Time has most certainly flown since I jetted off on my big apple adventure and I thought it was high time I shared with you my travels. Flying half way across the world, my parents and I flew to the big US of A to visit my dad's best friend who now resides in New Jersey. Of course, travelling all that way and not visiting New York and Florida was simply out of the question. We planned, saved and had an amazing time. So without further ado, here is part 1: New York.
Airport cocktails + Duty Free Purchases
Flying from Heathrow we excitedly jetted off to JFK in New York, flying with Virgin Atlantic. Having never flown with Virgin before, it was quite a treat (welcome cocktail and great movies - win win). Taking a little over than 6 hours, it was a seriously smooth flight. We booked a cab through Dial 7 before we flew online, so that after the lengthy immigration process we were whizzed off straight to our hotel.
After months of searching for the perfect hotel, we settled on The Giraffe Hotel situated in Mid Town. In terms of location it was bloody amazing, a few blocks from Times Sq, we were smack in the centre between Upper East + West Side and Lower Manhattan. With am impressive 5th ranking on Trip Advisor, the boutique Giraffe hotel really went above and beyond in terms of service and location.
With a complimentary brekkie, amazing roof top bar, endless rave reviews.. and not going to lie we were totally swayed by the complimentary wine and cheese spreads they laid out in the early evenings - a m a z i n g. Plush rooms and a dinky balcony, we were sold and would definitely re-book!
Wallgreens across the road? My purse quivered within an hour of touching down!
After unpacking we headed out for a bite to eat, making a beeline straight for the infamous Shake Shack in Madison Square Park (where it all began!) - literally a few blocks down..
Shake Stake Burger
DAY 1
Having meticulously planned each of our four days in New York, we wanted to cram in as much as possible. One of my lovely friends gifted me with the Lonely Planet New York Guide before I left and it fast became my bible. Pocked sized with a handy map, I was able to plan out each day + route.
First stop was the Empire State Building, arguably NY's most famous skyscraper it offers incredible scenic views of all five neighbouring states (if you're lucky with the weather!). Travelling up to the 86th floor first thing, we saw the amazing architecture spotting all the different landmarks, whilst feeling utterly in awe of the city buzzing below.
When visiting NY my top tip would be simply walk. Get out those walking shoes (Nike Free Runs were a godsend) and explore the city on foot. Experiencing the weird and wonderful, we came across so many sights, shops, buildings (and people...) that were a spectacle in themselves.
My parents weren't as excited by Sephora as I..
So on we thundered straight to New York Public Library, then settling for a rest and tasty Crumb's Cronut in the rather quaint Bryant Park.
My Cronut from Crumbs.
Onwards and upwards, we glimpsed the art deco inspired Chrysler Building from afar.
With a pit stop in the famed Grand Central Terminal for my Gossip Girl moment.. and to gaze across the rather stunning er train station. Take note London.
Heading west we swung by Times Square, not so magical in daylight but jaw-dropping all the same. There's not a buzz quite like it in London, it was definitely a pinch-me-moment.
Totally blagging a Mulberry campaign next season.
Introducing my dad to Pinkberry.
Making our way down Seventh Ave, we walked no less that thirty blocks into the Meat Packing District to venture onto The High Line. A sight that was high on my agenda to visit, the High Line was once a dingy high-raised railway line that was left abandoned, then transformed into a public walkway. Now an urban garden, home to an array of plants and wildlife also featuring a number of art installations.
We took some time out from the city below to walk along the old track pathways and experience the NY from above.
I ate way too much salted caramel and strangely advacado. But thats good for you right?
DAY 2
Early morning CVS, Wallgreen and Duane Reade dash before breakfast.
Starting the day with an advacado BLT at the deli across the road, mmm.
Up bright and early, we ventured along Fifth Avenue where we made like Audrey Hepburn and visited Tiffany's, gazing at the jewels on display (the sales assistant really never need know my River Island necklace she complimented doesn't contain real diamonds), marvelled at the wonders of Saks beauty hall and casually left the blog as the homepage on the majority of Mac Book Pro's in the Apple shop.
Heading over to the Upper East Side, we hit up Bloomingdales and made a dash for Magnolia's Bakery.
Armed with two gigantic cupcakes, we popped into Dylan's Candy Bar as recommended by Hannah for some one-of-a-kind treats - don't forget to sample the bacon flavoured chocolate..
Bearing west we headed over to the vast and majestic Central Park, located over 843 acres of meadows, ponds and hidden treasures. We set about exploring, with our first stop being Central Park Zoo. We were tourists after all.
A smallish zoo home to penguins, snow leopards and sea lions, we throughly enjoyed an afternoon of wandering around and saying hello to the animals. If you have longer in the city, definitely travel out to Bronx Zoo, but if you fancy some downtime in the city, the Central Park Zoo is a good spot to take some time out.
Making our way through the park, we followed the Central Park app (no really - it's massive!) that took us around on a tour of all the spots to visit..
Did you know that Central Park wasn't a green space originally? It was one of the cities biggest developments and it took 20 years to convert the land into this beautiful retreat.
DAY 3
Stopping by the Union Square Farmers Market - heaven!
Next stop on our city itinerary was Lower Manhattan, taking the Subway and giving our feet time to recover, we jumped on the 6 to Lexington Avenue Express to Wall Street.
The only way to nail the cities' confusing subway (seriously we Londoners have it easy) is to download the NYC Subway app. Telling you the fasted route, all you have to remember is that an Express Service only goes to certain stops on the line where as a Local Service stops everywhere. I realised this when we did a scenic tour of the underground straight to the slap bang middle of the Harlem - a million blocks from where I needed to be!
Our first port of call was Battery Park, heading over to the New York Harbour to get the ferry to the Statue of Liberty. Sadly due to Hurricane Sandy we weren't able to visit Ellis Island as restoration work is still taking place, never the less we hopped on the Statue Cruises and sailed on over.
One of America's most treasured landmarks, Lady Liberty was built in 1886 and designed by none other than Gustave Eiffel (yes the French guy who made the other tower..). A symbol of hope, Lady Liberty welcomed the many immigrants entering NY in search of a better life. Now it welcomes thousands of tourists, eager to explore the tiny island and marvel on the large statue.
Should you fancy walking the 354 steps to Lady Liberty's Crown, your ticket must be booked well in advance and they often sell out a year in advance! Access is severely limited - a tip we wish we had known before travelling! Good excuse to go back?
Back on dry land, we made a pit stop at Wall Street to view the iconic building before joining the queue to enter the 9/11 Memorial early afternoon. A certain must-visit, this national tribute to the men and women who died in the terrorist attacks of 2001 and 1993 is so sacred, it truly certifies the destruction that took place but acts as a powerful reminder to those that have been lost.
To stand where the Twin Towers were placed was an emotional moment, having only witnessed the terror through the media, to be standing right there really struck a chord. Transformed into what only can be described as a sacred haven, two waterfalls have been constructed in the footprints of where the towers once sat. With each name etched into the bronze panels edging the pool, it really was a moment that I'll never forget.
Heading over to the Lower East Side, my dad and I took in the sights of Brooklyn Bridge. Making a conscious decision not to step off the bridge, we made another excuse to come back and explore Brooklyn throughly.
'Back of every great work we can find the self-sacrificing devotion of a woman.'
Next stop was one of the most famous delis in the city, Katz. Residing in the old-world Jewish Lower East Side, well known for 'that' moment in Harry Met Sally with Meg Ryan, the deli offers an endless menus of tasty bites.
With salami and pastrami ready to take home with you, my dad piped for the Philly Steak Burger (yum yum) and I had the most enormous Steak Chips.
Walking up through China Town.
(I shit you not)
A pit stop at the Rockafella Centre, we gave the Top of the Rock viewing platform a miss but certainly hit up the shops below. Mustn't miss Anthapolgie and the Lego Shop!
Still feeling full from our deli lunch, we paid a visit to the famous Ellen's Star Dust Diner for dessert and music. Scoffing down Reeces Pieces milkshakes, we listened to our waitress Sassy belt out a musical hit to the entire restaurant.
A must visit, all the waiters/tresses are professionally trained singers hoping to one day make it on broadway. Leave a generous tip as these are put towards singing lessons and casting calls for all staff - one recent employee left to join the cast of Mama Mia next door!
Revisiting Tim Square at night has to be done, check out the view! (or his ARMS!!)
DAY 4
Packed and ready to go, we left out suitcases safely at the hotel and headed back to to the Upper East Side to visit the Museum of Natural History. Containing over 30 million artefacts, simply donate what dollars you have and feast your eyes on the exhibitions. Not to be missed are the North America and African Mammals (they look so real!) and the dinosaur exhibitions - just make sure you don't get locked in for a night at the museum..
A hop skip and a jump over, we said a final goodbye to Central Park. After cocktails in the Boat House, a pulled pork burger from the food counters around the corner from the posh resturant (miles better and cheaper!), we thought about renting a bicycle - but in the warm September weather we went for a mooch and lazily rested on the greenery.
After a whistle stop tour of New York, we hurried on over to Penn Station to catch our train to New Jersey for the next part of our holiday..
New York was crazy, crazy in a good way. The buzz is one you must witness for yourself. Whether a long weekend or two weeks, go visit the city that never sleeps!
Part Two will be up tomorrow.
More importantly for some of you, my holiday HAULIN will be up on Monday.
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