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Birthday Weekend In New York City (Part 1)

12/22/2014

1 Comment

 
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It had been over two years since I last set foot in Manhattan. I'm well acquainted with Manhattan, but we've historically had a very professional relationship. I used to travel to NYC often for my previous job, which basically meant working at my office in Chelsea all day followed by an occasional dinner and/or drinks in Chelsea, only to return to my hotel to work again in - you guessed it - Chelsea. Two jobs ago, I worked in mid-town three days a week and, during college, I spent a summer working right across from Grand Central station. It's been a long time since I've visited NYC simply to wander around.

When Chris asked me what I wanted to do for my birthday, I asked if we could go to NYC without any plans. I just wanted to walk around, see the holiday decorations and maybe stop by a few attractions I've never visited. We were there from Thursday - Saturday and luckily had sunny (albeit cold) weather. Here is what I did:

Thursday: 
- Arrived by noon. Lunched with a friend in Grand Central. 
- NY Public Library
- Bryant Park Ice Rink & Christmas Tents

- Rockefeller Plaza & Saks 5th Avenue 

Friday:
- Breakfast bagels from Ess-a-Bagel
- Walked through Central Park to the Guggenheim
- Walked from Midtown to NoLita (area north of Little Italy), strolled through shops
- Dinner at Il Buco (fabulous rustic ambiance, wonderful service, and tasty small plates)
- After-dinner stroll through Little Italy

Saturday:
- Brooklyn & Ground Zero/Freedom Tower (More on this soon!)

Hotel: The Tuscany
We stayed in mid-town at The Tuscany hotel and I can't say enough good things about this place. It was reasonably-priced (for New York), the location was fabulous (39th between Park & Lex), the staff was super friendly, and our room was fabulous- particularly the view from our balcony! 
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[Pictured Above] We had a perfect view of the Empire State Building from the balcony along our room at The Tuscany.

It was the perfect low-key, unplanned weekend I had hoped for.  Here are a few pictures from my adventures in Manhattan on Thursday & Friday: 
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New York Public Library

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I saw more people reading phones than books at the New York Public Library.  I was a little underwhelmed by the library since half the rooms with stacks were off limits but I enjoyed the beautiful paintings on the upper floor.
 
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I adore this black and gold building along Bryant Park. Gorgeous! 

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Christmas in New York - there is nothing else like it! 

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Sorry Dunkies,, but the NYC delis serve the best bagels. I had to wait in a long line at Ess-a-Bagel on Friday  morning, but it was worth it (and the owner passes out free samples while you wait)!  I had a whole wheat bagel and cream cheese while Chris enjoyed an egg, bacon & cheese bagel. The bagels were fantastic. The coffee, on the other hand, was almost undrinkable. 

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Cold, but sunny day in Central Park. 

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Site of my very first business lunch.

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Frank Lloyd Wright's spectacular Guggenheim Museum.  My favorite piece - Light Ballet - was part of the Zero exhibit. I watched it, mesmerized, for a whole ten minutes. 

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The cozy, rustic interior of Il Buco on Bond Street - perfect for a cold December evening.   Since it was my birthday, our waiter surprised me with a panna cotta drizzled with balsamic vinegar. 

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Chili pepper wreath at Il Buco.  I'm stealing this idea next Christmas!

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LIttle Italy goes all out during Christmas - lights everywhere! 

Stay tuned for more NYC adventures and photos - including Brooklyn and the Freedom Tower!
1 Comment
Tom Moore
5/5/2016 08:31:00 am

Hi...I'm looking for the travel company that Ohio State Alumni use for their New York City Trips.....do you have Fall Theatre/Site Seeing trips in the Fall of 2016? Thanks

Reply



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    Eva has been traveling for 15+ years, including an 8 month journey around the world.  

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