Going Solo in New York City

My most recent theater excursion to the Big Apple ended up being a solo trip at the last minute. While it wasn't the first time I've gone alone, it was the first time I was there for a whole weekend by myself. It was an experience, I learned a lot, and I thought I'd share.

Going Solo in New York City

GETTING THERE: The trip started with catching Amtrak in Baltimore. It was packed - the station announced single seats only in advance of the train's arrival. So had I been traveling with my usual partner in crime, we wouldn't have been able to sit together, anyway. But I tell you what, the two and a half hour trip with no one to talk to feels like an eternity! The guy next to me was thoroughly engrossed in a movie and had his ear pods in, so chatting him up wasn't an option.

Thank goodness my usual companion was available to text with, and he helped me navigate the subway. Now, dear reader, you might wonder how a 40+ year veteran of New York trips could possibly need help getting on the subway between Moynihan Station and the Times Square area. Well, I wanted to make a specific stop, and I was a little off kilter having to fend for myself.

THINGS I LEARNED:

• Even though I live alone and work from home - I spend a lot of time alone, I realized I am not good having no one to talk to when I'm excited for a trip!
• Another realization that I'm not proud of is that despite hundreds of trips on the New York subway, I really don't pay attention that closely to which trains I take, and rely on whoever I'm with to pick the right one. I need to work on that...

STAYING THERE: Of course, your mileage may vary, but when I got to my hotel and told them I'd be alone, they gave me a room with a king sized bed instead of one with 2 doubles. Very comfortable! Another perk of solo travel is being able to sleep in and stay up as late as I wanted. 

SOMETHING I LEARNED:

• You don't know if upgrades are possible unless you ask. I guess that's true no matter how many in your party, and maybe they took pity on me...

EATING THERE: One good thing about going to New York by yourself is that you get full say on where, when and what you eat! Another benefit is that no one even blinks when you say, "Party of one!" Around where I live, I think I'd feel pretty uncomfortable at a sit down restaurant by myself, but in the Big Apple, they are ready to accommodate you with a table or a place at the bar. 

THINGS I LEARNED:

• It may be in my head, but every meal I had came with the best service. Not too bothersome, but always attentive.
• Sitting at the bar gives you more to do than sitting at a table alone. There's TV to watch (sometimes), or you can watch the bartender make drinks - one of my favorite things to do. It is relaxing. And then there's your fellow patrons, many of whom are more than willing to chat!
• One downside is that there's no one to talk about the show you've just seen. I love post-show critiquing. 
• One upside is that there's a fair chance that others at the bar have just seen the same show - especially when you go to a bar that is near the theater you just left! It happened just that way twice on this trip. It is interesting to hear others' opinions, even (or maybe especially) when they don't agree with mine.

PRO TIP(S):

There are about a billion places to eat and drink in the theater district. Here are the places I ate that were all just as great alone as they are when I'm with someone.

• Pre-show dinner (top): Junior's (either location in the area) though this time I ate at the one on Broadway. Close to most theaters, this location is closest to the Winter Garden, and a brief walk to my first show that weekend, Maybe Happy Ending at the Belasco. This location also offers more counter space for single diners, with both space at the bar and at a long, high-top counter.
• Post-matinee meal (bottom, left): The Glass House Tavern, directly across from the Barrymore, where I had just seen Our Town. I always enjoy the lower-level bar area. The atmosphere is great, the bartenders are...generous...and they have a terrific bar food menu, with a decent variety (the burgers are excellent!).
• Sunday dinner (bottom, right): Hurley's, home to multiple seating levels, including twin bars that are very long with tons of seating. They are also generous with their pours, and their pub menu has a great variety of things, with equally generous portions. I can recommend both the fish and chips and the Shepard's pie!

GOING TO THE SHOW:

Well, in some ways, solo or with a group, theater going is the same. After all, you can't talk to each other during the performance. But there is something special about sharing a live experience with a friend or loved one. And boy, intermissions are long when there's no one to talk to!

PRO-TIP:

• If you find yourself with extra tickets at the last minute, I can highly recommend using the Theatr app. It's easy to put your ticket up for sale, and it is safe - no money issues on my end. It's also great for snagging last minute tickets for yourself, often at a substantial discount. A win-win, if you ask me!
• Side-note: I sat next to three purchasers of my extra tickets, and they were all nice. Plus, it was a great conversation starter!

Would I do it again? Maybe. But it sure is more fun with someone to share it with.

Have you ever done a solo trip to see shows? I'd love to hear your thoughts and "insider" tips!