Welcome to New York, Its been waiting for you. Boy do I love a long weekend trip to New York.  It’s only a 45 minute flight from our house and you feel like you’re in a whole new world when you arrive.  My family loves to shop and spend quality time together while we’re there.  This blog will show you ten of my favorite places to visit when I’m in the city.  We’ve been numerous times so some of these stops are my old faves. The other places I chose for people who have been to NY a few times and are looking for some other things to do while you’re there.

Times Square

You can’t visit New York without going to Times Square.  You want to hit the shops (especially at night) and see all the televisions and billboards all lit up. Of course, there are tons of people and street performers day and night.  Try to get a glimpse of the Naked Cowboy while you’re there.  Some great shops to hit are Sephora, Footlocker, A four story Forever 21, and the huge Toys R Us.  They have an actual ferris wheel inside the store.  Your kids will love you if you stop by and let them grab a bag of candy or baked goods and let them ride the ferris wheel.

 Broadway Show

New York is known for wonderful shows.  I have seen Lion King twice, Stomp, Wicked, Rockettes, and  Aladdin.  All were phenomenal and I would strongly recommend them all. In order to get the best seats, I would purchase tickets as soon as you lock down your travel plans. The newer shows can sell out months in advance.  If price is a concern, consider a matinee.

Brooklyn Bridge

I was so excited to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.  I have been to NY ten times before I did this and I’m so glad I did. It’s one of the oldest suspended bridges in the United States.  This bridge connects Manhattan with Brooklyn. You can see so much of the city from the bridge.  If you’re down near the financial district consider doing this as one of your MUST DO activities.

Juniors

OMG!!! My family loves Juniors.  No matter if you’re hungry for Breakfast, lunch, dinner, or dessert; Juniors will be the right choice.  They have amazing food for the right price.  Of course, they are famous for their cheesecakes and YES they are amazing.   We have eaten there every time we have visited and we have sampled all the courses.  My husband loves to get the omlette.  The restaurant we eat at is across from the Marriott Marquis in Times Square.

Century 21

I’m about to tell you one of the best kept secrets in NY.  Century 21 is a 4 story clothing store that has name brands at discount prices. You can find clothing, jewelry, make up, purses, shoes, baby items, and men’s clothing for amazing prices.  The men’s department is very organized, but sometimes you have to pick through the women’s sections to find a good deal.  However, it is worth it.  No matter what our plans are; we always carve out a couple hours to hit this store before we leave.

Central Park

Central park is such a NY landmark.  This huge park has 843 acres of land to enjoy.  We stayed in the Ritz Carlton which is right across from central park.  My daughter and I walked every morning in the park.  Central park has such a family atmosphere and was so peaceful.  There is also a tiny carousel and a few rides as well as horse drawn carriage rides that will take you on a tour of the park. When we were there a family was having professional portraits taken in the park.  I thought that was a great idea!

Top of the Rock

Top of the Rock is a 3 level observation deck on the 67th, 69th and 70th floors of Rockefeller Plaza.  Some say this 55,000 square foot deck has a better view of the big apple than the empire state building.  You can purchase tickets for this online.  You can also see this included as part of some tours of NY.

5th Avenue Shopping

This street has been said to be the most expensive street in retail.  This street includes the most prestigious stores with the most expensive brands. It is often portrayed in movies for the most exclusive clients. Even if you’re just window shopping, try to go in Tiffany’s and one of my favorites, Bergdorf Goodmans.  They always have the store so beautifully decorated.  Especially at Christmas.  You can also find Louis Vuitton, YSL, Chanel, Prada, Burberry and numerous other stores.

Magnolia Bakery

Magnolia Bakery is an international bakery that also has an online store.  Every time I have passed by this bakery it has massive lines wrapped around the block.  I don’t really like cupcakes that much and I LOVE theirs.  They have daily fresh baked goods such as cookies, cupcakes, brownies, gift packages and seasonal products.  If you have a little time, stop in and check out their goodies!

Rockefeller Center

We all know Rockefeller Center is known for the huge Christmas tree we all look forward to seeing in late November.  I’m sure you have also seen the ice skating rink they display in the winter.  These are the things Rockefeller center is most famous for. Right now there are a bunch of tables where you can eat under the umbrellas. The shopping is really great around this area with lots of great places to eat as well.

I hope you have the opportunity to visit NY.  Christmas is my favorite time to go just because the city is so magical that time of year with all the decorations.  However, that is the most expensive time to go.  I would say May is another great time to go.  The weather is great and you’re past the spring break prices.  Please leave comments and tell me what places you like to visit in NY.

Yours Truly,

Jenn