Life in Stepping Stones

Last year, on a spur of the moment vacation, my husband and I took off for a weekend getaway to New York! We flew in on a Friday and left on a Monday in the midst of late January. Weather-wise, January is not normally the most recommended time to visit New York because it is so frigidly cold. However, during our trip, I discovered that there is truly something magical about experiencing Manhattan in the winter. Maybe it’s because I live in Southern California and the second it’s jacket weather we all just stay indoors until the sun comes back out, but I really appreciated that despite the temperature in NYC, you still feel an overwhelming desire to get out of the hotel and be a part of the city.

With that said, I wore about three or four layers of clothes (including my jacket from my days of growing up in Colorado) and it kept me comfortable enough that I could enjoy the outdoors. My husband, Gwith, on the other hand, wore layer upon layer, packed heat warming packs in his gloves and pockets, and was still turning into a popsicle. So if you’re the type that nothing will make a difference for you, I recommend visiting during a warmer time. However, if you think you can bundle up comfortably, visit NYC in this low touristy season and enjoy everything the greatest city on earth has to offer. From Michelin Star restaurants, a Broadway show, the Statue of Liberty, and favorite TV location hot spots, you really can experience the greatest adventures in a New York minute.

Saturday: A Michelin Experience and Broadway

Our first full day in NYC began with me waking up in the very same hotel that Serena van der Woodsen lived in. Yes. I admit it. I’m a Gossip Girl fan. On top of that, no trip for me is complete without checking off at least one or two locations from my favorite movies or TV shows. This was an easy one since we could stay right there…and my husband didn’t even know why I was so excited about it until after it was booked.

In all seriousness though, the Lotte New York Palace is a gorgeous hotel with comfortable beds and ideally located within walking distance of numerous destinations and restaurants.

After bundling up in our coats, we headed out to a nearby Starbucks and enjoyed our coffees (and kept ourselves warm!) as well walked around the city.

Within 6 minute walking distance from the hotel, we ventured to our first Michelin restaurant of the trip for lunch: The Modern. The environment of The Modern was very inviting and we felt very comfortable arriving in the clothes we were wearing just to walk around the city. My favorite part of visiting Michelin restaurants in New York is that they are always accommodating to my numerous allergies, and this one is no exception. We loved every dish of our four course meal and they customized everything I was served to meet my gluten free and dairy free requirements, without sacrificing the flavor of the dishes. Their menu changes seasonally and I look forward to visiting them again!

After lunch, we headed in a cab to see Avenue Q during their final month off Broadway. I saw it live when they first toured many years ago and while Gwith had always enjoyed the soundtrack (and seen a small playhouse version in California), this was his first time getting the full experience of the show. I am so sad that it’s no longer around, however, I look forward to seeing some other Broadway shows the next time we visit.

When we left the show, we realized we hadn’t made a dinner reservation. Word to the wise: make reservations when you visit NYC, even in the coldest, least touristy season (especially if you have allergies like me!). We quickly discovered very few places had tables left but managed to squeeze in a table for two at The Met. Following dinner, we ventured to Time Square where we got to watch the street performers! This was by far one of my favorite experiences. The energy and vibes from the crowd was invigorating and despite the cold, I could’ve stood there watching forever. There’s not a moment that makes you feel more apart of the city then to be in the midst of Time Square with a crowd of people all cheering on unknown, but incredibly talented, performers.

Sunday: Statue of Liberty and Central Perk

The second day of our trip, we booked a Hornblower Lunch Cruise to see the Statue of Liberty. In the multiple times I’ve visited New York, as a kid and as an adult, I had never gotten to that end of Manhattan, and the Statue of Liberty was on my bucket list of destinations to visit! While the food on the cruise was mediocre (and there were very few gluten free and dairy free options – I’m glad we ate at a nearby cafe beforehand), it was a lot of fun to take the cruise! We got to enjoy the warmth of the indoors…that is until I made Gwith go out and wait with me to take photos. He wasn’t thrilled about the chill, and frankly, neither was I, but I was so excited to finally be near the Statue of Liberty that I honestly didn’t care about the cold!

After the cruise, we walked around the West Village, which is an incredibly cute neighborhood of Manhattan and by far my favorite to walk around. The buildings are exactly what I picture from the movies and when I think of Universal Studio’s “New York City” sets. The West Village also wasn’t nearly as crowded which made it perfect for strolling around and just getting to enjoy each other’s company. Plus, it made it much less embarrassing when Gwith was trying to activate the charcoal in his hand warmer packet and shaking his hand in the air, which in return, made it look like he was making obscene gestures. Our stroll did take us of course to 90 Bedford St in Greenwich Village, which is otherwise known as the “Friends” building! Despite it’s popularity, there weren’t too many people waiting to take pictures and we were able to grab our photos fairly quickly before walking to Washington Square Park to visit the arch and enjoy listening to a street musician.

During the evening, we met with a close friend of mine for dinner at a sushi restaurant and during our walk back, Gwith stopped in an NYPD station to give his respect to the officers. He grew up watching Third Watch in New Zealand and is very fond of the NYPD and FDNY. After the police station, he peaked into the windows at the FDNY station nearby and was thrilled when the fireman opened the door and let us come in for a walk around.

Monday: One Last Michelin Restaurant

Before heading to the airport, we visited Gabriel Kreuther, another Michelin restaurant. We felt more out of place at this establishment, in our every day clothes, as you could tell the clientele was older and dressier. Regardless, they were welcoming and didn’t turn us away with our jeans on. The food was interesting and unique, and they were very accommodating to my allergies as well. In the end, I enjoyed The Modern far more, however, everyone has different tastes and they do a fine job here as well.

In the end, we got to pack quite a few adventures into our short getaway and created memorable experiences that will last us a lifetime. If you can stand the cold, I highly recommend packing your suitcase, bundling up in your warmest layers, and heading to New York for a spur of the moment getaway this winter.

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