I went on the Sex and the City tour in Manhattan and learned LOTS of juicy behind-the-scenes secrets

As a lifelong fan of Sex and the City, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia when recalling the episode that almost took place at the Intrepid Museum. The Fleet Week episode, with its sailor-filled scenes and breast-baring antics, is etched in my memory like the grooves on an old vinyl record.

One of HBO’s most enduringly popular TV series ever made is undeniably Sex and the City, which, more than two decades after its debut, still strikes a chord with women globally, particularly its central character Carrie Bradshaw.

For six seasons, the romantic comedy drama series titled “Carrie’s Column” unfolds the story of Carrie, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, a newspaper columnist, and her three closest friends: Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall), Charlotte York (Kristin Davis), and Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon). The series delves into their hectic lives, including their experiences with love, dating, careers, and the ups and downs they face along the way.

In addition to offering an insightful perspective on dating through a woman’s lens, this show can be seen as a heartfelt ode to New York City. This is evident in the numerous hours the cast, featuring Chris Noth as Mr. Big and Willie Garson as Stanford Blatch, spent filming iconic scenes across Manhattan’s streets.

It’s not surprising that the Sex and the City Hotspots Tour continues to be popular, as avid fans routinely board a bus to revisit significant locations scattered throughout New York City and reminisce about memorable scenes from the series – such as the street where Carrie lost her Manolo Blahnik heels and Fendi Baguette in season three.

In addition to the 94 episodes of the series, On Location Tours also recognizes the first Sex and the City film, which hit theaters in 2008 and raked in an impressive global box office revenue exceeding $415 million.

For nearly two decades, I’ve been an ardent admirer of Sex and the City. When the opportunity presented itself to explore the Hotspots Tour, I eagerly seized it. It was undeniably an exceptional method to commemorate a year spent living and working in the city that perpetually stays awake.

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Over and over again, I’ve seen this TV show, and let me tell you, it seems safe to assert that my vast Sex and the City expertise left our guide, along with other dedicated viewers, quite astounded.

In the vicinity of the Pulitzer Fountain, located at the front of the Plaza Hotel along Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue, we encountered Amanda Levy, a New York-based actress. This very fountain was prominently displayed in the season finale of Ex and the City, specifically when Carrie Bradshaw exchanged a few words with her former boyfriend, Mr. Big, during his engagement party day.

Meanwhile, the distinguished five-star hotel had made an appearance in a previous episode from season two. This was when Samantha formed a friendship with an affluent 72-year-old, sharing drinks with Donald Trump – the owner of the Plaza Hotel during that period.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t take a brief tour of the hotel due to our need to settle onto the tour bus. Right after we did, Amanda didn’t hesitate to share intricate details that a devoted Sex and the City fan would value, along with hints about the filming locations we’d encounter as we journeyed downtown on Fifth Avenue.

Among the initial locations highlighted were the high-end retailer Bergdorf Goodman, frequently featured in multiple shopping sequences during the series, as well as in the 2010 release of the second Sex and the City film.

In another setting, it’s the ice cream parlor where Miranda discloses her pregnancy with Steve Brady’s child during season four. Noteworthy, however, is the New York Public Library, a location significant because it was where Mr. Big left a devastated Carrie at their wedding on the big screen in the first Sex and the City film.

Audience will recall that Carrie pleads with her companions, ‘please get me out of this place!’, and subsequently, they depart in their limousine. However, before the scene ends, Mr. Big experiences a change of mind and commands his chauffeur to ‘reverse course’, even though they were traveling on a one-way road.

In actuality, a two-way interaction occurs in reality between the two luxury cars, but for dramatic effect, they were portrayed as passing each other. When Carrie exits the vehicle and accidentally hits her lover with her bouquet of flowers, a crowd of real New Yorkers gathered to observe the developing spectacle on the street.

On our Sex and the City tour, the initial significant spot we visited was reminiscent of the first movie – a distinctive Asian eatery named Buddakan, positioned at 75 9th Avenue.

In a previous scenario, I had the privilege of dining at an opulent restaurant – a venue that served as the backdrop for Carrie and Big’s pre-wedding dinner in their series. Remarkably, this event unfolded on the eve when fate dealt a cruel hand, with Big choosing to call off their wedding, and it was also the evening when Miranda voiced her skepticism about his decision to tie the knot by labeling him ‘crazy’.

After examining the vast dining table in the restaurant’s basement, bringing to mind Miranda’s past error, our journey continued with another ride on the bus, passing through the bustling Meatpacking District.

In the third season, Samantha relocated to a stylish part of Manhattan, known for its modern architecture. Here, she resided in a spacious, loft-like apartment. Later on, she encountered some conflicts with her transgender neighbors during late-night hours.

In the surrounding neighborhood and nearby Chelsea, you’ll find numerous eateries that have been featured in films. One of these restaurants was where Carrie, the protagonist, went on a memorable first date with Willie Applegate (played by Wallace Langham). This date took an unexpected turn when a pigeon landed on Willie’s head, causing him and the table to topple over due to his ensuing anger.

Let’s reminisce together about the past, and delve deeper into some fascinating backstage tales from my Sex and the City tour experience. Enjoy the ride!

Sarah Jessica Parker was on set filming season five when she decided to take a real-life pregnancy test 

It’s well-known that Sarah was pregnant with her son while filming season five, but what fans may not be aware of is that she discovered she was pregnant on the job.

In early 2002, the actress, who has been married to Matthew Broderick (star of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off) since 1997, was shooting the opening scene for season five’s premiere episode at The Paris Theater on 58th street. It’s said that she began feeling ill during this filming.

As our tour guide explained, Sarah requested her assistant to quickly run to a nearby drugstore (Duane Reade) to buy a pregnancy test for her. To everyone’s surprise, the result was positive.

During the production of season five, both the costume team and camera crew were challenged with discreetly hiding Sarah’s expanding belly, which ultimately led to the truncated release of the season, containing just eight episodes.

Bette Midler, known for her role in Hocus Pocus, welcomed her son James on October 28, 2002. In May 2003, she resumed filming for the sixth and last season of Sex and the City. She is also a mother to twin girls, Tabitha and Marion, who were born via surrogate in June 2009.

During our tour, a striking outdoor scene showcased Miranda telling Carrie that she is carrying Steve’s child on 23rd and Madison streets. This poignant moment from the series stood out to us.

When Carrie shows up and offers her apologies for being tardy, Miranda responds with a witty remark, “Guess who’s been three weeks overdue?” She then mentions their filming spot by stating, “That’s why I requested our meeting at this far-off corner of 23rd Street. Let me tell you, it feels like the very depths of Hades down here!”

The real reason why Charlotte quit her job at the gallery – and it had nothing to do with trying for a baby

In the fourth season’s seventh episode, Charlotte shares with her friends over brunch that she’s resigning from her role at the gallery, following a suggestion from her husband, Trey MacDougal (Kyle MacLachlan).

The conversation becomes slightly uncomfortable at the table, as Miranda struggles to hold back her views and Carrie wonders if Charlotte is merely experiencing a tough time at work.

Yet, surprisingly, the woman from Park Avenue claims she wishes to resign, intending to devote time to redecorating her home, attempting pregnancy, and assisting at Trey’s hospital. However, it appears that this unexpected turn of events has a completely unrelated motivation behind it.

To put it simply, the significant shift in the season four plot was due to Louis K. Meisel, the actual proprietor of the SoHo gallery, asking for an excessively high fee for granting us permission to film on his premises.

Initially, HBO proposed a deal to Meisel where they would pay him $10,000 for filming at his gallery. However, Meisel made it clear that he wouldn’t accept anything less than $18,000, and surprisingly enough, the network agreed to this amount.

When they asked about a second season, they proposed a payment of $18,000 to Meisel, but he told HBO that he would only accept at least $28,000. In the end, they consented to his terms.

In the next year, they asked Meisel about a deal worth $28,000, but he had raised his price to $37,000. HBO refused this time, and instead, they altered Charlotte’s plotline.

Carrie’s fabulous apartment isn’t really on the Upper East Side – and the entryway is actually in Queens

Carrie’s Upper East Side apartment, renowned for its spacious walk-in wardrobe and dual bathroom entries, is likely one of the most well-known homes depicted on TV.

On our tour, the second notable spot we visited was 66 Perry Street in Greenwich Village, a location that draws crowds daily for a photo opportunity at the iconic staircase associated with Carrie.

Instead, it should be noted that these scenes where the exterior shots of the show were captured are where Carrie exchanged numerous kisses, such as her initial one with Aidan Shaw (John Corbett), who grumbled about tasting the lingering smoke from her recent cigarette.

It turns out that the previously unseen entranceway of Carrie’s apartment, which was filmed indoors on a different set, was shot in reverse.

Instead of the apartment on Perry Street’s doorway’s left side, you’ll find the actual first-floor apartment on its right.

Instead, the show constructed Carrie’s foyer on a stage in Astoria, Queens, popularly known as ‘Actoria’, due to its affordability and popularity among actors for residence.

Prior to the airing of “And Just Like That” in December 2021, viewers hadn’t previously been given a glimpse into Carrie’s apartment entrance or the layout of its hallway.

Steve Brady and Aidan Shaw’s bar Scout wasn’t really on Mulberry Street – but it was in lower Manhattan

One possibility for paraphrasing could be: The most enjoyable spot on the Sex and the City tour for me was where I indulged in a delicious Cosmopolitan, being the signature drink that Carrie prefers.

As a devoted follower, I chose to accompany Amanda on a visit to O’Neal’s Grand Street, a bar nestled in lower Manhattan. This very spot served as the filming location for the iconic bar, Scout, featured in “Sex and the City.”

In the fourth season, it becomes known to fans that Carrie and Miranda’s former partners are joining forces to establish a bar on Mulberry Street – a venture they will run together.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but appreciate the significance of Mulberry Street, especially when our beloved Carrie chooses to drop by the local bar. Her intention? To offer a potted Mulberry bush as a thoughtful gift and an earnest apology for missing the grand opening. What a charming gesture!

Instead, they even placed a makeshift street sign near the building, leading people to believe it was located on Mulberry Street, while in reality, it stands at 174 Grand Street.

True fans of Sex and the City should undoubtedly indulge in a $19 Cosmopolitan at this spot, for it’s the classic mahogany bar where Carrie and Steve had a quick chat. Here, Steve reveals that he was the one who invited her, not Aidan.

After completing our drinks, we left the bar through the side entrance – the very spot where Carrie chatted with Aidan during Scout’s premiere, concluding with him giving her a piece of cake.

A stand-out episode of SATC was almost filmed at the Intrepid Museum – but it wasn’t meant to be

Enthusiasts of Sex and the City often recall the Fleet Week episode from the series, marking the start of season five. This is the episode where Sarah Jessica Parker’s character chose to take a pregnancy test.

As a longtime fan of “Sex and the City,” I must say that this episode stands out as one of the most memorable for me due to its unique blend of humor, drama, and unexpected moments. What makes it particularly striking is the daring decision to depict three of the main characters, Miranda, Samantha, and Charlotte, baring their breasts in separate scenes. Having followed these characters through various aspects of their lives over the years, I found this scene to be a bold and refreshing departure from the usual narrative. It showcased the women’s confidence and willingness to embrace their bodies in a way that felt genuine and empowering. In my opinion, it was a daring move that added an extra layer of depth to these complex characters and made the episode all the more unforgettable.

The story centers on Fleet Week, an event where naval vessels that have been recently active in foreign missions temporarily anchor in several significant urban areas for a full week.

HBO wanted to capture a lively party setting, featuring Carrie, Charlotte, and Samantha, who are spending a night out amidst sailors at The Intrepid Museum – an iconic aircraft carrier located at the intersection of 42nd Street and the Hudson River.

On the other hand, it was among the few locations that declined the chance, stating their belief that it could potentially damage their standing.

In the discussed sequence, it was eventually captured on camera in bustling Times Square, featuring a group of actors portraying sailors. The narrative concludes with Carrie displaying a sense of disappointment when a sailor named Louis voices some unfavorable opinions about New York City.

As Carrie makes her way home from a quiet Times Square late at night, she offers another gentle nod of gratitude to the city and muses: ‘If Louis was correct and each person has only one profound love, New York might be mine, and I won’t tolerate anyone disparaging my boyfriend.’

Absolutely, several spots from the show no longer exist because restaurants and watering holes have shuttered, but many others remain intact and are certainly worth checking out.

Tickets for the Sex and the City Hotspots tour cost $66 per person and include a tasty red velvet cupcake from the actual Magnolia Bakery on Bleecker Street, which is the exact location where Carrie told Miranda about her new ‘crush’ Aidan in season three.

During your visit, you’ll have an opportunity to walk in Carrie Bradshaw’s shoes, quite literally, as the tour includes a stop at Sarah Jessica Parker’s shoe store located on Bleecker Street. Not only that, but you’ll receive a discount when making purchases there, and guess what’s right across the street? Boyar Gifts, where you can find SATC merchandise!

Carrie once mentioned that year after year, young women around their twenties flock to New York City in pursuit of two key elements: Labels and Love. However, a more enjoyable experience for any Sex and the City fan visiting NYC should be the On Locations Hotspots Tour – trust me, it won’t disappoint!

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2024-08-10 15:36