Here are some of our highlights from our recent trip to New York:

Lodging
We used airbnb.com to find an apartment to rent. It is far less expensive than renting a hotel and nice to have a kitchen and other features.
We stayed here: https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/520771
It was GREAT. Good location to most stuff in Manhattan and close to the subway to take you other places.
The apartment had a kitchen so we didn’t need to always eat out.

If you want a hotel in a cool area…I’d stay at Ace Hotel.  Super neat atmosphere and great coffee bar, Stumptown Coffee, adjacent to hotel.

Food
Ess-a-Bagel – bagels
Katz’s Deli – great place for lunch
Eatily – Italian food and shopping
Shake Shack – Madison Square Park – Icecream and food

Coffee
Stumptown Coffee
Zibetto

Shopping
Beecher’s Handmade Cheese
Fishs Eddy

Entertainment
Once the Musical
Backstage tour of Met Opera – if you like theater and/or opera.
Steve Cohen: Chamber Magic – Luxury Magic Show at Waldorf Astoria

Nightlife
Angel Share – Order drink called Passion Dance

Miscellaneous
Spending time in Central Park

Best Practices
1. Take direct flights – no layovers
2. Do not check bags
3. Make effort to sit in front of airplane
4. Midtown condo location was ideal (60 w 55th street)
5. Always walk or take subway when possible.
6. Never take bus or taxi during rush hour on a Friday
7. Plan to see a matinee show on Wednesday or Saturday
8. Don’t fly on a birthday.

Top of List for Future Trips
1. Met Opera – La Boehme
2. Raines Law Room – 48 w 17th (between 5th and 6th)
3. Jimmy Fallow Show Taping
4. Coney Island Museum
5. Ice Skating in Central Park