Oh, and let me know what kinds of stuff you're interested in, and I'm happy to play NYC tour guide.

Thank you! jalabert will probably do some honors but she might want a break from shepherding us around. And I have no idea what mcroft and immlass's schedules might be...

We need to look at our schedules but we'll definitely make time to see you!

I understand that there's work and this is so damned last minute. I really hate that aspect but my schedule depended on Joe's since he was coming, too. HOWEVER, I *am* returning the first week of November. If schedules don't mesh for this visit, then you have plenty of warning to run for the hills prepare for another visit then.

I'm thinking the best opportunity to visit with everyone might be on Sunday, whether it's brunch, dinner, or something else. We'll have a car this time so it opens a few more options. As if we needed more. :|

The one thing on our calendar for sure while you're here is tickets for a gig in Philly on Sunday night. Other than that, looks like we're open.

mcroft may not have time off, given that we're trying to make it to Texas in December and have at least two other social commitments, so it may have to be an evening thing or Sunday day.

Oh yeah - I'd already forgotten that youse guys were making a pilgrimage home in December. Oops.

Seriously, y'all took so much time to walk me around, host me, and generally make certain that my visit last year was such an excellent one. I don't expect that everytime I visit, much as I appreciate it.

I think Sunday brunch is sounding more likely, then. Unless Joe eschews the city entirely for a vacation in the mountains or Philly. Wish I knew better what he wanted. Although, I suspect all I need say is "Tall Ships" and I can guarantee a visit to South Street. ;)

And then, there's the whole Ellis Island possibility. Decisions, decisions.

Unfortunately with my schedule (full time job plus directing a show that opens the week after your visit), I meant more virtual tour guide, with a possible in-person meet up for dinner. But I'm happy to offer suggestions if I know the kind of stuff you guys are interested in. Especially if I can help you come up with options to convince Joe to come. :)

Joe's interests are American history, maritime/space/flight museums, military history, tech history, nature, music, and some theater. My interests are prehistory, ancient history, archaeology, some colonial history (Williamsburg was cool if touristy, for instance), seeing the sights in NYC, and visiting friends. That last one won't work so well since everyone is working during the week, I know. :)

jalabert has suggested Southstreet Maritime Museum with its Tall Ships, shopping, and restaurants. It's also close by Wall Street, which I understand is where Europeans first started building NYC. She said I should try to map out a walking tour down there and I think that would be an EXCELLENT thing for us to do. I think it caters to both of us.

I'm planning to put together 3 packages for Joe to choose amongst - museums, nature, and museum/nature. I was completely blown away by the beauty and charm of Western NJ last year. I could happily spend all our time up there just touring around small towns and enjoying the fall weather. Once he got there, I know Joe would like it, too. So, really, I'm open to a HUGE range of things. That's always my problem. There's so much to choose amongst.

As usual, I'm going to assemble a bunch of plans and Joe is going to refuse to have an opinion. I just know it. So then it'll be which of the three most appeals to me. :)

Just making sure you realize that "nature" is not necessarily contradictory with "NYC". :) For instance, if you take the subway as far north as it goes, to the northern tip of Manhattan, you'll be in the neighborhood Inwood. This is where you will find the last remaining virgin forest in Manhattan. No, I am not kidding. I haven't been there myself, but I've seen pictures. I have a friend who lives up there.

There are TONS of walking tours available in NYC. I'd try a Google search for that. I've heard of some very interesting ones that I've considered going on, but haven't yet. Another potentially fun option is the Circle Line Ferry. You can get a view of New York from the outside on a ferry that gives you an option of making a trip around the southern tip or a trip around the entire island.

There is a big airfield in Brooklyn out toward the Rockaways (don't remember the name). They might have some kind of museum or exhibit. Not sure. (Sorry to provide such an incredibly vague scrap of information.)

And, boy howdy and a half, does NYC have music, which might make Joe really happy. I'd suggest checking things like the Village Voice online to see what kinds of options you might have. And both mcroft and immlass know much more on that topic than I do.

to the northern tip of Manhattan, you'll be in the neighborhood Inwood. This is where you will find the last remaining virgin forest in Manhattan

Now this intrigues me. I wonder if I can fit this in, too. Hmm.

There are TONS of walking tours available in NYC. I'd try a Google search for that.

I never thought about taking a paid one. I just figured I'd map one out. Probably could learn a lot with an organized tour if it isn't *too* touristy. The Underground Seattle tour was fabulous and we both enjoyed it. Hmmm.

Another potentially fun option is the Circle Line Ferry. You can get a view of New York from the outside on a ferry that gives you an option of making a trip around the southern tip or a trip around the entire island.

Oh! Another good activity. Getting Joe on the water is a good thing. Sailing around would be a good way to see a lot of territory given the limited time we have.

Thank you :)