Looking for chess ideas for NYC trip

Hi everyone,

Next week, my wife and I are visiting New York City for the first time ever and I was trying to think of some chess related places or activities I could do while I am there (since this is a once in a lifetime visit for me). So far, I was thinking of playing chess at the famous Washington Square Park and also visiting the Marshall Chess Club. 

Is there any other activities I could possibly do as well (such as meeing any famous chess people, taking a live lesson, or visiting a location I hadn't considered)? I won't have ton of free time (my wife is actually having surgery at Mt. Sinai hospital, hence the trip) but was hoping for a few ideas to help take my mind off things. 

Thanks everyone! 

 If you go to Washington Square Park, walk out at the south end of the park and walk a little ways down Thompson Street to The Chess Forum (#219), the last of the several chess shops which used to be in the neighborhood years ago.  It is worth a visit for any chess head.  I went in there on 2 different Saturday afternoons in the last couple of years, and each time saw lots of good quality chess being played at the several tables in the back room.  As I understand it, I saw some titled players, some hustlers, and some ordinary folks.   They also sell chess sets, clocks, books, etc., though a small selection compared to what is available out there on line.  The chess vibe in the place, alone, is worth the trip.

Good luck with your trip. 

Yes...that is the kind of thing I was looking for. Living in rural TN, there is nothing like that anywhere close to here, so picking up the vibes and ambience would be great.....and certainly nothing you can get online or in a video. Thanks for the suggestion!

Glad to help.  I know you said you might be short on time, and I don't know if you will have a car or be cabbing it around the city, but you could do Washington Square Park, The Chess Forum, and the Marshall Chess Club in an afternoon, with time to spare.  I wouldn't walk from the park to the Marshall, though - it's a short drive, but too far to walk.

dont bother going to washington square park it is infested with crack heads and weak chess player begging for money. but if u must go to seee it because of the movie hyped then a quick 1 min visit will do.. a good place for chesss player is bryant park.. its close to time square.. bryant park is on 42 street and  avenue of american.. 

Premier Chess is now offering New York City Chess Tours. We will share the game of chess and all the NYC chess sites, including, but not limited to, The Marshall Chess Club, Washington Square Park, Union Square Park, and the Chess Checker House in new York. We will do a lesson in one of the spots and tour the rest. 

Guests will gain experience this tour from someone who is a born and raised New Yorker, National Chess Master and Active Teacher. 

For more information about Premier Chess or to book tour, see www.premierchess.com or www.facebook.com/premierchess.