New Years Eve in NYC

OK, everyone says go see the ball drop. I hate crowds and have never done this. If you are a runner, try the Emerald Nuts Run in Central Park http://www.nyrr.org/races/2008/r1231x00.asp Great way to meet people and ring in the New Year with healthy recreation. There's a walk at the Brooklyn Bridge. There's fireworks at Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza. And there's just the fun of being with friends.

I've did the ball drop a few years back, and while it was a lot of fun, at the same time is was way too crowded, and a bit disgusting with all the drunks as well. Something I will never forget though.

First Night NYC is always a great night. Tips from hudson: New Years Eve bike ride through Manhattan: http://times-up.org/index.php?page=new-years-ride http://www.firstnightnewrochelle.org

It is always best to watch it on TV because there are way too many people hovering around in the area and the people get way to drunk and rowdy. I was near there last year and it was not a thrill ride to say the least. I went to a friend's apartment for the entire time. That was better.

Now if you want a traditional New Year's eve i.e a rocking party with music, lights, alcohol , celebrities and the works check out http://newyork.joonbug.com/ for a listing of all the hot venues including Guastavino's, the gargantuan party space under the Queensboro bridge which has a party being hosted by Kelly Bensimon of the Real Housewives of New York City Fame. hmmm wonder if it will be like Kelly's Halloween party from the show at which she was an almost no-show! Watch this space

I used the opportunity to fly back to the city at the new year because airfare is super cheap on this day, whereas flying one day earlier or one day later and booking at the last minute would have cost $1500 more. Not quite as festive as going to a new year's party, sure, but I got to make use of the bad white wine they serve on the plane.

Hey guys, It's official! I'm going to do my very first NYC NYE at the end of the year, soooooo can't wait. I'm looking for accommodation now, thinking down in SoHo? Hopefully I will be able to find a nice loft apartment. I've also heard I really should avoid the ball drop as it is just complete chaos. True? I'm actually hoping to hit up a very swanky party, so thanks for the tips uptowngirl :) AJ

Hi AJ - I have never really been impressed by the ball dropping (crowded, noisy, stressful) - so don't feel like you "have" to do it as a tourist in NYC for NYE. But glad to hear you're coming to our fair city! Excited?

@Ajadedidealist: I'm with you. Think the same about the ball dropping. What's the big deal. Just do a count down till it hits midnight, and say "Happy New Year." Well, we have a long way to go for that to happen, AJ, so don't count your chickens before they hatch. Just when you make a plan, something happens to stop it.

@AJ I second ajadedidealist, hhusted the ball drop is waay overrated.. watch it on TV if you must.

Find a friend with a parkside penthouse and watch the Central Park fireworks from there instead

Yeah, gotta also vote for avoid seeing the ball drop live. Silliest thing to ruin your New Year's with! @AJ Do you already have a swank party to go to, or are you hoping you'll find one to go to. Soho's probably a good place to go for swank. Any one of your neighbors will likely be an A list celebrity.

A snowy carriage ride through the park is one of the more worth-it touristy options, I must say...

I feel like NYE is so overrated. For the first time ever, this year, I did nothing but drink wine and watch movies and it was the best New Years Eve I've had, thus far. Way too many people in Times Square. . . .with so little actually happening.

@JenMac: Precisely. I always believed that NYC goes overboard for NYE. It has for decades and it will continue that way for years to come.