“In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made, oh
There’s nothing you can’t do, now you’re in New York
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you, let’s hear it for New York
New York, New York”
-Jay-Z – Empire State Of Mind | MetroLyrics
NYC. The Big Apple. The city that never sleeps. The concrete jungle. New freaking York!
I recently just dipped my toe in the wonderful world of New York City. I have always said that Chicago is “my city”, but now I’m saying that New York is also “my city.” Heck, I even gave a couple of tourists directions!
My two friends, Katy and Charity, were kind enough to embark on a weekend whirlwind quick-as-lightening tour of New York City, Vanessa-style. The moment the three of us made the split decision to go to New York City for a weekend, we turned into giddy school girls anytime anyone mentioned New York City! I would walk around the office where the three of us work together singing that song by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, “New York State of Mind (In New York)”.
I wasn’t expecting New York to be like a scene out of Gossip Girl or like a musical number from Glee. I really wasn’t expecting it to be anything but what it was… New York City, plain and simple, full of excess, speeding taxis, tourists, and pure excitement!
Everyone should, nay – MUST, experience NYC. One weekend was not enough, but I think a full week would cover all the highlights and give a tourist a well-rounded NYC experience. We went Jan. 10-12, and the moment we landed and were ushered into our wonderful host’s car, my wide-eyed expression and oohs and aahs from the back seat were genuine! Our host, Karis, quickly ushered us from her apartment to the subway on Dittmar. She gave us directions to the Water Taxi stand at Pier 16. We literally speed-walked from the subway to Pier 16, with myself about ten paces ahead of Katy and Charity. We were glad to get on the water taxi because it was cold outside.
One bit of advise on the water taxi ride, there are other boats and water taxis in the water and you literally ride over their wakes, making the water taxi bob up and down, so you might want to take a Dramamine prior to going on a water taxi.
After the water taxi ride, we were starving, so we tucked into the Open Door GastroPub on John Street (between Pearl and Cliff) for a quick bite to eat. Feeling the excitement of actually being in NYC, I decided to celebrate and partake of an adult beverage, which I do very rarely (maybe once or twice a year), and had my arse handed to me in a tasty peach/mango fruit flip. Needless to say, it slowed me down.
So in our short time in the city, here is what we experienced:
1.) The Subway… a truly great experience; crowded at times, but interesting… Including a guy who smelled nice!
2.) The New York Water Taxi… great tour guide, very knowledgeable; although it was foggy when we went on Friday afternoon, we still saw the 9/11 Memorial, the World Trade Center, the Statue of Liberty, and the Brooklyn Bridge.
3.) Brooklyn Nets vs Miami Heat basketball game.
4) Tasty’s in Astoria for breakfast… Elektra was da’ Bomb!
5) A Broadway show… Mamma Mia! I wasn’t going to go to a show because I said that there is too much to see and do, but I’m so glad we put that on our “to-do” list.
6) Times Square and Broadway!
7) Rockefeller Center and Top of the Rock… can’t miss the 360-degree view that this beautiful building has to offer, especially since the clouds had parted and gave us a beautiful night-time view of the city and the Empire State Buildling!
8) New York pizza, which we later realized was a mistake… don’t ask…
9) Laduree’s macaroons… OMG delicious, especially the salted caramel… Yummy!
10) Tiffany’s… Purchased my birthday present from there… A lovely pair of sterling silver button earrings. Thanks to my husband for the gift!
11) Central Park… Even thought it was chilly and windy on Sunday morning, it was worth seeing just a little of this beautiful park.
Whenever I return to New York City, I will plan to stay a couple of more days so I can actually check a few more things off my “NYC to-do” list. I would love to attend a taping of SNL and the Jimmy Fallon Show; tour Radio City Music Hall; Tour NBC studios; see Les Miserables on Broadway; eat more cheesecake at Junior’s; and see more of Central Park.
Until then, I will cherish the wonderful memories of my time in NYC! Photobombed by my friends…
Wondering how long it will take Simon & Schuster to call me for a book deal.
Again, if you have the opportunity to go to New York City, do it! You’ll never forget it!
Have a great day!