So two friends, and myself, are planning on going to New York City around April 20th (well, we think the 20th to the 23rd…)
So what sights should we see? Any good concerts, sessions, etc that would be a must?
On a side note, what’s the parking situation like? I mean, are there any good places to leave my car for three days? (good=cheap+not stolen)
Thanks!
Any chance you could come down earlier, like on the 17th? That Comhaltas convention will be across the Hudson in New Jersey, with saturday workshops with LE McCullough, AND Joanie Madden..
Depending on when you travel, if you pass near the Albany area, you are welcome to stop in to visit me!
You should check out Swifts on Wed night, O’Reilly’s on Thrusday, and catch a show or concert on Friday night. Where will you be staying?
On a side note, what’s the parking situation like? I mean, are there any good places to leave my car for three days? (good=cheap+not stolen)
You are kidding, right? 
The travel Inn… cheap, and has free indoor parking… how can I not?
No, Paul, unfortunately, my one friend has an exam on the 20th, so we can’t leave until right after… and the schedule is pretty tight… as much as I do want to go over to Albany, it will add too much time…
Thanks though!
And Bloomfield: We will be coming home friday ngiht, but thanks for the other two suggestions… just out of curiousity… how likely is it that underagers (I am only 20) will be kicked out?
I am a native New Yorker, so can offer a few suggestions. The Circle Line boat ride is a good way for a first time visitor to get a sense of the city. If the weather is rainy and/or cold, there are many world class museums to explore indoors. My favorites include the Metropolitan (the Cloisters as well as main building), the Modern, and the Frick collection. All the above are on this list:
http://www.mustseenewyork.com/attractions/
For prices, you have to click through to the official websites, and I think it is $10 or $12 for adults.
Driving and parking is a bad idea in Manhattan. Best way to get around is subway. It can be intimidating to a first time visitor, but it is a must. There are $10 cards good for six rides (can be shared), or one-day unlimited passes for $7 (good for one person). Buses are okay. Taxis are a decent option for short hops for a group of three. Walking is good, because many attractions are within walking distance of each other.
For Irish sessions Bloomfield gave you his scoop. For addresses:
http://www.murphguide.com/tradsessions.htm
I was in Dempsey’s a couple months ago. There were a large number of young people coming in and out, and I did not see anyone carding at the door. I think if you order soft drinks you will be okay.
Some things I would stay away from during a three-day first-time visit: The Statue of Liberty is still closed. Ground Zero is not that interesting right now. The NY Stock Exchange has increased security these days, so be ready for that, if it is of interest.
Enjoy. New York City is like no where else. It is a great place for those with lots of energy.
Bill
Thanks…
So I think I will be hitting up O’Reilly’s on Thursday…
That brings up my parking question again… we are planning on using subway etc, but sinc I have to drive to get down there, does anyone know of a good place to park the car for four days? (We wont be moving it at all…)
Thanks!
Unfortunately, no. I thought you had the parking problem solved with your choice of hotel/motel. Your best avenue might be to ask the place where you will be staying. For a first time visitor, I would not want to park far away from the hotel. I’d rather choose a cheaper hotel. Parking and lodging can be extraordinarily expensive in Manhattan, so find out, and factor that in when choosing a place to stay.
The outer boroughs of Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens and some towns in New Jersey with commuter links into the city, can be much cheaper, but involve a longer time to get in to see the most popular attractions. It is a trade off worth considering if you are on a tight monetary budget and good at planning out your days. A centrally located hotel makes it much easier if one of you needs to change clothes, or take a nap or some such. The popular Internet resources such as travel sites (Expedia, Orbitz), and map sites (mapquest, Yahoo maps) may be helpful.
I believe the answer used to be: outside a crack house. The thinking was that they had guards posted to make sure that nothing that might interest the police ever happened there. Now, as to where you’d find a crack house you’ll have to ask …er ..someone from NYC. 
Of course, I have no idea how often you’d need to feed a meter, but for concerts and meals and so on, this was a policy friends of mine adopted successfully.