First Trip Together
Hello Everybody!
Hope you are all enjoying your Fall, even though it still feels like Summer! A few weeks ago John, and I, took our first trip together to New York City. I had a work event in New Jersey, and since John has never been to NYC we thought we'd make a weekend out of it!
John got in on Thursday night, and we began our trip Friday morning. We bought tickets to go to the Statue of Liberty at Noon, so we woke up, got ready, got breakfast, and headed down to where the boat took off. When we were walking around to get coffee we both said that it didn't even feel like we were outside of Chicago, because we do that almost every weekend. Since we were in New York we obviously had to go get bagels, so we did a little research and decided to check out Zuckers!
It was so modern inside, and ADORABLE. Better than any bagel I've had in Chicago.
After breakfast we headed to our Statue of Liberty tour!
I knew that the Statue of Liberty was going to be large, but seeing it in person it was bigger than I expected.
View from the top of the Statue
Down by where the boat left for the tour
View on the way to the Statue
Part of me was kind of dreading going to the Statue of Liberty, because a lot of the times when I visit places I don't want to do touristy things. I want to do all the local things and really get a feel for the city that way. After going to the Statue I would 100% recommend everybody to go. We all know it's a huge part of history, and seeing it in person is very surreal. There is also a great view of the city from the island that really puts into perspective just how big it is.
Once we got back from the Statue of Liberty we walked over to the 9/11 Memorial. I saw this last time I was in NYC, but John has never seen it, and honestly I'm not sure I could go to NYC and not pay my respects. When it is someone's birthday they put out these white roses. There were so many roses that day (9/15). I couldn't help but think that all these people were headed to NYC to celebrate their birthdays, visit family for their birthday, or head home from a trip for their birthday. It's heartbreaking to think of these things, and it will never get easier. I'd be lying if I said there weren't tears behind my sunglasses while we were there.
Happy Birthday Harry.
After that we headed to the Oculus so John could see it! It really is the most interesting mall
We were looking for water, and came across this big wall of beer. That sounded better to me.
From there we headed to the Brooklyn Bridge. On the way we ran into a man who asked if we knew where we were going, because I was looking at my maps (LOL) and he told us an alternate route to go that had us walk through Wall St., and I am so glad we ran into him! I thought Wall St. was going to be a huge street, but it looked more like an alley. I was really surprised.
NYC Stock Exchange
From there we just kept walking, and stopped along the way wherever we wanted! Our first stop was MILK. I've wanted to try this, and was so happy we ran into it. It was refreshing on the hot day!
We kept walking and ran into an extremely cute area by the water. This might have been one of my favorite things we did for a couple reasons. Mainly because we didn't have a plan, we just saw it, thought it was cute, and decided to stop. It didn't feel touristy, it was by the water, it was so cute, and atmosphere was amazing.
This area is the Fulton Market and I would definitely recommend going
Possibly the best fried pickles I've ever had
This restaurant is called Clinton Hall. They have such a fun menu!
After that we FINALLY made it to the Brooklyn Bridge. This was really cool to see, but I will say it is very crowded and overwhelming. Also watch out for the bikers, they are ruthless. Go see it, but also beware. I recommend walking to the other side where it is less crowded!
By the time we did all of this we were EXHAUSTED so we headed back to our hotel room to regroup, and have dinner. I am slightly ashamed to say we got Chick Fil A.. but we wanted something we could eat while relaxing in our room and it was right outside of our hotel. After we re-grouped, got ready again, we headed over to the High Line to meet Katherine! She was also visiting NYC the same time we were, and meeting up was obviously a must.
We met at the Brass Monkey, and drank on their rooftop for most of the night. It was so beautiful out, and their rooftop was to die for. From there we obviously HAD to get a slice of New York Pizza, and since Katherine lived there for a few summers she knew where to take us. We went to Joe's, and I cannot recommend this enough.
Fun Fact: Peter Parker worked here in Spiderman
The New York fold
How did we fit all of that into one day?
Saturday morning we woke up early to get breakfast and went to the top of the Rockefeller! Another great view that puts just how large the city is into perspective. We stopped at Magnolia Bakery, which was so cute. Unfortunately for me, for breakfast they only had banana pudding. :( (If you know me, you know), but John loved it!
Top of the Rockefeller
Today Show's newest host! ;) (Bottom of the Rockefeller. A must see)
It was a little cloudy, but in person you could still see everything!
After the Rockefeller we headed to Central Park! My favorite part of NYC.
So many row boats that day! We contemplated doing it, but decided to just walk around instead
After walking through the park we headed to Levain Bakery, which is non-negotiable in my book. You must go.
Gooey Goodness
After that we went home to relax, and get ready to go see Aladdin on Broadway! Before the show we went to an amazing rooftop called Refinery. If you are in NYC during warm months, you need to go here. It was amazing.
Frosè
This view doesn't suck
You weren't allowed to take pictures of the show so these are the only pictures I have. If I'm being honest I am not the biggest fan of plays/musicals, but being in New York the HOME of broadway shows, I knew we needed to go. I had heard great things about the Chicago Aladdin show, so I knew it would be good. This show did not disappoint AT ALL. The cast was so talented, the props & costumes were beautiful, and they portrayed the story perfect. If you have the chance to see this show do not miss out, I'm telling you you will regret it!
On Sunday morning we had a few hours to do some last minute exploring so we headed down to Madison Square Park, and the Flat Iron building.
We had to get another bagel before we left!
The main reason we headed down there was so John could go to the Barstool Headquarters ;)
Overall we had an amazing time on our first trip together! I'm sure you could tell from my last post that I love NYC, and I'm so glad that John loved it too. Some tips I would have if you plan on visiting the city:
1. Have a few touristy things planned, but do a lot of wandering in between. Every building in NYC looks different, and there is so much to look at. You'll find a lot of hidden gems this way.
2. Don't be afraid of the Subway, it's quick & easy
3. Eat EVERYTHING. The food there is so good.
4. Do your research before going. I looked up a ton of placed on Instagram and that's how we decided where to go.
I can't wait for our next adventure together, I know it will be nothing short of amazing!
XO
-Kayla