Well good morning Upper East Siders…

And welcome to the first of a two-part series I’m doing for the blog documenting everything about my first trip to New York City. Today I’m covering days 1 & 2.

I had so much fun writing this. Reliving each and every moment, scrolling tirelessly through my camera roll, opening up Apple Maps and memorizing streets we visited. I miss it so much! I didn’t just want to give you guys a recap. I included some travel tips and of course, everywhere we wined and dined so that perhaps during your next trip to the city you’ll already have a few suggestions. So let’s begin! The days weren’t short either. Got your coffee ready? Enjoy!

Day 0: The Plan

A month before our departure, my sister and I were desperate for a sister trip. More specifically, one to New York City. I, having never been farther north than DC was dead-set on visiting the Big Apple this year and her, having been a few times before, wanted to be the one to introduce me to the city. Because I’ll be referencing her a lot, my sister’s name is Lilly, and she was my ah-maaaazing tour guide during this whole trip. I drove to Dallas/Fort Worth (she lives in a suburb just north of actual Fort Worth) the evening before the flight. Flying isn’t my favorite thing to do alone, so that’s why I made the 5-hour drive. Probably saved me a hundred bucks too.

Day 1: Arrival, The Flatiron District, & my first New York-style pizza

Our flight left from DFW International at 11:40am and arrived at LaGuardia at 4:15pm local time. My first glimpse of Manhattan had been from my window seat. Not gonna lie, I got a little teary-eyed at the sight. Some people like mountains. I like skyscrapers. Looking down, the WHOLE island was magnificent. I mean, can you blame me for getting emotional? I’d been waiting for a trip like this for over half of my life. One of the first things we do once we land is buy a Metro Pass so that we could use public transportation. It’s not a bad deal. About $30 for 7 days. In our case, 5 days. Some people will tell you to not mess with the subway system, but don’t listen to those people. I’d make a list of your most-wanted destinations and figure out what means of transportation suit your trip best whether it be your legs or public transit. The metro is perfect for getting places, and getting places fast. If you’re going to stay in Brooklyn like we did, then it’s a no-brainer.

The journey from airport to Air Bnb took us about two hours. It was rush hour, on a Friday. We exited the subway at 7th Avenue, Brooklyn and hauled our luggage four blocks down and up. To much of our chagrin, upon arrival we couldn’t get into our damn Bnb! We probably looked like idiots trying to shove our way into the foyer of the apartment and failing miserably. If you’re not familiar with this style of apartment, many have a front door to the foyer and a second door to the units. Each of us took turns trying to push open the first door but it apparently it was locked. This is weird. We couldn’t buzz in from outside because the intercom was in the foyer. As Lilly texted our hostess about our situation (her instructions were not descriptive), I was admiring the charming and ‘typical’ Brooklyn street – you know the kind. I spotted a mother and her two kids walking down our sidewalk pushing a large stroller. Next thing I know, the kids are walking up OUR steps and low and behold, one of the little humans PULLS the door right open! Sh*t, we’re dumbasses and this little 5-year old just showed us up. We retreated inside and climbed to the third floor hoping we weren’t being judged by the small family.

Our Bnb was a 5 bedroom apartment with 4 tenants including our hostess, Rachel. I knocked on the door and a young man, who I later found out was named Jake, answered. When we walked in, it felt lively which made me nervous at first. What am I walking into? As I led the way into the living room, I could hear typical chatter and laughter of roommates cooking dinner and in the background of it all someone was playing music from their vintage turntable. Relief. I like them already. We introduced ourselves. I asked what they were cooking for dinner and I purposely made myself sound curious but I already knew the answer. I noticed raw chicken and buffalo sauce almost immediately. When they responded, I had to let them know I make a mean buffalo chicken cheese dip. After a quick tour and a lesson on how to properly unlock the apartment with Rachel’s keys, I was dying to explore already and asked Lilly if we could go to Manhattan. I didn’t want to let a precious minute go to waste even if it was already evening. We get settled in and come up with a game-plan.

Sooo, back to the subway. As I stressed above, the subway is amaaaazing and many locals solely rely on it. It’s also hot and smelly and nobody tells you that before you go. So I’m telling you now. You’re welcome. It might be the most un-glamorous part of NYC, but still totally worth the time and money you save. We trekked back the way we came down 7th Avenue (this area of Brooklyn is called Park Slope – best thing I heard about the district when talking to a local was safety – ah, there ya go) and hopped right back on the metro all the way to the Flatiron District and Madison Square Park, where Broadway runs into 5th Avenue. *checks Maps for accuracy*

Ah, the Flatiron. Besides its unique shape, the Flatiron is famous for being New York City’s first skyscraper. Surprised? Me too. If you visit NYC today, you think no f*cking way! But way! We were headed for Eataly, but we stumbled upon something way cooler and rarer, IMO. The Madison Square Eats 2018 Food Festival was happening across the plaza from the Flatiron. The sun was beginning to set so the teeny-tiny festival was packed tightly with young friends and tourists hoping to wine and dine from local eat shops. A string of lights hung a top of the festival making it look like a huge bar patio. We made a lap and stopped back near the entrance of the place where we decided to split a pizza from Roberta’s. Take note that Arancini Bros was on our homemade list of suggestions, but sadly didn’t take this opportunity to try it out. Arancini (the plural form of Arancino) originates from Sicily and is apparently really effing delish. Now they’re all that I can think about.

When we got our pizza and beer, we walked out of the festival and onto the plaza where we sat our happy, but hungry, little butts down on a large rock and consumed. We sat down next to a couple who I noticed when they spoke, were from France. Beside their beautiful speech, dinner was pretty silent that night. But it’s all good. I couldn’t soak up enough of the atmosphere! We were both starving too. We hadn’t really eaten anything that day besides donuts in the morning and an airport pretzel. And tbh, I was too absorbed in my first authentic New York-style pizza to make chit-chat!

Next, what better way to celebrate coming to the Big Apple than celebratory cocktails? We headed to East Village to check out the bar scene. We began going north from the subway on 2nd Avenue. While navigating, remember that AVENUES run north and south and STREETS run east and west. We sauntered past many restaurants with patio seating. All packed. We settled for Cooper’s Craft & Kitchen once we saw the perfect two-top table at the corner of the restaurant and close to the sidewalk. The windows had been removed from the restaurant so customers can enjoy their drinks and still feel a nice, summer breeze. Lilly ordered a wine, but I opted for my first Pimm’s Cup, complete with a fresh orange slice and strawberry (peep below). Eventually, all the noise and excitement of the bar-dwellers reminded me I was dead-tired. It hit me that we had a long day coming for us the next morning. Drinks weren’t cheap either. We tabbed out, grabbed our things, and headed back to Brooklyn!

Day 2: Konditori, Prospect Park, Staten Island Ferry, Ground Zero,
Chelsea Market, Times Square, Sotto Voce, & Dram Shop

I didn’t have the greatest night’s sleep our first night. Brooklyn is noisy af and our bedroom was at the front of the unit nearest to the street. It seemed a car horn went off at least once every ten minutes til 2 am. I considered walking to the 24-hour pharmacy store at the corner of our street for some earplugs. Things to consider: I should’ve brought some from home but shrugged them off as I was packing. Take extra precaution and save yourself!!

Before I know it, I’m being woken up by natural sunlight just moments before my alarm is supposed to go off. Always happens. I peak over the edge of the top bunk (ironically, my sister and I are no stranger to bunk beds) to see if L is awake. We aren’t in a rush at all to head out the door. We slowly come-to, and I realize I’m in dire need of some caffeine. Lilly finds us a place to get coffee and pastries while I dress and put on my makeup. While in the market for handing out suggestions, I bought this handy travel case for the trip and was able to squeeze all toiletries and things inside including my makeup, brushes, shampoo, conditioner, hairdryer, face wash, and face moisturizer. I absolutely adore my rose gold case.

We’re out the door in less than an hour. Off of 7th avenue is a shop that Lilly found. I don’t know what it is but I always think I know what I’m ordering at coffee shops, but as it turns out I don’t. Lol. The original Konditori, a local Swedish espresso bar, was just a block or two away from our Bnb. I ordered a blueberry danish and uhhhhhhhh, a macchiato? Yeah, I’ll take a macchiato. Oh, can you make that with soy, please? And so the barista got to it and we picked our seats near the front of the shop. My macchiato came in a 1 oz. espresso mug which caught me off guard. I tried to retain my outward sophistication so I graciously took it from the barista. I returned to my seat next to Lilly and we finished our breakfast. I was looking forward to our first full day.

Next, we went for a morning stroll around the park. Not. Even. Exaggerating. Prospect park was three blocks east of the coffee shop. We set afoot and arrived at the west-most edge of the park. The weather was warm and gorgeous! Funny thing about the weather. The sis and I were checking the weather app for New York City religiously ever since we bought our tickets. The night before departure, the forecast called for rain which really put a damper on my excitement. Not once during the actual trip, with the exception of one late night, did we have to deal with inclement weather. It was miraculous. Sunlight was seeping through branches of the overhead trees that resided in Prospect, making shady patterns along the sidewalk. I think this goes without saying when traveling but always prepare for the worst, hope for the best. I carried my rain jacket at all times anyway.

We didn’t have to wander far before we reached Grand Army Plaza. We worked our way through a farmer’s market and crossed the street to admire the sculptures and center fountain. We found a nearby entrance to the subway and swiped our way in. We were headed to downtown Manhattan to ride the Staten Island Ferry.

We hopped off at the Financial District and walked up Wall Street to catch a glimpse of the world-famous sculpture, Charging Bull. Barely catch a glimpse, I should say. The corner was packed tight with tourists, two of which were groping the bull’s pair of big, shining orbs – if you know where I’m going with this. Later I found out this is actually a tourist ritual, y’all! I was so confused in the moment though.

Next, it’s ferry time! A must-do in my opinion if it’s your first time in NYC. I loved it. Again, the weather was just about as perfect as it could get. This attraction is also FREE in case you didn’t know. Not only do you get a glimpse of the Statue of Libery, but you get to take in a breathtaking view of Manhattan’s south-most tip. We hadn’t made plans to step off at Ellis Island. Views were really all I insisted on this whole trip. Ya know, seeing things just to say I saw them. I already have a growing list of my next trip’s must-dos, and Ellis Island is on it for sure. But this time, Lady Liberty was just as stunning from the ferry window. The round-trip boat ride can take you anywhere from 30 minutes to however long you want.

Once back on Manhattan island, we were close enough to jump over to Freedom Tower and Ground Zero via subway. OK. I was realllllllllllllll hesitant about visiting the memorial sites. During our planning, I told my sister not to include it in our itinerary because I just imagined crying the whole time. I was not directly affected by 9/11 but I know a family who was, and it saddens me to the point of tears every time I am reminded how ugly the world truly can be. So many innocent people lost their lives that day, including unborns. We ended up visiting. My sister was right. It’s a must-see for sure. We didn’t spend too long here. I touched one of the memorials and gave my quick condolences.

By then, we were hungry enough to hit up Chelsea Market for some grub (and more caffeine). During our journey there, something strange caught my eye. A bright-blue toilet, on the outside of a bar (please just observe this greatness in the pictures below). We were standing on West 23rd, which runs straight into the High Line on the west side. It was called Trailer Park Lounge. I highly recommend it if you’re in the area. For 1) the facade of the bar was enough to get anybody intrigued. And 2) Lilly had a friend who suggested this place so we just so happened to already have it on our list of recommends. Last but certainly notable, strong margaritas. In the south we say, HELL YEAH!

We stumbled – just kidding, walked 🙂 – down W. 23rd and hit up Chelsea and the High Line, a 1.45 elevated park and foot trail widely known as a former New York rail road track. The heat beating down on us even harder, we found the entrance to the market and went inside. I didn’t really know what I was craving, which this was the perfect place for that. You don’t have to know because they have EVERYTHING! While my sister and I agree on most things, we did not agree on lunch this afternoon. That is the beauty of a market. She ordered a purple sushi role from Beyond Sushi, a 100% vegan and vegetarian eatery. I found Chalait, known for their coffee and tea but they had sandwiches and MATCHA!!!

The rest of our afternoon was pretty much open. Our itinerary was very loose and I think I prefer it that way. I suggested we visit Times Square because it was one of the things on our list and we still had ample hours of sunlight. At this point, subway rides finally felt like a chore. Back down we go to the city underneath the city.

We arrive and it is packed. Maybe don’t visit Times Square on a Saturday afternoon. Still incredible though. I legit saw three different Elsa’s and Spiderman sporting a dad bod. Classy. By some ungodly chance, we found a seat right smack dab in the middle of it all. I took it quick so I could soak up all the craziness. I thought of everything I ever heard or seen about Times Square and realized I truly was in the center of the universe. It was an awesome feeling. I decided to Facetime my boyfriend.

Our ride back to Brooklyn would be our longest one of the day so we decided to head back for an hour of relaxation before dinner! There was an Italian restaurant that sat just a block away from our Bnb. Sotto Voce was the name and amazing pasta was the game! Our waiter listed off the specials and we noticed he had a thick Italian accent. That’s when I realized this meal was about to be lit, fam. I actually got so distracted that I didn’t even hear all the specials of the night. After the waiter left, I guiltily walked up to the bar, snapped a quick shot of the specials menu, and hurried back to our table so i could legitimately review my options.

I ordered Penne Fiorentina with spinach pesto and fresh ricotta cheese and Lilly ordered Penne alla Vodka in tomato sauce and cream. Side note: as I was ‘gramming our dinner, I noticed our meal made up the colors of the Italian flag: green, white, and red. How neat! I am a total nerd.

Who else agrees that dinner isn’t complete without dessert? Lilly and I wrapped up our night of fine dining with a delicious tiramisu! The coffee-flavored Italian dessert was so light and fluffy that there wasn’t a drop of evidence left. This was my favorite meal of the trip.

There wasn’t much else to do but we weren’t ready to give up a night out in Brooklyn just yet. Lilly took me to a local bar that she’d been to during her previous stay called Dram Shop. We were able to catch the whole Vegas Golden Knights v. Washington Capitals hockey game on television, even strike up conversation with a couple of fans sitting next to us. Always fun and unpredictable when you make friends in foreign places. Day 2 had to come to an end eventually. We finished our beers and made the walk back “home.”

 

That’s a wrap on days 1 & 2 of my trip to NYC. I’ll keep you guys posted as to when days 3, 4, & 5 will be posted.
XOXO