So you’re planning a trip to the iconic New York City. The city that never sleeps. The concrete jungle dreams are made of. That’s right; NYC is a city with much to offer, so it’s important to narrow down your to-do list ahead of time. Want to tour iconic landmarks like the Statute of Liberty and the Empire State Building? Maybe you’re a foodie. If so, head to Chelsea Market, Zabar’s and Restaurant Row. Sports fan? Check out the iconic Yankee Stadium (in season) and its famous Monument Park and Yankee Museum. Animal Lover? The Bronx Zoo can’t be beat!
On a recent trip to NYC, Berks County Living Associate Publisher Robyn L. Jones and Editor-In-Chief Nikki M. Murry decided to go with their love of television shows as a means of touring the city. Check out a couple things they did and some suggestions for related activities.
A Place to Rest
You know at the end of your favorite talk shows when they say, “Guests of the such-and-such show stay at…” Well, we wanted to see just what the fuss was about and booked a room at Le Parker Meridien, the home away from home for guests of the former Rosie O’Donnell Show.
Located in Midtown Manhattan, Le Parker Meridien’s physical address is 119 W. 56th St. It’s within easy walking distance to both Columbus Circle and Times Square and has easy subway access. Room rates typically start around $249/night (we traveled in October) for a city-view, 303-square-foot space with either two double beds or one king-sized. *Tip: if you pre-pay you may be able to score a better rate. Also, visit their website to sign up for email offers.
The rooms are spacious for NYC digs and cater to business clientele in particular, offering expansive desk space, high-speed Internet access, a comfy desk chair and more. And for those looking for a little luxury, Le Parker Meridien has something for you, too. The 46-inch flat screen TVs are certainly nice. As is the upscale onsite restaurant, Norma’s –rated “Best Breakfast in NY” by Zagat. Visit in the morning for unique dishes like the “Donut Even Go There French Toast.” It’s cheesecake-stuffed, coconut-rolled and topped with orange drizzle and vanilla ice cream. Decadent to be sure.
For those looking for a quicker, simpler bite to eat, be sure to get in line at the “Burger Joint.” Tucked away in a corner of the lobby near the concierge desk, it is surely a hidden gem. Burgers and fries are the staple menu items, only to be accompanied by beer, milkshakes, wine and brownies. They keep it simple, probably because the burgers are simply some of the best you’ll ever bite into.
Ready, Set
If you’ve noticed, our trip seems to have taken a turn toward a foodie focus. Perhaps that’s why we threw our names in the hat for Rachael Ray Show tickets when deciding what television show audience we’d like to be a part of.
How do you get at seat in the Rachael Ray studio? It’s not necessarily easy, but it’s free! Visit rachaelrayshow.com and click on “show info” then “audience tickets” for a form to fill out to be considered for a random drawing and a chance to get on the show. That’s right. First your name is selected from those who’ve submitted their information. How do you know? You’ll receive an email notifying you when you have been chosen, at which time you’ll be given an option of show tapings to choose from. You then send in your request for a select date and time, and cross your fingers that you get selected. That’s pretty much it!
Should you be chosen as one of the lucky ones, here’s what happens:
You’ll need to be in line to head into the studio on a first-come, first-served basis at the Chelsea Television Studios, 221 W. 26th St., about 90 minutes before your taping time to be on the safe side. While you’re in line, you’ll sign an agreement regarding rules and regulations during the taping, and later, you’ll be escorted inside to the green room area (but the room is really more of a mauve color). There, you can have a snack and drink, get your photo taken in a simulated Rachael Ray kitchen and announce to your friends on Facebook that you’re “Hanging with Rachael Ray today.”
Eventually, you’ll be escorted upstairs to the studio and to your show seat. Once everyone is seated, the “crowd warmer” will go through what certain hand gestures mean in the way of you cheering, clapping, oohing, aahing and mmmming. (This is the Rachael Ray Show after all!) Then it’s on to the taping. It’s only as the show progresses that you’ll find out who your special guest for the day may be and whether you get to take any goodies or gifts home. The show taping time is typically 90 minutes and is certainly a fun experience worth trying at least once in your lifetime.
Wanna See Something Else?
Perhaps Rachael Ray isn’t your thing. There are plenty of other ways to get a taste of the television industry on a visit to NYC. Check these out:
The Daily Show with John Stewart (Comedy Central). The show is usually booked well in advance, but you can try scoring tickets through the online ticket reservation system at: thedailyshow.com/tickets. The Daily Show tapes Monday through Thursday at 5:45pm. You can get to the studio early, but you must arrive no later than 4:30pm; doors open at 5:15pm. The studio is located at 733 11th Ave. (Between W. 51st and W. 52nd sts.)
The Early Show (CBS). The morning news and lifestyle program offers viewers the chance to be on national television by joining in on the fun outdoors on the plaza. After the show, you can even go backstage and take pictures inside the studio—for free! No tickets are necessary. For more info, call 212.975.2890 or send an email to brguest@cbsnews.com. The Early Show tapes Monday through Saturday from 7 to 9am. On weekdays, weatherman Dave Price gives the forecast outside in the plaza at 8 and 8:30am. Arrive no later than 7:15am. The plaza is a ground-level set in the General Motors Building at Trump International Plaza, 5th Avenue and East 59th Street.
Saturday Night Live (NBC). Tickets to the comedy sketch show are given out once a year through a lottery. To enter, send an email to snltickets@nbcuni.com in August only. Include all contact info and do not request a specific date. One email per household is allowed. Winners will each receive two tickets for a specific show date and performance (dress rehearsal or live show). You will be notified only if you are selected. Standby tickets are distributed at 7am on the West 49th Street side of 30 Rockefeller Plaza on the mornings of the tapings. You may choose a standby ticket for either the 8pm dress rehearsal or the 11:30pm live taping. Standby tickets are limited to one per person and are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. A standby ticket does not guarantee admission. It is suggested that you arrive no later than 7:15pm for the 8pm dress rehearsal and 10:45pm for the 11:30pm live show.
It's More Fun When You Stay Over
LE PARKER MERIDIEN 119 W. 56th St., New York, NY | 212.245.5000 | Parkermeridien.com BIEBER TOURWAYS 610.683.7333 or 800.243.2374 | Beibertourways.com Roundtrip tickets to NYC are (adult ticket price at time of publication) Via Reading | $61 Via Kutztown | $55.50 Via Wescosville | $46 Via Hellertown | $43.50
