I love New York City. It is a vibrant, hectic, crowded metropolis that never ceases to leave me exhausted. Tara and I have both been more than 10 times each, but we always welcome the opportunity to return. Recently, Tara and I took a bus up for a weekend to visit some friends. Between gas, parking, and tolls, the cost to drive yourself into the city is exorbitant. So it’s a no-brainer for us to take a bus up versus renting a vehicle (since we don’t own a car). For those around the region who are looking to get into the city via bus, The Washington Post has an informative article comparing the various bus companies.
Although we were just there for a little more than 48 hours, the time flew by. It probably helped that our friends kept us distracted by leading us from one bar to the next to another before hitting up a restaurant before introducing us to a new pub. One drink turned into three or blur, but it was an experience. We never stayed too long at any one location, instead, the thrill came from trying to pack as many cool places in our two-day stay as possible. That’s another thing we love about NYC – there is no shortage of bars and restaurants to enjoy.
Some of the highlights (there really were too many to count) include the European-inspired cobblestone alley in FiDi. Stone Street is one of Manhattan’s oldest roads, and at night it’s closed to motor traffic and becomes a pedestrian street filled with tables and benches from the bars and restaurants lining the way. While we sat on the wooden benches eating, we were both transported to Spain. It’s definitely a must-visit for the atmosphere and people watching. Then there was Houston Hall, an enormous and spacious beer hall hidden in an old West Village garage, where we sipped tasty locally brewed beers. And of course we can’t leave out the iconic Bowery Hotel’s Lobby Bar, where we anonymously quaffed Manhattans and rubbed elbows with socialites and celebrities.
Yet, for all the booze, we still explored the city the best way possible, with our feet. We walked uptown and downtown and on the Brooklyn Bridge. And Tara can never visit NYC without having a bagel with lox, a knish, pizza, or all three. The food, the drinks, the sights and sounds, and the atmosphere are just a few reasons NYC is so electrifying and a fabulous destination to visit even for a weekend.
The hospitality of Jackie and John also elevated our experience from fun to unforgettable! We’re also grateful to our friend Colette for allowing us to crash at her beautiful flat during our stay. The pictures of the chandelier and bank vault come from the lobby of her apartment building (the Inside Man was shot there!) and the nearly aerial view of the city comes from the 55th floor.
Mike and Tara, so glad you enjoyed my city! Stone Street and Houston Hall are both so much fun!
One of the wonderful things about NYC is that you can have a completely different experience each time you go. There’s an unlimited amount of restaurants and activities to experience.