Bill Watt’s Worlds

We’ll Have Manhattan

THE MANHATTAN SKYLINE

BILL WATT
In New York City

e wanted to revisit New York City but we also wanted to enjoy some autumn foliage. We did both by taking a busy Greyhound from T.O. to N.Y.C. and are glad we did. Travelling by bus between the two cities is comfortable, far cheaper than flying and doesn’t take much longer door-to-door. The foliage in upper New York State, Pennsylvania and New Jersey on a sunny day is a reviving tonic to one’s spirits, Central Park pictured.

The Big Apple? It’s still recommended if you haven’t seen it but if you have, you’ll agree that it’s a lot like Toronto only bigger. Now, let it be understood that when we refer to New York we actually mean Manhattan, the principal borough that towers to the sky yet still maintains its island perspective. 

We were fortunate enough to be given a deluxe package of attractions by Annie Chambliss of the New York City Convention and Visitors' Bureau. Hugely enjoyed was the Circle Line’s tour of Manhattan Island by boat. "Cruisin’ down the river” indeed. Of course, any visit to Manhattan must include the Empire State Building.

The Big Apple also overflows with good eating places. Among them we enjoyed Kraft’s, Broadway Joe’s Steak House, Rumors, Olympia Deli and McSorley’s Old Ale House, pictured. McSorley’s is in the East Village and isn’t so much a dining spot as an institution. It’s been in the same location for 150 years and hasn’t changed its décor at all! The wood plank floors are still covered in sawdust and the same photos are on the walls where John McSorley placed them when he opened his establishment. There are still cats dozing in the comfortable ambiance too. Our lunch? American cheddar, raw onions, crackers and McSorley’s own ale. Ambrosia! And, just to prove again that it’s a small world, we ran into a chap from Toronto at McSorley’s. Not only that, he lives a few blocks away from where we were born. (Nice to have met you, Daniel Ryan.) Visit www.mcsorleysnewyork.com.

Look, we know we’ve hit too few of the high spots of our New York escape; perhaps we can expand upon the others in a future column. For now, just accept our recommendation and take the bus to New York, especially in the fall and especially with someone you love. Visit www.nycvisit.com.