A PERFECT WEEK AWAY

NEW YORK

Contributed by: Shannon

Ahhh... hello New York!  My third visit was most certainly a charm.  If you have been, you get it.  If you haven't been, you need to go.  It's everything all at once - beautiful, intoxicating, thrilling, inspiring. 

I took my mom, a newbie to NYC, along for the trip which included a bit of work, a lot of play, many eats and a mega amount of walking!  Here's the highlight reel:

WHERE WE STAYED: The Helmsley Park Lane

The Helmsley is one of the only hotels located along Central Park with million dollar views:

Incredible to wake up to every morning!

WHAT WE DID - So, so, so, many things: here are the top picks:

The Museum of Natural History - With so many exhibits, there is something for everyone. Here is my T-rex friend:

HINT: Start on the top floor and work your way down.  Don't plan on eating at the Museum because the food is over-priced and not very good.

Bike/Horse and Carriage/Walking Around Central Park - here is a pic of the John Lennon Memorial Plaque.  It's in the park across the street from where he was shot:(

HINT: Bike around the park mid-week.  The park is full of local runners/biker and events on the weekends.

9/11 Memorial - Stunningly designed, this memorial is a sensitive, respectful complex in the heart of the Trade Center area. There are two vast reflecting pools, located in the exact footprints of the Twin Towers.  The magnitude of the memorial really represents the loss of that day.  Be ready for some tears to flow.

HINT: be sure to register for a visitor pass prior to going.

Statue of Liberty - I have seen the statue a few times, but I never actually went to it until this trip.  The statue has a great history and is a lovely icon of hope.

HINT: Opt for the audio tour - it's worth it!

Shopping on 5th Ave - hello Bergdorf, Bloomingdales, Tiffanny.... trouble!

HINT - If you buy something that is $110.00 or less, there is no Tax in NYC!

Empire State Building - super cliche to include this on the list,  but I just never tire of the amazing city views.

HINT - Get the New York Pass to skip lines (see below).

Soho /Tribeca - what an awesome vibe this area has! I could live here! I certainly enjoyed the libations:)

HINT - Popular restaurants book up at least 1 month in advance.  Arrive when the restaurant opens for dinner to get an early seat.  Dining early isn't cool in NYC, but you'll have a better chance of getting in!

Show at Times Square - Saw ROCK OF AGES.  Absolutely Amazing Talent - A little raunchy, a lot funny and tons of fun!

HINT - book shows on-line before you go and as far in advance as possible - much cheaper!

OUR TOP NOSH PLACES:

Nobu - Tribeca

Cafe Europa - Midtown Central Park

Citarella Gourmet Market - Upper West Side
Brasserie Rhulman - Rockefeller Center
Spring Street Natural - Soho

Morrell Wine Bar and Cafe - Rockefeller Centre

Le Pain Quotidien - Central Park

GETTING AROUND:  

Lots of people do the "hop-on, hop-off" buses, but we opted for the Subway.  It is actually really easy to navigate and gets you uptown and downtown in no time.  There's an app for it!  Here's the mama on the subway:

DEFINITELY GET:  

The NEW YORK Pass.  It gives you free entry to over 70 attractions, and enables you to jump lines.  www.newyorkpass.com

Til next time New York!