Precinkt

6 October 2011

It seems a rite of passage for Aussies to travel to New York sometime in their life (usually when they are 20something and child free or when they hit midlife and child free)   The time is now for me.  The Qantas flights are booked - the passport being processed.

And before the really fun fun-bit, comes the fun bit - researching just what to do and see in "The Big Apple".

I'm going to let this blog be a-work-in-progress as I research, plan and dream about this trip.  Hopefully, with your input, the content will grow like topsy with ideas and leads.

Here's my plans so far.  (And now I will sit and wait by my keyboard for you to guide me in the right directions.)

Accommodation

I'm going to trawl through www.airbnb.com I'm looking for 3 weeks of accommodation.  I'd love to find something in Soho or Little Italy. But I'm wondering if I should look for something cheaper in Brooklyn or Williamsburg?  The rooms within a share house is kinda enticing for us because it means that we can meet other travellers and locals to get good advice on where they've been or where we should go.  What do you think?  Where did you stay? Or if you're a local, where should we stay?

Accommodation Update 11 October 2011

Ok so I've booked! Click Here to see our Brooklyn (Fort Greene) digs. Gordon has given us the basement room which is larger and has its own bathroom.  We love his place (we think?) and hope we can enjoy sitting just a while in the gorgeous sitting room after a big day "Precinkting". You can view a map and street view on this web page also - look for the tabs.  We HEART www.airbnb.com 

Gordon has been great, already sending me a rundown on how to get to his place from the airport and also a little list of what's cool to see around the neighbourhood.

While I was busy booking Gordon's house, I decided to list our own home for rent while we're away.  If you'd like to stay in beautiful Brisbane Qld Australia in one of the best months of the year then please check it out.

Precinkts

I'm guessing that NYC and surrounds has hundreds upon hundreds of Precinkts.  Here's my stab at it.  Please let me know your secret Precinkts in NY

• Soho
• Little Italy
• China Town
• The Meat Packing District
• Williamsburg
• Brooklyn (Fort Greene, Dumbo)
• Lower East Side
• Harlem
• Greenwich Village
• Tribeca
• Chelsea
• Concourse Village

Doing the Tourist Thing

I'm a little averse to doing what "the sheep" do so will avoid the usual tourist traps as much as usual eg. WTF is with Times Square? but I'm sure we'll dabble in the tried and true at some stage.  What touristy things are worth doing in NY?  Here's my thoughts.

• Free tour by NYC natives "Big Apple Greeters Tours"
• Flight over the city
• Ferry ride to view Statue of Liberty
• Go to top of Empire State Building at night
• See a baseball or basketball game - seasonal?
• Sex in the City Tour
• Seinfeld Tour

Quirky, Precinkt Things to do

• Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir
• Harlem Gospel Church visit
• Jazz Club

Mobile Application and Websites I might rely on

• Foodspotting (socially collaborative food reviews)
• Instagram (cool photography, check our post)
• East Village Radio (online streaming)
• Immaculate Infatuation (NY restauarant reviews)
• Central Park (yes all about it, toilets, maps, events)
• Eat Street (tracks and reviews the latest craze - food trucks)
• iTrans NY Subway

Films and TV Series that feature New York

• Seinfeld
• Sex in the City
• In the Cut
• Lullaby of Broadway
• Sabrina
• Rear Window
• Funny Face
• Breakfast at Tiffanys
• Midnight Cowboy
• Shaft
• The Godfather
• The Way We Were
• King Kong
• Taxi Driver
• Superman
• Kramer vs Kramer
• Tootsie
• Moonstruck
• Wall Street
• When Harry Met Sally
• As Good as it Gets
• Zoolander
• Saturday Night Fever

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Drinks

Museums and Art Galleries

Transport

Iconically New York

• Delicatessans 
• Food Trucks
• Hot Dogs with The Lot
• Walk Ups
• Stoops
• Bill Cunningham
• Central Park