Coming to BlogHer? Don’t Forget NYC!

by Marinka on June 2, 2010

BlogHer is in New York City this year and I couldn’t be happier. Not only because I don’t have to brush off my broomstick and fly anywhere, but because I love NYC almost as much as I love being a know-it-all.

If you’re like most people visiting NYC for the first(ish) time, you probably want to squeeze in as much NYC into your long weekend as possible. Because coming to NYC and staying inside the Hilton the whole time is sad. Like, make fun-able-of sad. So, just for you, dear reader, I’ve compiled this Part One: a list of locations that you can hit (close to the Hilton!) and feel like you’ve had a decent NYC experience.

Our home base is the Hilton, which is on 6th Avenue and 53rd Street. Sixth Avenue is also known as Avenue of the Americas. It’s the exact same thing. I don’t know why. What I do know is that if you tell your cab driver “Take me to the Avenue of the Americas!” it will sound weird.

Across-ish from the Hilton is Radio City Music Hall. You know, that famous home of the Rockettes. I think if you can see it from your hotel window, you get credit.

Heading east on 50th street, you’ll pass the Today Show studios. You can peek in the windows. On Friday, they will have a musical number and many fans crowded outside. Personally, I think you should avoid that area at All Costs, but some people like that kind of thing.

As you’re moving east, you’ll be in Rockefeller Center! You’ll pass 30 Rock! (I pass 30 Rock every day and have never seen Tina Fey, so adjust your expectations). Although every day when I pass 30 Rock, I do see some people picking out tourists and offering them NYC caps. I have no idea what that’s about, but I’m pretty sure that it’s a scam. An organ snatching one, probably, so I would steer clear. That’s actually good advice for your whole time in NYC: Don’t talk to anyone. Or make eye contact.

Heading further east to Fifth Avenue, you’ll come to figurative fork in the road. On your right, will be Saks Fifth Avenue. The SAKS Fifth Avenue. On the left hand side, you’ll see St. Patrick’s Cathedral. THE ST. PATRICK’S Cathedral. You will have a choice to make. Pros: SAKS has an express elevator that takes you straight to the 8th floor. Which has shoes and only shoes and very many shoes. And lest you think that Saks doesn’t take its shoes seriously, let me disabuse you of that notion. Because a few years ago, the SAKS shoe department got its very own zip code. So if you’re lucky enough to become pen pals with a pair of Jimmy Choos at SAKS, the zip code is 10022-SHOE.

And St. Patrick’s has..er… well, in St. Patrick’s you can light a candle asking to be let into a BlogHer party from a waiting list. But I hear it’s nice.

While you’re on Fifth Avenue, you will pass the ginormous H&M on 51st Street. Do not give in to its siren song. Keep going. For the love of God, keep going.
There are other “fun”, i.e. bankrupting stores along Fifth Avenue, like Cartier, Henri Bendel, Bergdorf’s and Tiffany’s. (If you’re the whimsical sort, get up early one morning and go stand in front of Tiffany’s. Just like Audrey. Except with a Starbuck’s in hand.)

(Oh, wait. You should probably stop at the Museum of Modern Art, just off Fifth Avenue at 53rd Street. It’s really worth a visit, and not just because it’s the closest museum to the Hilton, BlogHer’s home base. And in addition to the Matisse and the Picasso that they will have going on in early August, they will have an exhibit entitled Pictures by Women:A History of Modern Photography.)

If I were coming to NYC for the first time, I’d definitely get my blonde on at the John Barrett Salon. (Disclaimer: I’ve been getting, ahem, highlights, there forever.) If you’ve read Bergdorf Blondes, you know the place. It’s at the top floor of Bergdorf Goodman and the view of Central Park is just breathtaking. It’s pricey, but not insane. And how often are you in NYC, anyway?

And then head to Central Park. It’s beautiful! And it’s free! And after your highlights, that’s all you’ll be able to afford.

Coming Soon! Part Duex: Faux Pas and the City.

One year ago ...

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Top Ten Tuesday: Posts to Read Before Going to BlogHer « Another day, another thought…or two.
July 27, 2010 at 1:25 pm

{ 43 comments… read them below or add one }

jen
Twitter:
June 2, 2010 at 9:35 pm

I am so excited! 🙂

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Ann's Rants June 2, 2010 at 9:36 pm

I love New York.

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Crystal D June 2, 2010 at 9:47 pm

Now I’m going to need a post to remind me to stay inside and attend BlogHer instead of just running around the city the whole time. 😉

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Amber
Twitter:
June 2, 2010 at 10:07 pm

It’s so sad that I used to live in Queens and Jersey City, worked in Manhattan…and haven’t seen most of these things 🙁

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Margaret (Nanny Goats)
Twitter:
June 2, 2010 at 10:08 pm

Awesome! Our very own tour guide.

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traci June 2, 2010 at 10:13 pm

I never, ever, ever get tired of reading, hearing and seeing Ladrinka make video saying ‘Bendels’. Its right up there with saying “I’ll put this on my black amex”

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the mama bird diaries
Twitter:
June 2, 2010 at 10:32 pm

i can not wait to visit all those places. And when i say “visit,” I mean, “avoid.”

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Pop and Ice
Twitter:
June 3, 2010 at 12:30 am

I want to know where all the awesome cupcake shops are because, uh, cupcakes are awesome.

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Ellen Elwell June 3, 2010 at 2:23 pm

Pop and Ice – cupcakes: http://bit.ly/aAOI0A I’ve been meaning to get to Babycakes the last few times I was in NY. Lived there for grad work at NYU and always have clients there (I’m from Dallas). BTW, I LOVE St. Patrick’s Cathedral only 6 blocks from Hilton…and I’m not Catholic. The stained glass mirrors and wood works and crypts are staggeringly beautiful. It’s also a nice place to sit and reflect on all the interesting things you’re seeing. Lots to *digest* mentally:-)

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Pop and Ice
Twitter:
June 6, 2010 at 8:26 pm

Thank you for the link! It’s definitely going to be a NYC outing for me – finding the best cupcakes!

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Meg D June 15, 2010 at 4:20 pm

And there is a Magnolia Bakery almost directly across the street from the Hilton now! My favorite cupcakes are Cupcake Cafe (waaay West side in the low 40’s. Google it) because I love buttercream frosting. But Magnolia is a fave of many a New Yorker and tourist alike and it’s right near BlogHer.

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Sophie June 3, 2010 at 1:12 am

In defiance of not being able to go to NYC any time in the next couple of years, I’ll be going somewhere else*. And sulk.

*probably to the grocery store.

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c2cmom June 3, 2010 at 6:27 am

Nice walking tour! “…pricey but not insane” is so relative. I spend more in tips getting my hair done in NYC then others pay for their entire highlight and haircut in other parts of the country. Then again, those hour(s) of pampering . . . and my own (mostly) uninterrupted thoughts . . . and the people watching in the salon in the midst of The Big Apple totally keep me going back. 😉

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sam {temptingmama} June 3, 2010 at 7:57 am

I haven’t been to NYC since I was 16. I didn’t realize where the hotel was located, now I’m even more excited!!

I can’t wait to be there again. *sigh*

Also? Thanks for this! So awesome of you to help us tourists out!

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melissa
Twitter:
June 3, 2010 at 9:39 am

i’m SO excited. by the way, dusting off your broomstick made me LAUGH!!
anywhoo…
one of the reasons that i’m not hitting so many parties this year? we’ll be in new york. who needs parties?!
SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO excited.

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Loukia June 3, 2010 at 9:40 am

OMG I want to throw up I am so excited. And I’ve been to NYC 3 times before, but I haven’t been since 2000. So I’m REALLY looking forward to coming back! After reading this post, it got me really really really excited, the most I have been excited about BlogHer. Please oh please be my personal tour guide! (Also, I want you to know that I am suffering severe anxiety over the thought of leaving my children for two days, so much so that I can hardly sleep at night, thinking I’m a terrible mom and what if something happens on the plane? I’m MAJORLY a hypocondriac, FYI.)

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Loukia June 3, 2010 at 9:42 am

P.S. The fork in the road… leads me ONLY one way, and you know where I’m heading. OMG. How can I get my husband to give me back my AMEX for this trip? I must strategize!

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Loukia June 3, 2010 at 9:46 am

Sorry, I’m commenting again! OMG I’m so doing my hair there! OMG there is just not enough time! OMG! OMG OMG!

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Jane June 3, 2010 at 10:15 am

Great now I miss New York! Yes this Colorado girl has spent a lot of time in the Big Apple! I do love it there so much to do and see ………. and you’re right, no eye contact!!!!!

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Kate Coveny Hood
Twitter:
June 3, 2010 at 10:31 am

Having spent a lot of time in NYC, I can attest to the fact that this is a GREAT resource for BlogHer attendees who’ve either never been there before, or will rarely have the opportunity to visit. Not being a native myself, I could never actually come up with something like this – but I could picture everything and it’s so doable for a short visit. I’m totally in favor of skipping some of the conference events to see the sights. And this is a great compromise! I’m forwarding it on for sure.

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Zee June 3, 2010 at 11:24 am

I’m not coming for BlogHer, but I’ll be there for vacation in ONE WEEK!!

I visit NY every year. The best part: just being there, my unscheduled time when I can wander around and see things. The worst part: leaving.

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peajaye
Twitter:
June 3, 2010 at 11:37 am

So what do you have against “Avenue of the Americas”? Maybe you prefer “Avenue of the Soviets?” The true colors of your roots are showing, Marinka, and they can’t be covered by a dye job at Bergdorf.

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Andrea June 3, 2010 at 11:47 am

Really looking forward to being in Midtown and points North! Last visit was spent mostly in East Village. Hubby knew to keep me away from The UES!

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Jen June 3, 2010 at 12:11 pm

I’m not going to BlogHer but I am coming to New York in July. What advice can you give about Fire Island? I’m going to be staying there for a few days and I’m afraid that my not being rich, gay and fabulous will be a problem. Can you help a girl out? Because seriously, I’m afraid I’m going to break the island.

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kingofnewyorkhacks
Twitter:
June 4, 2010 at 9:26 am

Plenty of places, lots of straight people and affordable venues there. Go to Flynns and see King Wellington Reggae Band, they are famous for playing out there for many years. It is not a scene and all have a good time. Google it. Enjoy.

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Jen June 5, 2010 at 12:55 am

Crap, I just realized my original comment made it sound like I was worried about how many gay people would be there and I didn’t mean that at all. In fact, we’ll be staying with gay friends of ours and OMG, I just came thisclose to saying “some of my best friends are gay” and I’m just making it worse and worse the more I type! Ack!

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Ellen June 3, 2010 at 12:18 pm

Wow. Thanks for the reminders that NY is a cool place. As a prisoner of an office building/NJ dweller, I forget. 🙂

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lori June 3, 2010 at 12:56 pm
dusty earth mother June 3, 2010 at 2:14 pm

Nice, Marinka!! I live here and that was still helpful to me. Can’t wait to meet you at BlogHer!

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Marie
Twitter:
June 3, 2010 at 3:04 pm

Marinka, your suggestions are so much more Sex-in-the-City-or-in-other-words-you-have-a-life than my dorky ones. Mine are clearly for grandmas such as me who only like boring things like history museums and boat rides around New York with other Grandma types.

I keep forgetting 90% of the attendees are 90% younger than I am.

Your suggestions are also funnier than mine, which makes me deeply bitter I mean happy for your other readers.

See you in August! 🙂 Only not at Saks. 🙁

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Maura
Twitter:
June 3, 2010 at 3:34 pm

Huh. I’ve been all those places. You’re going to have to try a little harder in the next edition, m’kay?

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Pauline
Twitter:
June 3, 2010 at 3:40 pm

I’m leaving my Saks card back in Ohio per my husband’s request. He has no idea that they can look up my info right at the store.

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Stacey @ Tree, Root, and Twig
Twitter:
June 3, 2010 at 3:47 pm

Thank you, and, I love you. For posting this, I mean. Hope that doesn’t creep you out too much. 🙂

My family and I will be taking a spectacular month-long road trip in July, visiting places like the Grand Canyon, San Diego beaches, the streets of San Francisco, and me? All I can think about is getting that OVER WITH so I can get to NYC already! Thanks SO MUCH for this primer! 🙂

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The Flying Chalupa
Twitter:
June 3, 2010 at 5:13 pm

Seriously, you’re making me miss NYC so much. The best city in the US. Maybe the world.

And maybe one day, I’ll be cool enough to attend blogging conferences (ie convince my husband to watch the kid while mommy does something for herself).

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kingofnewyorkhacks
Twitter:
June 4, 2010 at 9:36 am

St Patricks is Brilliant…also try St John The Divine 110 st on the West side , they started construction in 1892 and its still a work in progress. You don’t need to be religious to enjoy either…not to mention if you have a charming handsome funny cab driver, be sure to tip him well because it will be me ! HA ! Also, don’t take the Black car taxi’s , they do not do background checks on any of the people who drive them and are not drug tested so be safe all. Also, ask for the receipt from your taxi rides, for if you forget something or lose something in the taxi, all the info and GPS from your ride are on it for an easy retrieval. Have fun.

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tracey June 4, 2010 at 2:26 pm

It’s like you WANT to piss me off. Is that it? Do you wish to anger me by writing about the fun I COULD have in NY if only I were COMING to NY?

Really, Marinka. I thought better of you…

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MashugaMom
Twitter:
June 5, 2010 at 10:55 pm

I love NYC, now if I can just get a ticket to BlogHer, I’m set…. anyone have any ideas?

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Miss Britt
Twitter:
June 6, 2010 at 6:05 pm

But I LOVE that H&M!

Although, I do think you need to book a good 4 hours or so to get through the damn place.

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Holly June 7, 2010 at 9:37 am

I love you. And I love NY. Still too terrified to go to Blog Her, though.

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magpie June 7, 2010 at 2:41 pm

If you go to St. Patrick’s, look up at the ceiling. The hats of all the dead cardinals are up there. Creepy, no?

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Ellen Elwell June 16, 2010 at 10:22 am

What a great discussion:-). Here’s a tip for August: it is normally quite warm, even muggy. So take capris and lots of T-shirts. A little scarf will dress you up for dinner enough for most places. And bring the most comfortable shoes because you’ll walk more than you have in your life!! When I lived there for my grad work at NYU, I lost over 20 pounds and drank a milkshake every night! It’s so exciting that you walk much further than you’d dream possible. Fabulous!

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Linda Perry
Twitter:
July 3, 2010 at 3:03 pm

I haven’t been to New York in over 20 years. Other than the Statute of Liberty and Empire State Building, what other touristy things should I do in my 5 day visit?

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Nicole Feliciano
Twitter:
July 27, 2010 at 11:25 pm

I put together a list too:

http://momtrends.blogspot.com/2010/07/momtrends-ultimate-guide-to-nyc.html

We can’t let the mom bloggers down and give them a bad NYC experience!

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