I will be going to NYC for the first time Thanksgiving week. I will be there the 24-28. I already have a list of ideas I want to do/see. I am a little overwhelmed already because I want to do it all!
Can yall help me? What are something things that I must see/do? Where are some places (not really expensive) that I must eat? I'm staying in Times Square by the way. Thanks!!

must eat: bagel w/ a schmeer (i prefer everything or cinnamon raisin)

hot dog from a cart (and a pretzel, and glazed almonds), Junior's Cheesecake (at Grand Central Station, lower level or just off Schubert Alley in theatre district or just across the Manhattan Bridge in Brooklyn (the original location)

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shopping -- Macy's at Herald Square -- then window shop 5th ave. -- FAO Schwartz

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sights to see: "the Lady", Ground Zero, Wall St. (all close together), Central Park, at least 1 art museum (new art: MOMA, older art and some real ancient gems: Metropolitan), a Broadway show (Lion King, Wicked, 39 Steps), Rockefeller Center and the NBC studio tour (home of the quasi-fictional "30 Rock", St. Patrick's Cathedral (across the St. from Rockefeller Center), UN (tour is ok), Chinatown, Little Italy, Brooklyn Bridge.

Thanks! I have most of those sights on my list. You mentioned the Metropolitan, that's not the Opera house right? As for Broadway I'm trying to decide between the Lion King and Chicago.
Any particular place to eat a bagel? I forgot about Junior's Cheesecake
I plan to eat 'street food' but I'm not so sure about a hot dog. I'm from New Orleans where we have Lucky Dog carts. From a very young age you learn to stay away from them.

the Metropolitan Museum of Art is on the east side of central park. Everything from an actual ancient Egyptian temple on to modern art. Met Opera is on the west side (and further north) and is part of Lincoln Center (where you can also take in NY symphony, NY opera and plays the the Beaumont Theatre)

Museum of Natural History and Hayden Planetarium is on west side of Central Park straight across the park form Met Art and very near the John Lennon Memorial (which is really small and easy to miss)

in Central Park: the zoo, the carousel, the Castle, the fountain.

Lion King vs. Chicago -- having seen both -- Lion King!

bagel -- anyplace that sells them -- just go early AM and follow the real Newyawkers.

the dogs are safe! -- you won't die! besides if the water in the cart isn't greenish it's not a real NY hot dog!

if in to Medieval Architecture -- go up to the Cloisters in the north bronx/harlem -- a very beautiful museum

if there thanksgiving day itself -- well you HAVE TO go to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade --

hint -- it starts up near the Natural History Museum and if you stay up the night before you can watch them inflate the balloons and build the floats.

Great advice. We will be there Thanksgiving Day so we do plan on watching the parade. Is it better to catch it in the beginning? Would we have to camp out to reserve a spot?
I forgot about the John Lennon Memorial. Where is that exactly?

angel - my father is from Donaldsonville, is that anywhere near Slidell?

I think Doug touched on all the key places you should go. Bring comfortable shoes and dress in layers - its usually COLD that week and you will do a lot of walking. I would also go to the Empire State Building, the village, and Soho.

For Brunch I recommend Sarabeth's http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7169079/new_york_ny/sarabeth_s_west.html
or Whym
http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/41861318/new_york_ny/whym.html
or Nice Matin http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/35396016/new_york_ny/nice_matin.html

For a special treat (especially if you have kids) Serendipity http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7158507/new_york_ny/serendipity_3.html

For the best apple pie in the world - Little Pie Company (sour cream apple walnut pie - seriously!!) http://www.littlepiecompany.com/Custom.aspx?id=c4e317f2-9693-4a1d-b8dd-5dd5da39996a


A good restaurant in Times Square is Virgils (BBQ) http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/7158507/new_york_ny/serendipity_3.html

The dirty water hot dogs are good. =)

re parade:

yes, will have to get there mongo early to "camp out" -- some do it over night, which is why I suggested seeing them put it together. --

and big ditto to dress in layers!

as for strawberry fields memorial:

http://www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/strawberry-fields.html

(and you can scope out the other things in Central Park too!)

Yall are making me even more excited!! I can't wait. The only thing I don't like is having to buy some warmer clothes which I probably won't get to wear again for awhile.

Rachie- Donaldsonville is around Baton Rouge, which is about 2 hours west from here.
Thanks for all of the dining suggestions.
I think that will be my biggest problem because there are SO many options. As far as number of restaurants I almost picture it like New Orleans but so much bigger.

Oh, one more question. I was told that I could purchase tickets to the Rockettes Show at McDonald's for buy one get one free. Does anyone know if this is true? Would you even reccomend the show?

if it's the Rockettes' Christmas Show Spectacular -- GO!

it's great!

Another question!! What is the best/most inexpensive way to buy Broadway tickets?

TKTS

info here: http://www.tdf.org/TDF_ServicePage.aspx?id=56

never know what will be up on the boards, but great bargains possible.

Saw Patti Lupone in Gypsy this way.

I think TKTS is great. You can get discounts from 30-50% off the ticket price.

If you want to get tickets before you get there:
(1) Sign up for playbill club and get great discounts. http://www.playbill.com/club/offers/
(2) If you are between the ages of 18-35 you can see any Roundabout Theater play for $21.50. I saw Bye Bye Birdie last week and loved it. You just have to call the box office and sign up for hiptix. http://hiptix.com/ (call the number versus signing up online. You can purchase the tickets then.)

whatever you do, don't eat from the street vendors, no hot dogs!!! they are the worst in bacteria. I work in Times Square. If you need help, just let me know.