New York, NY

Photos clockwise from the top left:

• Link from The Legend of Zelda video game at the Nintendo store
• display inside F.A.O. Schwarz
• Mario from Super Mario at the Nintendo store
• Wonder Woman with her lasso of truth at The Lego Store
• exterior view of 30 Rock
• exterior of St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Skate Or Take Photos at Rockefeller Plaza

For a first time trip to NYC, Rockefeller is a must see. Take a photo in front of the famous golden statue of Prometheus at the rink. They have lots of eating options (like Daily Provisions) at the rink level, and away from the outside cold or heat.

watch a SHOW

Catch a taping of The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon or try to score tickets to Saturday Night Live (they celebrated 50 years like me). My friend, Aileen, and I got to do the SNL 50 experience, so nostalgic for me growing up watching Eddie Murphy, Molly Shannon, Will Ferrell.

SHOP!

Many places to choose from, but check out THE Saks Fifth Avenue on (you guessed it) Fifth Avenue directly across the street from Rockefeller Center (Prometheus could look up at Saks).

Take in the View from the Top of the Rock

See Manhattan from the Top of the Rock. You can purchase a timed entry and they have a perfect view of the Empire State Building. You can also recreate the 1932 photo showing iron workers eating lunch on a steel beam stories high during the construction of 30 Rock. Photos are available for purchase.

ViSIT a Gothic REvival Cathedral

Attend Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral (a Catholic church diagonal from Rockefeller and across from Saks on Fifth Ave). This is the seat of the Archdiocese of New York. I’ve attended Mass at St. Patrick’s. Tourists are allowed to roam the church; I suggest sitting at the front to minimize distractions. You don’t have to be Catholic to visit and appreciate the intricate Gothic Revival architecture. The Cathedral offers guided tours for a fee. (And no, I haven’t forgotten about the tree, the rink, the Radio City Rockettes during the holidays. NYC really knows how to do Christmas, so that deserves a post all its own.)

F.A.0. Schwarz, Nintendo, The Lego Store

For those who have kids (or kids at heart—I have two brothers who are gamers): F.A.O. Schwarz (the inspiration behind the toy store in Home Alone 2), Nintendo (Mario Kart, anyone?), The Lego Store (take a photo in a NYC taxi cab made of Lego!) are all within walking distance of each other. You can peruse, touch, and not buy; although your inner child might resent you for it.