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Taking a trip to NYC

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Started 1 year ago by misskitty
Latest reply from L.I. to Buckeye

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nyc
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misskitty
Columbus
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I am planning a trip to NYC! I have photography job to do there and the rest of the time I plan on wondering around on foot for a photo project I am working on. I plan on going in late June or mid-July as my work is flexible.

I am planning to stay in a Hostel and get a rail pass for going long distances. I do plan on walking a lot though. I always seem to gravitate from the norm and explore forgotten areas and gritty places they interest me more than Times square and all that stuff. This is my first time going to solely work on my photography and I am going alone. As you may have assumed I am a lady and although I like to think I am pretty tough, I am not unrealistic to my personal limitations in strength. I have already got the speech about how I should be taking a companion and IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢m not still.

So if anyone is really knowledgeable with NYC or Has lived there I have a question.

- What areas should a single Lady with a camera avoid or use caution when there? Any specific sections of town, Blocks, Streets? I was told to stay away from Avenue D can anyone confirm that this is a good idea?

- Does anyone have any tips or suggestions that you think are useful ?

Thanks in advance

Posted 1 year ago #
JonMyers
HCMC ✈
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Hey Miss Kitty, I'm assuming you'll mostly be in Manhattan. I wouldn't worry too much. Generally, I find Manhattan to be far safer than somewhere like the Short North.

There are stretches of Midtown West 9th and 10th ave in the 50s, which have felt sketchy, but even there I wouldn't worry. Though, I was in a Starbucks there (over five years ago) while it was being robbed. :)

Avenue D is fine. You won't have any problems there.

Sometimes the 20s around 5th ave can feel desolate at night. Again though, I wouldn't worry.

Where is your hostel located?

Posted 1 year ago #
swan
London
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i agree with jon. you don't need a companion (at least for safety reasons, which is what i think you're implying) and you have absolutely nothing to worry about in terms of staying away from certain areas.

tips + suggestions: get an iphone and get the NYC Mate app. or any secondary smart phone that has google maps, as it'll practically spell out which trains to take and which stops to get off at.

Posted 1 year ago #
Lakee911
Clintonville (South)
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According to Michael Scott, "Most people, when they come to New York, they go straight to the Empire State Building. ThatÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s very touristy." Also, don't forget to eat at his favorite restaurant, Sbarro. Grab a New York slice! Then again, though, "New York is home to the best seafood in the world ... Red Lobster." ;)

You'll be pretty safe in Manhattan; there isn't many bad areas. Use your own judgement though. If you feel uncomfortable somewhere, get away.

I'd also keep valuables close by--in crowds especially. It's easy not to notice or feel a hand stealing your wallet as someone bumps into you. Good advice anywhere really.

I hope you have fun. I haven't been to NYC in a few years--over due for a trip.

Posted 1 year ago #
misskitty
Columbus
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JonMyers wrote >>
Hey Miss Kitty, I'm assuming you'll mostly be in Manhattan. I wouldn't worry too much. Generally, I find Manhattan to be far safer than somewhere like the Short North.
There are stretches of Midtown West 9th and 10th ave in the 50s, which have felt sketchy, but even there I wouldn't worry. Though, I was in a Starbucks there (over five years ago) while it was being robbed. :)
Avenue D is fine. You won't have any problems there.
Sometimes the 20s around 5th ave can feel desolate at night. Again though, I wouldn't worry.
Where is your hostel located?

I am going to stay at Broadway Hostel on West 101st Street.
While I will do some stuff in Manhattan I am going to also be in Brooklyn and queens a lot. I know that is an very large area to note but I am playing it by ear.

Posted 1 year ago #
jeffzzzz

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As a photographer you might especially appreciate this blog: http://www.scoutingny.com/

It's by a movie location scout and features lots of secret places and other spots off the beaten path.

Posted 1 year ago #
JonMyers
HCMC ✈
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misskitty wrote >>

JonMyers wrote >>
Hey Miss Kitty, I'm assuming you'll mostly be in Manhattan. I wouldn't worry too much. Generally, I find Manhattan to be far safer than somewhere like the Short North.
There are stretches of Midtown West 9th and 10th ave in the 50s, which have felt sketchy, but even there I wouldn't worry. Though, I was in a Starbucks there (over five years ago) while it was being robbed. :)
Avenue D is fine. You won't have any problems there.
Sometimes the 20s around 5th ave can feel desolate at night. Again though, I wouldn't worry.
Where is your hostel located?

I am going to stay at Broadway Hostel on West 101st Street.
While I will do some stuff in Manhattan I am going to also be in Brooklyn and queens a lot. I know that is an very large area to note but I am playing it by ear.

Cool. Cool. I have some food/ drink recs that might be helpful.

A nice place to walk to from there for some good Chinese is Ollie's on 125th between 9th and 10th.

If you want good drinks, and a cheap happy hour (5PM - 10PM) check out KeyBar on 13th between 1st and A. They have buy one get one free drinks. You buy a drink and get a card that's good for a drink of the same amount right then and there or when you come back. A Grey Goose martini works out to $6 bucks.

If you need a place to work from during the day go to the lobby of the ACE Hotel (it's set up for anyone to drop in, order coffee and work). I believe it's at 29th and 6th ave. For a cool local coffee shop vibe check out Grounded on Jane street in the West Village. Should you be feeling decadent and want to avoid the coffee shop crowds during the day go one of the Hookah bars. My favorite is Horus on 10th and A. They open at noon.

For the real NYC bagel experience go to Ess A Bagel. 1st and 21st.

There was an Indonesian satay hole in the wall I was really loving on last summer. Super cheap and good. Satay Junction Greenwich and 10th.

I know it's blasphemy, but my favorite NYC pizza (not true NYC) is Two Boots pizza. There are about 4 around Manhattan. I always go to the one on Bleecker and Broadway.

I used to live in Fort Greene in Brooklyn and really love that neighborhood. Gorgeous brownstones abound. Take the Q train and get off on Dekalb and walk up that street towards Clinton ave. There's lots of cool cafes, shops and a nice park. For something different to eat check out the South African restaurant on Dekalb called Madima. If you're in that neighborhood on the weekend checkout the Brooklyn Flea on Lafayette, which happens on Saturdays.

In Queens Chinatown in Flushing is worth a walk through if you have enough time. Jackson Heights in Queens is an interesting mostly Indian neighborhood. If you go the Jackson Diner has a great Indian buffet.

Anyhow, just rattling stuff off the top of my head. I hope that helps. Don't worry and just have fun!

Posted 1 year ago #
tourist19
Merion Village
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I have friends who stayed at that hostel and it seemed nice and safe. I have walked around NYC as a woman alone for years and never had a problem. I've honestly been more sketched out walking around various parts of Columbus alone. I have wandered every corner of Central Park over years of visiting and my favorite spot is the walled garden on the upper east side of the park. Not sure exactly which street it's by, but up in the 100s I think. I really like riding the bus in New York, it's awesome to look at the different architecture of the city and also GREAT people watching. I have always found New Yorkers to be amazingly helpful and not scary :-) They really love their city and want others to love it too. About a month after becoming a flight attendant I flew to NYC by myself to surprise my best friend who was living there for her birthday. I had the address of a restaurant to meet them at from her boyfriend and that was it. I was 23 and had never been there before, but I was determined to do it. I had no idea how to get from LaGuardia to the city or once I got in the city how to get to the restaurant. I landed and asked a gate agent what was the cheapest way to get to the city, she said take the M60 to Manhattan and then take a subway down Lexington. I got on the bus and sat down next to a nice looking woman. She asked what I was doing there and before 10 minutes the entire bus was arguing over the best way to get to where I was going (Midtown somewhere is all I remember now). They made me get a transfer from the bus driver and told me 25 different ways to get to that restaurant. It was wonderful! I have always felt welcomed and safe in New York and I'm sure you will to.

Posted 1 year ago #
Lakee911
Clintonville (South)
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tourist19 wrote >>
I have walked around NYC as a woman alone for years...

How long did you walk around NYC as a man, Amber? ;)

Posted 1 year ago #
shmack

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i used to live on 103rd btw Columbus Ave and Manhattan Ave. this area of town is known as manhattan valley and isn't exactly the safest. the best thing you can do for yourself is to always know where you are (it's simple, it's a grid) and to walk confidently. don't have your nose stuck in your phone, don't listen to music in earplugs, be alert.

aaaannnd, taqueria la fonda was my favorite mexican restaurant. loved the black bean soup. still think about it to this day. and the tinga burrito. and the tortas. :o)

Posted 1 year ago #
tourist19
Merion Village
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Lakee911 wrote >>

tourist19 wrote >>
I have walked around NYC as a woman alone for years...

How long did you walk around NYC as a man, Amber? ;)

Oh you know what I mean! I have an excuse, my brain is addled by pain killers ;-)

Posted 1 year ago #
Lakee911
Clintonville (South)
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tourist19 wrote >>

Lakee911 wrote >>

tourist19 wrote >>
I have walked around NYC as a woman alone for years...

How long did you walk around NYC as a man, Amber? ;)

Oh you know what I mean! I have an excuse, my brain is addled by pain killers ;-)

Oh? No matter how many meds I take, I never walk around as a woman...

Posted 1 year ago #
Lakee911
Clintonville (South)
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tourist19 wrote >>

Lakee911 wrote >>

tourist19 wrote >>
I have walked around NYC as a woman alone for years...

How long did you walk around NYC as a man, Amber? ;)

Oh you know what I mean! I have an excuse, my brain is addled by pain killers ;-)

Oh? No matter how many meds I take, I never walk around as a woman...

Posted 1 year ago #
misskitty
Columbus
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JonMyers wrote >>

misskitty wrote >>

JonMyers wrote >>
Hey Miss Kitty, I'm assuming you'll mostly be in Manhattan. I wouldn't worry too much. Generally, I find Manhattan to be far safer than somewhere like the Short North.
There are stretches of Midtown West 9th and 10th ave in the 50s, which have felt sketchy, but even there I wouldn't worry. Though, I was in a Starbucks there (over five years ago) while it was being robbed. :)
Avenue D is fine. You won't have any problems there.
Sometimes the 20s around 5th ave can feel desolate at night. Again though, I wouldn't worry.
Where is your hostel located?

I am going to stay at Broadway Hostel on West 101st Street.
While I will do some stuff in Manhattan I am going to also be in Brooklyn and queens a lot. I know that is an very large area to note but I am playing it by ear.

Cool. Cool. I have some food/ drink recs that might be helpful.
A nice place to walk to from there for some good Chinese is Ollie's on 125th between 9th and 10th.
If you want good drinks, and a cheap happy hour (5PM - 10PM) check out KeyBar on 13th between 1st and A. They have buy one get one free drinks. You buy a drink and get a card that's good for a drink of the same amount right then and there or when you come back. A Grey Goose martini works out to $6 bucks.
If you need a place to work from during the day go to the lobby of the ACE Hotel (it's set up for anyone to drop in, order coffee and work). I believe it's at 29th and 6th ave. For a cool local coffee shop vibe check out Grounded on Jane street in the West Village. Should you be feeling decadent and want to avoid the coffee shop crowds during the day go one of the Hookah bars. My favorite is Horus on 10th and A. They open at noon.
For the real NYC bagel experience go to Ess A Bagel. 1st and 21st.
There was an Indonesian satay hole in the wall I was really loving on last summer. Super cheap and good. Satay Junction Greenwich and 10th.
I know it's blasphemy, but my favorite NYC pizza (not true NYC) is Two Boots pizza. There are about 4 around Manhattan. I always go to the one on Bleecker and Broadway.
I used to live in Fort Greene in Brooklyn and really love that neighborhood. Gorgeous brownstones abound. Take the Q train and get off on Dekalb and walk up that street towards Clinton ave. There's lots of cool cafes, shops and a nice park. For something different to eat check out the South African restaurant on Dekalb called Madima. If you're in that neighborhood on the weekend checkout the Brooklyn Flea on Lafayette, which happens on Saturdays.
In Queens Chinatown in Flushing is worth a walk through if you have enough time. Jackson Heights in Queens is an interesting mostly Indian neighborhood. If you go the Jackson Diner has a great Indian buffet.
Anyhow, just rattling stuff off the top of my head. I hope that helps. Don't worry and just have fun!

Oh man thank you so much that is a ton of helpful information. I canÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t say I was thinking about food at this point but now itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s all I can think about. I am going to make this a duel trip for food and photography! I will definitely be going to Ess A Bagel I canÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t pass that chance to try it. I am going to have to draw a plan this is great information you have no idea thanks again.

I have friends who stayed at that hostel and it seemed nice and safe. I have walked around NYC as a woman alone for years and never had a problem. I've honestly been more sketched out walking around various parts of Columbus alone. I have wandered every corner of Central Park over years of visiting and my favorite spot is the walled garden on the upper east side of the park. Not sure exactly which street it's by, but up in the 100s I think. I really like riding the bus in New York, it's awesome to look at the different architecture of the city and also GREAT people watching. I have always found New Yorkers to be amazingly helpful and not scary :-) They really love their city and want others to love it too.

I am really glad to hear this as well. Over the weekend a friend and I were discussing my trip and she said if I had the balls to walk around Columbus in the middle of the night alone then I will be fine in NYC. I am really excited about this trip I love that I will be left alone to work I think I do best when I can just go at my pace and take the areas in. Completely off topic but I went to our zoo last year alone no kids just me and it was by far the most relaxing zoo trip I have ever had.

Anyone ever been to Carmine's Restaurant
2450 Broadway, New York, NY
Yay or Nay?

Posted 1 year ago #
budser1228
Short North Area
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Carmine's is a good Italian restaurant - the portions are family sized so don't go alone. I've only been once about ten years ago and I would definitely go again.

Posted 1 year ago #
JonMyers
HCMC ✈
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MissKitty - glad to help. If you get a chance peruse photos of the neighborhood Forte Greene on Flickr. You won't be disappointed photographing there. It's a really photogenic neighborhood.

Posted 1 year ago #
bastardsuperstar
ゴジラ
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fort greene was my old stomping grounds, too. love that neighborhood.

Posted 1 year ago #
L.I. to Buckeye
West side/Galloway
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At the risk of sounding negative, why on Earth is Queens on your itinerary? I spent most of my life on Long Island and I don't think I ever went to Queens on purpose...

Love, love, love the West Village!! You've got to spend time there.

If the weather's nice, nothing beats a stroll around Central Park, either. It may sound touristy, but it's really not, spending time in Central Park is a big part of every New Yorker's life. It's the key to city sanity!

Posted 1 year ago #