NYC - 2 moms with daughters

Hi! A friend %26amp; I are taking our daughters (7 and 9 respectively) to NYC for the weekend of 31 Mar - 2 Apr.

Our wish list so far includes:

*Statue of Liberty

*Staten Island Ferry

*shopping on Fifth Avenue

*Central Park

*Chinatown and/or Little Italy

*Empire State Building

*American Girl Place

Obviously, we know we can%26#39;t do all of those in two days, so which would you recommend the most? American Girl Place is a definite ';must have';. Also, would you recommend Midtown for a hotel? What area? Any recommendations ($150 range if possible. I qualify for military rates, if that makes a difference).

Thanks!

NYC - 2 moms with daughters

Given the small amout of time, the fact that you will have two young girls and your wish list, I%26#39;d scratch Chinatown, Little Italy, the Statue and Staten Island Ferry off your list and stay in mid-town. You might want to include the two-hour Circle Line cruise that leaves from West 42nd St. That will provide not only a look at the Statue but a look at lower Manhattan as well.

Definitely do Central Park (the girls might like the carriage ride), the ESB, American Girl Place and the 5th Avenue shops. Don%26#39;t forget FAO Schwarz. And what about a Broadway show one night? They%26#39;d probably love Beauty %26amp; The Beast.

As far as hotels, you want midtown (42nd St. to 59th St.) from Lexington Avenue on the east to 8th Avenue on the west, or the upper west side. Check out Priceline and Hotwire for 4-star properties but bid around $130. You may wind up with a terrific 4-star hotel for that price. Also check Travelzoo.com.

NYC - 2 moms with daughters

I dunno, I think I%26#39;d still try for the Staten Island Ferry so you can get your photos with the Statue of Liberty in the background.

Definitely get tickets for ';Beauty %26amp; the Beast'; through www.broadwaybox.com -- that will absolutely be the highlight of their trip.

Dont forget Toys r Us in Time Square. I stayed in a hotel called the Herald Sq. near Macys and ESB. Nothing spectacular but we had 2 double beds and a seperate bathroom. It was cleaned everyday and it was only $160 for the room for the night. I would have no hesitation recommeding it or staying there again myself. Have a great time your girls will love NY.