Birthday Weekend In New York City (Part 1)

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! 

[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: 

New York Public Library

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.
 

I adore this black and gold building along Bryant Park. Gorgeous! 

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

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. 

Cold, but sunny day in Central Park. 

Site of my very first business lunch.

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. 

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. 

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

LIttle Italy goes all out during Christmas - lights everywhere! 

Stay tuned for more NYC adventures and photos - including Brooklyn and the Freedom Tower!