Postcards from New York

I recently went on a family trip to New York for 5 days and 4 nights and had a blast! It’s the city that never sleeps for a reason and the buzz of it all was exhilarating. I went with my two children so the trip was more sightseeing compared to the trips of the past!

Itinerary

DAY 1

We woke up early, ate breakfast – treat of mac and cheese on pancakes!!! (heavy but delicious!!) and walked through Times Square into the RiseNY experience museum. This museum was such a delight, taking you through the history of NY through pop culture, architecture, industry and even with a simulated ride at the end. The whole family loved it!

We walked the Highline, a beautiful raised walkway and garden that has been repurposed from the old railway that went through New York. We took in the art installations and views despite the rain!

 

 

We came off in Chelsea and mooched in the Chelsea market, which is full of different eateries that you can choose from.

We discovered the Starbucks Roastery, not like any Starbucks I have ever been to. They roast and treat the coffee beans right in front of your face and is a whole different experience!

We took a cab to Broadway and shopped a little – I purchased my new fave trainers from Steve Madden!

 

 

We grabbed a taxi and ate locally near hotel.

Day 2

We packed it in today and started off with a booked boat tour via Viator around the Statue of Liberty, where we took in views of the financial district, the Hudson and Roosevelt Island.

Once we finished we walked over the Brooklyn Bridge and into DUMBO – acronym for ‘ Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass’. We grabbed a Pizza at renowned pizzeria Grimaldis – Home – Grimaldi’s Pizzeria (grimaldispizzeria.com) .

Once fed, we then grabbed a cap further into Brooklyn and took part in a Graffiti workshop. This was a great activity with the kids and we all created a piece of art to bring home! With art in hand we took the subway back to the hotel, had a quick change then grabbed last minute tickets to see Wicked on Broadway! We all slept very well that night!!!!!!

 

 

Day 3

We met up with my old University friend who lives in New Jersey and walked around Central Park in the morning and took in the activities of everyday life in the park. We would have liked to hire boats or bikes but we had a booking for One Summit so had to leave.

We grabbed a burger on the go and headed towards Grand Central Station where One Summit is. This is a super futuristic experience being taken up the lift in about 30 second to 91 floors. Not for the faint hearted or claustrophobic!

 

 

Once at the top we were delighted by the  360 vies of all of Manhattan. With a ballon room and mirror floor, this place was great for everyone to see the city from a different angle. We had am aperitivo whilst the sun was setting then headed back to the hotel to change for dinner.

We had a great steak dinner at Wolfgangs.

Day 4

My daughter is very much into Friends at the moment so we booked tickets for the Friends experience. It was a great place to see memorabilia from the show, along with lots of great photo opps!

 

 

We mooched through towards the Flat Iron Building, grabbed a bagel, and walked towards Washington Square Park and down to the World Trade Centre memorial ground. Along the way finding great little bookshops and eateries! Found this great bookshop for the book lovers of mystery and crime genres.

We had what we call Linner – and grabbed yet another pizza from Lucia Pizza of Soho as we heard great things about it.

We then grabbed the subway and visited the Slime Museum-  Sloomoo Institute – slime is not allowed in my house so I satisfied my kids obsession with the stuff by taking them there. I hoped this would do the trick. Alas, they came out with more slime that I could have ever imagined and is now sitting in my kitchen haunting me.

 

 

Day 5

We had until 3 o’clock to explore the city one last time. I found a great bead wholeseller near our hotel which I obviously had to visit and discover new beads! Watch this space!

 

 

We then took ourselves off for breakfast at  Jacks Wife Freda  and a mooch towards Little Island.  A beautiful floating structure made into a sort of nature reserve and space where concerts and events happen during the year.

 

 

We wanted to go to the free light exhibition, but unfortunately didn’t have enough time. We headed back to hotel grabbed our bags and said goodbye to the city for one more time.

I packed light and lived in the Rhea Earrings and Ring which I changed up day to night, and road tested one of our new mash up chains which I ADORED (Launching in Autumn!).

 

 

There is so much to do and see, and would love to go again with friends and explore the city again from a different angle! Definitely next time I want to visit Dannijo for shopping, walk round and find all the best bakeries and try a product from each. For a dining experience I have my eyes on Via Carota and for inspiration, art and creativity the MOMA is on my list too.

 

 

Check out my video summary of our trip on Instagram here.

Finally, my Top Tips for a trip like this are – Take a collapsible scooter for young kids to ride on for when you are pounding the streets and plan the trip. Im not usually a holiday planner but I felt for this kind of trip to fit in all the things we wanted to, see the people we wanted to and find the cheapest deals,  it required an excel spreadsheet!

Ciao for now.

Clio x