Vintage subway plus Lower Midtown marvels

We'll start by taking a short ride to Midtown on a subway train from the 1930s, with wicker seats, overhead fans, real straps for straphangers, vintage ads and conductors, and possibly a jazz band on the platform. Don't be late: The train leaves at noon!
EXIT THE TRAIN AT 42ND STREET AND REJOIN THE GROUP AT THE FRONT END OF THE PLATFORM.

Then we'll tour the unexpectedly beautiful, intriguing places in the east 30s and 40s in Manhattan (far from the maddening crowds in the 50s), including a "Christmas village" at Bryant Park (if not too crowded); the elegant Midtown library, featuring its treasures and 100 years of the New Yorker; a holiday train show, winter gifts fair and elegant vintage clothing bazaar at Grand Central; stunning architectural details; possibly the largest gem and mineral store in the world; lunch at a big food court, and more!

LUNCH: Buy it or bring your own at Vanderbilt Food Court.

Transportation: F train to 2nd Ave. Google MTA service changes for Saturday changes on your lines.

COST: $1 for me, to help cover meetup's $360 annual organizer fee