Looking for advice regarding New York

[carbonel]

So I'm going to Kenya next month. And I think I'm fairly well prepared for that. But the tour plane leaves on June 14 from JFK, and instead of worrying about trying to dovetail on the day of travel, I'll be flying from MSP to JFK on June 13. It's an early-morning plane, so I have most of a day in NYC.

1. I'll need a place to stay overnight. Does anyone have crash space on offer? Or a suggestion for an inexpensive hotel, preferably near JFK?

2. I'm looking for suggestions on what to do during the day. I've been to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and the Met a couple of times (but not long enough either time). But there's a lot of standard tourist stuff left. Additionally, I'm interested in anything that has to do with spinning or (to a lesser extent) knitting, especially exhibits. (The current state of my to-be-spun stash is a bit excessive.)

3. I'd like a dinner at a good restaurant. Michelin star level, if possible. I know it's awfully late for reservations, but I'd appreciate recommendations. I need one with a non-stringent dress code, because I won't be bringing anything fancy to wear.

4. Anything else I should think of that I'm missing?

Comments

[barondave.livejournal.com]

I'm not sure what knitting/textile exhibits it may have, but I recommend The Museum of Natural History (http://www.amnh.org/).

I will also generically recommend The New Yorker (http://www.newyorker.com/magazine?intcid=magazine) as a resource. They even have an app for Goings on About Town (http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/goingson/2011/08/goings-on-about-town-app.html) which has virtually all the museum, gallery, etc listings.

Yarn stores in NYC (http://www.jackie-blue.com/knit/index.php/nyc-yarn-stores/).

I've been to NYC a lot, though not recently. 'Twer I to have a day, I'd visit my mother then head down to Ground Zero to see what the World Trade Center site is doing. (That also has the advantage of being a hub of public transportation.)

Both NBC (http://www.nbcstudiotour.com/) and Rockefeller Center (http://www.rockefellercenter.com/tour-and-explore/) offer tours. They're loads of fun, though it helps to be into either tv or architecture. Still, that whole area of NYC is great just to walk around and stare at the displays and/or buildings.

Can't help you with the restaurants. Frankly, I just walk around and pick one at semi-random, based on the menu. I suspect NYC fans will be happy to take you to a nice place.

[txanne.livejournal.com]

Hey, I'll be done by then! Want to meet up and wander? I haven't done much touristing, so whatever you feel like will probably be fine with me. I might even show you the bajillion-point-eight Random pics on my phone. ;-)

[carbonel]

Sounds like fun -- let's plan on it! And I'd be happy to look at the photos, too.

[chilperic.livejournal.com]

The Cloisters, up in the north of Manhattan, is one of the best medieval art museums in the world, if that turns you on. It does me! And the surroundings and views are amazing.

[carose59.livejournal.com]

I have to put a word in for my love, the Empire State Building. I know, it's the big touristy thing, but it's also very beautiful. Even if you don't go up in it, just looking up *at* it is something special.

Also, John Lennon's memorial in Central Park.