Life has been an adjustment for the past few months since changing jobs. I have been trying to be more present which means no blogging since it is not my full time job.
We are returning from NYC as I type part of this. This trip is inspired due to a reunion that took place night with my former employer and with many dear coworkers prior to the buyout. We also decided to travel for our 20th wedding anniversary that is this Wednesday and Bailey turning 16 in September. Madelynn graduated Kindergarten and today is Father’s day (Paul’s Dad joined us)
I had a full agenda for us from day one. I wanted my family to see all sights and iconic spots I could fit into the schedule. I was here in 2010 for a meeting and Paul joined me the last few days, so we knew where to go this time.
Green jacket and tee is from Old Navy, jeans from American Eagle, rose gold slides from Pac Sun, hat from Target, jewelry is from Stella & Dot
We left Tuesday June 12th at 12:30 ish. We flew American Airlines and got into NYC LaGuardia around 3:20pm . After waiting in line for a taxi and driving we got to our hotel around 5:30pm. Our drive took awhile as there was heavy traffic. The cost was $35 there and back each way.
We stayed in Times Square at the Holiday Inn near 8th Ave and 39th st. The Port Authority subway is one block over and it’s close to lots of places within waking distance. Be prepared to be cramped, most NYC hotels have limited space. We were on the 29th floor, which was fine for the view but the elevators were always busy and took forever. Not to mention they broke down and we walked 29 flights of stairs several times (522 steps each way). Not pleased but got some cardio in!
First thing after checking in, you should buy metro tickets. We bought 7 days that were $32 a piece and were told not to buy a metro pass for Madelynn at the Port Authority.
First place to eat on my list was Buddakan (the Asian restaurant that Carrie and Big had their engagement party at). I wanted to eat there last time but didn’t have the chance. Plan to spend ($$$) if you go there. There isn’t a kids menus, but it was really great food.
Wednesday was an early start day. We got up and headed to the Statue of Liberty. I purchased tickets in advance for 8am so it would not be hot. It took 40 minutes of travel to get down there with riding the subway and walking from the subway to Statue Cruises. We were told to get there an hour early to avoid long lines. We got there 30 minutes early and were fine and were done by 930. We did not go up in the statue though, just took the ferry over for enough time to take some pics. It was chilly and windy, so depending on the time of year you may want to wear a jacket. TIP!
Romper is from Eccentrics Boutique
Bailey’s tank is from American Eagle, my cami is from Loft and sweater is Old Navy. Madelynn is wearing Cat & Jack from Target. Paul is wearing Under Armour
Next, we headed to the Financial District to see the Bull and Trinity Church. We ate lunch at the Essex World Cafe near 9/11. This place had a ton of options and was good and not bad for NY prices ($). We learned it was a medical station during the 9/11 recovery efforts.
Our next stop at 12:30pm was for a 1pm guided tour of 9/11 memorial site. I would suggest this! They explained a lot and made it more interesting. Very beautiful! We also went through the museum for another price. This had remnants of the twin towers, Pentagon, surrounding areas of debris and such.
We then headed back to our hotel for about a 3 hour rest after 14,000 steps and then dinner eas at Joe’s pizza in West Village on Carmine St where Peter Parker worked on Spiderman. Good pizza for ($) but no seating and lines are crowded. However, we sat on benches in a nearby quiet area. Everyone needs to eat a New York style pizza in NYC.
On Thursday we headed to Central Park around 9am. We ate breakfast outside at the Loeb Boathouse (express cafe). Good food. Plenty to share for ($). We walked through the park, by the fountain, through Strawberry Fields to the Imagine spot where John Lennon sang. Walked by the Tavern on the Green and Madelynn got to play at a park.
striped tank and sandals are from Eccentrics Boutique. Green shorts from Old Navy.
Madelynn’s outfit is Cat & Jack from Target and shoes from adidas
Next we headed to the Trump Tower and the a horse drawn carriage. Madelynn even got to drive the carriage, which was her favorite thing this trip. Our next stop was the Plaza Hotel, Laduree for macaroons, and Grand Central Station Terminal for ice cream.
Bailey’s shirt is from Target, shorts are from American Eagle
Dinner was at Serendipity 3 where the movie was filmed and frozen hot chocolate. Price was ($$). We then headed to Dylan’s candy store which was on the corner. Another day of 14,000 steps.
Cami is from Loft, sandals from Eccentrics Boutique, chambray pants from Old Navy, Madelynn is wearing Art Class from Target, shoes from Old Navy. Bailey’s jumpsuit is from Target and shoe from Old Navy. Paul is wearing Nike from Kohls.
Friday was when we went to the Empire State Building. It was chilly so we didn’t stay long. TIP…Bring a jacket. Of course, we got some shopping in too in Times Square. Dinner was at Haven Rooftop ($$). Again no kids menus but the food was good for appetizers. Great drinks and ambience. Bailey and I headed to see Wicked after dinner at the Gerswhin Theater. I highly suggest a play if possible. There are websites that will show you a view from your seat, which is how we decided which seats to purchase. Both tickets were about $270.
My tank is from Eccentrics, shorts are J. Crew, Madelynn is wearing Cat & Jacket from Target, Bailey’s shorts are from American Eagle, Paul is wearing Nike from Kohls
Jumpsuit is from Eccentrics Boutique, Paul and Madelynn are wearing Old Navy. Bailey’s jumpsuit is from Target
Our last day we actually slept in a little more. Like until 8:30am. I think the temps were starting to rise because the weather had been cool and nice but Saturday was hot and not shaded by tall buildings. And of course, that was the day we headed to Brooklyn Bridge amd SoHo for lunch at SoHo Park Cafe. Food was plenty for sharing ($). Their fried pickles were amazing! Saturday night was the reunion and back to reality today.
Bailey is wearing American Eagle, my dress is from Target, Madelynn and Paul is wearing Old Navy
Tee was made by a friend, jacket is Old Navy, Adidas hat, leggings from Victoria Secret and Nike shoes. Luggage is from Walmart
camo shirt is from target, shorts are from American Eagle
I have to say as much walking we did and the fact that we were on a schedule the girls did amazing. I can only remember one melt down from Madelynn because she was tired. I attest that to actually resting each day for about 2-3 hours in the hotel before dinner. BIG TIP!!! This picture is on our way back home and the girls said it was the best trip!
A few other TIPS…Book restaurants through Open Table. Allow plenty of travel time, whether you walk to the subway and then ride, or just walk to your destination. Google maps was perfect and told us which subway to take. When I made our itinerary I put the time it would take to travel, which subway to take, and where we were going, and what time we had to be there if we had tickets or reservations. I wrote this all out in advance. The only tickets we purchased in advance was the Wicked tickets, Statue of Liberty and the 9/11 Tours. We bought the Empire State Building. I wanted to wait and see what the weather was going to be like. Be prepared for the traffic of people and if you take kids to keep them at your side. Wear good walking shoes if you have feet or leg problems. Check the weather to see how much to pack. I packed an outfit for each person for the day and night. I over packed and ended up taking a whole luggage back of clean clothes that took up hotel room space. See as much as you can, because you never know if you will go back
I booked all the travel from Expedia and was able to get a bundle deal for the flight and hotel.
There are several links throughout this post to take you where you need to go.
So if you are headed to NYC and have any questions, reach out to me! Hopefully, you have found my information helpful with pricing and recommendations.
