NY + DC
I will be flying to New York tomorrow for several days and will spend Monday night in DC (thanks in part to our own Peter Suderman’s generosity) where I will try to finally meet as many Scenesters as possible.
I’ve written (badly) about my love for Israel here, but New York is another place that I love beyond words, for reasons that are too mundane to list. Unfortunately it’s more expensive and complicated to go to New York so I don’t visit as often but will be staying from Saturday night to Tuesday night. Thankfully the Startup 2009 conference on Wednesday has given me an excuse to visit one of my favorite cities in the world (as a born-and-bred Parisian I can’t say it’s my favorite city in the world).
Any tips or advice on what to do and what to see (besides tourist sights) in New York or DC is very much welcome. Also if you would like to hang out, feel free to drop me an email at pegobry at gmail or reach out via Twitter.
Thanks.
Well, my favorite place in New York City (where I live) is the New York Public Library. Depending on your tastes, you might try Saks, the Union Square Cafe (though that may count as touristy), the Yale Club (but you have to be a member), or Central Park (also possibly touristy). The Yanks are out of town until Tuesday, unfortunately.
— y81 · May 29, 09:10 PM · #
P.S. Also, Redeemer Presbyterian Church, if you want to be in the biggest single gathering of young people in Manhattan each weekend.
— y81 · May 29, 09:13 PM · #
DC:
For a slightly lesser known to tourists spot, check out the Jefferson building of the Library of Congress. I tend to have to press even some locals into seeing it for the first time. Right by the Capitol on the side opposite the Mall. I’m not such a foodie that I have any really helpful thoughts there. If the days aren’t too hot and humid though you might want to check out the various neighborhoods Dupont Circle, Georgetown, Adams Morgan, and the like. Reasonably active street life and sometimes outdoor dining options. I’d know more, but I’m out in the suburbs in Silver Spring, which is a nice walkable place to visit but not so remarkable that I’d call it out in my general DC advice.
Let’s see, oh, and the key advice to all tourists: Walk-left stand-right on escalators.
I’m fairly busy with a move but if you have any DC questions not covered by other commenters, feel free to tweet GregorySanders.
— Greg Sanders · May 29, 09:45 PM · #
The waterfront along the Hudson has been redeveloped as a part. Still in it’s infancy, but an unexpected pleasure. Touristy or not, Central Park is still the part by which all other urban refuges are judged. Paris has nice enough parks you may not want to make a special trip, but if the opportunity to cut across presents itself, take it.
Cheap and wonderful is the Staten Island Ferry ride. Pack a lunch from one of NYC’s much celebrated delis, like Balducchies or similar. Time your trip so you’ll be returning to Manhattan around sun down.
— Tony Comstock · May 29, 10:02 PM · #
Thanks a lot guys. Keep ‘em coming!
— PEG · May 30, 08:30 AM · #
I remember back in the 1990s there was this bar/bistro on 18th street in Adams Morgan, up the block from Café Lautrec. The place was owned by an old Algerian or Moroccan fellow, a very cranky idiosyncratic individual. The place was wall to wall with books, mostly in French. Simply “inclassable” – it wasnt a quaint stereotypical copy of a French bistro (ie, Café Lautrec). It had its own charm and ambience especially if you were lucky enough to have the grumpy old owner talk to you, usually in French (even if you didnt understand).
I dont know if its still there if anyone knows or remembers it. And I forgot the name of it too. But my description will surely ring a bell for those who knew it.
Highly recommendable place for good conversation over drinks.
— JB · May 30, 06:29 PM · #