"Salem, MA. or New York for a 1-week vacation?" Topic

I just finished making our hotel reservations (yesterday) in Salem to go back down and hang out for the Hallowe'en week festivities like we did 2 years ago.
This time the "kids" (lol, 19 and 24) want to come along too.

Now, this morning, wifey wondered if this was a bad time to bring up the idea of going to New York instead and take in a couple of plays. (specifically WICKED and SPAMALOT if they are still playing)

Other than the fact that my quickie google search for hotels implies we'd be paying 2x-3x the prices in New York, is there enough GREAT things to see there to justify the expense and the added travel time?

Caveat- I'm prejudiced against New York and FOR Salem, myself.

I've been to New York twice when I was sailing on the Frigates and didn't really like the city, personally.
I also don't think I'd want to try driving/parking there.

I've been to the Boston area 5x-6x and love it, and Salem just kicks butt for odd little things to see and do, especially around Hallowe'en.

My wife has never been to either Boston or New York, and seeing how we already spent a week in Salem 2 years ago she'd rather go to New York and see things.

…man, as I read what I'm typing, I'm just not going to win this one, am I?? LOL

So, anyone familiar with New York (city) who can chime in and allay my fears regards to driving/parking and especially crime for tourists? And things for a gamer,SF/Fantasy loving family to see while we're there?

Thanks! Heading back to google more hotels and try to price out the total cost of the New York trip vs. the Salem one.

PM sent; any posts these days risk arbitrary DHing.

Allen

"So, anyone familiar with New York (city) who can chime in and allay my fears regards to driving/parking and especially crime for tourists?"

I drove into the city, but I did so on a weekend.(I stayed at the millienium hilton-which was unbelievably far from everything) I only had to make a few turns to get to the Hilton. However, I wouldn't stay there, because the cab fares killed us. I wouldn't drive around the city unless you really-really-really know your way around. It is a nightmarish place to drive around. The people who drive around the city are EXTREMELY agressive drivers. Cabs are the only way to get around quickly-so start saving your pennies.

"Now, this morning, wifey wondered if this was a bad time to bring up the idea of going to New York instead and take in a couple of plays. (specifically WICKED and SPAMALOT if they are still playing)"

They will both be playing, and might be sold out. They might be sold out now-that may be your ticket to bail on the New York trip. I wouldn't go if I couldn't get to those shows. You'll need to buy your tickets way in advance. Wicked is awesome! My wife and I saw it in New York-and we went to see it in Hartford, CT. In any event, if you have the money, go see as many Broadway and off Broadway shows as you can. The best talent is in New York for theater.

"My wife has never been to either Boston or New York, and seeing how we already spent a week in Salem 2 years ago she'd rather go to New York and see things."

You could spend 3 months in New York and not see all there is to see. My wife and I had a blast. It's like Disney World-except kinda dirty and spread out:)(there is actually a museum of porn-go figure-you definitely aren't in Kansas) We also went to the Natural History Museum-which was alot of fun. We spent five hours there and we didn't see everything at the Museum. The city is safe-provided you use cabs and stick to the tourist traps. Also, if you are going to go-plot out everything you want to see-with addresses. (some cabbies haven't heard of particular restaurants and sites of interest)

"Other than the fact that my quickie google search for hotels implies we'd be paying 2x-3x the prices in New York, is there enough GREAT things to see there to justify the expense and the added travel time?"

It's worth it. You have to do New York, if only once in your life. Just plan ahead-and save as much cash as you can. It is EXPENSIVE!(unless you are from Europe-and you'll be spending Euros-the exchange will help you.)

"..man, as I read what I'm typing, I'm just not going to win this one, am I?? LOL"

No, you won't. Salem is fun, but you'll have a blast in New York. (I really would like to go during Halloween)Just don't expect to show up to those two Broadway shows-as if it's like going to the movies-you probably won't get in. And don't buy from the scalpers-there are alot of scam tickets out there. Where do you live? You could go to Salem and New York in a weeks time-it's really not that far. The Northeast is well connected with trains and such. Check Boston if you can't make New York-it's a fun city and easier to drive around. You actually may be able to catch Wikced or Spamalot during that time w/one of the traveling shows.
Patrick

I live in Salem, trust me, I go to New York during Halloween to see the Night Parade down in the village, a heck of a lot more fun! You can see all there is to see in Salem in a day trip. It's a great sea side town but there is soooo much to do and see in NY, like the rooms full of armor at the MET. Pick New York city and come back to see us for a long weekend. Happy Holidays!

Salem is nice, but there's probably 3 orders of magnitude more to see and do in NYC.

The subway is a great way to get around, especially as your kids can take care of themselves now. NYC is very expensive, but it's a great place. I don't understand how anybody could get lost in NYC, the place is a grid. As for driving, if you can manage metro Boston, Manhattan should be a breeze – there's really only one strange traffic rule, and that's "when the light's green and the road's open, floor it". Now, I wouldn't want to drive a rental in the city, you need a powerful, sturdy car – preferably big and banged up, so you get respect.

I don't think you'll get your wife to settle for Salem.
-Kle.

Driving and parking in NYC is a PITA. The subway is fine and cabs are plentiful, unless it is raining. One note, on short hauls, a cab may be cheaper than the subway – the meter in the cab is for the trip, not by person.

Advance tickets for Broadway are expensive. If you are adventurous, or lucky, wait in line at half price tickets (in Time Square) for "day of the show" tickets.

Gaming stores are more abundant – anywhere else in the World compared to New York.

There will be 3x times as many things to see at the Halloween parade, in the village, as there are in Salem.

Regarding safety – stay out of Central Park at 3:00am.

Do not stop in the middle of the sidewalk and open a tourist map, or take pictures, we will bang in to you and attempt to knock you down (kidding).

If you are temporarily lost – street numbers go lower as you go South, Avenue numbers go lower as you head East. Coming out a subway and not knowing which way to go is normal, ask somebody, we can be helpful.

Back to driving, being indecisive doesn't work..and small cars can fit in more places.

"Boutique" hotels cost more, some of the large chains have "Traveller" hotels which may be more economical. In my opinion, a hotel situated in the 20's to 50's, 3rd to 8th, will keep you in a good centralized location.

I spent a month in Salem back in '92. Only part of USA I have been to so can't comment on NY. At the time they were building a living history type maritime museum. The Peabody Museum is pretty interesting (tho' probably not much compared to NY museums) stuff on the whaling industry and the Japan trade. The House of the Seven Gables is apparently one of the most famous houses in US and we had an excellent tour. There is a star fort in Winter Island and a horrible modern bridge marks the site of Lesley's Retreat where the first shots of the AWI were fired. Washington reviewed militia on the town park. The town Hall featured in HOCUS POCUS and is also famous as the venue where the great British actor Steve Cooper played Corey in THE CRUCIBLE. Otherwise its lots of wiccan shops and witch trial sites. You can see Judge Hathorne's house, the Nurse house, the old burial ground (includes Mayflower graves)

more shortly

There is one museum on the site of the witch trials dungeon, and another 'son et lumiere' style exhibit on the trials. Oh, you can also see the foundations of Rev. Parris' house.

Then there is Pioneer Village a living history settlement recreating the earlier C17th settlers.

All this intelligence is 16 years out of date

My aunt was born in Brooklyn in the '20s though. When she went back to visit she nearly got car jacked