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***New York*** (1 Viewer)

Agree with Nick, just stop fighting it. I think public transportation to and from an airport when traveling kinda sucks, although it isn't as bad to JFK or Newark. Time also matters, like you don't want to be lugging luggage on crowded subways/buses (buses are awful regardless, unless possibly for a simple 2nd ave to 8 or 9th ave venture)... 

Everything about that LGA trip is awful, especially before getting on a flight. Train, bus transfer in Queens, yuck :X

 
I didn't want to rain on your parade, but now that it's over and you won't be returning, I'll say it less gently... Sandy Hook kinda stinks. Of all the beaches in NJ, that's near the bottom of my list in almost all categories. 

I've prob been to the jersey shore 1000x, and the beaches that are all 10-30 minutes south of there are soooooo much better. Sea Bright is really nice, as is Long Branch (two beach 2-3 miles north of Ocean Grove), Ocean Grove (as you mentioned), and Avon/Bradley/Belmar (3 beaches immediately south of Ocean Grove). 

Ferry makes for an expensive day (family of 4 prob in $150 range round trip), but you could Uber from the ferry to any of these beaches for $12-$25 bucks. As an alternative, you could also rent a car for the day for like $50-$60 bucks... Factoring tolls/gas/parking, I'd say your around $100 all-in, but sacrificing the convenience of the ferry. 

Hope your next trip out to that area is a little better. I'm confident to say that NJ has some of the best beaches on the east coast if you know what you're looking for. 

For a family vacation, I can't recommend Cape May highly enough, that place is family paradise IMO.
For very family friendly set up I would recommend Spring Lake/Sea Girt.  Both just south of Belmar but a lot less of the party crowd then Belmar.  Manasquan also a great town but a bit like Belmar.  

I do like Sea Bright as been there many times to visit my cousin who has a condo there.  Not very familar with Avon/Bradley and Ocean Grove though Ocean Grove is such a unique setup it is alwasy cool to check it out. 

Full disclosure I have been going to Sea Girt my entire life as my family has had a house there since the late 40s.  Also weather was weird down on the shore yesterday as it was so hot but the water was very cold.  Felt like Memorial day water and not July water.  

 
For very family friendly set up I would recommend Spring Lake/Sea Girt.  Both just south of Belmar but a lot less of the party crowd then Belmar.  Manasquan also a great town but a bit like Belmar.  

I do like Sea Bright as been there many times to visit my cousin who has a condo there.  Not very familar with Avon/Bradley and Ocean Grove though Ocean Grove is such a unique setup it is alwasy cool to check it out. 

Full disclosure I have been going to Sea Girt my entire life as my family has had a house there since the late 40s.  Also weather was weird down on the shore yesterday as it was so hot but the water was very cold.  Felt like Memorial day water and not July water.  
Cornhole at redwes' house!

 
AAABatteries said:
Can you guys be more specific on what the issue is with doing this?  We've been in Manhattan for 5 days and been taking the subway with no issues.  Is it the bus part of the trip?  What about taking the M as close as possible to the airport and then doing Uber?  

Absolutely love the city - first time visiting and it's incredible.  Was going to post some trip highlights when I get back - this thread and My GB Kutta were a big help in our planning.
i wound up taking a cab from LGA to the World Trade Center. cost me $65.

took a livery cab back from Greenpoint to LGA this morning. cost me $25 + tip.

the only argument i've heard against the bus + subway is that you have to switch, it can be crowded and hot and you're at the mercy of the schedule rather than just hopping in a car.  depends on your tolerance, i guess.

 
i wound up taking a cab from LGA to the World Trade Center. cost me $65.

took a livery cab back from Greenpoint to LGA this morning. cost me $25 + tip.

the only argument i've heard against the bus + subway is that you have to switch, it can be crowded and hot and you're at the mercy of the schedule rather than just hopping in a car.  depends on your tolerance, i guess.
I don't know what route you took but I never paid more than $35 from LGA to Downtown Manhattan.  Assuming heavy traffic?

 
the only argument i've heard against the bus + subway is that you have to switch, it can be crowded and hot and you're at the mercy of the schedule rather than just hopping in a car.  depends on your tolerance, i guess.
Other than that, mr. furley, how was the play?

 
Redwes25 said:
fantasycurse42 said:
I didn't want to rain on your parade, but now that it's over and you won't be returning, I'll say it less gently... Sandy Hook kinda stinks. Of all the beaches in NJ, that's near the bottom of my list in almost all categories. 

I've prob been to the jersey shore 1000x, and the beaches that are all 10-30 minutes south of there are soooooo much better. Sea Bright is really nice, as is Long Branch (two beach 2-3 miles north of Ocean Grove), Ocean Grove (as you mentioned), and Avon/Bradley/Belmar (3 beaches immediately south of Ocean Grove). 

Ferry makes for an expensive day (family of 4 prob in $150 range round trip), but you could Uber from the ferry to any of these beaches for $12-$25 bucks. As an alternative, you could also rent a car for the day for like $50-$60 bucks... Factoring tolls/gas/parking, I'd say your around $100 all-in, but sacrificing the convenience of the ferry. 

Hope your next trip out to that area is a little better. I'm confident to say that NJ has some of the best beaches on the east coast if you know what you're looking for. 

For a family vacation, I can't recommend Cape May highly enough, that place is family paradise IMO.
For very family friendly set up I would recommend Spring Lake/Sea Girt.  Both just south of Belmar but a lot less of the party crowd then Belmar.  Manasquan also a great town but a bit like Belmar.  

I do like Sea Bright as been there many times to visit my cousin who has a condo there.  Not very familar with Avon/Bradley and Ocean Grove though Ocean Grove is such a unique setup it is alwasy cool to check it out. 

Full disclosure I have been going to Sea Girt my entire life as my family has had a house there since the late 40s.  Also weather was weird down on the shore yesterday as it was so hot but the water was very cold.  Felt like Memorial day water and not July water.  
ok, guys- good stuff there.

again- we're big fans of Ocean Grove. really like the town, beach and water and also like that the train isn't too long/expensive and the walk from the train station is easy. this is our go-to spot. tbh, I AM stuck in pre-uber mode of thinking, so clearly we could/should expand our horizons specifically in terms of the trainstation+walk to beach thing. 

this weekend was about trying out new places where we could commute directly/easily. I think Sandy Hook would be ok on a less hot day and if we went to either North beach or the nudey beach to avoid the crowd and bus. but tbh, the quality of the sand wasn't so great relative to points south, so not sure if we'd go back. oh- it was something like $105... didn't have to pay for our younger one.

really want to try Watch Hill on Fire Island, but we'd again be up against a longish 2-layer commute with train to ferry and return... but friends go and it looks fantastic.

we used to go to Long Beach fairly regularly, and can't even remember why we stopped... but we definitely stopped when we started going to Ocean Grove, so I guess we* (* the wife) prefer the latter.

still a little curious about the Rockaways and Fort Tilden Park- but am going to guess it will underwhelm. anybody know more about either?

 
ok, guys- good stuff there.

again- we're big fans of Ocean Grove. really like the town, beach and water and also like that the train isn't too long/expensive and the walk from the train station is easy. this is our go-to spot. tbh, I AM stuck in pre-uber mode of thinking, so clearly we could/should expand our horizons specifically in terms of the trainstation+walk to beach thing. 

this weekend was about trying out new places where we could commute directly/easily. I think Sandy Hook would be ok on a less hot day and if we went to either North beach or the nudey beach to avoid the crowd and bus. but tbh, the quality of the sand wasn't so great relative to points south, so not sure if we'd go back. oh- it was something like $105... didn't have to pay for our younger one.

really want to try Watch Hill on Fire Island, but we'd again be up against a longish 2-layer commute with train to ferry and return... but friends go and it looks fantastic.

we used to go to Long Beach fairly regularly, and can't even remember why we stopped... but we definitely stopped when we started going to Ocean Grove, so I guess we* (* the wife) prefer the latter.

still a little curious about the Rockaways and Fort Tilden Park- but am going to guess it will underwhelm. anybody know more about either?
Rockaways have been getting great reviews from aquaintences in my world. Im on the A/C s i'll try it and report back. 

 
and btw #2- not sure where FC is renting cars on a weekend. would love to get my hands on one of those $50-60 rentals. 
Yeah back when I used to get federal government rental car rates, I was still paying about $80 for a < 24 hour weekend rental in the city. That was for "official" government travel, not leisure (I lied). Usually it would bottom out at a $53/day rate before taxes/surcharges and as inventory dried up and especially the summer, the base rate would be over $80. 

 
Floppo - enough of this Jersey gibberish.  This is a New Yawk thread, bro.  Like the Game of Thrones books, NJ doesn't exist.  TIA
 
El Floppo said:
ok, guys- good stuff there.

again- we're big fans of Ocean Grove. really like the town, beach and water and also like that the train isn't too long/expensive and the walk from the train station is easy. this is our go-to spot. tbh, I AM stuck in pre-uber mode of thinking, so clearly we could/should expand our horizons specifically in terms of the trainstation+walk to beach thing. 

this weekend was about trying out new places where we could commute directly/easily. I think Sandy Hook would be ok on a less hot day and if we went to either North beach or the nudey beach to avoid the crowd and bus. but tbh, the quality of the sand wasn't so great relative to points south, so not sure if we'd go back. oh- it was something like $105... didn't have to pay for our younger one.

really want to try Watch Hill on Fire Island, but we'd again be up against a longish 2-layer commute with train to ferry and return... but friends go and it looks fantastic.

we used to go to Long Beach fairly regularly, and can't even remember why we stopped... but we definitely stopped when we started going to Ocean Grove, so I guess we* (* the wife) prefer the latter.

still a little curious about the Rockaways and Fort Tilden Park- but am going to guess it will underwhelm. anybody know more about either?
Ocean Grove is a great little town and a very unique place with the tent city and Great Auditorium.

 
Looks like @JZilla and I are headed to NYC for 3-4 nights the week after Thanksgiving.  Scored tickets to 4 sold-out Hold Steady shows at Brooklyn Bowl in Greenpoint Nov 30 - Dec 3 and could use some advice on lodging (and will probably ask later about bars/food and such).  As I bought the tickets, it hit me again about Tremendous Upside -- saw my first (and a few other) THS shows with him and I know he would be front and center with us for these. :(

Anyway, I haven't been to NYC in 10+ years and have never been to Brooklyn.  I'm guessing we'll take the train up from Baltimore and look to stay near the venue,  Price isn't really a deciding factor, but I don't want to waste money either.  It looks like there are 3 hotels in Greenpoint: Hotel Jolie ($250/night), Wythe Hotel ($325/night), and McCarren Hotel ($325/night).  Anybody have experience with any of these?  There are also a bunch of airbnb options, but tripadvisor forums try to scare you away from using airbnb in new york (maybe illegal?).  The last option is that I can get a good rate (around $275) at the Marriott Brooklyn Bridge with lounge access (free breakfast, beer at happy hour, etc) but it's a decent subway ride away from Greenpoint.  All feedback is appreciated.  Thanks!

 
Looks like @JZilla and I are headed to NYC for 3-4 nights the week after Thanksgiving.  Scored tickets to 4 sold-out Hold Steady shows at Brooklyn Bowl in Greenpoint Nov 30 - Dec 3 and could use some advice on lodging (and will probably ask later about bars/food and such).  As I bought the tickets, it hit me again about Tremendous Upside -- saw my first (and a few other) THS shows with him and I know he would be front and center with us for these. :(

Anyway, I haven't been to NYC in 10+ years and have never been to Brooklyn.  I'm guessing we'll take the train up from Baltimore and look to stay near the venue,  Price isn't really a deciding factor, but I don't want to waste money either.  It looks like there are 3 hotels in Greenpoint: Hotel Jolie ($250/night), Wythe Hotel ($325/night), and McCarren Hotel ($325/night).  Anybody have experience with any of these?  There are also a bunch of airbnb options, but tripadvisor forums try to scare you away from using airbnb in new york (maybe illegal?).  The last option is that I can get a good rate (around $275) at the Marriott Brooklyn Bridge with lounge access (free breakfast, beer at happy hour, etc) but it's a decent subway ride away from Greenpoint.  All feedback is appreciated.  Thanks!
AirBnB is fine, just stay away from people without a good amount of reviews, and anyone trying to do the transaction offline.  

Company I work for has a hotel, I can beat those rates.   Drop me a PM.  

 
Looks like @JZilla and I are headed to NYC for 3-4 nights the week after Thanksgiving.  Scored tickets to 4 sold-out Hold Steady shows at Brooklyn Bowl in Greenpoint Nov 30 - Dec 3 and could use some advice on lodging (and will probably ask later about bars/food and such).  As I bought the tickets, it hit me again about Tremendous Upside -- saw my first (and a few other) THS shows with him and I know he would be front and center with us for these. :(

Anyway, I haven't been to NYC in 10+ years and have never been to Brooklyn.  I'm guessing we'll take the train up from Baltimore and look to stay near the venue,  Price isn't really a deciding factor, but I don't want to waste money either.  It looks like there are 3 hotels in Greenpoint: Hotel Jolie ($250/night), Wythe Hotel ($325/night), and McCarren Hotel ($325/night).  Anybody have experience with any of these?  There are also a bunch of airbnb options, but tripadvisor forums try to scare you away from using airbnb in new york (maybe illegal?).  The last option is that I can get a good rate (around $275) at the Marriott Brooklyn Bridge with lounge access (free breakfast, beer at happy hour, etc) but it's a decent subway ride away from Greenpoint.  All feedback is appreciated.  Thanks!
Wythe is the only one I've been to. Good rooftop bar with plenty of eye candy. There's definitely nothing wrong with AirBNB, just follow what mass said about reviews.

Also, you're a 5 minute ride on the L train from Union Square area, 10 mins from West Village/Chelsea if you're looking for a different spot in Manhattan than down by the bridge. Just a reminder. And the L should be running fine at that point. 

 
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Speaking of, where can I go on the North Fork in a couple weeks if I'm just trying to take my wife away for a weekend? No need for wineries or nice restaurants/bars. Let's just say we want to be completely lazy for a couple days and sit out by some water in the quietest setting possible. We've been to Greenport/Southold area a bunch, spent some time on Shelter Island...just looking for something different. Thanks.

 
Speaking of, where can I go on the North Fork in a couple weeks if I'm just trying to take my wife away for a weekend? No need for wineries or nice restaurants/bars. Let's just say we want to be completely lazy for a couple days and sit out by some water in the quietest setting possible. We've been to Greenport/Southold area a bunch, spent some time on Shelter Island...just looking for something different. Thanks.
How much is the budget? Id think any number of places, especially north facing / north of shore road, would have some space, quiet and waterfront on the quiet sound. You mentioned Shelter Island... some real quiet spots there but not idea the cost and availability as its all private homes outside the small Village area.

 
Thanks for the input @massraider and @RUSF18.  I'll look around to see if I can find a 2BR in Greenpoint on airbnb that looks good and then check out some of the hotels after.
Check Williamsburg as well.  If you want to be in that area, Williamburg is a lot cooler to walk around.  Better train access.
yeah- I'd vote this.

although at this point, Greenpoint is pretty great too... other than the commute*

*as long as we're not talking about 2019

 
McCarren hotel is awesome in the summer. They have a sweet outdoor pool scene. I would imagine it's just ok and overpriced during the winter months. Good location though and the rooms are comfy (I know the designer). 

 
How much is the budget? Id think any number of places, especially north facing / north of shore road, would have some space, quiet and waterfront on the quiet sound. You mentioned Shelter Island... some real quiet spots there but not idea the cost and availability as its all private homes outside the small Village area.
Maybe like $400/night? 

I probably just need to look at a map or randomly check around AirBNB for some towns I haven't thought of. 

 
Changing subjects:

I read this article just now regarding the shutdown.  He talks up Citibike, which is criminally under-used by New Yorkers, IMO.  

Best way to get around Manhattan, 80 bucks a year, can't go wrong.  
$155/year... and tough to find bikes or dock them when finished. I'd argue (as a daily user) that if anything it's suffering from it's own success and use. which is great.

 
$155/year... and tough to find bikes or dock them when finished. I'd argue (as a daily user) that if anything it's suffering from it's own success and use. which is great.
Whoa, I didn't realize it was that price now.

You still downtown, that where you having a tough time finding bikes?

 
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Whoa, I didn't realize it was that price now.

You still downtown, that where you having atouhg time finding bikes?
live in the LES/EVil and work near Bryant Park. 

If I get there early enough (pre 8:30), I can usually get a bike at one spot in the LES, or wait around at one of the docks near the F for somebody to hop off. I haven't had a problem docking in the morning at Bryant Park, but leaving after work usually means waiting at Grand Central upwards of 20-30 mins (at the worst- usually 5 or less)- there aren't any stations with bikes within at least 10+ blocks-  and then hoping to find a spot back home to park. 7th and A has valet service after 7:00, which works unless I'm there before then. if it's the latter, I have to sometimes ride around to 4 or 5 different spots before finding open docks. even using the app doesn't help, because the individual bikes or empty docks are always taken by the time I get there.

all that said- I genuinely love citibikes and all they've brought to the city and... me. can't think of anything else that's come to NYC that has made as signficant change in my economy or lifestyle in a looong time. $155 is still basically one month of subways- and I don't have to bother with the subway. the uptown stations mean that I can ride up to jobsites on Park or 5th, faster & cheaper than subways or taxis and still be able to reply to calls or emails (only after pulling over- #### people trying to text and ride). plus its the only exercise I get- and I've lost 10lbs since my last physical a year ago... pretty much exclusively via those extra uptown trips to jobsites since they opened this spring.

 
during the school year, I drop the kid off in Chelsea and ride from there (best bet for a station with bikes is to walk to Whole Foods and hope for a shopper to arrive). but every summer I go straight up 1st to the office from home. I've noticed this year that there are a TON more people on bikes of all kinds- but especially citibikes- going up 1st ave. I pulled up to 23rd st one of the first days after school ended and saw a group of about 20-30 bikes waiting for the light to change- just incredible. As a guy who's commuted off and on by bike since the mid 90s, I think it's amazing and great that so many people are doing this- and that citibike has afforded that easy/cheap opportunity for the people who don't have bikes of their own (I sold my mtn bike after citibike arrived).

 
but getting back to the L train... what's going to happen? I assume a lot of JMZ ridership into the city and then hopping to the F and other trains? 

it's going to be ugly, IMO. L was already a mess- this is going to be worse.

 
If you like to be surrounded by / a part of douchebaggery, sure.

Fire Island and the North Fork are where it's at.  Or hit up Shelter Island even.
In West Hampton yes but I never got the douchebaggery vibe in East/Bridge Hampton, Sag or Montauk.   Beautiful scenery and very relaxed.  Sure there are some obnoxious rich folk but they're easy to avoid.  I guess it depends on your personality but I'd rather deal with that than guidos from Belmar.  

 
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How much is the budget? Id think any number of places, especially north facing / north of shore road, would have some space, quiet and waterfront on the quiet sound. You mentioned Shelter Island... some real quiet spots there but not idea the cost and availability as its all private homes outside the small Village area.
Check Sunset Beach in Shelter Island.  They have a hotel there right across from the water.  Had some good times there.  

 
In West Hampton yes but I never got the douchebaggery vibe in East/Bridge Hampton, Sag or Montauk.   Beautiful scenery and very relaxed.  Sure there are some obnoxious rich folk but they're easy to avoid I'd rather deal with that than guidos from Belmar.  
Obviously my comment was a large generalization, though well earned. And it's been so long since Ive dealt with Hamptons so who even knows.  I find the North Fork more beautiful personally, though its pretty beautiful in a number of places here where I live... and the snooty narcacism that runs rampant. Which is why I want to get away from the attitude which surrounds me, not follow it.

ETA: I do like Sag Harbor though. For a few hours at least, then time to get back on the boat.

 
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but getting back to the L train... what's going to happen? I assume a lot of JMZ ridership into the city and then hopping to the F and other trains? 

it's going to be ugly, IMO. L was already a mess- this is going to be worse.
wow…couldn't imagine NYC without the L train.  Feel for my Williamsburg peeps.  

 
It may get worse as you go further east tbh, and obviously my comment was a large generalization, though well earned. And it's been so long since Ive dealt with Hamptons so who even knows.  
It definitely has that stigma.  I guess when I go, I'm not really dealing with the bs.  Mostly relaxing at some ridiculous home, enjoying the pool or going to the beach.  I like the peace and quiet I get there.  Nothing better than wid week in East Hampton before the weekend rush.  

 
Thanks for the input @massraider and @RUSF18.  I'll look around to see if I can find a 2BR in Greenpoint on airbnb that looks good and then check out some of the hotels after.
friends of mine live in Greenpoint. they have friends come in periodically who will rent out either their apartment or apartments in their building. 

they just rented their 2 bdrm place, 7 days for $1000.  nice joint in a newly remodeled building about a block from the water. lots of deals to be had if you go airbnb sounds like. investigate that route.

 
I'm never giving up my seat on the subway for anyone excluding a disabled or pregnant person ever again... Never!

The last 3 weeks my son has been in a camp that is a decent distance from our house, > 1 mile. Walking a 3.5 year old that far is a nightmare, sometimes I cab and sometimes I train two stops. On the train, I'll hold him, he prob tips the scales at 40 lbs at this point. Not once in the last 3 weeks has a single person said, "hey you, the guy holding the little boy, you want a seat, your son want to sit down?"

 
I'm never giving up my seat on the subway for anyone excluding a disabled or pregnant person ever again... Never!

The last 3 weeks my son has been in a camp that is a decent distance from our house, > 1 mile. Walking a 3.5 year old that far is a nightmare, sometimes I cab and sometimes I train two stops. On the train, I'll hold him, he prob tips the scales at 40 lbs at this point. Not once in the last 3 weeks has a single person said, "hey you, the guy holding the little boy, you want a seat, your son want to sit down?"
does anyone give up a bus/subway/cab seat for a man whether he's holding a baby/animal/6 bags of groceries/relative with a massive head wound or not?

 
I'm never giving up my seat on the subway for anyone excluding a disabled or pregnant person ever again... Never!

The last 3 weeks my son has been in a camp that is a decent distance from our house, > 1 mile. Walking a 3.5 year old that far is a nightmare, sometimes I cab and sometimes I train two stops. On the train, I'll hold him, he prob tips the scales at 40 lbs at this point. Not once in the last 3 weeks has a single person said, "hey you, the guy holding the little boy, you want a seat, your son want to sit down?"
which train?

during the school year, maybe 1 or 2 days of the week on the F (uptown) we'll get somebody offering their seat to my big 8 (now 9) yo during rush hour.

eta: hoping that continues for the 5yo in the fall as I'll be taking both of them to school for the first time.

 
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but getting back to the L train... what's going to happen? I assume a lot of JMZ ridership into the city and then hopping to the F and other trains? 

it's going to be ugly, IMO. L was already a mess- this is going to be worse.
Yeah, if you haven't, read that article I linked above.  Bad stuff.  14th St. will be a mess as well.  

 
does anyone give up a bus/subway/cab seat for a man whether he's holding a baby/animal/6 bags of groceries/relative with a massive head wound or not?
If I saw a dude holding a child, I'd give up my seat... Not the norm. I remember a trip I took with son to Katz deli to pick up food for some people we were having over. I had 4 gigantic bags in one arm and a 2 year old in the other, not that crowded of a train and nobody offered a seat, figured bad luck, but now I think it is the norm.

 

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