Manhattan NY: NY Chapter, Holiday Caminito

Are you interested in a little holiday cheer and fresh air? The NYC Chapter of the American Pilgrims on the Camino (APOC) will again take a walk along 5th Avenue to enjoy the holiday windows display, this time including holiday markets and a nostalgic train ride. Join your local pilgrim family for an approximately 3-mile/4-hour walk/ride, with the option of ending for tapas at the Little Spain Mercado.

What possibilities we have in this Caminito: The windows along 5th Avenue tend to include a number of over-the-top fantastic displays. We will interweave the window viewing with short visits to three of the holiday markets, where you can buy snacks or small gifts or just enjoy the energetic crowded environment. A short walk will take us to the nostalgic train ride, featuring train cars from several decades and the usual Cosplay riders, back to 34th Street. We will have a few restroom/snack stops, with the main lunch being at the end if you so choose to continue to the Mercado at Little Spain. Bring money to treat yourself or make gift purchases. By the time we leave the Mercado, it will be dark and we will have the spectacle of the lit Vessel.

When: Sunday, December 14.
Meeting Spot: Deutsche Center entrance lobby, Columbus Circle at 59th St.
Meeting Time: 11:30 AM, Starts on time at 11:45. Allow enough time.
Weather influence: Severe weather will cancel. I will let you know by 7:00 AM day of.
RSVP: Please offer the courtesy of an RSVP to NewYorkCity@americanpilgrims.org

How to get there: The #1 and A/B/C/D trains. Check Sunday schedules and scheduled changes on the MTA website.

How to get back: The main walk will be linear, so if you are driving to NYC (Heavens!), plan with someone so you can leave your car near 34th Street somewhere or catch the D/F/N/Q or Path at Herald Square. The optional part also will be linear, with a 1.5 mile walk to the Mercado. The #7 train is nearby or walk back to Moynihan Station for the 1/2/3 or A/C/E or NJT or Amtrak.

Bring: The usual winter essentials such as water, snacks, perhaps lunch, weather-appropriate layered clothing, comfortable walking shoes and cash. This is an urban walk, with some indoors and some outdoors time, so be aware of the varying degrees of warmth and cold. Bring a MetroCard or OMNY card and have it loaded before we descend to the holiday train, which leaves on schedule at 2:00. Optional Holiday or 40s, 50s, or other early decade attire.

Leave Home: Animals, children too young to keep up in the crowds

Restrooms: Plan to arrive early to use the facilities in the Deutsche Center (second floor) while waiting for the group. Two or three options along the route.

Expected walking conditions: Mostly flat, some uneven sidewalks, crowds, train stairs both up and down. Check weather the morning of. Cold rain the day before might mean ice, so choose your shoes well.

Hike Leader: Gina Marten-Miller. Text DAY OF ONLY (347-842-5452). Otherwise reply to the email below.