Going to America! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

pentoman · #1 03-22-2002, 07:57 AM

Hi American friends!

I'm coming to New York in 10 days (University polo playing trip.. and I don't even play!) and wanna find some things to do while over there.. I didn't organise the trip.. and don't know a lot about the US. We're spending time in Washington, New York, and Yale (univ?).. is there anything I should check out in those areas?

Oh yeah I'm also only 19.. which means I might have trouble with the whole drinking age thing (18 here in the UK.. :-) ), any ideas how to deal with this little problem? I'd like to check out anywhere with decent nightlife!

Am I right in thinking I can't hire a car at that age? We are gonna hire some 7 seater I think, but i guess I won't be able to drive. Any recommendations for what to get? I don't want some major POS (I *do*, after all, drive a Mercedes).

later!

Russ

yal · #2 03-22-2002, 10:34 AM

You might want to check out the auto show while you are here.

http://www.autoshowny.com/

Starts on the 29th through april 7th.
About the night life...well hey, this is New York

You'll find something.

Jim Anderson · #3 03-22-2002, 11:24 AM

Bring your Mercedes so we can check it out

dieseldude · #4 03-22-2002, 11:36 AM

I'm on the otherside of the country Russ, but I can give you some basic guidlines regarding your cultural quesitons. You have to be 25 to rent a car - this may differ slightly from state-to-state, but I would guess at 19 you're pretty much reserved to being chauffered around.

21 is the legal age of drinking here. That's not to say you couldn't get into some places. It would depend on the place and bouncer at the door, or the bartender if they would let you in or drink. I got into my fair share of bars and clubs while underaged - and I look very young. Of course, I also had talented friends with nice laser printers who could make decent fake ID's

Unfortunately, at your age America might seem a little boring as far as partying on the town is concerned. I have a friend in Stratford-upon-Avon however (who was also 19 at he time), who still had alot of fun in the Seattle area despite not having the freedoms he did back home. I would imagine your locales would be much more exciting still.

Good luck and enjoy your trip!

Regards,
- Ryan

pentoman · #5 03-22-2002, 12:01 PM

Thanks Guys.

I'll think about checking out the auto show, they keep cancelling all the UK ones :-(
Unfortunately the Merc (won't say that while I'm there.. people will think I have a 'Mercury', whatever the hell *that* is

) will be staying in the garage, but Jim - if you're still looking for a Peugeot I'll be travelling to the airport in a lovely pale blue 1990 205 1.4 with only 23,000m ! Maybe we can make a deal? hehe.

Looks like I'm out of luck on car rental, but still looking for advice on what 7-seater we should hire!
As for ID, I'm thinking of a doctored photocopy of a passport? Or will the NYPD not take too kindly to this?

Also, what's the age of consent over there?... Nah! Just kidding! Your daughters are safe!

later

Russ

suginami · #6 03-22-2002, 01:05 PM

The only 7-seater you're going to want to rent is a minivan.

Depending on which rental agency you use, you'll either end up with a Chrslyer minivan, a Ford Windstar minivan, or a GM minivan (Chevrolet Astro, Chevrolet Venture, etc.).

I rent with Hertz quite a bit, and they have Lincoln Navigator SUV's, and Ford Expidition SUV's, but nobody is going to want to ride in the rear 3rd seat.

Hi-Power · #7 03-22-2002, 01:19 PM

Russ,

Here is are a few places you may want to try if you want to have fun after the dawn:

Purple Lounge

2649 East 14th Street
Brooklyn, NY
718.368-3813

18 to Party, 21 to Drink.
3 Dancefloors (House, Trance, and Hip-Hop)
24,000 Watt Sound System
Proper attire ( no jeans, no t-shirts, no tennis shoes )

Exit

55th Street (Between 11th and 12th Ave. )
212-582-8282

House/Underground
3 Stories Main Dance Floor + other rooms
DJ's Curt Ashley & Joe Bond
Saturday Nights
Open 10:00 PM until 12:00 Noon Sunday
Admisions only w/guestlist (Call 212-615-6866 For G/L info)
Proper attire (No Jeans, Sneakers, Hoods)

Carbon

55th St. Between 11th Ave. and 12th Ave.
212-660-4333

Hip-Hop/Dance/House

But again New York is New York and there's plenty to do at night... lots of places for vampires and night creatures !

Take it easy and hope you will have fun ! If you're planning to get crazy let others drive or get a cab ( if you're lucky enough to find one ).

Ernesto ( Hi-Power )

Holson Adi · #8 03-22-2002, 05:17 PM

I was there and if you like fine dining in a nice restaurant, try the Russian Tea Room.
http://web.russiantearoom.com/

It's definitely quite a spot if you have the extra cash. Their wine list is like a book pretty much. Food is awesome and it has very nice ambience (IMO)

There's all sorts of restaurants down south (near where the WTC used to be). They were mostly Italian and I wish I had more cash and time when I was in NYC... I don't remember which Avenue they were on...

Shopping wise, I'm not a big fan of shopping so I can't really say.

As far as underage drinking goes... I guess it does depend from one bouncer to the other and also on the bartender. Why don't you buy some Duty Free in the London airport before you come?

It ain't gonna be as cool, but it should give you enough a kick

I do agree that nightlife kinda sucks before you're 21 (I'm not 21 either). There are places that you can drink that's for sure.

pentoman · #9 03-22-2002, 06:24 PM

Ernesto.. thanks for those places :-) I've got them noted down! I don't like the look of the 'proper attire' bits - Are a lot of places like that?
As for carrying a huge rear spoiler on a flight into New York.. hmm.. don't fancy trying that one! Still.. $150 is a crazy price..

Sadly my profile reads 'Occupation: Student'.. so I'm not big on the 'extra cash', but still I'll try to eat well while I'm there.. and back onto the drinking, do the places mark you on entrance if you are under 21? Can I take white spirits in with me to rub it off? If it comes down to it I can always drink the white spirits!!

I am looking for a place for 6 or 7 people to stay, preferably not expensive - am I likely to find anything? I'd rather not be too far out as I'm only in NY for 3 days.

One more, really stupid question - how much are AA batteries there (Duracells), I'm planning on taking lots of pics, and can stock up on AAs here at £1.20 for 4 which is around $1.70.? I'll need up to 10 sets.. so it all adds up (sort of)

Thanks all

Russ

mikemover · #10 03-22-2002, 08:42 PM

You'll have a blast in NYC...there's a million things to do. Check out the Greenwich Village and Soho area, if you can. Ask your concierge or cab driver for details. TONS of places to eat, shop, drink, browse, dance, live music, people-watch, etc.

Of course you should see the Statue of Liberty, and the Empire State, which unfortunately is once again the tallest building in NYC.

Have fun!

Mike

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