home alone new york trip

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Home Alone 2: Fun in New York

Get lost in New York, Kevin McCallister-style. Through this whimsical offer, “guests of the new Celebrity Ding Dang Dong stay[ing] at the world-renowned Plaza Hotel”, can live out all their Kevin dreams by recreating some of their favorite iconic scenes from the popular ‘90s film, "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York". Start your experience with an exciting 4 hour private limousine ride around New York City to visit the famous filming locations from the movie including the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Carnegie Hall, and Radio City Music Hall. Of course, no limousine ride would be complete without your very own delicious hot cheese pizza to savor while you relive Kevin’s famous limo pizza scene. After you’ve visited all the sightseeing locales Kevin saw, and returned to your room with “one of those little refrigerators you have to open with a key”, make yourself cozy in your “extra large bed,” Kevin-style, and call down for your over-the-top ice cream sundae delivered right to your bed. Two scoops? Make it three. You’re not driving.

Package Includes:

• Limousine ride around New York City (visit filming locations including the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Carnegie Hall, and Radio City Music Hall) *The limo ride is not a guided tour. **Limo color may vary.
• Large cheese pizza
• Home Alone sundae (16 scoops of assorted ice cream, whipped cream, maraschino cherries, M&M’s, brownie bits, chocolate, caramel, and raspberry sauce)

Availability:   This offer is available year-round, subject to availability.

Rates:  Rates vary depending on room type.

Please Note: This package needs to be booked at least three (3) days prior to check-in and is subject to availability of rooms at time of booking. This package is only available when directly booked with The Plaza and is unavailable for third party site reservations. The New York City limousine tour is not a guided tour. Limousine’s color will vary. Offer valid for new bookings only, is not applicable to group bookings and cannot be combined with other offers. Advance reservation is required. Black-out dates may apply.

Photo credit: 20th Century Fox

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The Plaza Home Alone 2: Escape to New York

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Escape to New York

Offer details.

• Limousine ride around New York City (visit filming locations including the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center, Central Park, Carnegie Hall, and Radio City Music Hall) *The limo ride is not a guided tour. **Limo color may vary.
• Large cheese pizza
• Home Alone sundae (16 scoops of assorted ice cream, whipped cream, maraschino cherries, M&M’s, brownie bits, chocolate, caramel, and raspberry sauce)

This offer is available all year round, subject to availability.

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The Home Alone 2 Guide To Navigating NYC

So you don't get lost in New York.

Should you find yourself wandering aimlessly through New York City this holiday season , check off some of the hotspots below in our Home Alone 2 tour guide . Bonus points if you wear a similar red, white, and blue winter hat and take pictures to replicate these scenes:

Radio City Music Hall

Central Park

Yes,there are even more pigeons in NYC IRL than you see in the movie. The scene where Marv and Harry are being attacked by them is, quite frankly, any sane New Yorker's worst nightmare.

The Plaza Hotel

VISIT Yes, Donald Trump does make an appearance in the film. But let's not take our eyes off the prize, alright? Even this small glimpse of The Plaza Hotel is enough to take your breath away. Around the holidays, the iconic hotel is a sight to behold.

Empire Diner

VISIT As Eric P. says on Yelp, "It is easy to be a member of the clean plate club at the Empire Diner!" So you kind of have to stop by...Plus, it was good enough to make it into Home Alone 2 .

World Trade Center

VISIT You know, just a kid casually hanging out on the rooftop of the World Trade Center. Though visiting One World Trade Center is very different from what it was when Kevin went in 1992, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is certainly worth the trip.

Rockefeller Center

VISIT Be sure to walk through Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas tree and watch the ice skaters glide (and sometimes fall) at the rink. This photo of Kevin is the exact reaction you'll have when seeing it for the first time—or even the hundredth. It's magical!

Times Square

VISIT Though I would certainly not add Times Square to the list of places to visit this time of year for people who have been, if you've never been to NYC, it's definitely a site to see. One note: it's not the most festive, so if your time here is limited, choose wisely!

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The Plaza Hotel is offering a ‘Home Alone 2’ package to run around NYC like Kevin McCallister

Merry Christmas, ya filthy animal!

If you've always dreamed of channeling your inner Kevin McCallister and running around New York City as only the iconic "Home Alone" character could, the Plaza Hotel is making your Christmas wish come true.

The famous hotel is offering a "Home Alone 2: Fun in New York" package for fans of the classic Christmas sequel, and this could be your chance to rack up a $967 room service bill while eating all the ice cream you can imagine and watching rubbish in the comfort of the beloved NYC hotspot.

Here's everything you need to know about the festive promotion.

What does the 'Home Alone' package include?

Staying at the Plaza Hotel without recreating some popular "Home Alone" moments? That's something only les incompétents would dream of doing.

In addition to a spacious room (complete with an "extra large bed" and "one of those little refrigerators you have to open with a key"), the hotel package features the following elements:

• Four-hour private limousine ride around NYC: You'll drive by several "Home Alone 2" filming locations like Rockefeller Center, the Empire State Building, Central Park, Radio City Music Hall and Carnegie Hall. Heads up, it's not a guided tour.
• Large cheese pizza: A lovely cheese pizza just for you? You bet! While you're riding around town taking in the sights, you'll be treated to one of Kevin's favorite meals: a cheese pizza.
• "Home Alone" sundae: Ice cream in bed? Why not! You're not driving. Just make sure to bring your appetite because the "Home Alone" sundae features 16 scoops of ice cream (various flavors), brownie bits, whipped cream, M&M's, maraschino cherries and the following sauces: chocolate, caramel and raspberry.

How much does the 'Home Alone' package cost?

You can choose from multiple room types, so rates vary. But the package is offered all year long, so if it sells out for the holidays (and we're pretty sure it will), there's still time to live out your "Home Alone" dreams later in the year.

Ready to book your stay? Here's the fine print:

• You have to book the package at least three days before you check in.
• You can only book the package directly with the Plaza (and not through third party site reservations).
• The package is valid for new bookings only, isn't applicable to group bookings and can't be combined with other offers.
• Blackout dates could apply.

Macaulay Culkin recently reunited with his ‘Home Alone’ mom Catherine O’Hara

"Home Alone" plays on repeat in homes across the country this time of year, and two stars of the film recently made headlines for their timely reunion.

Macaulay Culkin, who played Kevin in the first two "Home Alone" films, reunited with his on-screen mom , Catherine O'Hara, at his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony Dec. 1.

“Thank you for including me, your fake mom who left you home alone not once, but twice, to share in this happy occasion,” O’Hara said during her speech at the ceremony. “I’m so proud of you.”

While talking about Culkin, O'Hara also commented on his work ethic as a child.

“I know you worked really hard. I know you did,” she said. “But you made acting look like the most natural thing in the world to do. It really was as if we had ambushed the home of this real little boy named Kevin to make a movie and he just went along with it for the fun of it. It’s the dearest thing.”

Chrissy Callahan covers a range of topics for TODAY.com, including fashion, beauty, pop culture and food. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, watching bad reality TV and consuming copious amounts of cookie dough.

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The plaza new york's home alone experience.

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Last Updated

August 2, 2023

The Plaza Hotel, a timeless icon of New York City, has a rich history of hosting an illustrious roster of world leaders, dignitaries, industry tycoons, Broadway stars, and Hollywood luminaries. Serving as a distinguished venue for high-society events and a popular setting for blockbuster films, The Plaza has been enchanting guests with its unique charm for over a century. Perfectly located on Fifth Avenue, overlooking Central Park South, The Plaza continues to epitomize elegance through its unparalleled service and a constantly evolving sense of modern sophistication. 

Get ready to immerse yourself in a cinematic adventure with The Plaza New York's "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" experience. This special package offers guests an opportunity to step into the shoes of the film's mischievous protagonist, Kevin McCallister, and recreate some of the most memorable scenes from this beloved '90s classic.

Your journey begins with a four-hour private limousine ride around the vibrant city of New York. As you cruise through the city streets, you'll visit iconic filming locations from the movie, including the towering Empire State Building, the bustling Rockefeller Center, the tranquil beauty of Central Park, the prestigious Carnegie Hall, and the historic Radio City Music Hall. The limousine ride is not guided, so remember to bring your curiosity and adventurous spirit, just like Kevin did!

No limousine ride would be complete without a delicious hot cheese pizza to enjoy. As you savor each slice, you'll be able to relive Kevin’s famous limo pizza scene, creating a delightful sense of nostalgia.

After a long day of sightseeing, return to the comfort of your room at The Plaza Hotel, famously referred to in the movie as "the new Celebrity Ding Dang Dong stay." Here, you can indulge in all the luxuries that made Kevin's stay so unforgettable. Order an over-the-top ice cream sundae, delivered right to your bed, and enjoy it while lounging in your "extra large bed" just like Kevin did. Why stop at two scoops? Go ahead and make it three. After all, you're not driving.

The package includes:

A limousine ride around New York City to visit filming locations from the movie (*Please note that the limo ride is not a guided tour and limo color may vary.)

A large cheese pizza to enjoy during your limousine ride.

The Home Alone Sundae, featuring an indulgent mix of 16 scoops of assorted ice cream, topped with whipped cream, maraschino cherries, M&M’s, brownie bits, and drizzled with chocolate, caramel, and raspberry sauce.

Experience the magic of "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" in a unique and immersive way with this one-of-a-kind package from The Plaza New York.

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15 Home Alone 2 Lost in New York Film Locations

KEVIN!!!! Check out these Home Alone 2: Lost in New York film locations on your trip to the Big Apple! It’s no doubt one of the most popular Christmas movies of all time and has a cult-like following featuring not only our favorite trouble maker Kevin McCallister somehow get separated from his family again at the holidays, but this time lost in the Big Apple!

The second entry of the franchise, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York in particular has developed something of cult status since its 1992 release. One of the main reasons this second movie works is the change of scenery—New York City.

This is also one of the best Christmas movies set in NYC and with our guide you can even visit some of the best Home Alone 2 NYC locations!

Home Alone New York Locations

Laguardia airport.

After losing sight of his family and boarding the wrong flight, Kevin (played by Macaulay Culkin) gets introduced to Home Alone 2 filming locations in NYC via LaGuardia Airport—kicking off the rest of the movie and story.

Out of all Home Alone 2 filming locations, this is the only one located in Queens (at Grand Central Pkwy). This airport has been notoriously hard to get around, but has made significant modifications in recent years to improve the customer experience!

This is also where Kevin looks out the window at the airport and sees Long Island City’s Pepsi Cola sign at Gantry Plaza State Park. This is when Kevin realizes the gravity of the situation and that he’s alone once again!

Queensboro Bridge

Armed with his father’s credit card and an envelope of cash, we see Kevin confidently charge into the city by a cool vintage yellow cab. It’s during this cab ride, we get to see the second Home Alone 2 NYC location and viewers are treated to a view of the one and only Queensboro Bridge!

This is one of the most recognizable and famous bridges in NYC . Standing tall over the East River, this cantilever bridge has been around since 1901 and the view is simply gorgeous (Especially during sunrise)!

Plaza Hotel

Kevin then goes on to book a room at Plaza Hotel, one of the most iconic hotels in New York City as well as the fanciest of Home Alone’s New York locations! Through some of his trademark trickery, Kevin ends up landing a pretty nice room with a huge bed and bathroom!

This hotel is located in Manhattan (at 750 5th Avenue and Central Park South). It’s one of the more luxurious options in the city and is used as a focal point throughout the movie from when Kevin checks in to the shenanigans he gets into during his stay at the hotel trying to convince the staff he’s not committing credit card fraud to the final scene in the movie.

This is also where we get to see Kevin watch Angels with Even Filthier Souls which is a sequel to the first Home Alone film and a parody of the Humphrey Bogard movie Angels with Dirty Faces . This Home Alone 2 filming location in NYC is where we get the famous line, “Merry Christmas, you filthy animal. And a Happy New Year.”

Radio City Music Hall

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Tea-toe Meh He Ahh (@teatoetravels)

Deciding to explore the city, one of Kevin’s first stops is Radio City Music Hall, where he takes pictures of this famous music venue with his Polaroid camera. Radio City Music Hall is easily one of the most legendary Home Alone 2 filming locations in NYC where Kevin is running around sightseeing.

Existing within Rockefeller Center in Midtown (At 1260 6th Ave), this juggernaut of Home Alone New York locations has housed performances of many musicians and comedians alike.

Beautiful inside and out, Radio City Music Hall is one of many Home Alone 2 film locations that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime especially since the holiday season is when the famous Rockette’s Holiday Spectacular show is, one of the best things to do in NYC at Christmas .

Empire Diner

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Empire Diner NYC (@empire_diner)

One of the most iconic diners in NYC , the Empire Diner makes a very short cameo in comparison to other Home Alone 2 NYC locations. In this scene, Kevin grabs a flyer from a Santa on stilts. A highlight for any visitor for sure!

Located in Chelsea (At 210 10th Ave), this American restaurant is famous for its old school sensibilities and their larger than average portion sizes. It’s one of the few Home Alone 2 filming locations to maintain its older style over the years. If you’re in the neighborhood, give it a try!

World Trade Center

The next Home Alone 2 NYC filming location features Kevin visiting the former World Trade Center. He explores the complex and takes photos as if he were a grown adult—and not a child alone in the big city.

As most people know, the former World Trade Center featured in the film, unlike many Home Alone New York locations is no longer there, this was filmed 9 years before the horrific events of September 11th.

Now you can pay your respects at the memorial located at 180 Greenwich St to the victims of the attacks.

Wollman Rink

It’s at this Home Alone 2 film location where Marv (Played by Daniel Stern) is trying to (but miserably failing) to skate, while Harry (Played Joe Pesci) is reading the newspaper.

In the newspaper, he finds an ad for “Duncan’s Toy Chest” and the two hatch a plan to rob the store on Christmas Eve. This is also where Marv snatches a scarf and earmuffs off fellow skaters.

The Wollman Rink is located in Central Park (between 62nd and 63rd Street) and is one of the most famous ice rinks in NYC. Home Alone 2 isn’t the only film to use this rink as a filming location. It has been used in several other movies—including fellow New York Christmas film Serendipity (2001)!

You’ll feel like you’re in a movie yourself when skating at this famous rink.

Duncan’s Toy Chest

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by LA architecture tours (@architecturetours)

Kevin enters Duncan’s Toy Chest and meets Mr. Duncan (Played by Eddie Braken) himself. After finding out the store’s proceedings are going to a children’s hospital, Kevin decides to give a donation himself.

As gratitude, the owner gives him two ceramic turtle doves, telling him that by giving one of the doves to another person it would forever cement a friendship between him and that person.

Similar to a few other Home Alone 2 film locations, Duncan’s Toy Chest is a fictional place. It’s based on the FAO Schwartz toy store located in Manhattan (At 5th Ave and 59th Street).

This store has since been moved over to 30 Rockefeller Plaza and the facade used in the film is actually the Rookery building in Chicago – but it’s still worth mentioning because FAO Schwartz is still fun to visit and was also featured in the movie Big starring Tom Hanks, one of the best movies set in NYC !

Central Park – Bethesda Fountain

After running into Harry and Marv outside the toy store, Kevin seeks refuge at the Plaza only to be confronted about using a stolen credit card—resulting in him having to leave.

After once again being confronted by Harry and Marv, Kevin is chased through Central Park and we’re introduced to another one of Home Alone 2’s locations—the Bethesda fountain.

The Bethesda Terrace is located in Central Park (at 72 Terrace Dr) and is a popular filming location in NYC . The fountain itself is one of the biggest fountains in the city and serves as a centerpiece to the terrace! There’s plenty to like about this Home Alone 2 film location, and it’s definitely worth the visit.

This is also an Elf filming location in NYC too, another holiday cult classic! While you’re here explore the best hidden gems in Central Park too.

Another Home Alone 2 film location in Central Park is right next to the Gastpow Bridge over The Pond where he embraces The Pigeon Lady at the end of the movie when he says goodbye to his NYC friend. In another scene in Central Park, The Pigeon Lady saves Kevin from the bandits right outside the Inscope Arch too.

Carnegie Hall

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Carnegie Hall (@carnegiehall)

In Central Park, Kevin finally meets with the woman referred to as “Pigeon Lady” that the story has been building up as a potential villain. To both Kevin’s surprise as well as the viewer’s, the lady isn’t a villain at all. A bond forms between the two and we find out who the lady really is. They then visit another highlight among Home Alone 2’s NYC locations—Carnegie Hall.

The hall is located in Manhattan (At 881 7th Ave). After receiving some words of wisdom from the woman, Kevin is inspired to make up for his past mistakes by thwarting Marv and Harry’s plan to rob the toy store.

St. Anne’s Hospital for the Children

It’s at St Anne’s Hospital where the proceedings from Duncan’s Toy Chest will be going to. Kevin further establishes his resolve in this scene by declaring: “You can mess with a lot of things, but you can’t mess with kids on Christmas.”

The New York hospital (located at 525 W 120th St) depicted in the film is another one of Home Alone’s New York locations that is fictional, but it was shot at a real Harlem building.

Quong Yuen Shing & Company

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Julie Wilson (@juliewilsonillustration)

In this brief scene, we see Kevin leaving from Quong Yuen Shing with firecrackers—which are sure to go off before the film’s conclusion.

This shop was located in Manhattan (At 32 Mott Street) and the name was eventually changed to Good Fortune Gifts. Unfortunately, this Home Alone 2 location has since closed down.

Times Square

After finally arriving to New York, Kevin’s mom Kate (Played by Catherine O’Hara) goes on a desperate search for her son and catches a cab to Times Square. While it’s one of Home Alone 2’s briefest use of NYC locations, the setting is still a memorable one. 

This commercial intersection starts at West 42nd Street and ends at West 47th Street and in between is arguably the busiest area in the entire city.

Even though it is one of Home Alone’s New York locations, Time Square has made appearances in many other films including Midnight Cowboy (1969) and Taxi Driver (1974)!

Rob McAllister’s House

In an attempt to prevent Marv and Rob from robbing the toy store, Kevin lures the two criminals to one of Home Alone 2’s final filming locations—his Uncle’s brownstone.

It’s here we get the film’s final showdown between those pesky robbers and Kevin’s boobie traps. The end result: plenty of bodily harm for our two thieves!

In the story, the townhouse is located in New York (At 51 West 95th Street)—however, this is the only one, of the Home Alone 2 film locations, to be shot in Los Angeles.  

The actual location used for the scenes in the film was in Universal Studios on Brownstone Street! They just used an address here in NYC, that Hollywood trickery.

Rockefeller Plaza Christmas Tree

And what’s a New York City Christmas movie without Rockefeller Plaza and the most famous of all the Christmas trees in NYC ? The Rockefeller Plaza is the last of Home Alone 2 film locations (In New York) and it serves as the perfect backdrop for one of the movie’s best scenes.

It’s here where Kevin is finally united with his mother and the two share a very touching moment together.

Located in Manhattan (At 45 Rockefeller Plaza), this tree has been around since 1931 and continues to serve as an annual tourist attraction. Even for New Yorkers, this landmark never gets old! Capping off our list of the most notable Home Alone 2 NYC locations is the one place you have to come see during the holidays!

About the Author

Eric Garner is a Brooklyn-based writer who was raised down south who loves talking about film, TV, hip-hop, and fashion.

Did you enjoy this guide to all the most famous Home Alone 2 New York locations? Bookmark for later and be sure to also check out our other holiday guides including the best Christmas lights in NYC !

Eric Garner is a Brooklyn-based writer who was raised down south who loves talking about film, TV, hip-hop, fashion and sharing some great recommendations around Brooklyn.

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The definitive guide to ‘Home Alone 2’ filming locations in NYC

The Christmas classic was filmed all over Manhattan

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York is one of those sequels that very well might live up to, or even surpass, its progenitor. Why? Instead of taking place in the suburbs of Chicago , the beloved 1992 classic is a romp around the holiday season's most festive city: New York.

In the John Hughes-Chris Columbus collaboration, Macaulay Culkin returns as maligned youngest child Kevin McCallister, separated from his family once again during what's supposed to be the happiest time of the year. Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern are back as bad guys Harry and Marv, recently escaped from prison and out to steal some cash from a toy store on Christmas—before they run into Kevin in the Big Apple and decide to seek revenge from the precocious kid's prior-year high jinks instead.

From the Plaza and Central Park to the World Trade Center and an under-renovation townhouse, what follows is the ultimate geographic guide to where Home Alone 2 is set across New York City. And hey: Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals.

This map was originally published in 2014; it has been updated with the latest information.

LaGuardia Airport

Our first glimpse of New York City is through the window of LaGuardia Airport. Kevin gets separated from his family at O'Hare, digging through his dad's carry-on for batteries. (Those were for his super-blocky Talkboy tape recorder.) When he looks up, he'd lost them, and follows another man in a tan coat onto a plane bound for LGA rather than MIA. Kevin asks an airport staffer, "This is an emergency. What city is that over there?" The answer: "That's New York, sir." Kevin: "Yikes, I did it again."

• Open in Google Maps

Pepsi-Cola Sign

At the airport, Kevin looks out at Long Island City's Pepsi-Cola sign and the East River skyline, and the screen flashes to and from various cityscape shots. We get a sense of the enormity of the place and the tiny-ness of this child. At first, Kevin says nervously, "Oh no, my family's in Florida and I'm in New York." Then he smiles. "My family's in Florida. I'm in New York." Eyebrow raise. It's go time.

Queensboro Bridge

Kevin still has his dad's carry-on, and in it, a credit card and an envelope of cash. Obviously, that means a yellow cab into the city, via the Queensboro Bridge. Grinning, Kevin leans out the rear window in his striped winter hat, and you get the feeling that his Ferris Bueller's Day Off is about to begin.

Radio City Music Hall

In addition to his recorder, Kevin also has a Polaroid camera. First things first: he hits up the sights. Back in the suburbs of Chicago, remember, he said: "Who wants to spend Christmas in a tropical climate anyway? … If I had my own money, I'd go on my own vacation. Alone, without any of you guys. And I'd have the most fun of my whole life." Up first, Radio City Music Hall.

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Empire Diner

Somehow, Kevin moseys by the Empire Diner in Chelsea—which is  still around , 25 years later—and picks up a flier from a Santa on stilts.

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Quong Yuen Shing & Co.

At this store on Mott Street in Chinatown (which  is now closed ), Kevin picks up two packs of firecrackers. Pro tip: when unexpectedly left unsupervised, it's a great idea to buy something explosive.

Battery Park

Then it's down to Battery Park, where Kevin gazes out at the harbor through those old-school binoculars.

Statue of Liberty

Naturally, he sees Lady Liberty through those lenses. Super symbolic, because you see, he is free of his family. Not  lost  in New York, but independent and having a grand old time.

World Trade Center

Kevin marches up the steps to the old World Trade Center complex, nine years before it would be no more. He goes to the observation deck of the south tower and photographs the vistas from it. You get the sense, again, that this is a smart-yet-naive Midwestern kid having a fun day out but at the same time getting a little bit awed by the big city even from so many stories up.

Fulton Fish Market

At the Miami airport, security tells Kevin's parents it's unlikely he'll be anywhere but still stuck in Chicago. The camera pans to the South Street Seaport's erstwhile Fulton Fish Market (which  moved to Hunts Point in 2005 ). A backpack-toting Kevin crosses the street; meanwhile a white truck makes a turn, honks at him, and rolls up the back to reveal Harry and Marv. They're recently out of prison and stowing away with a shipment of seafood on ice.

57 Street Subway Station

Harry and Marv evade the dead fish and find their way to Midtown via the N/Q subway line, discussing their plan to get some cash in order to procure fake passports and flee to South America. Marv supports changing their nickname from the Wet Bandits (so called because they used to leave the water on in houses they robbed) to the Sticky Bandits. He plunges a tape-covered hand into a streetside Salvation Army bucket. Counters Harry: "You bust out of jail to rob 14 cents from a Santy Claus?"

Central Park

Kevin meets  the Pigeon Lady  the first time he steps foot in the park, but many crucial moments take place here, most either down near Wollman Rink and Central Park South, or up by the Upper West Side and the 96th Street Transverse. During his first visit, though, he encounters the Pigeon Lady and bolts.

Grand Army Plaza

Kevin is coming from the park, headed to his accommodation for the night. The statue at Grand Army Plaza points the way across the street to the hotel. Crossing the busy intersection here, at 59th Street, is where Marv and Harry first (literally) bump into Kevin.

Before leaving Chicago, Kevin had heard a commercial touting "the world-renowned Plaza Hotel, New York's most exciting hotel experience." Naturally, he heads there, with his dad's credit card in hand. With some conniving he's able to get a sweet suite (No. 411, for anyone keeping track). The kid gets a giant bed and bathroom, orders an ice cream sundae bar via room service, and does cannonballs into the hotel pool, all while trying to convince hotel staff that his dad is actually with him. It's in the suite where he watches  a parody of the James Cagney/Humphrey Bogart movie Angels With Dirty Faces,  in which this signature line appears: "Merry Christmas, you filthy animal. And a Happy New Year."

Wollman Rink

Harry and Marv are by Wollman Rink, at the southern end of Central Park. Marv is skating (and falling) while Harry is reading the paper and plotting how to get some cash. During the holidays, Harry says, "the only stores that are going to have cash on hand are those that deal in moderate priced goods." He points to a full-page ad for Duncan's Toy Chest. "There's nobody dumb enough to knock off a toy store on Christmas Eve," Harry jibes. Marv answers, "Oh, yes there is," and gestures to both of them.

Duncan’s Toy Chest

As soon as Kevin's settled, he finagles a limousine with a side of hot cheese pizza, calling the driver from the backseat to inquire about a good toy store. He ends up at Duncan's Toy Chest, the kiddie wonderland that's decorated to the nines for Christmas and sports a kindly gray-haired owner. In real life, Duncan's is meant to be FAO Schwarz. (Though since FAO is across the street from the Plaza, he could have just walked; also,  the actual building with this facade is in Chicago , so the geography is all messed up.) Kevin purchases a map of New York, green slime goo, and a Swiss Army knife. It all cost $23.75. Harry and Marv are also inside the store, scoping out their hiding places inside playhouses advance of the Christmas Eve heist. They see Kevin outside and recognize his backpack. A chase begins!

Van Cleef & Arpels

Kevin springs by the Van Cleef and Arpels store on Fifth Avenue, and hurriedly stops to buy a few necklaces off a street vendor. He rips them apart, so Harry and Marv trip on the beads.

Bethesda Fountain

Kevin tries to escape to the Plaza, but the staff has caught on that the credit card he used to pay for the room was stolen and want to kick him out. Harry and Marv are waiting by the loading dock when Kevin flees the hotel. Marv lets their plan about the toy store and South America slip. After Kevin wriggles away from the Wet Bandits, the duo chases Kevin to  Bethesda Fountain in Central Park —a long way to run, mind you. When they lose him, Marv reassures Harry: "This time, he doesn't have a house full of dangerous goodies to get us with. He's in the park. He's alone. Kids are scared of the park." (Remember, it was the ’90s.) Harry responds: "Yeah, grown men come into the park and don't leave alive. Good luck, little fella."

Carnegie Hall

The Pigeon Lady (we never do learn her real name) takes Kevin to some secret rooftop spot at Carnegie Hall, full of disused instruments, mannequins, and old chandeliers, and they hear a rendition of "O Come All Ye Faithful." The two of them bond over being invisible to the world; her because she's homeless, and him because he is the youngest. She reminds him that good deeds can replace bad ones, and that he can make up for running away but, basically, saving the day.

St. Anne's Hospital for Children

Kevin stops by the fictional St. Anne's Hospital for Children, the charity to which all of Duncan's Toy Chest's proceeds from Christmas Eve day go. (The facade is an actual building in Harlem.) Kevin is empowered and emboldened: "You can mess with a lot of things, but you can't mess with kids on Christmas."

Rob McAllister’s House

Kevin's uncle Rob and aunt Georgette have a townhouse on 95th Street between Central Park West and Columbus Avenue. He finds the address in his dad's contacts, which were in the backpack, but after seeking refuge there earlier, realizes that no one is home and the house is undergoing a gut renovation. This brownstone is where Kevin leads Harry and Marv the night of the toy store robbery in order to test the limits of physical comedy for a PG movie by enacting all kinds of bodily harm upon the hapless villains.

“In the park”

Kevin makes a 911 call from an Upper West Side phone booth and tells the dispatcher that the thieves who robbed Duncan's Toy Chest will be in the park at 95th Street. "Look for fireworks. They've got a gun." Then he slips on ice, and the dastardly duo walks him into the park. Ultimately, the Pigeon Lady throws feed onto the very sticky Sticky Bandits, swarms of pigeons peck away, and Kevin is able to set off fireworks to alert the police to their presence. In the bag of stolen money, he leaves Polaroids of the guys at the toy store as well as the tape recording of Marv explaining the plan. The money is delivered to the hospital as intended, and Mr. Duncan finds out Kevin was responsible.

Times Square

By this point, all the McAllisters are in New York. The Plaza feels so guilty that its staffers scared Kevin off because of the credit card fraud that they give the family a free penthouse suite (No. 1765). Kevin's mom, played by Catherine O'Hara, hopped a taxi to Times Square after first checking the uncle's house, right before Kevin arrived to give the Sticky Bandits what for. Mom says to strangers, "I'm looking for my son," showing photos of him and knocking on the door of a police car. The officer advises: "Put yourself in your kids' shoes. Where would you go? What would you do?" Kate says: "Dear God, I know where he is. I need to get to Rockefeller Center." The NYPD officer: "Hop in."

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Rockefeller Center

After emerging victorious over Marv and Harry, Kevin heads to the iconic giant tree. Then he talks to it: "I know I don't deserve a Christmas, even though I did a good deed. I don't want any presents. Instead I want to take back every mean thing I ever said to my family. ... Could I just see my mother? I just want my mother." And then, because of the magic of movies, his mom shows up. "Kevin!" she cries. Kevin mutters, "Wow, that worked fast. … How did you know I was here?" Mrs. McA: "Well, I know you and Christmas trees, and this was the biggest one around." They return to the Plaza. It starts to snow. Meanwhile, trucks unload dozens of toys as tokens of thanks from Duncan's Toy Chest, and Kevin gives a turtle dove ornament to the Pigeon Lady as a sign of eternal friendship. Then his dad bellows something about a $967.43 room service bill. ( Dads. ) That  familiar, heart-wrenching refrain  that's part of the score—"Somewhere In My Memory—starts to play. As Kevin says, "Don't you know a kid always wins against two idiots?"

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HOME ALONE TOUR - Central Park

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HOME ALONE TOUR

We were on Honeymoon and love Home Alone 2, so decided to take a look around Central park, and found various parts that were filmed there, beautiful park, very well kept, loads of different things going on, lots of fun, huge walking distances if you want too.

What an amazing young man! Tour was historic! Bashir is intelligent beyond belief! Made us feel like royalty!! Sooo blessed to have found him!

A must do in New York! You can spend an entire day here it's so big! Horse & carriage ride was delightful!

This place is amazing, I could spend hrs o even the whole day walking around or just seating watching the people moving around and feeling the fresh air.

You can probably forget covering the whole park in one walk. There’s too much else to do in the city to justify that much time, but you can probably make it out to the lake and back to your hotel regardless of what side of the park your hotel is on if you stay nearby.

This is my all time favorite place to visit during the Christmas Season. Love the carriage ride in the snow

The Home Alone Experience at The Plaza

The moment I discovered that you could book a Home Alone experience at The Plaza hotel , I added it to my bucket list.

I watch Home Alone every year on Thanksgiving Day after dinner, and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York on Christmas Eve. It’s been a family tradition for as long as I can remember.

So, when Matt surprised me with the Home Alone package at The Plaza as a Christmas present, I did what any millennial would do, I just about lost my dang mind.

There’s honestly nothing more exciting than living out Kevin McCallister’s greatest mistake of his life at one of the most famous hotels in the world. The whole thing was so fun and nostalgic.

Here’s a recap of our adventure at New York’s most exciting hotel experience.

What is the Home Alone Package?

For any guests that book at stay at The Plaza hotel in New York City, you book a special package to re-live your favorite Kevin McCallister moments.

The Home Alone package includes:

• A 4-hour limo ride around NYC.
• A lovely cheese pizza you just you during your ride around the city.
• A giant DIY ice cream sundae served via room service, complete with tons of toppings (Two scoops? Make it three, you’re not driving.)

You’ll also get to stay in one of those rooms with an extra-large bed, that does in fact have one of those refrigerators that you need to open with a key.

The package is available year-round, but in my personal opinion, it’s best to do it during the holiday season, just like when Kevin got lost in New York.

How Much Does the Home Alone Package Cost?

Obviously, a stay at The Plaza, one of the most well-known hotels in the world, isn’t going to be cheap.

The rate for the Home Alone package varies by room type and travel dates, but based on rates listed on the Plaza’s website, the cheapest option for one night is between $2,500 – $3,000.

My Review on the Home Alone Experience at The Plaza

I’m starting this review with a spoiler: Matt and I loved our Home Alone experience at The Plaza.

I really feel like the hotel took great pride in bringing the movie to life, but aside from that, the service at The Plaza is amazing.

We checked in promptly at 3pm and headed to our room. The Plaza had a huge, $450 million renovation in 2008, so although it’s not the same lobby or hallways you see in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York , I promise that you won’t care. It is beautiful.

We had the Plaza King room and it felt huge compared to our NYC studio apartment. The bathroom was luxurious, and spacious – Kevin-approved for sure.

I could go on about the room (quiet, super comfy bed, etc), but this is about the Home Alone experience, so let’s not delay!

Based on the hotel’s website, I knew we were getting the limo, pizza, and sundae. But I was ecstatic about a few unexpected extras in our room.

On the desk under the TV, they had a DVD of Home Alone 2: Lost in New Yor k, along with a note written in “Kevin’s handwriting.” But for me, the most special detail of all was a small box featuring replicas of the turtle dove ornaments that Mr. Duncan gives Kevin.

Maybe I’m just cheesy, but I think most people can relate to having one of those friends that they never forget, even if they don’t see them often. These ornaments were a thoughtful addition and wonderful surprise to take home as a memory.

After we settled into our room, it was time for our limo ride!

Limo and Pizza

At 4:30pm we made our way down to the lobby to grab our limo and pizza.

I think I must have been overly excited or maybe a little nervous with so many people outside of the hotel, that I booked it straight into the limo without taking a second to enjoy the moment.

Our delightful driver Slava asked me if I wanted to get out of the limo and try again because he wanted to present the pizza to us just like in the movie, so I could get a video. I thought this was so nice of him, and the fact that he was happy to participate in making the experience “movie official” really set the tone for a great limo ride.

He had the movie playing in the limo and even had Coca-Cola to pour into champagne glasses, just Kevin did. I live for thoughtful touches like this.

The limo tour is not a guided tour, so you need to pick where you want to go. If it’s your first-time visiting NYC then this is the perfect moment to view the classics like Fifth Avenue, Radio City, Empire State Building, etc.

Truthfully, I didn’t really plan this part well on my end, but Slava had a wonderful idea to drive to Brooklyn to see the Christmas lights in the very festive Dyker Heights neighborhood. It was beautiful and something Matt and I likely wouldn’t have driven to ourselves. Now having seen it, I 10/10 recommend it if you’re visiting NYC during the holidays in general.

We had plenty of time to see everything and made it back uptown to pick up some friends for our last hour to drive by Rockefeller Center. Seeing that big, iconic tree from a limo really was awesome and unforgettable.

After we said goodbye to Slava and our limo, we went back to the room.

Giant Sundae

At 9pm our GIANT ice cream trolley arrived. The guy bringing it in was just as excited as we were and was more than happy to take videos and set up the cart where it would look best for photos.

Matt and I made the biggest ice cream sundaes we could imagine, put on the fancy hotel robes, and fell asleep watching Kevin running around NYC on TV.

It was literally one of the best days of my life.

Is the Home Alone Package at The Plaza Worth It?

It probably comes as no surprise after reading this post that yes, the Home Alone package at The Plaza is worth it.

If you’re a big fan of the movie and have always dreamed of living out your childhood fantasies a la Kevin McCallister, you will love this.

The Plaza did a great job at capturing the nostalgia of the movie. While the pizza, limo, and ice cream sundae were individually all amazing, it was really the other thoughtful touches added that made this experience feel extra special.

The staff members at The Plaza were so attentive, and every person we spoke to during of our adventure was equally as excited and happy about our Home Alone experience as we were. It made it that much more enjoyable to take photos, videos, and capture the moments.

I have been lucky enough to stay at some nice and famous hotels, and movie package aside, The Plaza has been one of my favorites. Kevin wasn’t lying when he said the rooms are luxurious and spacious. They are. But everyone at the hotel also made a point to greet you with a smile, say hello, and several employees took note and remembered us during our stay. We felt special and important, and when you’re paying a lot of money for a hotel, you want to feel that.

While expensive, I think experiences that make you happy are extremely fulfilling, instantly and in the long run. Matt and I will have the memory of this night forever.

This felt like a once in a lifetime experience.

It’s unlikely that we will it do again (although I would do it in an instant), but every time we pass The Plaza I will think of our amazing stay there and how I got to eat pizza in a limo while driving down Fifth Avenue.

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HOME ALONE 2: LOST IN NY FILMING LOCATIONS

In a dash through the airport, Kevin finds himself separated from his family during the holiday season! Not to worry because he’s got the AMEX and he’s ready to make New York’s most famous sites his playground. But robbers Harry and Marv (Joe Pesci & Daniel Stern) are at it again, determined to thwart Christmas and Kevin’s fun. See sites from Home Alone 2 on the NYC TV & Movie Tour , the Holiday Lights & Movie Sites Tour , and the Central Park TV & Movie Sites Walking Tour .

NYC Filming Locations in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York

The Plaza Hotel: Kevin’s first stop on his New York adventure is the famous Plaza Hotel. The only hotel Kevin knows the name of is one of the cities most recognizable landmarks, and also one of the most expensive. What’s bad for dad’s credit is good for Kevin though, who quickly adapts to the “suite life” (Get it!?). The Plaza has been featured in many other movies including Barefoot in the Park, Big Business, Almost Famous, American Hustle. Located across from Central Park and Grand Army Plaza this is the perfect spot for their troubles to ensue!

FAO Schwarz : Lucky for Kevin Duncan’s Toy Chest, based on the famous toy store featured in Home Alone 2  FAO Schwarz (now closed), was just across Fifth Avenue from The Plaza. This was the oldest toy store in America and this larger-than-life shop certainly upheld its reputation. Many celebrities, including Katie Holmes, Cindy Crawford and Angelina Jolie, shopped there to enjoy the finest toys in town. But in Home Alone 2 , “Duncan’s” is under threat from Marv and Harry. They hatch an evil plan to rob the store on Christmas Eve, and it’s up to Kevin to stop them.

Rockefeller Center : It wouldn’t be Christmas in New York without the infamous decorations and magnificent Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. In this Christmas wonderland, Kevin is reunited with his mother after thwarting Harry and Marv’s plan. The underground concourse features retail shops, great food, and an ice rink.

Central Park

Never let the cold, (or heat) discourage you from enjoying Central Park the way Kevin does. Like all New Yorkers Kevin needs his R & R and escapes to the largest oasis of nature in Manhattan. Full of interesting folks to have a chat with, it doesn’t take Kevin long to befriend a pigeon lady. Lucky for Kev she knows her way around and takes him to see a show atop Lincoln Center. Meanwhile across the park at Wollman Ice Skating Rink Marv steals a scarf and Harry plots their next crime.

Empire Diner: Only in New York, and possibly the circus, does Santa walk down the street on stilts. It’s down here on 10th Ave and West 22nd St in front of the Empire Diner where Mr. McCallister meets Mr. Claus. This famous diner would look familiar to any movie buff, as it’s also been featured in Men In Black II ,  Manhattan , and TV shows such as Rescue Me , and  Law and Order .

Battery Park

Located at the southern tip of Manhattan Island this land was previously a fortress for protecting the city. Luckily in Home Alone 2 New Yorkers can rely on Kevin McAllister to thwart those looking to do harm. It’s down here that Kev looks out at Lady Liberty and soaks in the awesomeness of his city adventure.

To see some of these locations and more, join us on the NYC TV & Movie Tour , Central Park TV & Movie Sites Tour , and the Holiday Lights & Movie Sites Tour .

* In an effort to stay current, we are constantly updating our tours with new locations and cannot guarantee the presence of locations mentioned on our site. If you have a particular interest in locations from a specific TV show or movie, please let your tour guide know and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

TAKE THE TOURS THAT FEATURE SOME OF THESE FILMING LOCATIONS!

• Tag Bus Tour , Public Bus/Vehicle Tour
• Hour Glass Approx. 3 hours for public tours, Small private tours are typically approx. 2 - 2.5 hours
• User All ages

Holiday Lights & Movie Sites Tour

Experience Christmas in New York and relive your favorite holiday movie moments. See magical sites from Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, Home Alone 2, and more!

• Tag Walking Tour/Self-Guided Tour
• Hour Glass 2 hours for public tours

Central Park TV & Movie Sites Tour

Take a leisurely walking tour through Central Park, NYC’s most famous backdrop! See over 30 locations from your favorite titles like Serendipity, Enchanted, Isn’t it Romantic , and more!

• Most Popular!
• Hour Glass 2.5 hours

NYC TV & Movie Tour

Straddle fiction and reality as you visit famous sites from both the big and small screen! See a mix of nostalgic locations from Friends, Seinfeld, When Harry Met Sally, and more.

When Harry Met Seinfeld Tour

A look at TV & movie locations above Times Square.

This Is What Kevin McCallister’s NYC Adventure In ‘Home Alone 2’ Would Cost Today

From his four-hour limo ride around NYC to ordering an amusingly hefty $967.43 in room service, here's how much Kevin McCallister's NYC adventures would have cost in the 90s compared to today.

After being released in 1990, the festive classic Home Alone quickly became synonymous with Christmas. And just two years later us cult movie fans were delighted once again with Home Alone 2. The franchise is known not only for engulfing everyone in the Christmas spirit, but also for its cheeky protagonist Kevin who found himself on quite the NYC adventure in the film’s sequel.

In Home Alone 2 Kevin goes on a journey around NYC–a journey that today, with NYC being crowned the most expensive city in the country , would have put a much bigger dent in the McCallister family’s wealth than it did back in the 90s.

And this study found just how much bigger that dent would be!

Experts at NoDepositDaily analyzed every detail of Kevin’s stay in New York City, from the cost of a night’s stay in The Plaza Hotel to the price of a stretch limo for four hours. They then used the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ inflation calculator to compare the cost of the varying factors in both 1992 and 2023.

What they found was that if Kevin were to take the same lavish trip today that he took in 1992, the trip’s cost would have more than doubled over the last 30 years.

The trip cost all begins with a flight from Chicago to JFK. What would have cost $103.97 in 1992 would more than double, costing $236.24 today. Even worse, a yellow cab ride from JFK to Midtown today would cost $100, $75 more than it would have in 1992.

Then there’s Kevin’s iconically bougie taste in hotels. The study writes:

The resourceful 10-year-old has expensive taste when it comes to his choice of holiday accommodation, with this easily being his most expensive vacation habit. Based on prices from The Plaza’s website, Kevin is estimated to have racked up an overwhelming $25,042.62 bill on luxury suites at the hotel in 1992, which equates to $72,649.75 in 2023. The figures are based on a one-night stay in The Plaza’s Carnegie Partial Park View suite: one of the hotel’s most luxurious king size bed suites, with a separate living room and spacious bathroom which comes in at $4,579.00 in 2023 and $2,111.87 in 1992.

Plus, Kevin spent an amusingly hefty $967.43 on room service , which would have equated to $2,184.42 today.

And let’s not forget about the private stretch limo. Luckily for Kevin the limo was taken care of by The Plaza , saving him the $336.22. Today, a four-hour limo ride around NYC would put a $729 dent in your wallet.

Beyond the traveling and accommodations , Kevin spent $23.75 on a toy from Duncan’s Toy Chest ($51.50 today), enjoyed the views from the World Trade Center’s observation deck for $5.50 ($38 today), and spent $7.55 on two 6-packs of fireworks from a store in Chinatown ($16.37 today).

However, Kevin did what seems to be the impossible and enjoyed some things around NYC without spending a dime , namely checking out the dazzling Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree .

Overall, the grand total of Kevin’s trip in 1992 would have been approximately $26,437.50. The same trip taken in December 2023 would cost around $55,432.91, a whopping $28,995.41 more.

Mervyn Davids from NoDepositDaily commented on the findings, saying:

The classic Christmas movies that stand the test of time are those that are able to create an abundance of magic, fun, and wonder, to the extent that viewers want to immerse themselves in that world; Home Alone 2 does exactly this. However, for the true die-hard fans of the franchise…acting out each element of the movie may be required to satisfy their dreams, but with this comes a hefty bill. In today’s economic climate, perhaps sticking to a large cheese pizza whilst watching Home Alone 2 from the comfort of your sofa creates all the festive cheer a person could need.

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Euros 2024 – Articles

Ever wondered what it’s like to relive Kevin McCallister’s epic trip to New York in Home Alone 2? 30 years on, we did just that

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Mariah Carey might be the Queen of Christmas but let’s be honest, Macaulay Culkin is the true King of the festive period after helming the two most popular holiday movies around.

The first Home Alone film might be a firm favorite with most but the Lost in New York sequel has a special place in our hearts as Kevin McCallister found himself separated from his family once again, and unwittingly reunited with those fresh-from-jail bandits, Harry (Joe Pesci) and Marv (Daniel Stern).

It hit the big screen in 1992 and – for the most part – showed the youngster truly living his best life. Minus the burglars and booby traps, of course.

Ever since then, many have been dreaming of following in his footsteps and recreating his trip to the Big Apple. Thanks to Disney +, we were whisked away for a luxurious getaway to the Plaza for an experience of dreams to celebrate the 30-year anniversary, and we didn’t even need to win the Celebrity Ding Dang Dong for the stay.

After packing up our Talkboy recorder and checking we had enough turtle doves to hand out in Central Park, we set sail for the Plaza with the sole intention of living as he Kevin would do – before Harry and Marv ruined his vacation, that is. WWKMD, basically.

It turns out that a nine-year-old has some pretty cool ways to get lost in New York.

‘The world-renowned Plaza Hotel, New York’s most exciting hotel experience’

Despite not even reaching double digits in age, the first film proved that Kevin knew exactly what he wanted and wasn’t afraid of asking for it, and his impromptu visit to the Big Apple two years later only solidified this. After a less-than-pleasant stroll through Central Park, he made a beeline to a stunning five-star hotel to relax in style.

‘I’d like a hotel room please, with an extra large bed, a TV, and one of those little refrigerators you have to open with a key,’ he requested, and who were we to question his choices?

Sadly, those mini-fridges that can only be opened with keys are a thing of the past but there would be plenty more to keep him entertained nowadays.

In the spirit of living as Kevin did, we had to go all out and truly treat ourselves, ordering a huge ice cream sundae dessert with all the trimmings.

Right on cue, a huge tray was wheeled in with a huge bowl, complete with more ice cream and whipped cream than we knew what to do with – if all that wasn’t enough, cherries, M&Ms, sprinkles and chocolate balls were on the side, and a selection of sauces.

Two scoops? Make it three. We weren’t driving.

‘A limousine and a pizza’

Early in his vacation, Kevin had a bizarre encounter in a traditional yellow taxi, learning the hard way that cabs weren’t for him. Most normal folks would have made do with the subway or given walking a go but when you’re nine years old with a (basically) unlimited credit card, the world is your oyster.

After an awkward moment the night before, the concierge – aka Tim Curry – led him to a white stretch limousine and a cheese pizza.

In the spirit of WWKMD, we also shunned public transport for something a lot fancier and spent much of the day stretching out on the back seat of our own limo with a giant pizza and a champagne flute full of Coca-Cola. 

Even 30 years on, we’ve got to hand it to him, this is definitely an incredible way to travel. 

Taking in the New York skyline by the Statue of Liberty

Holidays are an ideal time for a spot of sight-seeing and, luckily for Kevin, New York happens to be packed full of iconic tourist spots.

In between setting up wild – and mildly horrifying – traps for the sticky bandits, our Christmas hero managed to see a bunch of them.

A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment showed him checking out the famous skyline through the lens of a viewfinder, with the Statue of Liberty standing regally in front of him.

We took a slightly different route on our sight-seeing extravaganza, instead ferrying across to see the statue up close and checking out the view of all the skyscrapers from across the water.

Another Kevin-approved excursion down and no bandits on our tail, it was time to hunt down the bird lady…

Central Park strolls and Wollman Ice Rink

According to Marv, kids are scared of the park when they’re alone. Kevin was anxious at the very beginning, and who could blame him? But he quickly set his fears aside to become friends with the legendary pigeon woman (Brenda Fricker).

Together, they left the park to sneak into the warmth of Carnegie Hall for a heartfelt discussion on rollerblades, heartache and being lonely.

Their chat ended with Kevin insisting that he wouldn’t forget her and he stuck to that promise, seeking his new pal out on Christmas Day to gift her a turtle dove.

Unfortunately, the bird lady was missing on our visit to the world famous park as she probably followed Kevin’s advice and branched out with her hobbies, but that didn’t stop us having a lovely wander around one of the most picturesque parts of the city, as well as people watching those brave enough to battle Wollman ice rink.

Rockefeller Plaza Christmas tree

Sadly there was also no spine-tingling reunion in front of the glorious Rockefeller Christmas tree with Catherine O’Hara, who was mostly probably a little busy living her own life, but we still made sure to head down for a gander to cap off a magical trip.

After a sensational night’s rest and thankfully no Sticky Bandits to contend with, it was time to check out – now just a matter of how we could get out of the room service bill.

Anyone got a spare $967.43 they can send over?

Home Alone 2 is available to stream on Disney+.

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MORE : Daniel Mays delighted kids can finally watch his work in new festive film Your Christmas Or Mine?

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Home Alone: Experts Break Down Just How Expensive Those Vacations Cost

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In 1990, director Chris Columbus and writer John Hughes released the Christmas classic "Home Alone."  The Macaulay Culkin-led film  earned $470 million worldwide and is now a permanent holiday staple. The movie was also recently dubbed  Rhode Island's favorite Christmas movie of 2023 . For the uninitiated, "Home Alone" follows eight-year-old Kevin McCallister (Culkin), who is left home alone (get it?) after his family forgets to take him on their Paris vacation. With no adults around, Kevin has to defend his Chicago home from goofy robbers named the "Wet Bandits" (portrayed by Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern). The success of "Home Alone" led to 1992's "Lost in New York" and four more films — though none quite reached the commercial heights of the original.

Have you ever wondered how much money the McCallisters would need to afford their extravagant trips and luxurious home? You're not alone! Around the holidays, people tend to search for this information on Google, with this year's most popular query focused on the cost of their famous house. The family is quite prosperous and enjoys a financially stable life residing in Winnetka, one of Illinois' most lucrative counties.

To solve this holiday mystery, Looper spoke with several experts in the fields of finance, travel, real estate, and job recruitment to determine how much the "Home Alone" home and vacations cost in the '90s. When you look at the sticker price attached to the McCallisters' vacation and household, it's hard not to be shocked at just how much money their family spent on Christmastime.

How much the McCallister trip to Paris really cost in Home Alone

At the start of "Home Alone," we learn through Kate (Catherine O'Hara) that The McCallisters are heading to Paris on her brother-in-law's dime. The fact that Kevin's father foots the bill is a common misconception. The McCallisters are going to France somewhere between December 19 and December 26, which is widely considered the busiest (and most expensive) period in peak travel season. Additionally, the "Home Alone" family flies from Chicago's iconic O'Hare airport to Paris — thanks to a non-stop American Airlines flight. Kevin's parents and his aunt and uncle fly first class while the kids fly coach.

To dig into flight costs more, Looper asked  Adrie Smith , Travel Agent/Travel Content Creator and Influencer ( @standbywithadrie ), to determine how much 15 flights to Chicago from Paris during peak Christmas travel would cost in the 1990s compared to 2023. Smith noted that during the December 19 to December 26 window in 2023, an economy ticket to Paris costs around $1,295. A first-class seat is a whopping $7,726. So, the price tag would have landed at $45,149 for 11 economy seats and four first-class seats in 2023. Our expert notes that airline tickets are 40% cheaper now than they were in the '90s, meaning their fictional trip would have set Kevin's uncle back $63,208. Of course, this price tag doesn't include the family's lodging and other tourism expenses in the City of Lights. 

How much did the McCallister trip to Miami cost in Home Alone 2?

In "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York," the McCallister family ditches Europe and stays stateside by heading off to Miami, Florida — a move that Kevin despises. After all, spending a cold but cozy Christmas isn't possible in sunny and sweaty Miami.

In the sequel, the family size is smaller, with four adults and 10 children. Also, prices for their domestic trip are substantially cheaper: Economy tickets from Chicago to Miami via American Airlines for the children are closer to $459. However, first-class tickets are still pricy, with one seat costing $1,554 during the busy holiday season. In 2023, the 10 economy tickets and four first-class seats from Chicago to Florida would cost around $11,228. While this is still expensive, the final 2023 total isn't as bad as the hefty cost of it in the 1990s. Travel expert Adrie Smith says that the McCallister family's trip from Chicago to Miami would have cost around $15,719. Again, this number doesn't include any tourist excursions, like jet ski rentals, food, or lodging. 

Things, however, continue to add up for the family. Due to Kevin's antics, they have to fly to New York from Miami. That's 13 one-way economy tickets on Christmas Eve, each coming in at $94 in 2023. Meanwhile, the parents are paying $725 for each first-class seat. In total, the side quest to New York costs around $3,746 in 2023 and about $5,244 in the '90s. Combining the ticket costs of Miami and New York flights, the trip overall cost about $14,974 in 2023 or $20,963 in the '90s.

How much does the McCallister home cost?

Based purely on their traveling expenses, it's fair to assume that the McCallisters are a financially stable bunch. Missing his family, we know that Kevin's uncle Rob (played by Ray Toler in a deleted scene) paid for the whole trip. However, let's imagine that Kevin's family  did pay for the trip because ... Well, if their home is anything to go by, they might have been able to swing it.

The official "Home Alone" novelization by Todd Strasser confirms that Kevin's dad is a businessman and that his mom is a fashion designer. Before we speculate on their finances, it's important to pay attention to the one asset they hold that we're privy to: their Winnetka neighborhood home, which Bloomberg says is one of the wealthiest places in America. Looper asked  Trey Danna , a Seattle-based real estate expert and agent with over 30 years of experience to estimate the cost of the McCallister's home. Assuming a 4.1% annual appreciation of real estate in the Winnetka area, Danna's team estimated that the home cost about $620,000 in 1990. To afford this 6-bedroom home in 1990, Danna says the McCallisters would need an annual income of $175,000.

Today, that house would be north of $2.3 million — that's over $542 per square foot. In 2012,  The Chicago Tribune noted that the specific house used in "Home Alone" sold for nearly $1.6 million. If you were to buy the "Home Alone" house today, Danna noted that a potential buyer would need a down payment of $466,977 — essentially a 20% down payment. Yikes!

How much do Kevin McCallister's mom and dad make?

While we don't explicitly know where Kevin's mom and dad work, we know their professions. So we used that to gather a ballpark estimate of what's in their bank account. Kevin's mother is a fashion designer (that's how Kevin gets all the mannequins for his party charade) and his father is a businessman, presumably a day trader. 

For a deeper insight into the family's finances, Looper asked personal finance expert Mark Wlosinski , recruitment expert and Alpine Virtual Assistants founder Nicole Magelssen, and Lawrence Sprung CFP, Author of Financial Planning Made Personal and Founder at Mitlin Financial for their opinion. Wlosinski shared that the average American household income in 1990 was approximately $29,943. By that estimate, it's obvious that The McCallisters are not middle-class. According to Wlosinski, only a top-tier executive or financial professional with a salary north of $150,000 could afford their home. Wlosinski also noted that to maintain their lifestyle and home, the McCallisters would need a combined annual salary of $300,000 – $400,000. 

Based on those figures, how realistic is it for a businessman and fashion designer to make that much in the '90s? Magelssen noted, "It would definitely be a stretch for a day trader and a fashion designer to afford the extravagant lifestyle they live in 'Home Alone. They could have investments, inherited wealth (and an inherited house), family connections, or other streams of income not mentioned in the movie. Let's not forget, they also could be in substantial debt!" 

Similarly, Sprung agreed with Magelssen, noting some concern about the family's spending habits. "I think the issue here is that we all believe the family can afford this lifestyle because they were living the way they were and traveling too," Sprung said. "What if the family was simply keeping up with the 'Joneses' and they couldn't afford it but were racking up debt to give their co-workers, friends, and family the perception that they could? The fact is this is a reality for many today as we see them living these fantastic lives on social media, only to learn that the family was in massive debt and could not afford the lifestyle they were portraying."

Just how rich are the McCallisters & does it really matter?

Economic and financial circumstances in the early '90s were radically different than the ones we're dealing with in the 2020s. Financial expert Shinobu Hindert, CFP and author of Investing Is Your Superpower , told Looper that a variety of factors may have been in play for the McCallisters to afford such a luxurious lifestyle. With the Internet taking over the stock market in the '90s, it's entirely possible that low-interest rates and booming Internet stock valuations could have led to the McCallister parents making strategic financial plays.

Even if the vacation to Paris was paid for by Kevin's uncle, the family has the means to afford other lavish purchases that we see play out in the film. In "Home Alone," the McCallisters order 10 pizzas for the family to enjoy the night before their flight to Paris. The bill comes out to $122.50 (or $288 in 2023) — a meal that is equivalent to $19.2 per person. Also, the family can afford Kevin's indulgences in New York — the McCallister's New York City hotel room service bill in "Home Alone 2" came out to a whopping $967 (or a gobsmacking $2,121 in 2023).

While the McCallisters may have an obscene amount of wealth, "Home Alone" and its sequel prove that they have their heart in the right place. Aside from losing Kevin so much, they do their best to focus on family: the real meaning behind the Holidays. Ultimately, we should learn more from their loving actions than how they spend their money. Hindert told us that many spend beyond their means, especially during Christmastime. "Comparison tends to be the thief of joy," Hindert said. "Enjoy the holiday season by focusing on what you and your family truly value." 

Amen to that!

Jill Biden takes 7,200-mile round trip in private jet from France to attend Hunter's trial

Jill Biden has arrived in Delaware court for her stepson Hunter's federal firearms trial on Friday.

The First Lady dashed off to her home state after attending a D-Day anniversary event in Normandy, France, on Thursday, where President Joe Biden gave a speech about the similar threats to democracy that the country faces today as it did during World War II.

She is expected to return back to France tomorrow for a state dinner, which means that she will be travelling 7,200-mile round trip to be in court.

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The president's only surviving son Hunter's federal weapons trial began on Monday.

He is facing three federal charges regarding the alleged purchase of a firearm while addicted to drugs, including: false statement in purchase of a firearm, false statement related to information required to be kept by federal firearms licensed dealer, and possession of a firearm by a person who is an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.

If convicted on all charges, he faces up to 25 years in prison and fines totaling more than $750,000. However, it is very unlikely that he will receive the maximum sentence if found guilty.

Considering the extensive travel, some speculate that the First Lady will be testifying as a defense witness in the case against her step son.

The first defense witness called to the stand today is the gun store owner.

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The case comes on the heels of ex-president Donald Trump 's verdict for his hush money trial in New York being issued last Friday, where he was found guilty of all 34 counts regarding his payment to adult star Stormy Daniels to bury the story of his marital affair ahead of the 2016 election.

Now the spotlight has shifted to the president's 54-year-old son who has been charged with three counts of illegally possessing a firearm, which he allegedly acquired after not properly disclosing his crack cocaine addiction on the federal background check form.

President Biden is not implicated in the case at all, however, the trial will likely garner unwanted attention and be used against him in his re-election campaign, including the first debate with Trump later this month, where the two frontrunners are expected to have a heated discussion .

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Jill Biden, a Fierce Protector of Hunter Biden, Leaves France for Wilmington

The first lady’s departure from a high-profile foreign trip was a dramatic illustration of the Biden family’s personal priorities. She is expected to return to France on Saturday.

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By Katie Rogers

Katie reported from Washington and is the author of a book on modern first ladies.

Jill Biden, the first lady, left President Biden’s side in France on Thursday to make the trans-Atlantic trip back to Delaware, where Hunter Biden is standing trial on gun charges.

The first lady is then scheduled to return to France for a state visit on Saturday, according to her communications director, Elizabeth Alexander.

The departure of the first lady from a high-profile foreign trip was perhaps the most dramatic illustration yet of the Biden family’s personal priorities , which lie some 3,600 miles away from France, in Courtroom 4A of the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building in Wilmington, Del.

Hunter Biden is on trial on charges of lying about his drug use on a form to buy a gun in October 2018, and of illegally possessing the weapon.

The boomerang trip also says something about the resolve of the first lady, who is not a blood relative of Hunter Biden but who is the woman who raised him since he was a small child. Over time, she has become her family’s protective backbone.

“I’m his mom,” she said in an interview in 2022, when Hunter Biden was the subject of a federal investigation. “I mean, I have to support him and love him, and, you know, I’m constantly talking to him, sending him texts; ‘How you doing?’ Because it’s tough.”

A plane ride across the Atlantic Ocean shows just how tough.

The first lady is expected to be in the courtroom again on Friday after spending three days there so far this week. On Monday — her 73rd birthday — she followed hours of mundane interviews with dozens of prospective jurors. At breaks, she offered hugs to Hunter Biden. She comforted her daughter, Ashley Biden, who has also been a fixture in court this week and has at times grown emotional as her brother’s struggles have been cataloged. The first lady’s eyes stayed dry.

The Bidens like to stress that they deal with many of the same challenges — namely, addiction — that most Americans face, but this week, the family’s singularly complicated dynamics have been on display.

On Wednesday, the first lady stepped out of the room for the testimony of Hunter Biden’s ex-wife, Kathleen Buhle, with whom she is said to have an icy relationship. On Thursday, she missed testimony from her former daughter-in-law, Hallie Biden, who dated Hunter Biden after the death of his older brother, Beau.

Because their relationship darkened and descended into drug use, Hallie Biden was a key witness for the prosecution: She had disposed of Hunter Biden’s Colt Cobra gun in a trash can outside a grocery store. The collapse of a plea deal between Mr. Biden and prosecutors last year led to charges that he had lied on a federal application while purchasing that gun.

Dr. Biden will want to be present when defense attorneys begin to call members of the Biden family. The expected list includes Naomi Biden, the first couple’s eldest granddaughter and a vocal defender of her father, and James Biden, the president’s brother, who was the Biden tasked with trying to bring his wayward nephew back from the grip of addiction.

Hunter Biden and the first lady, whom he calls mom, have a close relationship, according to people who know them. But the nature of their bond is different than the one Hunter Biden has with others in the family — namely Valerie Biden Owens, his aunt. She was the Biden who first moved in to raise Mr. Biden’s boys after his first wife, Neilia, and infant daughter, Naomi, were killed in a car accident in December 1972.

Hunter and Beau Biden were attached to Ms. Biden Owens, and their uncle, James Biden, who had also stepped in to raise the boys before their father started dating Jill Biden in 1975. The Bidens married in 1977.

Growing up, it was Beau Biden, Mr. Biden’s elder son who died in 2015, who shared her sense of humor. Hunter Biden wrote in his memoir, “Beautiful Things,” that he at times felt left out of their jokes. But he also praised her “for doing a great job, especially with everyone watching.”

In her own memoir, “Where the Light Enters,” Dr. Biden wrote that Hunter Biden was the Biden son “more like me.”

“He didn’t want to talk about his feelings as much,” she wrote, “and he didn’t always know how to express them as a kid, but he would always show you with his actions — he was warm and loving.”

Decades later, he would clash explosively with Dr. Biden when she helped lead a family effort to get him clean. In early 2019, when Hunter Biden was again reeling from addiction, Dr. Biden called him and invited him for dinner at the family home in Wilmington. It turned out to be an intervention. Hunter Biden stormed out of the house and left for California, where he continued to use, he wrote in his memoir, until he met his wife, Melissa Cohen Biden.

The extent of his addiction problems was not made public until the contents of a laptop he had left at a repair shop were publicly disseminated on conservative websites ahead of the 2020 election.

In the tumultuous years since, the first lady has tried to keep him close and telegraph her support by including Hunter Biden and his family, who live in Los Angeles, in East Wing events like the White House Easter Egg Roll. After he took up painting , she hung one of his pieces in her East Wing office.

She also publicly asserted his innocence as Hunter Biden was investigated for the gun purchase and tax evasion issues, the source of another round of charges for which he will stand trial later this year.

“Everybody and their brother has investigated Hunter,” the first lady told NBC News in the fall of 2022 . “They keep at it, and at it and at it. I know that Hunter is innocent. I love my son, and I will keep looking forward.”

That is now for a jury to decide.

Katie Rogers is a White House correspondent. For much of the past decade, she has focused on features about the presidency, the first family, and life in Washington, in addition to covering a range of domestic and foreign policy issues. She is the author of a book on first ladies. More about Katie Rogers

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The Best Upstate New York Day Trips From NYC

By Laura Ratliff

Upstate New York's Hudson and Beacon , Montauk at the tip of Long Island—you’ve heard those names before. And while they’re all perfectly lovely New York City day trips or getaways, there’s a whole host of new hotels, restaurants, and things to do and see outside the five boroughs well beyond those highly trafficked hotspots. Here, we’ve rounded up four incredible upstate New York getaways that should go on your calendar this summer.

Hotel Lilien in Tannersville is home to Nat's Mountain House, a rollicking upstate iteration of a classic New York City institution.

The 18-room hotel is set in an 1890s estate formerly known as the Washington Irving Inn and has held fast to that stained-glass, wood-paneled identity.

For the foodie: The greater Hudson Valley

New York City’s pantry sits about two hours north of the city in the Hudson Valley. While it seems like every trendy chef, recipe developer, and writer decamped for the region during the pandemic, the mass exodus has unsurprisingly turned it into one of the best food-fueled parts of the state to explore.

Skip Catskill and Hudson and head just a hair west, where about two hours north of the city, a chain of small towns you’ve almost definitely never heard of have become playgrounds for top New York City chefs.

Check into Hotel Lilien in Tannersville (population: 579), where an 1890s estate formerly known as the Washington Irving Inn has been transformed into an 18-room getaway with a few modern updates. Hotel Lilien has held fast to its stained-glass and wood paneling while adding lighter, more modern updates—think Carrara marble, Brooklinen bed furnishings, and Mies van der Rohe lounge chairs.

Breakfast is included with your stay, and you’ll want to make sure you stay on-site for at least one dinner: Hotel Lilien is home to Nat’s Mountain House , the rollicking upstate iteration of Natalie Freihon’s Nat’s on Bank and Nat’s on Bleecker. Freihon, who was behind Orchard Street’s legendary Fat Radisha bastion of Lower Manhattan cool for yearsbrings her quirky talent to Hotel Lilien in the form of fondue laced with apples and pork belly croutons, pakora-fried radishes, and cocktails like Nat’s G&T, which is what you’d expect with the piquant addition of celery and olive bitters.

Spend time on the property perusing the library, hanging out by the fire pit or pool, or wandering the eight-acre grounds, but don’t miss some of the other culinary heavyweights who have made their presence in the community known: Day June Luncheonette in nearby Windham opened last summer, at the hands of Fabián von Hauske Valtierra and Jeremiah Stone, the Lower East Side chefs behind natural wine bar Wildair and the late Contra, and serves low-key fare like country fried steak and gravy with beef from nearby Highland Hollow, a nearby farm.

Von Hauske Valtierra and Stone are further expanding their upstate presence this month with the opening of Matilda , a more “formal” restaurant in new hotel The Henson. It’s also next door to the duo’s Paracasa , a small grocery and market, in case your home larder could use some Hudson Valley culinary flair.

If you don’t have or don’t want to rent a car, a two-hour Amtrak trip to Hudson, followed by a quick taxi (ideally pre-booked; this isn’t exactly an area rife with Uber or Lyft), will get you where you need to go.

Troutbeck is an estate hotel with 250 acres of nature and amenities that could be mistaken for a vast, comfortable, and sleek country home.

For the art lover: Amenia

If you’re looking for art outside of the city, you’ve probably been to Storm King or Wave Hill or, maybe if you’re extra adventurous, Mass MoCA—but you probably haven’t been to Wassaic.

On the other side of the Hudson River lies the Wassaic Project , an artist-run, non-profit gallery and residence center in the tiny eponymous hamlet. This year’s summer exhibition, Tall Shadows in Short Order , shows work from 30 artists, focusing on massive, site-specific installations spread through Maxon Mills, a seven-story former grain mill where Wassaic Project hosts its contemporary exhibitions. The exhibition is open on weekends through September, but it's one of just many events that the group hosts; throughout the summer there’s an annual benefit, themed late-night dance parties, and open artists’ studios will also fill your calendar.

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By Melissa Liebling-Goldberg

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Stay at nearby Troutbeck , a 250-acre estate hotel reminiscent of your favorite rich auntie’s country house if she had Malin + Goetz toiletries and Frette linens. Regular Manor House rooms are perfect for a night or two, but even if you’re not taking up residence at the hotel, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch of steelhead trout with brassicas and black garlic or garganelli pasta with Veritas Farms’ lamb ragu and ramps before strolling the grounds. Guests also have access to The Barns, a massive wellness complex with a 1,250-square-foot fitness studio, a gym, treatment rooms, changing rooms, and saunas; a newly-renovated pool; and two U.S.-Open surfaced hard tennis courts, among other things.)

Troutbeck’s natural setting makes it tough to leave, but it’s also just a few miles from the Sharon Audubon Center . Situated along the Atlantic Flyway, one of North America’s major paths for migratory birds, it’s home to more than 1,100 acres of woodland with 11 miles of trail, a pollinator garden, and a raptor aviary with live birds of prey.

End your day with a drive-in movie at Amenia’s Four Bros. Drive-In , which touts itself as the newest drive-in theater in America. Movies change weekly here, but Thursdays are a favorite, where Four Bros. often does a triple showing with a classic in the mix.

A 20th-century boarding house perched above Kenoza Lake is now the 22-room Kenoza Hall hotel, an excellent home base for outdoor adventuring.

For the outdoorsman: Sullivan Catskills

The Catskills range is a broad-reaching section of New York State, with part of the district stretching almost all the way down to Pennsylvania’s northeast corner. This more remote region, the Sullivan Catskills, is a paradise for outdoors lovers: the hiking here is some of the best in the Northeast, and the fly-fishing, in particular, is among the best in the world thanks to the assortment of waterways like the Beaver Kill, Willowemoc Creek, and the East Branch of the Delaware River. (Humble Roscoe, New York, proudly wears its badge as Trout Town USA.)

Even if you’re not an angler, the Catskill Fly Fishing Museum in Livingston Manor will enamor you with the poeticism of the sportearly mornings on misty rivers, the shimmering scales of a rainbow trout, hand-crafted bamboo rods, and dry flies meticulously tied with feathers and fur.

Stay at Kenoza Hall , a pandemic product of Foster Supply Hospitality, that transformed a sprawling 20th-century boarding house into a 22-room hotel with excellent views of the expansive grounds and nearby Kenoza Lake. At the end of the day, you can soak your weary bones in a massive tub (all rooms have them) before dining at the on-site restaurant, which has a menu of retro Old World classics: gnocchi Parisienne, filet Rossini, and duck confit.

After hiking the grounds or the Willowemoc Wild Forest, a massage may be in orderand counter to the rough-and-ready nature of a few of its peers, Kenoza Hall has you covered. The onsite spa Hemlock Spa offers body treatments and massages inspired by Sebastian Kneipp, an early promoter of holistic living. The Kneipp Neuromuscular Massage combines deep-tissue therapy with arnica gel for a soothing, tension-relieving treatment that will melt away the soreness from that last cast or rock scramble. (Also, don’t skip the Kneipp walking path—it may sound a bit “woo-woo,” but walking barefoot over things like rocks, moss, grass, and pinecones is surprisingly therapeutic.)

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame gives a behind-the-scenes look at the on-track action that powers Saratoga.

For the socialite: Saratoga

You’ve heard the Carly Simon lyric: “Well, I hear you went up to Saratoga, and your horse naturally won.” Well, 52 years after its release, Saratoga is cooler than ever, with a bevy of hotels, restaurants, and things to do.

Summer in Saratoga is all about the horses, and you’re going to stay as close to them as you can without sleeping on the track. At the Brentwood Hotel , a shedrow-style barn immediately adjacent to the famed track was reinvented as a cozy 12-room hotel. In fact, on early summer mornings, you’ll be awakened by the clip-clop of prized thoroughbred hooves making their way out to their morning workouts. Rooms here are on the small side but incredibly comfortable, and the on-site bar, Farrier, serves biodynamic wines, excellent cocktails, and local beer and cider that can be enjoyed at the outdoor firepit.

Snag one of the hotel’s loaner bikes and make the seven-minute cruise downtown, where Broadway is lined with endless boutiques (some horse-themed, natch), cafes, and restaurants, including Seneca , whose outdoor patio is the perfect spot to wile away a summer evening after a day at the track; high-rollers can go for a prime New York strip served with foie gras-studded mac and cheese and roasted garlic butter. Then, grab a nightcap at Hamlet & Ghost , a buzzy bar where a reservation is a must, especially during the race meet. It’s worth the effort in order to get your hands on a Health & Wealth: a surprisingly earthy blend of olive oil-washed vodka and lemon aperitif with blackberry and pineapple.

While on-track action can quickly fill your days here, it’s worth knowing what goes into the thousands of pounds (and dollars) of horseflesh. The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame gives an in-depth look into the sport of kings, from a racehorse’s first humble steps on Kentucky bluegrass to—hopefully—the pinnacle of the sport. Interactive exhibitions, like the chance to “call” a race and walk through a true-to-size starting gate, all sweeten the experience at this unique museum.

Saratoga is easy to get to from the city, with Amtrak taking just under four hours. You’ll want your own car if you decide to venture out of town-proper to Saratoga Lake or up to Queensbury, but otherwise, biking or rideshare are both easy options here.

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Solo vacations: the 36 best places to travel alone in 2024.

These fun destinations make traveling on your own simple and spectacular.

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From beach retreats to artsy escapes, take your next solo trip to somewhere spectacular.

Perth, Australia

Beaver Creek, Colorado

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Asheville, North Carolina

Tuscany, Italy

Santa Barbara, California

New York City

Seville, Spain

Naples, Florida

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Portland, Oregon

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Galápagos Islands

Charleston, South Carolina

Athens, Greece

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Florianópolis, Brazil

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Prince william gives update on kate's health, what to know about this year's trooping the colour, michelle, barack obama celebrate sasha's birthday, eating legends to face off in hot dog contest., 'bridgerton' season 3 spotlights disability, iman covers instyle 30th anniversary issue, chick-fil-a summer camp met with some backlash, rodeo star, wife honor son in moving obituary, popular us beach will soon require reservations, scarlett johansson, brad pitt and george clooney star in new looks.

The teaser was included in a reel of new and returning Apple TV+ projects.

'Bridgerton' stars Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton step out for season 3 part 2 premiere

"Bridgerton" season three part two arrives on Netflix on Thursday, June 13.

Will Ferrell's son reveals how his dad embarrassed him at prom: See photo

Magnus Ferrell shared a hilarious throwback prom photo with his dad.

Gabourey Sidibe, husband Brandon Frankel announce arrival of twins

"Welcome to the world Cooper and Maya!"

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• Zoo weighs, measures all of its animals in adorable event
• Cutest baby animals from around the world

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