It’s Spring Break time – Colorado is making their mass exodus for warmth. All the while there are incoming Floridians trying to get some last minute Spring skiing in. We’re guilty too. There have been several trips back to the beach for Spring Break. (Sanibel Island, FL, Destin, FL) After winters, we thrive on seeing some glimpses of color, living trees, turquiose ocean and breeze. We mixed it up a bit this time, and made our way to good ol’ New York, New York. (Cue Taylor Swift “Welcome to New York”.) We were able to spend the first portion of the trip in Long Island to see family. It was so special to spend time with my grandmother, aunt and uncle and cousins and finished up the trip with a couple days in the city. If this picture doesn’t just scream family get together!
No rest for the wary traveller.
I’m excited to say that we are going to Tokyo this summer. (More to come, but so so excited!!) So we used an opportunity in NYC as our practice grounds before the trip. This family from the suburbs needs to remember how to navigate the subway system and walk at such a quick pace before landing in the mecca. We also had to remind the boys on more than one occasion we were not hiking in solitude so keep heads up, walk straight, and stop flinging sticks.
Everyone knows already that I am likely to fill every minute of a trip. We will have an activity, excursion or some sort of site seeing walk going on. (Remember that whirlwind trip to Washington DC, in the summer?) I lack any sympathy for tired feet on vacation. This trip was no different. People think it is an urban legend, but only people that have been to Obachan’s house can truly imagine the amount of food we consumed for three straight days. Ironically enough we did it while watching sumo. It was time to do some walking.
First Stop: Empire State Building
I don’t know how many times I’ve travelled to NYC. And oddly enough in all those times I have never been to the aboslute most toursity icons in all the land. And we almost didn’t make it this time either. Tickets had been “sold out” for our dates before we even left Colorado. We went by for the photo opp at least on our way to Rockefeller Center to ride a different elevator to the top of the city. Then magic – we stopped to ask the doorman a question and what do you know tickets we’re available after all. A quick credit card swipe later, there we were zooming up for a ride.
I tease about it being for the toursits, but it is definitely for good reason. Standing tall amidst the bustling streets of Manhattan, the Empire State Building is not just an architectural marvel but an iconic symbol of New York City’s skyline. A visit to this legendary skyscraper promises breathtaking views and historical insights.
The Empire State Building boasts two main observation decks on the 86th and 102nd floor. The 86th-floor observatory offers 360-degree views of the city, allowing you to marvel at iconic landmarks such as Central Park, Times Square, and the Statue of Liberty from a bird’s-eye perspective. On a clear day, the vistas stretch far beyond the city limits, offering a glimpse of neighboring states. And then be sure to make it to the 102nd floor – this is part of your basic ticket! We almost skipped the elevator to the tippy top thinking we didn’t buy the right pass. Two for two on question asking for the day! The observatory provides an unobstructed panorama, showcasing the cityscape in all its glory.
Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island
Other than our plane tickets and doggie boarding, this was the one and only thing I had booked prior to actually leaving home. I booked a car in the Denver airport en route to Long Island. Then I booked our hotel as we passed through Brooklyn. Mostly becuase Chris said time was up and we needed a place to drop our bags if we were going to be immediately walking the city.
So bright and early, we navigated the big, scary subway and even managed to survive to tell the story. We got off a few stops short of Battery Park for breakfast and a stroll through the Wall St. for Chris. Then we saw a huge line to board the ferries and had a good laugh about how excited we were to have tickets ahead of time. Little did we know, it was the security check line and we too were going through. Our tour guide did a great job though telling us the history and jokes while we waited in line. The real joke was after waiting in line for thirty minutes, Chris got separated from the group and then broke the metal detector holding up the angsty toursist group another ten minutes.
Alas, we made it back to the Lady Liberty. We had taken the boys about seven years ago and Luke had a complete bad attitude meltdown over some lost gum. And we have never let him forgot. Until being a teenager, it was probably one of the four total bad attitude days that kid ever had. Flashforward to today, he was a champ, mostly because we had enough gum this time.
In the heart of New York Harbor, the Statue of Liberty stands as a testament to freedom and the enduring human quest for liberty. Visiting this iconic monument is not just a journey through history; it is a celebration of the ideals that define us as individuals and as a society. Next stop, Ellis Island. Ellis Island is not just a destination; it’s a symbol of resilience, hope, and the immigrant experience that shaped the American story.
* By Colorado standards, the Patagonia and tie-dye hoodies are the eptiome of trendy. New York fashion standards may say something else. Our tour guide enjoyed making some jokes about it.
Next Stop: Chinatown
We really showed up for the soup dumplings. But then we sat down and locked in. We had come to eat. We even ended up cancel our dinner plans before Broadway for this lunch. Chinatown is a paradise for food enthusiasts, offering a plethora of dining options that span the culinary spectrum. From hole-in-the-wall dim sum joints to upscale restaurants serving authentic Szechuan cuisine. I’ve never been disappointed – every meal is a flavor-packed adventure in your mouth.
I love walking through Chinatown and getting caught up immediately in a whirlwind of activity. The neighborhood’s streets are alive with the sounds of vendors, the tantalizing aroma of street food wafting through the air, and colorful decorations adorning storefronts. It’s a melting pot where Chinese, Asian, and American cultures converge harmoniously.
Broadway and Times Square
I lied. I am remembering now, I had proactively booked one other thing for this trip – tickets to see Aladdin on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre. So I booked two things in a timely fashion. And becuase they were booked ahead of time, we found ourselves sprinting to between subways and streets to get back to the hotel for a change of clothes and to the theatre on time.
Between skiing, golfing, football, etc., we spend alot time with sports. We have been trying to make an effort with the kids to also have a ‘culture’ event each month. We’ve done some orchestra concerts and plays at the University of Denver, and so many museums across the country. So to have this experience was such a treat. The timeless story, memorable songs, and unforgettable performances make Aladdin a Broadway experience that ignites the imagination and leaves a lasting impression on these “theatergoers”.
By the time the show ended, we were finally ready for dinner, again. We made our way through Times Square for food and people watching. The kaleidoscope of lights, the energy and excitement, it was sensory overload for certain. Distracted by the endless street performers and giant advertising screens spanning buildings, it took some time decide on what to eat. We gave the choice to Jake just to have some fun. And of all the things in all of Times Square, we had Raising Canes Chicken Fingers – it might be different than the location ten minutes from our house. Jokes aside, it was kind of a perfect ending to the night.
Central Park
We had time for one more spot on our last morning in the city before heading back to the airport. We eneded up ending with a stroll through Central Park and bringing our very own Kevin McAllister (Jake) to see the Plaza Hotel.
Central Park is not just a park; it’s a living, breathing masterpiece that reflects the soul of New York City. The boys still managed to climb rocks, I took time to smell the flowers. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural immersion, or moments of tranquility, Central Park offers an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of urban oasis living. Central Park is just so enchanting, with its timeless beauty and boundless possibilities.
And the food….
It wouldn’t be GlobalKidchen worthy if I didn’t bring up the food – especially when in New York. Even more than an itinerary of sites to see and places to walk, I had a food bucket list for the trip. We did pretty good, and then there were some definite surprises that we did not plan for. I present my NY food diary:
***The things we missed and giving me a reason to go back soon!
NY Pizza – I can’t even believe it myself. We did find a really good Italian spot that still had some really good pizza though. Not all is lost.
Clam Chowder – This was a hope more while we were on Long Island, but again, Obachon kept us so well fed. I literally couldn’t squeeze in more.
Sweet Farewell
New York City, the Big Apple, the city that never sleeps. There’s no denying that NYC is a place like no other. From towering skyscrapers to world-renowned museums, bustling streets to serene parks, this city offers an experience that captivates the senses. It has left a lasting impression on this family!
New York City is a destination that defies expectations and invites exploration. This is not our first trip here, but the city’s endless array of attractions, cultural experiences, and culinary delights ensures that every trip is a memorable adventure. We’ll never run out of things to do. It’s no wonder it is seen as the vibrant heart of America. NYC awaits, ready to enchant and inspire!
