city. We live close enough that going to the city for cultural and other events is feasible and frequent.

I avoid going to the city though--because of the traffic and the expense.

First, traffic is pretty bad. Two weeks I drove my sister 20 miles across town to get her to the airport. It took us 2 hours and I never went above 13 mph, until we got 2 miles away from the airport. That is pretty typical. I don't like sitting in traffic. I don't like the volume of cars and the roads are really narrow, so there is very little leeway if one has problems.

Second, it is expensive to go to the city. Tolls dot practically every road going into the city and it is a real schlepp to go out of one's way to avoid the tolls. We have an EZ pass so we are automatically charged for any tolls we go through. Then you have to pay for parking. We try to use our little car in the city because our big SUV gets charged extra to park--if you can find a parking garage that will take you. I usually plan on spending at least $40 to park.

If you take the train, it costs $22/round trip per person going during non-peak hours. If just a couple of people are going, that is a fine option, especially if people want to feel like they have had an authentic NYC experience. Otherwise, it really adds up when you take a big group.

© 2007-2016 TIFFANY WACASER ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Travel Tuesday: A Day in NYC

My sister and her daughter spent a day in NYC with me.  We went to the Empire State Building, something I have never done before. I loved spending time with my sister and niece. 

Driving and parking in the city is always a drag. I found a parking garage where you park yourself, which was a better deal. However, we couldn't find a spot to park until an attendant scoured the garage for a spot. When we got out of the car, I realized I had forgotten my bag with my daughter's diapers, wipes, coat, extra clothes, blanket, etc. It wasn't that warm so I bundled her up in my coat and shivered my way around as we walked. 

I parked on 42nd street and we happened across the Cake Box Bakery. My niece is a big fan of the Cake Boss so of course we had to stop. We enjoyed a cupcake and a lobster tail. Both were delicious!

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There are so many fun things to see around Times Square.

We walked to the Empire State Building. I had purchased tickets previously through a website. We paid $32 per person to go to the 86th floor.

Waiting in line was basically a racket as they funneled you through gift shops, photo-ops, etc.

My toddler was DONE! So Aunt Shelly let her watch Daniel Tiger on the iPad. Aunts are the best.

Even though it was cloudy, windy, and cold, the view was actually amazing. Seeing the city from that height was really special. 

If I were to go again, I would recommend the tour on a sunny, warm day to get the best views!

© 2007-2016 TIFFANY WACASER ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Throwback Thursday: May 2015 Review

Winter Rose

Winter Rose is just growing and changing so quickly. She is so cute and fun. Despite the sippy cup in the picture below, she mostly drinks from a regular cup. She likes most food and will try just about everything. She also wild fuzzy hair after taking a nap. I have so much fun spending my days with her.

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Elementary School night

Both Brooke and Jonathan were so happy to show us their classrooms and samples of their schoolwork at the Elementary School Night. Brooke has had a wonderful year in third grade with a structured and artistic teacher. Jonathan has done so well in kindergarten and works so hard at school. 

A Visit from My Kentucky Kin

My beautiful younger sister visited me with her daughter, Saucy Belle. Our girls had a lot of fun together. I took my sister to the Metropolitan Museum of Art where we enjoyed looking at the Impressionist Paintings and the Medieval armor. Winter totally rubbed it in to Saucy when she was allowed to get out of the stroller. I also took Nicole to Boscobel, a restored home from the early 1800s that overlooks the Hudson River. We enjoyed a hilarious luncheon at Kathleen's Tea Room where the staff kept cracking us up with their comments. It was such a nice visit and one I hope to repeat.

The Taconic Opera Performs the oratorio, Daniel

Brent and I joined the Taconic Opera Chorus and spent months learning the music for an original oratorio, Daniel. Our friend is the composer and director. We loved singing the choruses. We put on two different performances--one in Ossining and the other was in White Plains. Here is my handsome husband in his tuxedo ready to perform in White Plains.

Building an Addition

We have a huge deck in the back of our house. I have been anxious to make it more usable and functional in the summer. Brent built a couch and we purchased an awning and table so we can eat outside. It made a huge difference and now we can sit outside anytime we want.

 Memorial Day at Fahnstock Park

We are lucky to live pretty close to a great lake with a nice beach. Memorial Day the lake was open and so we spent the afternoon there enjoying the water and playing in the sand.

© 2007-2016 TIFFANY WACASER ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Travel Tuesday: Things to Do in NYC

I live about an hour north of NYC, in what is often called the suburbs of NYC. I can't say that I think Westchester and Putnam counties resemble suburbs in the traditional sense. There aren't a lot of housing developments with identical houses lined up in tidy rows. I haven't encountered many cul-de-sacs. Westchester and Putnam counties are both surprisingly rural and wild, especially considering how close they are to the city.

Fodor has an interesting list of 15 Things Not to Do in New York City that I wanted to explore.

So here is what Fodor says:

1) Don't Take a Taxi.

I have to agree with this one. I have only taken a taxi a couple of times because the distance was so far and navigating the subway proved to be much. It is expensive and not always fun.

We usually have two options to get into the city--drive or take the train. I enjoy taking the train because you can move around, it isn't stressful, and the kids enjoy it. However, we always weigh the cost of each. Parking in the city with a big SUV is EXPENSIVE. Once we park, we either walk or take the subways.

Fodor recommends you taking the subways or a city bike. I've done the subways quite a bit. It helps to have a map of the lines and to understand where you are going. The only challenge is that if you aren't used to the vagaries of the lines, you might make mistakes. But that's ok, just take your time and ask for help.

The other thing I think all visitors should do is go to Grand Central Terminal. First, its beautiful. The ceiling in the main room is gorgeous and hearkens back to the days when people tried to make public buildings functional and beautiful. Secondly, there is a lot to do in the terminal. There are several different shops, a mini train museum, and sometimes there are bazaars. Thirdly, they have a great and fun food court. I love taking visitors to the food court because there are some great options including Junior's (LOVE their cheesecake and reuben sandwiches) and the Shake Shack.

2) Don't Waste Time in Times Square.

Oh my gosh, yes. Times Square is iconic but is super crowded with tourists. Real New Yorkers really don't go there. We've gone a few times to take the kids to the M&M store and other kitschy shops. If you hate crowds, don't go here. Especially if you have children, Times Square is a nightmare because you have to keep a tight hold on the kids so they don't get lost in the crowd.

3) Don't Go to the Top of the Empire State Building

I don't know if I agree with this one or not. I've never been because it is really expensive to go. The movies don't tell you they charge at least $35 to go to one of the lower decks. I haven't ever been to the Rockefeller Center top deck either--because they ALSO charge a lot of money. Bottom line, if you want to see NYC from above, you have to pay a lot of money. Frankly, I would rather spend it on good food, or on a show.

4) Don't Pay for the Circle Line Tour

NYC offers a free water taxi. You can also take the ferry between Manhattan and Staten Island for free. Both are fun.

5) Don't Go on the Highline During the Weekends

The author says it is really crowded and I believe him. Many green spaces in NYC are always crowded. If you want to go to a green space on a nice day in the city, be prepared to share it with lots and lots of strangers. The trick is to pretend they aren't there and construct and imaginary bubble around yourself.

6) Don't Limit Yourself to Manhattan

Yes, BUT you need to have a sense of where you are going so you don't end up in a bad neighborhood. Do research before and have a good map handy as GPS doesn't always work with the skyscrapers blocking the signal.

7) Don't Take a Horse Carriage Ride

This guy is a killjoy. OF COURSE you should take a carriage ride before they get banned for all eternity in NYC. It is a fun way to see the park. The drivers are often very chatty. On one ride I took, the guy had the thickest Brooklyn accent, I could barely understand him and I've lived in NY for awhile.

8) Don't Go on an Overpriced Bus Tour

I don't totally agree. I once went on a night tour of the Christmas lights in the city. It was magical and fun. If you go with a group of friends, it can be really special. Just weigh your priorities and money and decide accordingly.

9) Don't Go to the Statue of Liberty

Totally disagree. I've seen the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry--which is free and provides a good view of the statue. And I've also done the whole tour of Ellis Island and the State of Liberty. I think it is worth every penny to go and see Ellis Island and the Statue up close.

10) Don't Block the Sidewalks

True.



11) Don't Eat at a Chain Restaurant or Tourist Trap Place

Also true. Do your research and look for restaurants in the area. We also like wandering around to find something to eat. Lots of amazing places worth exploring in the city.

12) Don't Eat from Street Carts

What does this guy have against street carts? I think it is fun and part of the experience. We like the Halal food trucks because the food reminds us of the Middle East. We have eaten some great food from carts.

13) Don't Ignore the Smaller Museums

Also true. And you avoid the horrifying lines and crowds. Or go to the larger museums during the earlier part of the days during the week.

14) Don't Go Shopping in Midtown or Soho

Or don't go shopping in NYC period. Super expensive and not worth it. You can hit a local outlet mall and get way better deals.

15) Don't Limit Yourself to Broadway Shows

Good advice, but you have to know where to look to get that info.

© 2007-2016 TIFFANY WACASER ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Our Top 15 Memorable Moments from 2015

We had a normal, busy year in New York. My kids all remarked that it was unusual that we weren't packing up moving to another home or country. I rather liked the stability of being in one place. 

1) Trent wrestled and did track this year. He was great and I'm proud of his efforts.

2) We had a terrific time in February playing tourist in New York. We enjoyed a couple trips to NYC to visit museums and play on Times Square. We also enjoyed activities closer to home, like cross-country skiing.

 3) We had a lot of snow this year. It certainly wasn't convenient in terms of driving, heating or school. But it was magical to see that lovely snow coat the ground and transform the area.

4) Seeing Brooke perform as a street vendor in Aladdin at her school's musical was so much fun. She was animated and focused. Now, as a fourth grader, she auditioned for and was cast as Annie. She will share the role with two other girls. I'm looking forward to her performance in March.

5) In April, we welcomed Florian, an exchange student from France. He stayed with us for 10 days. He was polite and curious. Hopefully, he enjoyed the outings we arranged. He did not seem to be overwhelmed by our numbers.

6) My sister, Nicole, visited me in May. We had hilarious moments at Kathleen's Tea Room, enjoyed exploring the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Leslie and Winter alternately liked and disliked one another.

7) Getting to spend time with friends was really great. In the summer, we saw Alana, a friend we made in Saudi Arabia.

We got to hang out with the Karumo family, friends from Finland.

In November, we spent a few days with the Vance family, friends from Sweden.

8) The end and beginning of school. I love it when my kids get out of school for the summer. I also love it when they go to school.

 9) I finally got a chance to have a decent Independence Day Celebration. I hate how New York doesn't celebrate Independence Day. This year we went to the concert at West Point. The Mo-tab sang and it was beautiful.

10) I ordered roses and they grew a few beautiful flowers!!!

11) Visiting the magnificent Yellowstone National Park and seeing big herds of bison was awe-inspiring. We loved spending time with the Dougall family.

13) We loved spending time with cousins this summer. Brooke and Hallie especially loved being together.

14) The beach, the lake, and the ocean are wonderful places to relax and play.

 15) Enjoying the Adirondacks with friends was a wonderful treat.

© 2007-2016 TIFFANY WACASER ALL RIGHTS RESERVED