Thursday
It’s a rare sunny day in New York City. When looking at the forecast last week planning on what to pack for a long weekend in the city the weather gods smiled on us. It’s a beautiful 45 degrees – perfect for a tour on the Big Bus, Red Line.
Stop 10 and the One World Observatory
Hopping off the bus we made our way to the 9/11 memorial before heading up to the One World Observatory. The thoughts that this visit evokes is profound. Memories of an autumn day years ago surface and I say a prayer.
Head towards the One World Observatory. Pay the ticket price, get in the elevator and prepare yourself. Amazing!
Spend the time to have a bite in the restaurant at the top. Just go. Thank me later after you are served scrumptious bites while savoring the view.
Get Lost
To get acquainted with a city I firmly believe you have to get lost. This is where you find the heart. After walking to an Italian restaurant the hotel concierge suggested and being turned away (note to self: reservation is a must for many restaurants) we stumbled on a jewel hidden away on a side street.
An Italian piano bar! Exactly what was on my wish list from the night before to visit. It was early when we got there and we were the only guests at the time. We pulled up two stools at the bar and ordered drinks and dinner. The service was impeccable and the staff kept us entertained while the place quickly filled up with locals and families.
Rockefeller Center
A trip to New York isn’t complete without a trip to Rockefeller Center. Walking off dinner we landed at the ice rink. It was magical. I couldn’t get enough watching this one guy skate with such grace and who totally makes ice skating look easy. Which it’s not. I tried it years ago and my backside can still remember it. Anyway, he was absolutely amazing. The pictures do not do him justice.
Thinking we could wave at a camera and enjoy coffee at my favorite bakery we got up early to greet a gray New York morning. NBC wasn’t filming this morning due to the President’s Inauguration but we did find two seats to perch at in the Bouchon’s Bakery to enjoy coffee and some people watching.
Up Town Bus Ride – Blue Line
We had just enough time to catch the Up Town Bus to take a ride around Central Park. Great way to see some iconic sites on a chilly day!
Take a quick ride with me in the video below:
Lunch with the President
Chilled and a bit hungry we stepped into an Irish Pub just in time to watch Donald Trump’s inauguration. Lucky us… amazing how things work out without a plan.
Over a club sandwich and coffee I listened to our new 45th President speak with lots of platitudes and vague promises on making America Great. I’m not sure about you, but I think America is pretty great right now. I’m grateful for the blessings and bounty that surrounds us. But hey, it’s politics and that’s about all I can say.
The W Hotel
It’s back to the hotel for some chillax time until we venture out this afternoon to score some theatre tickets. Our room on the 56th floor over looks Times Square. What a view!
Until then – cheers!
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Love it when you stumble on to a hidden gem! 🙂 It’s really the best way to discover the city. Great pics 🙂
Thanks – there’s tons more to discover… will have to come back again. Cheers!
What a great idea! A memoir of a wonderful trip and a travel log for those of us who have never been, but want to go. I thoroughly enjoyed this.
New York has been amazing. Happy you can virtually travel with me.
Great pics of NYC. I love Rockefeller Plaza!
Thanks! Having a blast and really enjoying it!