Escape to New York

We went to the Big Apple last weekend, and we did it using a new method of transportation. In the past, we've flown, drove, and taken the train to the city, all of which have their pluses and minuses. Flying is nice, but way too expensive, and getting on a plane is hassle for just a short flight unless you're flying on Stress-Free Airlines. Granted, checking in at Lebanon Airport is about as easy and stress as it gets, but it still requires security and checking in.

The train is a great way to go, but for whatever reason, they came up with the most circuitous route to NYC. The train goes all the way through Western Massachusetts and takes over eight hours. Way too long, even though I love train rides.

Driving is perhaps the best option, but first off, entering into NYC is not for the faint of heart. Driving along the West Side Highway or the FDR is literally taking your life in your own hands, it's that crazy, and you have to make split second decisions about off-ramps and exits while doing about 75 mph. It's too crazy, and then there's the problem of parking your car in NYC, which usually entails extra expense.

Well, now there's a 4th option, the bus. Dartmouth Coach offers a bus ride to Grand Central Station, and it's reasonably priced and on one of their luxury buses. Now I'm not the biggest fan of bus rides, but it does beat driving into the city, and it's way more affordable than flying and much faster than the train.

We decided to give it a go, and the drill is the same as taking the bus to Boston, it's just a little bit longer of a ride. One thing I noticed that was different that they valet park at the bus station. In the past, we just pulled in and found a space, but this time they roped off most of the spaces and made us pay to valet. I was a bit incensed, except that the guy who was working the valet service looked like a WWF wrestler, and I'd already made him made by not following the rules.

Either way, it worked out fine, and the bus ride was a bit long, but on the whole a good way to go. They provide snacks and water, and two movies, even though I'd seen both of them. I personally enjoy just looking out the windows, and we brought along the Macbook so the kids could watch videos. There was also wireless internet on board, which I still can't figure out how they manage.

My only complaint is that the overhead light was too dim, and I couldn't read my book, but that's hardly a reason to make a fuss. Then again, I always manage to find a way.

So it's thumbs up for the Dartmouth Coach into NYC. Also, it drops you off at the Yale Club in the city, which is reason enough to take it.

Until the next time, thanks for reading.