East Coast GTG Summary

Two*True

Looking at just the March/April dates (because not everyone listed May) here is what we have (a ? denotes a maybe):

March 31st NYC - T*T, CT, Meegs, Kershnic

March 31st Philly - 2brides, CT, Meegs, Kershnic, TWB(?)

April 14th NYC - T*T, Meegs(?), Kershnic, TWB, Mrs. F

April 14th Philly - 2brides, Meegs(?), Kershnic, TWB

April 21st NYC - T*T, CT, Meegs(?), Kershnic, TWB, Mrs. F

April 21st Philly - 2brides, CT, Meegs(?), Kershnic, TWB

 

Not everyone replied with options for April 28th so I've left that off, but can go back and look if we want to.  I've left myself off the Philly dates because I'm not more than 90% sure right now that I make that trip at this time.  If that is what the group chooses I'll try to make it. 

So....shall we make this a clicky poll?

 

ctbride08

No april 14th for me - its my niece's first birthday

Two*True

ctbride08:

No april 14th for me - its my niece's first birthday

Fixed!

jeannkerricotober09

GTG!  YAY!  I feel like I have been gone for months!  Things are crazy right now and will most likely remain this way for a while so I won't weigh in but will try to make it to whatever is planned!

thiswillbe

I don't know if we necessarily need a clicky poll. I'm fine with any of the ones we're down for, and have no real preference among them.

It looks like April 21 in NYC edges the others by one family. Does that make it the winning date & location?

 

ETA: Thanks for putting the summary together, Two, it's very helpful!

ctbride08

Like I said before, i dont have a strong preference on location, but my kids did really enjoy Philly and I know Sprout would love to see C&G (btw, i have pictures he's been making for the boys that i have to mail you!)

2brides

Let me talk with L tonight about NYC: if she is able to go and/or if she minds me taking the kids without her, etc. I know there is a ton to do there and if we go (my kids) need a plan. Strolling around, going out to eat, and happy hour won't keep them happy or entertained. What is out there in the other burroughs aside from Manhattan? Suggestions of places to stay without breaking the bank?

ETA: I think L wants to take them to "touristy" NYC (ie. FAO Swartz, Times Square, ferris wheel in TRU, Central Park, etc.) But of course, there is so much more there!

Mrs._F

2brides:

Let me talk with L tonight about NYC: if she is able to go and/or if she minds me taking the kids without her, etc. I know there is a ton to do there and if we go (my kids) need a plan. Strolling around, going out to eat, and happy hour won't keep them happy or entertained. What is out there in the other burroughs aside from Manhattan? Suggestions of places to stay without breaking the bank?

ETA: I think L wants to take them to "touristy" NYC (ie. FAO Swartz, Times Square, ferris wheel in TRU, Central Park, etc.) But of course, there is so much more there!

There is a zoo in central park which could be a fun activity.  Maybe coud grab sandwiches somewhere and have a picnic lunch in the park too. FAO Schwatrz could also be fun.  We could do some research - I know there are blogs about things to do with kids in NYC.

As for lodging, probably the best bet would be priceline. To pick a neighborhood and bid like $100 for 4 or 3 star hotel.  We did this when we stayed in Philly last year and it worked out great - saved a ton of money.

(I will admit NYC is a go for us because we could stay with a friend for free - but if we didn't have them, we'd be priceline-ing it).

norika33

We are in for NYC for April 21- and probably Philly for that date, since we have nothing going on as of now.

Sorry I didn't vote earlier, here are my choices:

March 31 NYC-yes

March 31 Philly- maybe

April 14- no- either location

April 21- NYC yes, Philly maybe

 

Thanks Two for compiling! 

Kershnic

I can think of tons of things to  DO in NYC, I think the biggest problem is where to stay for anyone without a free place (and there will likely not be a pool or free parking.)  I wish I could have youall over, but you'd never fit.  

www. mommypoppins.com

www.timeoutnewyorkkids.com

transit museum, nat history museum, children's museum, parks, 2 botanical gardens, 2 zoos (3 if you count staten island), lots of playgrounds (but they're crowded on  nice days), sony wonder lab (for the older ones)

cymru

Annie and I would probaby be able to make the 21st in NYC. It is my weekend off at the hospital.

Two*True

cymru:

Annie and I would probaby be able to make the 21st in NYC. It is my weekend off at the hospital.

This right here is reason enough for me! I'm so glad to "see" you back here.

 

Another option is a vacation rental.  Most will rent them out for just one night if 2 weeks prior to the book date they still aren't booked.  It's cost effective to split between multiple families and it could be fun to all stay together.

2brides

L and I talked briefly last night. She isn't comfortable with me taking them to NYC alone. Nevermind, I have traveled through Atlanta airport with them solo.   But for right now she feels like they need a 1:1 in the city. I tried to rationalize that the entire city isn't like Times Square (and I agree that I don't want to have them in TS alone.)

So, go ahead and make plans for NYC if that works best for everyone. Once details get ironed out we can reevaluate. If we can go, we'll try to get a hotel room with everyone else (though with Priceline that will be close to impossible!) Perhaps we can alternate between NYC and Philly each year!