We go every other year, as we have relatives in the metro area. This year my DDs will be 9.5, 8, and 4.5 When we went 4 years ago, DD3 was 6 months old. I did have DH to help me carry her up and down the subway steps, and I actually lugged our P3 up and down the steps. Surprisingly, we did it with ease. However, if you're by yourself, def bring a super easy folding, lightweight, but durable stroller. I never owned a Mei Tei but had a Baby Bjorn and loved it. I used it pg too, just adjusted it so the baby was higher and the straps were lower, which was more comfortable anyway.
If I were by myself, I'd transfer your child to the carrier, and then quickly fold up the stroller and go down the subway steps. Keep the child in the carrier until you get to your stop and then once you're up the steps, open your stroller back up. Depending on the size of your 1 y/o it might be a bit much to keep them in a carrier all day, I personally liked using my stroller when I could.
As far as destinations...we too are going to hit the Statue of Liberty this year, and the Empire State Building. After that, since ESB is on 5th Ave, we will just walk up 5th ave. Doing that you can hit Rockefeller Center (the tree will be lit after 1st weekend of Dec I think), St. Patrick's Cathedral (I'm Jewish, but still think it's neat), and many nice storefronts. We may go to the 9-11 memorial as well which is in lower Manhattan, so def a subway ride. My girls are also into American Girl so we will head over there for lunch (make reservations) and I believe it's on 5th ave too, can't remember.
Another thing we love to do is walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, weather permitting. It is crazy cold over that bridge in the winter though!!, This is really best done during nicer, warmer weather, but since it is the only time we come to NYC, we just suck it up and do it anyway. We usually go about 1/3 of the way across and the views are very nice, assuming it is a clear day.
For food, you will probably get better responses from others since we often go to the touristy places. We went to Katz's deli (was very good), Serendipity for dessert - would not recommend, ridiculously crowded and way overpriced. One place I love, though I haven't been in years, I don't even know if it's still there....Al's International Soup Kitchen on 55th st and 8th ave, the inspiration for the infamous Soup Nazi episode of Seinfeld. When I last went 8 bucks got me a huge bowl of Mullicatawny (I know I spelled that wrong), an apple, a roll, and a chocolate truffle. It was delish!!! Not kid friendly though as it is a stand, no place to eat inside. I do recall Carmines being fun to eat at, and reasonable. I think there are two locations, one is in the theater district. Super huge portions, meant for sharing, and reasonable for NYC as I recall. DH and I ate there before kids, but it would probably work for kids too.
I will be following this thread for good eateries too.
I love NYC, enjoy your trip and be prepared for lots of walking!!!
Last edited by jerseygirl07067; 10-20-2013 at 11:34 PM.
Marcy
DD1 2003
DD2 2005
DD3 2009