Women Tell Women About New York

Evelyn Hannon

New York is such a happening place that some female visitors just lace on a pair of their favorite walking shoes and then simply follow the crowd. They love being free to meander enjoying the sights and sounds of the city as they discover them.

Then there are other Journeywomen who delight in planning each aspect of their daily itinerary. For those readers Journeywoman offers a fabulous collection of women-friendly New York guidebooks. Click here for a dozen of the best.

And, if you're a woman who loves tracking down insider's tips to a city, Journeywoman offers the following one dozen female-friendly Big Apple secrets we've collected just for you. Enjoy.

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Another reader writes: Just a note to let you know that I stayed in the Interfaith League Guest House that was mentioned in your JW newsletter section on NYC. It was precisely as described. Thanks for telling the truth and providing such useful info about this great bargain. Here's an extra little bit that I will add for other JW readers... The Interfaith League really stands for Interfaith League of Devotees. It is a Hare Krishna place. But this did not bother me. I assume the rooms above, and restaurant on the first floor (and the yoga classes) are outreach measures for this religion. Anyway, I have stayed in several convents in Kentucky and this was a very similar experience (though with much better food!) Most of all, I liked the quiet. Prayers (meditation) begin at 4:30 a.m. so all is quiet by 9 p.m. Great. (Janet, Louisville, USA)

At the other end of the spectrum... the last time I was in NYC, I was invited to review the recently restored Iroquois New York Hotel located in the heart of the city (49 West 44th Street between 5th and 6th). What a delight! From the comfy beds to the elegant breakfast room to the hotel's location and helpful, courteous staff, this tiny treasure has it all. It is female-friendly plus! To find out more, visit their website at www.iroquoisny.com P.S. Yummy screen idol James Dean lived here from 1951 to 1953. (Evelyn Hannon, Journeywoman files).

Best snack in Chinatown
My personal favorite stop for snacking in Chinatown is run by the Hong Kong Cake Lady. She has a tiny shack on a short street that slopes down from Mulberry St. where she makes "Hong Kong Cakes" on special griddles. A small bag of 12 is $1.00 and you'll get these hot, little, oval, madeleine-like cakes...crispy on the outside, custardy inside. It's most interesting to watch her work. She's put two sons through college from this stand. My advice is, don't bother with any other Hong Kong Cake stands; they're not as good. That's why there's always a lineup to buy the Hong Kong lady's treats. Beware: This woman is often stern and grumpy-looking but you can't blame her. You'd be too if you were standing over hot griddles all day long. She closes up shop when she's out of batter...usually by the end of the afternoon. (Alice Chiu, New York City)

A great place to relax
I would like to share my best place in New York to feel like you have gotten away from the crowd. The Marina in Riverside Park at 79th Street is a place where people live on their boats and there are great views of the Hudson and the cliffs of eastern Jersey. This is a peaceful place and very mellow -- a good place to refuel before you dive back into the energy vortex which is New York City. There is also a cafe there -- a burger type restaurant built into an old park structure, where you can sit on the terrace and watch the park scene and the Hudson. Bonus: Sunsets there can be absolutely breathtaking. (Amy Gluck Adachi, New York)

Books for less in NYC
Bookwormettes please take note. If you're in New York on a Monday, pop into the The New York Public Library's Mid-Manhattan Branch (455 Fifth Avenue at 40th Street). This is the day the staff holds their used book sale and everybody's welcome. Last visit to the Big Apple Journeywoman popped in for a browse with the locals and came away with a couple of Sue Grafton's hard cover mysteries at $1.00 each. Both books in perfect condition. Great fun! (Evelyn Hannon, Journeywoman files)

Check out posh thrift shops
Some of the best bargains in New York are in the posh thrift shops, many of which are in the upper East Side of New York (77th to 84th Street, 2nd and 3rd Avenues). Savvy shoppers can pick up barely used and (often) new clothes at a tiny fraction of the original price. Best selections are generally in the small, small sizes but for the rest of us there's shops offering jewelry, shoes and housing items. Housing Works at E77 near Third Avenue often has a particularly good selection. (LB Gordon, New York)