It's been just over three weeks since I jetted off on holiday and boy does it feel like a life time ago. I simply couldn't wait to share my trip with you, alas jet-lag hit me like a bulldozer this week - so much so, I've been popping sleeping pills like the M&M candies I bought back. Finally back on Greenwich time, I flicked through my snaps and put together my time spent over in the US.
Some of you will remember that this is my second trip, as last year I also jetted of to the big apple -but with my dad's best friend residing over in New Jersey it's a fabulous excuse to go visit, and it would be rude not too, right? With some hard-core saving over the last twelve months, I left London Heathrow with my family and touched down in the city that never sleeps...
After visiting New York last year and covering the main tourist hotspots (read all here), I knew I had to return and spend time soaking up the atmosphere - rather than rushing from here to there. A world away from my own capital, the city has a vibe I can't quite describe but it has a magnetic pull that simply draws you back in.
Spending two nights at the Giraffe hotel where we stayed last year, this boutique hotel is situated in midtown - in my opinion, just the perfect spot! With a wonderful roof terrace, a complimentary breakfast with cheese and wine hour come late afternoon, the rooms are a haven amongst the hustle and bustle. As returning customers, we were delighted to be upgraded to a king suite!
A stones throw from our hotel is Madison Square Park, home to the original and very first Shake Shack - the ultimate destination for burger lovers...
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Joining the queue, we shuffled around and watched the sun set as we greedily feasted over the menu. Choosing the legendary Shake Stack burger (ft a cheese burger and veggie shroom burger) with some melted cheese fries and finished off with a Hopskotch frozen custard (read: ice-cream) it was mouthwateringly delicious!
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Rising at the crack of dawn, we made our way downtown to the 9/11 memorial to visit the museum that opened earlier this year. Having spent time at the memorial fountains last year (read all about that here), it was amazing to see that the security that had previously been in place had been removed - so that anyone could simply decide to visit and pay their respects without queuing for a ticket. As we passed on by we saw the newly erect Freedom Tower soaring above the city and taking the title of America's tallest building.
There has been much discussion on the 9/11 Museum and I know friends that have had reservations about visiting, perhaps it is a little too much? I knew at once that I wanted to visit this amazing tribute that had been so long in the process, to educate myself and understand the devastation that had occurred and ultimately, pay my respects to the fallen.
The first thing that struck me about the museum is how large the building is, it holds of hundreds and hundreds of artefacts that relate to that fateful day. The sheer amount of work that went into the exhibition is colossal, and pays an almighty tribute to the honour of those killed in the attacks. As I followed the timeline of events of 9/11, it was horrifying to re-live those events and witness the destruction. Incredibly tear-jerking, I am glad I took upon the opportunity to visit.
Heading back out into the Manhattan heat, an unusual 36 degrees for September (!), we made our way over to Kate Spade for a spot of shopping, a browse in the most wonderful stationary shop Paper Source, before resting at this adorable little pub for a 'light' snack!
That evening we took the subway to the Bronx to catch a baseball game. I'm really the sporting kind but after much persuasion from my dad (and the reassurance and promise of good food from Sophie), I soon became a baseball convert and a firm fan of the Yankees (hat and all).
From the audience kiss cam, the boo-ing, the awful (but oh so delicious food), I had an AMAZING time and enjoyed every minute! It's so relaxed and the rules are so easy to follow.
Our next day was spent mooching up town, we started the day with mexican breakfast burritos (hold me..) from the local deli and then made a touristy stop at Tiffanys on 5th Avenue, saw people queuing two weeks early for their iPhone 6 at the Apple shop before lazily walking through Central Park. Making sure to stop off at the Boathouse for cocktails, just heavenly.
Being the foodies that we are, my dad and I were eager to visit the Chelsea Food Market in the Meat Packing District. Housed in a former biscuit factory (where the first Oreo was created - fun fact), Chelsea Market has grown to be one of the world's best indoor food halls with a number of delicious vendors setting up shop.
From cheese to wine, lobster to cake, we piped for mini doughnuts in a whole host of unusual flavours from Doughnutty - no pictures, as I was far too greedy! It's also worth visiting the amazing Posman Book shop, with incredible hand-picked selection of books and stationary, my entire family were engrossed!
And that is where we leave my New York journey for we hopped on a train and made our way over to New Jersey. A short but sweet trip, it was incredible to just mooch around the city and see sights that we completely missed last year. Next on my New York agenda is another baseball game, a trip to Brooklyn Brewery and Coney Island. Fingers crossed!
Stay tuned for my travel diary of New Jersey (and of course, my American hauling!).
