The Charm of NYC …

Before leaving for our UK/Ireland trip, we thought we would practice  our travel blogging with our weekend trip to NYC to celebrate our 34th wedding anniversary. Not sure of our format, we thought we would experiment with different ones. This post we’re trying “Our Top 5”. Here it is…

Something about the anxious exhilaration of meeting our self imposed deadline (okay David has more to do with this than I) in the race home from work,bags packed spill into the car and bee-line for the highway. Checking traffic comparing which route to take hmmmm… commit, fingers crossed we’re off ( reminiscent of the day 34 years ago). We arrive at the Golden’s bridge parking lot in just enough time to punch the parking ticket, scurry up the stairs then down the stairs to the track moments to spare and the train pulls up. Find a cozy seat …. relax the journey begins. The towns along the way are quaint and we watch and wonder about the lives of those who watch this train pass daily. Today’s passage is smooth and uneventful as we propose possible things to do tomorrow… museums, broadway, the ferry… wonderful options. We do have up giggle as we approach Katonah. The announcement is so musical. Harlem…then Grand Central it is! Take a moment to enjoy the grand hall. You can never get bored of that. Out we go for a quick few blocks to our hotel… (ps turn right out of the station… as David will tell you … because I was flipping a coin) breathe in… NYC

#1 Great NYC Hotel

The Bryant Park hotel is a must  stay destination. Miguel met us as we arrived and wished us a happy 34th. As we entered our room, a clean crisp white vibe, a ice bucket with a bottle of champagne awaiteded us. (have to mention the bathroom is a luxurious and spacious). A quick trip the the best Whole Foods a few doors down and we began the celebration with a baguette and a yummy Brie.   The hotel is the beautiful Art Deco building -definitely a top 5

  #2 Bryant Park

We crossed the street to Bryant Park. One of our favorites . You can find something for whatever you crave… serenity listening to the splash of the fountain or beauty of the many flower pots, urns and planters which speckle the gardens surrounding the park.  There is a communal buzz as children ride the carousel or the charm of young and old play board games, yard games or juggling.   Watch a performance or just sip a coffee  (okay or a beer or wine😉). We could spend a whole day there, but tend to visit often -early am, mid afternoon and of course under the stars.

# 3  High Line Elevated Park… an Urban Hike

We had never done the high line walk to the meat packing district. On a perfect summer day we found our way up the stairs to the top and headed out. It was unexpected! A great walking trail lined with gardens ( so many cone flowers 🌸 )and lookout vistas and benches. Near the end of the line where you can look out over the river we snagged a lovely chaise in the shade and took a little break. 😴 city stretching all around, nature , flowers and some pretty serious helicopters buzzing the river. What’s not to like!

#4 Madison Square Park

Eataly is at the doorstep of Madison Park. We wandered in to get our fix of all things Italian and stumbled upon the breakfast sandwich restaurant. Ordered the Modena and the PLT. ( ciabatta bread with pancetta, arugula, tomato or with ham , Parmesan, eggs.., delish). Watching the chef manage the line with several variants on breakfast yum was a treat in itself. Next cross the street, enter the park and find a shady bench. Madison is a dog walkers paradise. There is always a season long work of art in this park. Take a bite ! Ummmm… so good. And after 34 years we have perfected the art of sharing. Wash it down with a … well we may have brought our own Italian wine in that cup!

#5  World Cup with 500 of our new best friends!

The first time we went to Mustang Harry’s we were with our best friends Patti and Craig when we ducked in to watch the running of the Kentucky Derby…: couldn’t pass up the chance to catch the 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England v 🇸🇪 Sweden match of the World Cup there this weekend. Harry’s is a classic NYC bar and the fun of being there with such a die hard soccer crowd … we almost looked like real FIFA followers! ( thanks to our daughter Carolyn for giving us the rundown on overtime and shoot outs). Yeah England …sorry Oscar and the Swedish fam!

 

Want to see a video postcard from NYC…check out New York in 90 Seconds.  That’s it for this post…let’s us know what you think of this format.