S43R - Thank you for you response! Very helpful! I think I will plan our route to include some stays closer to our outings.

How far in advance can I buy train tickets at the counter? Can I show up the first day and buy tickets for the next couple of days all at once?

I know that we will probably need to get a taxi at least one point in our trip but it is foreign concept and a bit scary to me with the fear of being ripped off. I have never ridden in a taxi before in my life. I have visited NYC for a week two different times but managed to use only buses and subways for transportation.

Thanks again!