NYC Travel Diary Part 4: FOOD!!

As promised today we are talking about one of my favorite topics…FOOD!! There is definitely no shortage of places to eat in NYC, and I challenge you to venture outside your comfort zone and try new things. I definitely have my go to places when I’m there that I will be sharing with you, however, I always love trying new places.

Blockheads: This is usually the first stop when I get to town if I get in at night. You probably can’t tell by the name but it’s Mexican food. I love their quesadillas and tacos but, the real reason I go is for the drinks. They have something called a French bulldog; which is kind of like a margarona. Instead of a corona they put a split of champagne in there! I discovered this place the first Friday night I lived in the city with my best friend and I’m so glad we did.

Tompkins Square Bagel : Everyone knows that New York is known for it’s bagels and there is no shortage of bagel places. While there is a bagel place on every corner I feel like most people have their bagel place they like the best. Tompkins Square bagel is MY bagel place. Their sourdough bagels are amazing with any of their cream cheeses. If you are looking for something a little more on the lunch side go with their chipotle chicken salad. And if you are craving something sweet, you have to try my absolute favorite…a cinnamon toast crunch bagel with chocolate chip cookie dough cream cheese! It’s seriously life changing, and you will crave all of these things long after you leave NYC. (Tip: I usually get two bagels, a breakfast bagel to eat now, and a chicken salad bagel to take home for lunch. This place can have extremely long lines on Saturdays and Sundays, but I promise it’s worth the wait. They are also a cash only restaurant, so make sure to stop at the ATM; or they have one you can use inside. Last if it’s a nice day, Tompkins Square Park is right across the street and a great place to sit and indulge in your delicious bagel.

Aria Wine Bar: J and I went here before our Broadway show and the food was amazing. (My best friends sister suggested it and she is NEVER wrong when it comes to good food recommendations.) They have an amazing pasta and wine menu so; it’s perfect for date night. It’s also in Hell’s Kitchen, which is close to the theatre district if you are heading to a show.

Melt Shop: This is another one of my go to places in the city. It’s all different kinds of grilled cheese and tator tots! Who could go wrong with those two options? They also have a Nuetella fluff milk shake that is out of this world. I usually opt for the truffle melt, because I can’t turn down anything with truffle oil, and some shop tots. If it’s really cold I’ll get a tomato soup instead.

Lilly’s Craft &Kitchen: This was a new one for me this trip and it did not disappoint. We went for brunch on Saturday and got bottomless mimosas and breakfast quesadillas. Everything was delicious and I believe the drink deal was $20 for an hour and half of bottomless mimosas, screwdrivers and bloody Mary’s.

$1 Pizza: This is a staple after any night out in NYC. Like bagel places pizza places in the city are a dime a dozen. You should be able to find a late night place almost anywhere you are. I typically go for white pizza if they have it. No one does white pizza like NYC!

Levain Bakery: I’m sure you have seen their infamous chocolate chip cookies all over the Internet and instagram! I finally made it there this trip, and although the line was pretty long for cookies, I am so glad I waited. I will go on record and say it’s probably one of the best chocolate chip cookies I have ever had.

These were just some of the places I ate this trip. Since there are sooooo many places to eat in the city I’ll leave a few more suggestions below.

Tomorrow we wrap things up with nightlife. How appropriate since it’s Friday tomorrow?!

Brunch: 

Intermezzo super fun drag brunch

Friend of a Farmer AMAZING pancakes and everything else

Jack's Wife Freda super instagramable love the avocado toast

The Doughnut Project: They totally sucked me in with their prosecco doughnut. It was equally as pretty as it was tasty! 

Lunch & Dinner: 

Eataly good food and during the holiday season they turn their rooftop into a super cute ski lodge

Tao Uptown: Good sushi and super fun environment 

Becco: Some of the best pasta I have ever had. They have a great deal that's an $100 (I think) and includes an app, salads, endless pasta and a bottle of wine for 2 people. 

Ben's Deli: If you have never been to a true NYC deli I totally recommend going. I used to work around the corner from here and would get their matzo ball soup all the time! 

Sweet Treats:

 Magnolia Bakery They are known for their banana pudding but I die for their cupcakes. I would always get 2...one for now and one for later.

Big Gay Ice Cream Shop: Love how colorful this place is and obviously the ice cream is good too!

Laduree: Macarons are one of my favorite desserts. Grab some to go or stay and have some sweets and tea. It's super cute inside.

Baked by Melissa: I love their cupcakes because they are so tiny so you can eat at least 3! Maybe 4!

Serendipity 3: I love the movie Serendipity and if you couldn't tell I try and visit places from some of my favorite movies/TV shows in the city. The frozen hot chocolate made me love the movie even more. 

NYC Travel Diary Part 3: What To Do

Happy Hump Day!

Today we continue our NYC travel diary with what to do. There are literally hundreds of things to do. I feel like no matter how many times you visit there is always something new to do the next time you go. (I feel like this is also true if you live there. I’ve never met anyone that’s like “yeah I’m good I think I’ve done all there is to do in the city.”)

I said in my intro I was going to try and keep these posts to things/places from this past trip but, here is where I will add a few extras.

Statue of Liberty: I had never done this until this last trip and I would highly recommend it. You get to take a nice little boat ride over to the island that provides AMAZING views of the city. Once you get there you can pickup a headset to do a guided tour or just go off and do your own thing. (J and I opted for the later.) We got to go inside and see the museum and walk up to the pedestal. I wanted to do the crown but tickets were already sold out. (Buy your tickets way in advance if this is something you want to do. I bought ours about 2 months ahead of time and tickets for the crown were sold out through November 1^st.) After you explore Liberty Island you can take a ferry to Ellis Island or back to Manhattan. We went back to the city because we had other plans but, next time I would probably do Ellis Island. I would mark off a big chunk of your day if you plan on doing both.  

Broadway Show: I am obsessed with Broadway! I try and see a show every time I’m in the city. This time I saw Cats and I was literally the happiest girl in the world. This was a show I always wanted to see and when it went away a few years ago I was so sad. When we were planning our trip I told J “The only thing I care about doing is going to see Cats. We can do whatever you want the rest of the time but I HAVE to see that show!” Next on my list is Hamilton. If you need any recs let me know. I’ve seen more than a few Broadway shows.

Central Park: If this is your first time in the city, or your 100^th time visiting, I always think Central Park is a must. It’s huge, so there are always new things to explore. Some of my favorites are grabbing a drink at the Boathouse, seeing the Alice in Wonderland statue, bringing a blanket, some snacks and a bottle of champs for a picnic, or during the holiday season watching all the skaters at Wollman rink.

The High Line: Speaking of parks and walking around, The High Line is possibly my favorite spot in the city. Not sure what it is but I just love it!  I try and make it over to walk at least a little bit every time I visit. It’s built on the old railroad tracks and goes through Meatpacking and Chelsea neighborhoods on the West side.

Brooklyn Bridge/Brooklyn: I’ve walked the Brooklyn Bridge a few times but never actually made it into Brooklyn until this last trip. I walked around Dumbo the first day I was there and loved it so much I took J back a few days later. The highlight of my Dumbo experience was seeing where Dan from Gossip Girl lived! There are amazing views of the city, lots of cute restaurants and shops, and a nice walking path. (Tip: Walk across the bridge early in the morning for fewer crowds. If you can make it to watch the sunrise it’s awesome. I did it one time in college and it was AWESOME! When you’re done exploring Brooklyn rather than walking back, take the ferry!)

Top of the Rock: I think it’s important to go to Top of the Rock, top of the Empire State Building, or One World Trade Observatory at least once. Personally Top of the Rock is my favorite because you can see all the iconic buildings. (Empire, Chrysler, One World Trade) I didn’t go this past time but I’ve done it a few times.  (Tip:  Go about an hour before sunset so you can see the city during the day, watch the sunset, and then see it all lit up at night!)

9/11 Memorial and Museum: This is probably the thing I would put at the top of your list! I went to the museum 3 years ago when I lived there and it is so moving. It is beautifully done, and I really can’t recommend this enough. Make sure to check out the memorial fountains before or after your visit to the Museum. There’s one for each tower, and they have each persons name engraved on them that lost their life that day. (Tip: Have dinner planned or some other activity because this can make you feel very somber.)

Time Square: I only suggest this if you’ve never been before because I think it’s something everyone should see once. I avoid this area at all costs but, actually ran through it this past trip because a friend of mine had never been. If crowds aren’t your thing I would advise really thinking about if you need to see this!  (Tip: Go late at night when it’s less crowded and you can really see all the lights.)

I’m going to stop here, because like I said, this is a subject I could go on and on and on about! If you’ve done all these things and need other suggestions just let me know!

Thank you so much for stopping by and reading my travel diary. It really means so much!

Check back tomorrow for one of my favorite topics…FOOD!!!

NYC Travel Diary Part 2: Where to Stay

Hey guys & gals!

Yesterday I gave you a quick intro to NYC & how my travel diary will go. As with any trip you plan once you make the decision of where to go and your flights have been booked,  your next step is probably where to stay. In all honesty I don’t have a ton of experience with hotels in NYC. I have always been pretty lucky and have friends that allow me to crash at their house when I visit. But since this is a HUGE part of any trip I do have a few suggestions.

Airbnb: This is always a great option no matter where you are traveling. In NYC this would give you a great opportunity to stay and explore different neighborhoods you normally wouldn’t when staying in a hotel. I feel like the majority of hotels are in central Manhattan, but you can find an Airbnb almost anywhere.  This is also a very budget friendly option.

The Plaza Hotel: Any Home Alone or Eloise fans out there? I’ve always wanted to stay at The Plaza but haven’t gotten the chance yet. I can promise I have heard nothing but great things and in my opinion this is quintessential NYC. It’s also a great location.

Image via NY Post

JW Marriott Essex House: I actually stayed here a couple years ago and it was so nice. They recently renovated it and I’ve heard it’s even more amazing. (Really not sure how that’s possible since it was already gorgeous in my opinion.) This is right on the edge of central park and if you can get a room with a view I highly recommend it. Just like The Plaza this is in a great central location. (They are just down the street from each other.)

Image via Hotel Online

The Empire Hotel: If you’re a Gossip Girl fan this is the place for you! (Are y’all seeing a theme here? I really only know hotels from TV and movies. Haha) I’ve heard great things about this hotel and I have been to their rooftop bar, which is really fun. They even have Gossip Girl themed drinks. (At least they used to.)

Image via NY Daily News

The Palace Hotel: Since we are talking about Gossip Girl this is another one that’s from that show. I’ve walked by this hotel a few times and if the inside is anything like the outside it must be gorgeous. This hotel is on the East side but along with all of these it is in a great location.

Image via Pursuitist

I’m sorry my knowledge in this section is not very extensive. These are all fun iconic places but there are a million places to stay in the city. I think it’s all about where you plan on spending most of your time & what your budget is. I would suggest looking into boutique hotels if you want to stay somewhere like SOHO or Chelsea. If bigger names and Time Square are more your style there is no shortage of Hilton, W, or Marriott’s in the city. It’s all about what you’re looking for.

If you need any more suggestions, please feel free to comment on this post or email me and I would be more than happy to help you find the perfect place to stay for your NYC vacation.

I’ll see y’all tomorrow for one of my favorite topics…where to eat!!

NYC Travel Diary Part 1: Introduction

Hello lovelies!

Happy Monday. I know what you’re thinking, “she NEVER posts on Monday.” Well you would be correct but today, or rather this whole week I have a real treat. I’m kicking off my weeklong travel diary for NYC! That’s right there will be a new post every single day this week.

I knew I wanted to do this post when I was planning my trip; but because I love New York so much, and have a million things I want to share with y’all, I wasn’t sure how I would break it up. I finally settled on the following categories:

Places to Stay

Things To Do

Food

Nightlife

I’m going to try and keep each category to things/places from this trip. However, if you need any other suggestions please feel free to leave a comment or email me at fashionablylateblonde@gmail.com and I would be more than happy to share even more of my favorite things with you.

Today I want to leave you with a few tips for your visit.

1.    Plan ahead but not too much! I’m never one to plan my entire trip because I like to leave time open for spontaneous things. In NYC if you plan on doing something extremely touristy that requires tickets, buy them in advance. This will prevent disappointment if they are sold out and also help you avoid long lines. (The exception is Broadway because you can get some great last minute deals. However, if you have a specific show just go ahead and buy the tickets ahead of time.)

2.    Use public transportation! This may sound scary especially if you have never used the subway or any type of public transportation, but I promise it’s not as hard as it looks. And if you get lost just ask someone. We’ve all been there. This will be a huge time & money saver! (My biggest tip here is pay attention to uptown vs. downtown trains. This will save you a lot of time)

3.    Don’t be afraid to try something new. Whether it’s a restaurant or activity there are tons of things to do and see and even more places to eat so make sure to step outside your comfort zone just a little.

4.    Take a day to just wander. (Even better if it’s by yourself.) I don’t typically like to be alone. Not in a weird way but I just really like being around people for the most part. Every time I go to the city however I try and make sure I have at least one day by myself to just walk around. I love walking through all the different neighborhoods and discovering new places. I really can’t recommend this enough. It’s one of my favorite things.

5.     Last but not least bring comfy shoes. I did a whole post here on how comfortable shoes in the City are a must. Bring heels if you plan on going out and that’s your thing (I usually do) but just know you may think a pair of shoes is comfortable (that includes heels) but NYC will make you rethink that ASAP! A great trick I learned from a girl at the club one night was bring a small pair of flats like these foldable ones and put them in your purse then at the end of the night when your feet are dead you can throw them on and carry your heels.

I hope this helps and I hope you will come back tomorrow for where to stay in the city!