NEW YORK- THE BIG APPLE

New York - a city that has been changed forever by the horrific terrorist attacks that destroyed the World Trade Center buildings on September 11, 2001, just a week after we left. When this page was initially written, I was excited by my time there, but now, there is only shock. The picture below shows the twin towers gleaming in the summer sunshine, a symbol of New York and America as well. It is impossible to believe that they are no longer standing. Our thoughts go out to all those who have been touched by this tragedy - we pray that there will never be another.

World Trade Center, two weeks before the attack

Even though this unforgettable event has changed the face of the city forever, New York and its people will come back, like they have before. I will keep the information on this page as I originally wrote it, to serve as a reminder to me and everyone who reads it that New York was, and will again be, the greatest city in the nation.

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The biggest city in the U.S., it has everything that anyone could want. Located in southwestern New York state, New York is composed of five boroughs: Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. Of course, everyone knows about Manhattan, the 23 square mile island that is home to the most famous buildings in the land, but baseball fans will need to visit the other four boroughs for a pro game: the Yankees reside in the Bronx; the Mets are in Queens; Staten Island hosts the Staten Island Yankees of the NY-Penn League; and the Brooklyn Cyclones finally brought baseball back to Brooklyn after 44 years.

Getting around New York in a car is not recommended. Find a good hotel and leave the car there for the duration of your stay. Then pick up one of MTA's various Metrocard pass, which at $4 for 1 day or $17 for 7 days is a bargain. Everywhere you want to go can be reached by the extensive subway system, although it may take some time to understand the system. The subway has been cleaned up in recent years, and it is very safe to ride - certainly safer than trying to negotiate Manhattan streets during rush hour.

New York is a very big city, with literally hundreds of different neighborhoods. Manhattan itself is home to Battery Park, the Financial District, Soho, Greenwich Village, Tribeca, Midtown, Broadway, Harlem, Central Park, Times Square, and many other famous areas. Each of these districts is worth visiting, and each can easily take a day, but for most roadtrippers, only a few days are available. Unlike most cities, which you can research upon arrival, you should do some planning before you reach New York - you don't want to waste a minute here. Unique museums, quiet parks, incredible views, world-class restaurants - all are within a few minutes no matter where you are. 

One piece of advice for those of you interested in Broadway plays, use the TKTS office at the World Trade Center or at 47th and Broadway for half-price tickets on the day of the show. 

Times Square

We aren't going to go into any more detail about New York here, we just can't do the city justice. It is a fantastic place if you like big cities. It is truly the "City That Never Sleeps"; Times Square is as bustling at 3am as it is at 3pm, most subway lines run 24 hours, and there is always something to do. Any baseball road trip should make it a point to see at least one of the four teams in New York - and then spend the rest of your time being amazed by the city itself.