After four years I consider myself a New Yorker. But then again, I think I always have, regardless of when I actually moved here. And as such, I’m often tempted to embark on “touristy” activities as a fun excursion deeper into a city I adore, and yet I hold off because they’re usually overpriced, likely disappointing and ultimately I’ll just end up feeling like, well, a tourist.
While no other tourist activity is as alluring to this NY-loving, early 30s female as the Sex and the City tour, it is also the one I’ve avoided the longest due to the potential for disappointment. For a person who started watching the series on episode #2 of its original run, the idea of the tour is alluring and yet almost unnecessary because I can point out most of the key locations myself. (Like Onieal’s on Grand Street AKA Scout AKA location of my 30th birthday party.)
But when the very nice people at OnLocation Tours reached out to Girl Around Town about their city tours, I was psyched for the perfect excuse to journey back into the nuances of The Rabbit, Friar F*ck and Alrighty Then.
Let me be clear, the ladies (and yes, this is a 99% female-filled bus) are on this tour to have a good time. 99% of the 99% are visiting from other states and countries, and are amped to not only have their SATC quotient tested with video clips and trivia, but to be chauffeured around the city in an AC-filled coach, dropped at strategic locations like The Pleasure Chest, Buddakhan and given a shopping recess in the West Village. For the Sex novice or aficionado, there is something for everyone, even the guys. (Did I mention Pleasure Chest?)
And if SATC isn’t your thing, other OnLocation tours appeal to entertainment junkies of all stripes; Gossip Girl, Sopranos, sites of New York-centric TV&Film (“Oh, look, they’re filming Law & Order”), and there’s even a Boston version. (Did someone say Cheers?!)
OnLocation Tours
www.screentours.com
212-209-3370
Oh, by the way: While the guests are there to have a good time, so are the tour guides. Led by writers, bloggers and comediennes, the time on the tour is a good one, and ends perfectly with a Cosmo.
Let’s be honest: Not only is there a break for shopping at many of the locations, there are discounts(!) for tour guests to Michael Kors, Fresh, Buddakan, Pleasure Chest. I’m not disclosing which discount I actually redeemed…
Accessorize: …like the girls, obvi.
Rachel Zoe Elle Empire Petal Gown (I’m always envious at how well SJP/Carrie rocks an empire waist dress.)
Topshop Metallic Clean Biker Jacket (Not unlike the one Samantha rocks in her Meatpacking neighborhood)
Presley Skye April Faux Wrap Silk Dress (Similar to Miranda’s many wrap dresses, usually belted.)
Dorothy Perkins Embellished Neck Dress (Like everything Charlotte wears, ever.)
