Margot Black
The words written about New York could fill Central Park a hundred times over, yet there’s always something fresh, fantastical, and fun to discover. Having grown up on the East Coast, the city is part of my DNA, but on this trip I fell in love with New York all over again.
Traveling across the country from Los Angeles to reunite with cousins and old friends, we packed a lot into four days and three nights. There’s an immediacy to New York that brings a sense of movement and discovery, which is why I always wear comfortable shoes when I visit. You have to be able to keep up with the hustle and bustle.
New York is the most populous city in the United States with over 8 million residents and is known worldwide as a diverse metropolis that combines history, culture, diverse cuisine (including the world’s best bagels) with a modern sensibility. It is home to many iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park, as well as cultural institutions such as The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), famous for its vast collection of contemporary art, and of course Broadway. New York continues to amaze me with its history, nature, and endless fun.
This time I stayed at the Algonquin Hotel, a charming boutique hotel in Midtown. A writer’s haven, this is where author and wit Dorothy Parker held her famous round table with literary friends in the early 20th century. Now part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, the hotel has a unique charm, with quotes from famous authors inscribed on every door, as if to tell the story of its history. The small size of the hotel makes it intimate, charming, and manageable in every way. The intimate atmosphere, along with the modernized decor and the resident orange cat, made it feel like a cozy hideaway in the hustle and bustle of the city. I sat alone at the famous Algonquin Round Table and enjoyed a delicious and beautiful breakfast in the bustling lobby, complete with a pianist on-site. I would return to this ultra-central location in a heartbeat.
Spending time in nature is now an integral part of my life, and while a trip to New York City might not be the first place that comes to mind when searching for outdoor wonders, dig a little deeper and you won’t be disappointed.
One of my first adventures began with a stroll along the High Line, an elevated, green, non-profit public park built over Manhattan’s historic freight railroad tracks. This 15-year-old attraction is nothing short of a whimsical walkway, but it also features art, live performances, food, and unique views of the city. My favorite part is the water feature, where kids can play and people can relax, enjoying a bit of nature in the urban jungle.
That evening we had dinner at Chez Josephine, inspired by the legendary dancer and singer Josephine Baker. This romantic French restaurant has live piano music and a Parisian atmosphere. Both the food and the atmosphere were excellent.
The next day, I visited the Empire State Building with my cousin. We arrived right at opening time, so there was no line and we went straight to the observation deck. The views were breathtaking and we got to see Central Park and the city skyline from a new angle. One of the things that made this trip possible was purchasing a CityPASS, which is a great way to save money and time when visiting multiple attractions. With a one-time, upfront fee, we saved nearly 40% on admission fees and got to see the highlights of the city without having to deal with long lines and expensive prices.
For lunch, we walked to La Pecora Bianca near Bryant Park. This charming Italian restaurant serves delicious food and spritzes. The tiramisu here is the biggest and tastiest I’ve ever had. It’s close to Bryant Park and is a great place to relax and people watch.
On our last day, we took an exciting speedboat ride to the Statue of Liberty (we got the $5 BEAST speedboat upgrade with our CityPASS) for unforgettable views of the skyline and the Statue of Liberty, followed by a quirky tuk-tuk ride around Times Square. Although the pricing was confusing and it felt a bit touristy, it was surreal and a fun way to see the bustling heart of NYC.
You never know what’s going to happen in New York. Every day is like a movie, but if you’re open to exploring new places and plan ahead (trust us, you’re not alone in loving New York), you can’t go wrong. This city never ceases to amaze. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or are a local rediscovering New York, you’re sure to find something new to fall in love with.
When you go
Algonquin Hotel: www.algonquinhotel.com
The High Line: www.thehighline.org
Chez Josephine: www.chezjosephinenyc.com
CityPASS: www.citypass.com/new-york-comparison
La Pecora Bianca: www.lapecorabianca.com
The view of Manhattan coming back from Liberty Island in New York City is breathtaking. Photo by Margot Black.
Chez Josephine is a romantic French restaurant in New York that will make you feel like you’re in Paris. Photo by Margot Black.
The Vessel at Hudson Yards is one of New York City’s newest attractions. Photo by Margot Black.
Margot Black is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
Photo credit: Unsplash
