It’s been over a month since I’ve returned from the Big Apple! I promised I’d share all the hot spots we found on our visit, so better late than never right?! As requested, here is my must see activity list for a visit to one of my favorite cities!!
We were so thankful and proud to visit with our dear friend Samy! He’s a childhood friend of mine. Recently, Samy received a promotion at Zillow & was transferred from the OC to the NYC office. I’ve watched him grow and climb the corporate ladder with nothing but integrity, hard work and lots of dedication. It was so special to visit with him while in the big city! He welcomed us with open arms and gave us some of the recommendations I’m sharing below – and let’s just say he never disappoints! We couldn’t leave without stopping at his office & I honestly was just so happy for him!!
Carriage Ride Through Central Park
This is such a great way to explore Central Park in a time efficient way while still enjoying being outside. We had a tour guide sharing some of the history of the park, which was fun to learn about. This is such a beautiful landmark of the city & for sure a must see. They also have bikes available for rent in the same location.
Pizza In Little Italy
This was our first visit in the big city. What’s a visit to NYC without some delicious thin crust pizza?! We scored and came across Lombardi’s Coal Oven Pizza, which was been around for years. It’s a true authentic pizza restaurant with a bar, so its perfect for a mid-day beer & pizza stop while out exploring the city.
Yankees Opening Game Day
This was Justin’s highlight of our NYC trip. It happened to be opening weekend for baseball the week we were there. He was probably more excited than I’ve ever seen him before, so for that in itself. it was totally worth the visit!
Shopping In SOHO District
When it comes to shopping, Justin’s one of my favorite people to shop with! This was the highlight of my trip!! If you follow along my blog, I clearly love clothes & fashion!! There are stores galore on this street for miles!! I made it a point to only go into stores I had not heard of before. I discovered a store called Aritzia and I’m so glad I did!! I scored on some spring & summer staples & learned that they just opened a new location at South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, so I’ll for sure be visiting again!
Nightlife In The City (ICE CREAM SHOP SPEAKEASY )
This is an ice cream parlor which doubles as a speakeasy – it’s hidden behind a door covered by 180 empty ice cream cartons. The atmosphere of the shop quickly changes as you leave the cheerful ice cream shop and enter the dimly lit and trendy storage room. Now this was one of the coolest experiences I’ve had going to a speak easy. I’ve been to a few speak easy’s in the past, but not like this one. You have to hear about it to find out about this spot and they WILL NOT let you in unless you know the password!! Lucky for you, I’m sharing the location & password to this super cute, private, luxurious bar experience. They’re known for their unique specialty cocktails. If you like a strong, flavorful drink then this is the spot for you! They have the concept of specialty cocktails down!
Address: 1707 2nd Avenue New York, NY 10128
Password: “Do you need help with storage in the back?”
Have Fun!!!
Romantic Dinner in NYC
While in the city, a romantic dinner out was a must!! Samy, who lives in the city, recommended Buddakan Restaurant. Both Justin & I love Chinese food. The atmosphere here is a fusion of Asia and 16th century Paris. The food, service and ambiance was a 10 out of 10. The restaurant itself is just gorgeous, surrounded by dim lighting and breathtaking chandeliers.
Address: 75 9th Ave. New York, NY 10011
230 Fifth Rooftop Bar
After dinner we went to a rooftop bar called 230fifthrooftop bar. This is one of NYC’s largest outdoor rooftop gardens and fully enclosed penthouse lounge. The rooftop garden is open to the sky. They have these super cool large umbrellas for sunny or rainy days and they also have heaters for the colder nights which I took full advantage of!! This is located just a 10 minute Uber ride from Buddkan & would be a perfect place to end the night with some after dinner drinks and a full 360 view of the city. At night you get the full city lights, which both Justin & I just loved! This was our last night out in the city & I couldn’t think of a better way to end our trip than here! Truly a breath taking view!
