There's More to NYC Than Just Times Square

Here's a tip for you knuckleheads with limited vision... Times Square does not define NYC. In fact, it's one of the most disingenuous parts. Why you say? Well, for starters, it's 100% geared to tourists. "So", you say? I'm a tourist. what's the problem? Put it this way, if you picked up Times Square and dropped it in the middle of Las Vegas or Disneyland, you'd get just as much "New York City" out of it as you would if you left it where it is today. I say today, because at one time it actually was authentic. Today it's  just a shell of it's former self, filled to the brim with gitchy theme restaurants and corporate chains. Seriously, isn't there a Hard Rock Cafe in your own town? Do the fries really taste better at the Applebees in New York City?

Look, I'm not saying you shouldn't visit Times Square, but I am urging you not to waste too much time there. I constantly read Q&A's on Y!A from people who are looking for a hotel in Times Square, or how they are planning their entire trip around it and it's a shame. You don't realize it, but you're playing right into our Napoleonic Mayor's grubby green hands. Talk about out of touch! This multi-billionaire, yeah, that's with a "b", won't be happy until he bleeds every last shred of authenticity out of this great city and transforms it into a dystopian society where we eat, drink and sleep at his command. Sorry for the rant, back on topic...

So, where were we? Right, Times Square... You clowns make such a big deal about it, but Times Square is really just a tiny part of Midtown. It's not even square, it's actually triangular! :) Seriously, it's just an intersection at Seventh Avenue and Broadway that extends from 42nd St - 47th St on the West side of Midtown. Now, take into consideration that Midtown runs from 31st St all the way up to 59th St. between Third and Ninth Ave.! And that's just Midtown! You've still got Uptown and Downtown to contend with. 

So, is there any other message here, other than just not wasting time in Times Square? Yeah, save yourself some bank and avoid staying in a hotel within those boundaries. There's plenty of real estate throughout Midtown. You'll still be centrally located and just footsteps away from Angry Elmo and the Naked Cowboy.