Adventures in New York City

I recently took a short trip to New York City to celebrate the 30th birthday of one of my leading ladies. And while, in theory, seven women should be able to take the town hard, I found many of us were mostly content with wandering the streets snapping photos, enjoying slow meals, having some cocktails, and calling it a night early (that's not to say that some didn't stay out to witness the sunrise). I have to admit that I'm really trying to accept the fact that my early twenties are so far behind me. I guess it happens.. C'est la vie!

Now if I could only think of something to do for my own 30th this year! Sure, I might not do anything near as exciting as escaping to one of the busiest cities in the world, but I'm sure it'll be great all the same. Without further ado, here are some photos from my adventure...

*Scroll down to the bottom for spots I especially enjoyed on this mini-vacay.

foggy

Laura, sweet Laura.

 

Brooklyn 

 Midtown

the High Line

 

                                                    

Central Park

these street performers were KILLING it

The Frying Pan (or, a place for people who like to wear boat shoes and nautical-themed apparel when approaching a boat) (also, kinda fun)

For many of you, a list of all the best spots in NYC might be a no-brainer, but it had been ages since I had been and wanted to visit some places that might not be on everyone's must-see lists.

Some of my favorites included:

The Butcher's Daughter Juice Bar & Cafe
19 Kenmare Street, New York, NY, $$

Fresh vegan eats at a pretty affordable price for the city. We were able to sit outside, albeit underneath a scaffold for construction, which actually worked in our favor because it was raining. The restaurant itself might be the cutest place I've ever eaten, and the food was pretty incredible. Go! (The place next store has great ambiance if you're looking for a pre-show cocktail. The pop music from my teens that started halfway through our visit, however, was a little off-putting. Beware!)


The Coffee Shop Restaurant
29 Union Square West, New York, NY, $ - $$

I have some mixed feelings on this place. First, I really liked the atmosphere at the front of the house; however, our party was seated in the back and it was COMPLETELY different. It was a bit too loud to actually have any type of conversation, but the cocktails were A+ in my mind (try the passion fruit bellini). The food was so-so. I had a salad with some interesting toppings but nothing to write home about. All and all, I've heard great things but didn't really see it myself. Go for the drinks but maybe settle for a meal somewhere else. (This place is notably open 23 hours a day, so probably for the drunk crowd who can't really tell what food tastes like at that point anyway.)

Momofuku Milk Bar
Multiple Locations
15W 56th St, New York, NY (between 5th and 6th avenues), $

Momofuku Milk Bar was a stop on this trip no matter what happened. I actually ventured there by myself after strolling for hours at Chelsea Market and realizing I didn't really care about what everyone was looking at. I headed to the shop near our hotel, in Midtown, and picked up an assorted variety of freshly baked cookies to bring home (try blueberry and cream, compost cookie, cornflake marshmallow, and confetti). I'm also guilty of indulging in a cereal milk milkshake because where else are you going to find those? Bonus: my friends surprised the birthday girl with a cake from this place and it was TO DIE FOR. So moist and delicious. IF you are in New York, go, and try ALL THE COOKIES! P.S. The other half once had compost cookies shipped to me in Atlanta and I've been craving them ever since (easy peasy shipping, people). Momofuku is also famous for their noodle bar, so hit that up too. I wanted to try the ramen but just couldn't work it in.


We actually visited quite a number of little cafes in Brooklyn to enjoy a beverage and rest for a bit, but I didn't manage to document those places despite how pleasant they were. Darn! I can definitely say skip the Thai in the food halls at Chelsea Market, DO NOT order a specialty cocktail from the Beauty Bar, unless you enjoy drinking straight sugar (note: head towards the back with a beer to avoid the fumes of nail polish and you'll be rewarded with comfortable seating and prime people watching), and try to see a show at The Bowery Ballroom if you're hankering for live music. The space is beautiful, the sound is good, and drinks reasonable. Just make sure you like the band you're seeing or it'll be a long night.

I know I missed so many cool spots in the Big Apple, but it was a short trip and I really enjoyed spending time with my lady friends now that we're scattered all over the world (literally). Hope you can use some of this information to plan your own trip and maybe share some spots that you think should never be missed.

Bon Voyage!

Share on Facebook| Share on Twitter| Share on Pinterest