NEW YORK CITY, NY // TRAVEL GUIDE

12/28/2016

NYC is an ambitious undertaking. The “Greatest City on Earth.” “The City that Never Sleeps.” “The Big Apple.” So many nicknames associated with America’s most populous city. After a pre-Christmas weekend getaway, Hannah and I decided to share our take on the City of New York.

THINGS TO DO :

THE HIGHLINE

In 1934, the Highline was created as a railway to transport goods throughout the city. After many years of operation, demolition plans were abandoned due to passionate petitions by railroad enthusiasts and residents of the highline neighborhood. Today, it serves as a manicured, landscaped park that runs throughout the city. Head to the highline to enjoy a long walk surrounded by beautiful views of the Manhattan jungle.

ROCKEFELLER CENTER

I don’t know if it was the Home Alone nostalgia, but seeing Rockefeller lit up and Christmasy was magical. THE Christmas tree is enormous and lit from every vantage point colorfully. The area is a abuzz with happy spectators and NBC studios ice skating rink is within sight.

Central Park

Quite possibly our favorite NYC attraction. What better place for a stroll? We love to walk, it's no secret, and despite the bitter cold, we enjoyed a jaunt through the city that never sleeps with our brother and sister in law!

Times Square

There is little to be said here..except ELECTRIC. Time Square has an energy (albeit draped in tourism) that is hard to miss! We enjoyed seeing it all a glow at night.

BRYANT PARK

Bryant Park is a perfect picnic spot during any season. A large, lush green lawn is surrounded by quaint bistro tables during a majority of the year. During the winter months, this getaway boasts of small specialty shops, food trucks, and a dreamy ice rink.

The Freedom Tower

The Freedom Tower is difficult to depict using words. It is a somber, unforgettable, emotional experience. We could not help but leave feeling overwhelmed by the implications of that day.

WHERE TO EAT :

BLOCKHEADS BURRITOS

Here’s the thing: we try not to feature “chains” too much, but this NYC only chain (6 locations in the city) is worth mentioning. First, the chips are toasted, golden and fresh for each patron. They are among the best we’ve ever had. Second, the eclectic taco menu will cure hunger for even the most picky of eaters. There are 10 taco options from traditional ground turkey or beef, to mushroom or sauteed spinach or toasted tofu (Hannah strongly recommends the Butternut squash). Beyond that, there are a similarly large variety of quesadillas and burritos. Each lunch special also INCLUDES a margarita. So, for $13 you get 2 tacos, rice, beans, chips, salsa, and a margarita. Can’t beat it in NYC for Mexican food!

GROTTO AZZURRA

Dating back to 1908, this Mulberry Street classic sits in the neighborhood of Little Italy. Little Italy has a large number of fine Italian esteries. For one of the best authentic Italian experiences, head to Grotta Azzurra. Order the Fettuccine Gamberi V. The alfredo sauce was literally the best I’ve ever had and the shrimp were large and juicy. The wait times can be a bit obnoxious on weekends, just an FYI. (Apologies for the poor photo quality. We were tired and HANGRY).

CHELSEA MARKET

If you are with a group and have many people to please, the Chelsea Market should be on your radar. With 20+ places to enjoy lunch or dinner, you can’t go wrong. It feels very true to New York with diverse offerings from across the world. Try Bar Truman for upscale eats. The market also has shops to pass time while waiting for a reservation, which is necessary to escape the brutal NYC winter.

There are many other places to visit in NYC. Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, Chinatown, SoHo...but some of our favorite NYC memories were made stumbling upon "non-attractions" - eclectic food trucks, the Microsoft virtual reality center (on Fifth Ave. A fun, free 15 minute experience for the techy in your group), and many farmers markets (like the market filled with "rugs sent straight from Heaven" (wife quote) picture below). Shoot me a question about what you’re looking for and I’ll be glad to respond with our thoughts on where to head!