Spots: Midtown Manhattan — Theater District / Times Square Area

Spot: The Grace plaza was re-done in 2011, and even though it does not have the famous five-stair ledge that has been on a magazine cover or two, the new version is ten times of a better spot. The ground is smooth grey stone, and the entire southern wall of the plaza is lined with black marble benches leading all the way to the four/five set into Sixth Avenue. The ledges are set up in a way that makes it possible to gap onto the middle rectangular block off the regular benches. There’s also a long marble ledge on the opposite side of the photography center entrance, and obviously the much lower-than-it-used-to-be ledge over the main set of stairs, which is only frontside for regular / backside for goofy.

Read the part dealing with the bus factor and all of this will seem a lot less exciting.

Bust — ♦♦♦♦♦ / Almost Immediate: Since this is a newly renovated plaza, there is a guard outside at all times, either sitting on the picnic benches or walking in circles waiting to hear a skateboard or give people directions to Times Square. Your chances of skating here depend solely on luck and/or your proficiency with espionage and creating diversions.

Location: Sixth Avenue in between 42nd Street and 43rd Street. Take the B, D, F or 7 to 42nd Street-Bryant Park and the spot is half a block away, if not right outside depending on which exit you come out of.

Pictures (Click to Enlarge):