More Places & Famous Faces

Since we are big fans of the hit comedy series, “30 Rock”, the NBC Studio Tour became another item on our itinerary. Plus, there are so many shows from the network’s past and present line up that we love: Heroes, Star Trek, Friends, Chuck and Seinfield just to name a few. We arrived early which gave us plenty of time to check out the NBC Experience Store. It was so hard not to buy some of the items – Dundie Award, Cowbell Set, Heroes action figures… but we restrained ourselves. Scott walked out with a Buy More card clip and a Nerd Herd lanyard. Morgan charmed her dad for a Mr. Bill doll thanks to a Mastercard commercial starring the clay figure which is always playing while we are riding in the taxi.

A few rules to note when on a NBC Tour: 1. There are no bathroom stops. If you have to go, you can, but you cannot rejoin the group. 2. No cameras (I was bummed!) and 3. You must be quiet due to live taping of shows. Tour groups are small, approximately 30 to 35 people… enough to divide a group into two elevators. (Make sure you are not claustrophobic either.) There were two main points of interest: the NBC Nightly News Room and the Saturday Night Live Stage. For us it was definitely worth it see the SNL stage in person. The kids were not interested at all. Yet they did great considering. The last part of the tour required two volunteers. Thankfully we were with a vibrant and eager group of teens who quickly jumped at the chance to report the news and weather. A photo op was also on the ticket, but due to technical difficulties we were unable to get a snap shot of our visit. We enjoyed the tour, but I was hoping for a little more.

We decided to walk around Rockefeller Center one more time for an additional photo shot of the Atlas Statue. Within a few steps of reaching our destination, a group of Brooklyn Rap Artists stopped us. They were trying to get their CD out to anyone who would “donate” some money to their cause. Yes, I know, high probability of another scam, but we enjoyed the entertainment and banter… until one of the rappers accidently stained Scott’s brand new WHITE dress shirt with a permanent marker. Even though the man was apologetic, but we were done. Scott decided the cost to clean this (if it would come out) would cancel out their donation requirement. Oh most definitely not! Their personalities changed as they demanded Scott to hand over their music, which had already been autographed personally to our kids. Without any hesitation, Scott returned the CD in disbelief and amazement over what had just conspired. Our joyful mood had been silenced, but not for long. Nothing like a cupcake to uplift your spirit! ;-)

This photos was taken right after our Rap Artist encounter.


The newest addition to the Magnolia Bakery stores is located on one of Rockefeller Center’s corners. Within a few minutes, smiles were placed right back on our faces as we drooled over our confectionary choices.

Scott wanted to change his shirt, so we decided to devour our treats in the comfort of our hotel room. The staff at the Renaissance is amazing. During most of the day, they have the elevators ready and waiting the second you walk into the door. Today was no exception. We joined two men who were already in the lift, one – a hotel staff person, the other – looked a slight bit familiar. Both men immediately noticed our little white box, asking us if it was indeed from Magnolia. They reassured us we had picked another NYC’s finest. I kept looking at the one man thinking… is he a politican or a news broadcaster? Then Scott asks him, “Are you Mike Huckabee?” As the gentleman was saying “Yes”, I for some reason immediately stick out my hand to shake his. The name sounded familiar, but I couldn’t place it. Mr. Huckabee generously allowed us to not only take a photo with him, but to chew his ear off as well. What a really cool guy!!! After the elevator door closed, I quickly asked Scott if he was a politician or broadcaster. Scott chuckled as he said “Both”!! The Huckster’s resume includes being Arkansas’s Governor from 1996 to 2007, host of his own radio and TV show called “The Huckabee Report” and finishing second in the 2008 Republican Presidential Primaries. If Scott hadn’t of been marked by those Rap Artists, we would have missed this opportunity!

Huckabee & Womack: 2012

I can only describe our experience eating Magnolia’s cupcakes as pure delight. Moist, rich cake topped with the most scrumptious icing ever invented. The price for these little cakes of heaven goes from $2.50 and $3.00 a piece. Well worth every single penny!

My talking while eating face. Not very pretty!

Now bouncing off the wall from our sugar high, I still had a quest to finish… to find that Naked Cowboy! We stood out in Times Square for a good 15 to 20 minutes before calling it quits. Our next stop would be Canal Street for some thrifty shopping. Since Scott left our bus tickets in his jacket, we decided to hail a taxi. As we drove past Time Square, guess who was posing for photos?!?! I had missed the barely dressed guitar player by 15 minutes!!! Oh well, I am sure there will be a next time. Due to the location, I did not feel comfortable snapping photos of the Canal Street vendors. Word of advice: Bring cash. That’s all they take. The first store we entered I asked for a certain type of designer purse. Next thing I knew, I was following a stranger to the curb while another man brought me two samples of the purse requested… in a black garbage bag! I made my pick, and Scott made his offer. You know, it really isn’t about the purchase, but the ambience and adventure that makes it so exciting to shop on this street. Scott selected a very cool Jazz hat. Morgan added another necklace to her collection. And Mason saw a toy plane he could not live without. Next stop – LUNCH!

Canal Street

Eating at a New York Deli is a must, must, must! The one we chose is one of the best – Katz Deli. The scene from “When Harry Met Sally” was filmed there. Another word of advice: Bring cash! That’s all they take too! Apparently we stood out like sore thumbs because many of the customers were staring at us. Three people even approached us to ask where we were from. It took awhile, but we were able to place our order and enjoy more of New York’s finest.

Since it was our last night, the Womack Crew set forth on the “Not-So” Night Bus Tour. Before heading to the Double Decker, I tried one more time in search of the elusive Mr. N. Cowboy and again, without success. But we did see Cloris Leachman.

She is best known for playing the nosy, self-centered and manipulative landlady Phyllis Lindstrom on the 1970s TV series The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and later on the spinoff series, Phyllis. She also appeared in three Mel Brooks films, including Young Frankenstein. Leachman was a contestant on Season 7 (2008) of Dancing With The Stars, paired with Corky Ballas.

Thankfully we arrived right as the bus driver was allowing patrons aboard. Yet again, we snagged the coveted upper decker front row seats. We called it the “not-so” night tour due to our departure time being around 6:00 PM. Strong, cold winds forced us to choose the earliest evening tour. This particular journey was not a hop on/ hop off one. We enjoyed a flavorful Brooklyn soul who entertained us with numerous stories of the city. I highly recommend this tour, and if possible waiting till dark!