Conferences in New York: Javits Center, Environs, and What You Need to Know

Done up in the Art Deco style, The New Yorker Hotel is the closest in proximity to the convention center, and consequently, close to Macy’s, Times Square and Midtown.

JFK is waaaaay out there in Queens, but the airtrain+Long Island Railroad will get you into the city in about an hour. No traffic because they are both trains!

There is public transportation into the city from LaGuardia, but taxis tend to get there pretty fast.

Newark is an $80+ cab ride away from Manhattan, so I recommend NJ transit for making the hike in.

A New York institution that has been around for just shy of 100 years, the Oyster Bar is a must if you like seafood and an old-school (but upscale) feel.

Laurent Tourondel delivers at all of his BLT venues (it stands for Bistro Laurent Tourondel, fyi), but BLT Steak is where you go for a gluttonous, meaty meal. Braised short ribs, Kobe strip steak…go wild!

When you get that hankering for BBQ, don’t worry, Hill Country brings the authentic Texas ’cue to you!

Some of the best sushi around town. Enough said!

Solid French bistro food with impeccable service, the Odeon has been around since before Tribeca was an “it” neighborhood.

If you’re looking for a well-sized restaurant with some healthier choices, Spring Street Natural will do the trick. The almond veggie burger is divine, and the menu is nicely balanced with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Pegu is a classy joint with an extensive cocktail list, but they are the masters of drinks with my liquor of choice: gin!

They manage to merge high-end and upscale with low-key. It’s magic! As are their delicious cocktails.

Despite the name, this is not a library, nor does it even have any books, save for the quintessential drink-mixing one, but it is most definitely a lounge, and a swanky one at that.

Free wi-fi, and not a Starbuck’s. How about that?!? If you’re feeling adventurous, order the Make-Them-Yourself S’mores. Watch out for the open flame, however.

THE place to go for all your digital, photo, and video needs. Sooo old-school to boot!

If you don’t have time for the Museum of Modern Art, take in this sizable “gift shop” in Soho. Pick up an Eames chair for your office back home, or some designery housewares or creative toys.

I have done all of my holiday shopping at Pearl River, and this once underground Chinese department store is now a favorite of locals and out-of-towners alike. Stock up on origami paper, ceramic dishes, cheap snacks, apparel, and other randomly assorted goods.

It’s where Tom Hanks famously played Heart & Soul on the floor piano, and of course, it’s a gigantic toy store! Several stories tall and almost a block wide, FAO Schwarz has something for everyone, kid or adult. It’s also a good stop for unique New York souvenirs, i.e., not those mini taxi cabs or Statue of Liberty keychains.

You probably won’t be buying pounds of fish (smelly!) during your visit, but instead, have lunch or dinner at the Lobster Place and order up a lobster roll. Nope, this isn’t Maine, but New Yorkers like their lobster rolls, so you’ll be getting freshness and quality (and maybe a slight carbon footprint).

So, you didn’t get to go to that exotic locale for your conference, but at least you can return home looking like you did! Imports From Marrakesh specializes in all things Moroccan.

Get a healthy dose of modern art while in town at Frank Lloyd Wright’s amazing architectural masterpiece.

Pedal boats, zoo, carriage rides, woodsy walks, Shakespeare garden, waterfalls, Pale Male hawk, you name it and Central Park has probably got it. At 843 acres, you’re bound to find a grassy nook or vacant bench for some serious downtime.