Ann Ipock
             Humorist, author, speaker

 

 
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Georgetown Times

A great first-time Big Apple vacation

By Ann Ipock                                                       November 30, 2007

I've just returned from a fabulous first-time vacation to the Big Apple. No one can believe that I'd never been to New York City before, but I hadn't. , On this trip, I went with my sister Nancy and her best friend Linda. As luck would have it, Linda's sister Janice just bought a one-bedroom apartment one block from Central Park. The view was stunning! It reminded me of the brownstones near D.C., with tree-lined streets, wide sidewalks and not quite so much traffic.On this trip, I went with my sister Nancy and her best friend Linda. As luck would have it, Linda's sister Janice just bought a one-bedroom apartment one block from Central Park. The view was stunning! It reminded me of the brownstones near D.C., with tree-lined streets, wide sidewalks and not quite so much traffic.Janice was the perfect hostess. She had a driver pick us up at the Newark airport and then had a nice, hot lunch, complete with quiche and spinach soup, waiting at her place. She gave us "goody bags" with slippers, post cards and a T-shirt.

Her apartment was so inviting, cozy and well-decorated. Her kindness made our trip so very special, plus she was the perfect tour guide.The week before Thanksgiving found us shopping, dining and sightseeing in what I've read is the busiest season for New York. Because of strikes, the plays weren't running, so we had to miss seeing "Jersey Boys." Instead we saw The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. I'm still talking about the toy solider scene, which was my favorite. We took a subway (a first for me) and then walked back. I felt safe and comfortable and actually enjoyed the buzz of the crowds.We spent time both at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the American Museum of National History, which again were within walking distance of Janice's apartment. Sadly, at the first place, we mostly stayed in the gift shop. I know! Hard to believe, but we ran out of time.I loved seeing the street musicians along the way and especially a string orchestra performing at the art museum. We even witnessed a small jazz band at the subway station and watched an extremely talented musician play two horns at once.Unfortunately, we were not able to get into the "Kelly and Regis" show (that's what I call it, anyway). We got up at the crack of dawn and arrived at the studio just after 7 a.m., the recommended time. We were assigned the numbers 27 to 30, offered a complimentary breakfast and then told to return at 8:30. So we walked through Central Park what a gorgeous place.

When we returned, we saw that the ticket holder line had disappeared. Our little group just stood there, chatting and freezing, I might add. I met (and "checked out") folks from all over. It's funny what you remember: the lady with the red wool hat, another with a red-checked coat, some were wearing high heels (ouch).
We all had a story to tell those of us chatting, that is. Imagine our disappointment when the last number to enter was 24. 24! Just three digits off! We tried bribing, lying ("I'm Kelly's cousin") and heck, I almost cried, but nothing helped. So we left there a little dejected, but found a nice restaurant, had brunch and plotted out the rest of the day.One day we walked around Greenwich Village and I was amazed at the size of the NYU campus. Hudson River Park was lovely with its small groups of artists and interesting folks. Another time we went to Little Italy and the edges of Chinatown. I loved the street vendors at Little Italy with their wares all lined up nice and neat. I've never seen so many cannolis! There, I bought pashimas, sweat shirts, hats and perfume.

One of the highlights of the trip was the unbelievable dining experiences.Omigosh! Janice saw to it that we ate at the most interesting, eclectic, well-rated places, and each time I oohed and aahed at the flavor, service and ambience. From Italian to great burgers to pubs to bistros, we saw and experienced it all.
I also enjoyed seeing Zabar's, a multi-level huge grocery store around the corner from Janice. They sold everything from high-end appliances to unusual cheeses.

A trip to New York wouldn't be complete without shopping, so we did that too. We visited Filene's Basement twice and that's where Linda lost her favorite glasses, bless her heart, only to have them turn up the next day.
Later, she bought new shoes, gorgeous Mephisto walking shoes at a shoe store that reminded me so much of my dad's old store, The Bootery.
But again, bad luck followed: We were walking one night Linda in her brand new "only hours old" shoes when she stepped in a pile of dog doo. I couldn't believe it! We laughed and cried at the same time.One night we met Janice's writer friends (Janice being one herself) for dinner, then had dessert back at her apartment. Another friend toured the city with us one afternoon. What fun!

So the trip turned out to be fabulous. Over the years, I think New York has gotten a bum rap (too crowded, rude people, very loud), but I found that not to be true. Though it is crowded, many folks walk everywhere they go and that alone gives them an edge on us car-dependent, out-of-shape folks. Plus, I didn't see a single "big box" store.I felt pride and nostalgia seeing the privately-owned Mom and Pop establishments where service and sincerity were the norm. Oh, and did I mention the folks were friendly? More than once, I was asked, "Where are you from Texas?" I am a Southern girl, after all. But would I go again? You bet! In a skinny New York minute.

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