Once Upon A Time in New York City...
In November 2015, my friend and I decided to take a trip to New York City for Thanksgiving. It all came together very quickly. She posted a status on Facebook, asking what she should do for her Thanksgiving break. She tossed around the idea of going somewhere and threw out New York City to visit her brother.
Completely out of character for me, I sent her a text, and asked her about it.
Not even an hour later, we were booking our trip - buying plane tickets and making plans for what to do while we were there.
I’d just graduated earlier in the year and was only working part-time. I’d also gone through a breakup earlier in the year. But being in my early 20s, I was really just craving adventure and wanted to go somewhere. I’d always wanted to visit New York and everything lined up so I could go.
We were gone a week and squeezed in as much as we could from shows and ferry rides to restaurants and lights that Manhattan has to offer. It also helped that we were able to stay with my friend’s brother, who lived in the Financial District, and able to get around to Upper and Lower Manhattan easily by the subway.
It was a trip of a lifetime! While I wish I'd journaled more about everything I did, I did take plenty of photos and some video. But, for the most part, I was completely in the moment and that was best of all.
Things to See/Do
Empire State Building
This was one of the first major attractions we saw upon arriving in the city. Mandy's brother was able to get us in to the Empire State Building, so we were able to bypass most of the line and go straight to the top, other than the security line, of course. I guess I never really imagined much about what the inside would look like or how I would get to the top, so it was weird going through lines and taking multiple elevators to reach the final destination.
Once outside, the wind nearly knocked us over with the cold. We were bundled up, but still shaking from the chilly air. And honestly, I've never felt more alive. We walked around a little, I FaceTimed my parents and we took it all in. We could see Madison Square Garden, some of the setup for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade happening later that week, where the other stadiums were and so much more. It was like having a front row seat to everything I'd always seen on TV and dreamed of seeing in person for years, even though, I was still far away.
We went inside and talked to one of the security guards for a few minutes, trying to thaw out, because being Californians, as nice as the weather was by their standards, we were FREEZING. He was like, "this is nothin', you should have been here last winter." We were like, "Yeah, no, thanks. This is good."
You can find out more about pricing, exhibits and experiences offered at their website.
NBC Studio Tour
I'm a sucker for a studio tour and of course, I had to see 30 Rock in all of its glory. It's legendary and where so many greats got their start. However, if I remember correctly, we either mixed up the date or slept through our tour. We went to NBC to see if we could switch to another and ended up getting Thanksgiving Day. But, we decided to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Needless to say, we did not get to take the tour. However, they do have a nice gift shop experience, where you can buy souvenirs from your favorite NBC shows, like The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon or The Today Show. At the time, they also had the famous chair from "The Voice" you could sit in or behind the desk, like you were an anchor on "The Today Show." I got all the feels just looking at everything, knowing I was only moments away from TV show history.
If you want to take the the tour, you can buy tickets from their website.
The Today Show - Plaza
In my opinion, no trip to NYC is complete without a stop by Today. If I remember correctly, we stayed up all night, because we had to arrive at the Today Show Plaza by 4 a.m., or some other ridiculous time. We bundled up with our thermals, scarves, gloves, and feet warmer packets to block out the cold. It helped, but when you're sitting on a sidewalk at 4 a.m. in New York City at the end of November, I don't think there's much that helps. We waited awhile before they let us in, then gave us some SWAG (yay for Shop Small Saturday promotional gear) and posters to write down what we were celebrating. I wrote down that it was my first time visiting New York City. They picked us to record a message for the show, but unfortunately, I don't think we had enough energy, because they didn't put us in. What can I say? It was cold, we hadn't slept all night and I hadn't had coffee.
Essentially, they film just like you see it on TV. They did a couple segments outside with the gang and after, they stuck around to mingle with the crowd. Natalie Morales was/is my favorite on the show, and I was lucky enough to get a selfie with her. Although it took a few tries because my hands were having trouble hitting the button, because they were practically frozen solid. HA! I also saw Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, Matt Lauer and Tamron Hall. I also saw the Property Brothers who did a segment on the show, as well.
It was one of the best experiences and a bucket list item for me. Although, I don't know if I would wait in the cold again, unless someone I REALLY like was going to be there. I also didn't realize how small the plaza would be! TV makes it look much larger. It was so exciting to be in the middle of the action and see what it takes to make one of the best morning shows happen daily.
If you want to get tickets to the plaza, visit their website, here.
Top of the Rock
If you don't do the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock is the next best thing. Or a great alternative! It's not as tall and you can get excellent photos of the entire city. We went right after the Today Show taping to avoid the crowd and having to backtrack later on, because it would be busier. All along the walls are the history of the building process and a timeline of what it took to be built. Before you know it, you have a view of Central Park, the Empire State Building and the rest of New York City. It wasn't as crowded to get photos and was easier, since it was daylight. I was, once again, in awe of the view in front of me.
After we were done outside, we decided to take the elevators back down. Inside, there's a fun light up platform area that you can stand on, jump on, dance around, and the light follows wherever. It kept us entertained for awhile.
You can purchase tickets, here.
Central Park
Central Park was a dream. It was just as picturesque as it looks in the movies. Plus, it was the day before Thanksgiving and everything just felt all warm and fuzzy. My dad and I have this tradition of either going to a park or bike riding on Thanksgiving, and if I couldn't do it with him, then at least I was in NYC living it up.
One thing I didn't account for prior to getting there, was how spread out everything is from one another. Unless you want to spend a couple days in the park, it's best to narrow down to the top things you want to see and figure out how far away from each other they are. I wanted to see the bridge from the Disney movie, "Enchanted," as well as the boathouse and just have time to have a leisurely stroll and see what we could find. If I lived there, I would spend most of my time at this park, because there's always something new to see or a new person to run into. Somehow, even being smack dab in the middle of one of the largest cities, it was peaceful and serene. The perfect escape from your everyday life.
Times Square
One of the most recognizable spots of New York City is Times Square. It's the hub of entertainment and so much more! We spent a little time there before our Broadway show, as well as on Thanksgiving night when we were trying to find a piano/karaoke bar that was open. We shopped in some of the souvenir stores and bought more things at Forever 21. You can feel the energy of the city here, for sure. It almost seems fake as you stand in the center and look around at all of the bright neon electronic boards. It is a fun place to see, especially if it is your first time in the city.
Broadway Show - Wicked
Did you even go to NYC if you didn't go to a Broadway show? Just kidding, of course you did. But, it is one of those things that makes New York what it is. I love theater and productions, so I was excited to see anything, but I'd always wanted to see Wicked. It was EVERYTHING. I now understand why it is one of the longest-running shows. Because everything about it is perfect - the music, the characters, the storyline...All of it. It was the perfect show to see for that time in my life especially. I listened to the soundtrack nonstop when I got home.
After the show ended, we waited by the stage door to meet the cast members. I got my Playbill signed and was able to get pictures with all of them, too. Another incredible experience. Everyone was so friendly and chatted with those waiting to meet them! It was freezing, but it was worth it!
To find out which shows are playing and to buy tickets, you can find them on the Broadway website, https://www.broadway.com/.
United Nations
We took a tour of the United Nations, which was fascinating! To know that so many world leaders had stood in that very spot was SO cool. We got to learn a little about the history of the United Nations and what they're all about, along with getting to see the General Assembly Hall and Security Council Chamber, where so many important meetings have taken place. Even if you aren't interested in politics, it's an informative stop.
To purchase tour tickets, visit the United Nations website.
Bloomingdales/Shopping on Fifth Avenue
During the holiday season, Fifth Avenue windows are decked to the nines with window displays. It's an event to walk down the street and see the designer windows decorated with the latest displays and holiday decor. Bloomingdales is just the same. It's an event to spend the day there, and an event it was. My family also has a tradition of getting a special ornament when we go on a trip. So we spent a lot of time looking for just the right one, and of course, they put it in a famous little brown bag.
Friends Apartment Building
I am a HUGE Friends fan! While in New York, I had to find some of the film locations that had been used in my favorite TV shows and movies, but this was number one! It took a bit of time to get there, between subways and walking a few blocks, but we made it and it was worth it to me. It was also one of the cutest neighborhoods we walked through - the kind that you would see in a chick flick or one of the exterior shots for a TV show...Whaddya know?
9/11 Memorial
Technically, a "museum," but the most somber of its kind. I was in fourth grade when the towers fell down. I remember, as all Americans do, what I was doing that morning. It wasn't just another Tuesday. You think as a child that it will make more sense when you're older, but it doesn't. You can't make sense of hate. I didn't take many pictures, because it just didn't feel right. The 9/11 Memorial is just that - a memorial, paying tribute to those who didn't make it, especially knowing the history of that day. Watching the videos, hearing the voicemails and seeing the images on the ground where the towers collapsed was something powerful that stayed with me for awhile after we left and isn't something I've forgotten, even though the trip was several years ago. One thing is for sure, we all became New Yorkers that day. They did a beautiful job of honoring the lives that were lost and telling the story of that day.
Battery Row Park/Carousel
Battery Row was near my friend's brother's house, where we were staying all week, so I got to know that area very well. From his apartment patio, I could see the edge of One World Trade, since it was in the Financial District. I got a real feel for what it was like to live in the city, like something out of a Taylor Swift song or an episode of Friends. It was near the water, Battery Park and the coolest carousel I have ever seen in my life. We'd walk over there some nights and the view was just stunning every time. We also took a ride on the sea glass carousel, which was a decent ride and gorgeously sculpted.
^ This isn't my photo. It's from TripAdvisor - most of my pics didn't come out this clear.
Macy's
Don't forget to make a stop at Macy's, the World's Largest Store! Again, another event during the holidays, because all around it's like a winter wonderland of decorations and Santa's Toy Shop. You can also take a ride on one of the oldest wooden escalators. If you're in town for the Macy's Parade, you can also pick up merchandise of the parade, like mugs, bags, sweatshirts and more. Carve out at least an hour or two to wander the store and its multiple levels.
FOOD
When friends and family see posts about certain restaurants and such in New York City, they'll ask me if I ate there. More often than not, it's a 'no.' Honestly, for as many restaurants there are in New York, I might have tried about three major restaurants. The rest was a lot of snacking here and there, and a McDonald's in Times Square.
The Bowery Restaurant - Thanksgiving Dinner
My friend's brother picked out a special place for our Thanksgiving dinner. This happened to be a place where Justin Bieber and other celebrities frequented. It was definitely one of the swankiest restaurants I've ever been to, like something you'd see in an opening scene of a rom com, where the girl thinks the guy is going to propose but doesn't. There was mood lighting, good food and great company. There was turkey, cranberry sauce, vegetables and an assortment of desserts to choose from. The one thing we didn't get and remembered when we got back to the apartment? Mashed potatoes. Our Thanksgiving was not complete. Just kidding. But, it was a great memory.
Food Carts
While in NYC, you have to at least try one of the food carts, whether it's a hot dog stand or churro cart. We had pretzels one night while walking around near 30 Rock and grabbed a churro in Central Park.
Serendipity
^ Again, not my photo. It didn't come out that great at night. This is from Wikipedia.
Alright, technically, we didn't get to eat at Serendipity. We tried on Thanksgiving night, after our big feast, but after taking a train and walking a couple blocks, they were already closed. I was just excited because it was obviously the Serendipity used from the movie with John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale. Very cute, if you haven't seen it before.
Other Food
Obviously, in a place like New York, there won't be a shortage of food options. We went to many pubs and such for drinks and appetizers in various places around the city. We also had the best Dutch Baby and breakfast pizza and truffle fries... and a couple other dishes at one of the cutest restaurants in the Financial District area and a lobster roll elsewhere in the city. So good and filling. Dining in New York City
Bonus Attractions
Since it was the beginning of the holiday season, there were special events and activities in the city, that might not be there, depending on what time of the year you decide to book your trip.
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
Every year for as long I can remember, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a staple in our family. It's the thing I've based my Thanksgiving holidays around (just kidding...kind of). It was another night of not much sleep, so we could take the subway over to the parade route and find a spot very early on before it started. We lined up on Avenue of the Americas. We were afraid it was going to be insane, and while there were a lot of people, it was very organized and we felt safe the entire time. The NYPD does an incredible job of watching out for everyone. Sometimes parades can be a bit boring waiting for the next float, but this wasn't like that. Everyone kept the energy the entire time and we were filled with anticipation for the next float or performer that rode by.
I've never had more fun, sitting on a sidewalk in the cold in a crowd full of people, than I did waiting for the balloons of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. We really did all come together and just enjoy the parade. No one was pushing or shoving, everyone helped each other out. It was quite the magical Thanksgiving. Somehow watching the parade on TV just isn't the same now.
The Radio City Rockettes Show
The Rockettes are another staple of New York City. This was smackdab in the middle of another incredibly busy day, so we were starting to fall asleep before it started (and possibly a little at the beginning). But, stepping foot in Radio City Music Hall was an experience in itself. Chandeliers hanging from the ceilings and walking through the door to the auditorium. It's one of the most beautiful stories, walking us through what the holidays can do to us with all the chaos and the birth of Christ, and of course, the dancers bring it all together with their holiday cheer.
Ice Skating in Rockefeller Center
This had been a bucket list item for me for as long as I can remember. Every year, I would watch the tree lighting ceremony on NBC with my parents. Everyone always looked like they were having the time of their life and that they were in their own New York City Christmas movie. After having done it myself, I can honestly say that's what it feels like. The late night skating didn't start until 11 or 11:30 at night. But, they had the Christmas tunes going and the chilly air to wake us up.
You can find out more about the holiday skating, packages and making reservations on the website for The Rink at Rockefeller. The skating rink is currently closed for the season, but will open again in October.
Transportation
New York is a very large place and getting around can be tricky. The best options are taking the subway (get a Metrocard if you're planning to stay for a week or longer), grabbing an Uber or Taxi, and ferry rides, if you're going to Staten Island and/or Brooklyn.
The Streets of NYC
You can see so much of the city just by walking from one spot to the next, whether it's something decorative of the street, Brownstone apartments, flower stands, Grand Central Station, setting up for the Today Show or other art painted on the street. There's magic all in the air. Make sure you carve out some time to just walk the streets and see what happens.
***
New York City is a world of its own. It’s no wonder they call it the City That Never Sleeps - We didn’t sleep much on the trip, as we were always on the go. The energy, the attractions, the food, the people. Everything was like out of a movie. It was the first thing that opened my eyes to travel and adventures beyond my little corner of the world that I'd always known. It made me long for life out there and made me feel like I was the heroine in a romantic comedy, you know, just without the meet cute with a leading man in a bookstore or coffee shop. But, I could easily see why so many movies have used NYC as their backdrop and how it has inspired so many songs. It's a special place.
While I did a lot, I came home feeling like I could have easily spent another week there, because there was still plenty I hadn’t seen. I can't wait for another visit to the city to add new stops and memories to the list.
If you've visited NYC or live there, feel free to message me on social media and let me know the must-see stops and restaurants! Or leave them in the comments below.
Thank you,