Rockefeller Center

This was a good place to go to as a tourist. Great view over manhattan from the top, ice skating rink out the front that converted to an orchid show while I was there. and Shopping. This is not usually my kind of thing but it served its purpose well, and I got some cheap Boticelli shoes here!

The best destination in Rockefeller Center is Christie’s auction house, which frequently has free exhibitions of upcoming art/antique sales. It’s interesting to see what a bohemian glass chandelier or an original Grandma Moses might cost. There’s a new observation deck at the top of 30 Rock, but I haven’t been yet (I bet the lines are pretty bad?) Avoid the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony! It’s horrendous! In fact, if you have any kind of crowd-phobia, stay away for all of November and December (the best time to see it during the Christmas Season is after 9:30pm, when the mob thins and the Saks light show is still running). Don’t bother with the ice rink. Wolman Rink in Central Park is much bigger and more scenic. If you absolutely MUST eat near here, walk up up to 55th St. between 5th and 6th and go to Le Bonne Soupe, which is delicious and reasonable. Yes, there is a new Anthropologie store here, and, because I work one block away, I am very likely to fall victim to its wiles. Do not be deceived. Rockefeller Center IS a mall disguised as a tourist attraction.