We've been home for well over a month now and it feels like an impossibly long time ago since we left New York. In that time I've worked the last few days for the opticians, felt very poorly (NY state of mind = rundown af) and started a new job and tried to get myself into a new routine which I'm probably not succeeding at very much just yet.
New York is such a full on city especially if you treat it as such. Think early mornings, lots of walking, indulging and late nights even though we didn't do much of the bar scene in the evening or stay up overly late we just did a lot during the day so of coarse we came home to feeling particularly run down, lacking in energy and with some awful head colds, but hey it was all worth it.
After a slightly delayed flight and the 2 hour que at security (omgaaa) we arrived at The Redbury shortly after 3pm, after checking in and a quick freshen up we went in search of some late lunch and headed straight to By Chloe somewhere I had heard lots about and couldn't wait to try it's a very popular all vegan eatery in Flatiron (and in a few other locations) only was only a short walk from our hotel The Redbury. After filling our boots with guac burgers, a 'meat'ball sub and fries we walked it off with an explore and stroll to central park via times square to catch some of that late afternoon sun.
In the evening we went to a rooftop bar near our hotel called 230 Fifth, the view was good - it's literally just opposite the empire state building but I wouldn't particularly recommend it as the drinks didn't taste great and for the price of them in particular. Plus it just was a little tacky and the website makes it look a lot nicer then in reality but that's just my opinion. We looked in a couple of other cute bars but in the end decided to hit the 7/11 for some snacks and big gulps as we headed back to our room for that all important rest after a long day.
Waking up on our first morning in our hotel room in my favorite city in the arms of my dream man was a bit of a pinch me and counting my blessings moment (sorry for the gush) We woke up nice and early. Grabbed a coffee and took to the streets to walk to Greenwich Village (probably one of our favourite parts of the city) in search of more great more coffee and a breakfast snack at Jacks wife Freda. We did some shopping and I got to visit Glossier finally I was mighty reserved though and only purchased the eyebrow wand and some face powder.
TIP: Visit Glossier early, get there before it opens to wait as then the que gets long and you have to wait in turns to go in the lift.
We then seeked out another cute place I wanted to visit called sweet moment which do some of the cutest coffee art you ever did see. I then got my nails done at Paintbox which was a must for me whilst Matt had a little wander (poor boy... it was a very girly Jaymie heavy morning) I was completely starving by the time my nails were lacquered and after a glass of prosecco I was desperate for some grub to fill my rumbling stomach, we found the extremely cute looking Lupes mexican diner, which tasted just as good as it promised.
After a quick re-coup and spruce up we wandered to Grand Central station, enjoyed a light dinner at Tacombi in flat iron I also wanted to visit the colourful Bleeker street restaurant but we just ran out of time.
TIP: Visit Glossier early, get there before it opens to wait as then the que gets long and you have to wait in turns to go in the lift.
We then seeked out another cute place I wanted to visit called sweet moment which do some of the cutest coffee art you ever did see. I then got my nails done at Paintbox which was a must for me whilst Matt had a little wander (poor boy... it was a very girly Jaymie heavy morning) I was completely starving by the time my nails were lacquered and after a glass of prosecco I was desperate for some grub to fill my rumbling stomach, we found the extremely cute looking Lupes mexican diner, which tasted just as good as it promised.
After a quick re-coup and spruce up we wandered to Grand Central station, enjoyed a light dinner at Tacombi in flat iron I also wanted to visit the colourful Bleeker street restaurant but we just ran out of time.
We had originally planned to visit Brooklyn and go to Coney Island but after speaking to the nail technician on Wednesday she said Coney Island shut during the week after labour day so we changed our plans and headed back down to the village again after an authentic NY bagel experience at Murrays Bagels with tofu cream cheese.
After walking of some of those bagels, we went to Cafe Henrie to enjoy some cold brew coffee and mimosas. It was a little grey but still so warm outside that we decided to go see a Ghost Story (quite a strange but moving film) at the v.cute Sunshine Cinema on our walk back to the hotel we found a brilliant looking diner called Big Daddy's with a thirsty Thursday deal so went for half price frozen cocktails the size of our heads with a side of fries.
In the evening we found a plant based sushi restaurant called Beyond Sushi which was undeniably delicious, hilarious waiters and was such good value for money. we enjoyed more evening walks through Time Square and we even finally tried the Ben and Jerry's vegan ice cream (which has been on our radar in the UK for quite some time) well I got to try a few licks of mine before I then plopped it right on the ground... saving me from myself I guess.
After walking of some of those bagels, we went to Cafe Henrie to enjoy some cold brew coffee and mimosas. It was a little grey but still so warm outside that we decided to go see a Ghost Story (quite a strange but moving film) at the v.cute Sunshine Cinema on our walk back to the hotel we found a brilliant looking diner called Big Daddy's with a thirsty Thursday deal so went for half price frozen cocktails the size of our heads with a side of fries.
In the evening we found a plant based sushi restaurant called Beyond Sushi which was undeniably delicious, hilarious waiters and was such good value for money. we enjoyed more evening walks through Time Square and we even finally tried the Ben and Jerry's vegan ice cream (which has been on our radar in the UK for quite some time) well I got to try a few licks of mine before I then plopped it right on the ground... saving me from myself I guess.
We woke up to a beautifully sunny day so we wanted to spend the morning in Central Park. After breakfast, we hired some bikes and cycled a lap around the whole park. I always feel a little nervous getting on a bike especially when there's a lot of other people around and cars but after settling into it and the road closure to vehicles for most of the way it got a whole lot more enjoyable. After our spin we took to the lake where we hired a row boat and relaxed on the water listening to the instruments being played by musicians on the bandstand and spotting the tiny little turtles submerged in the water.
After a productive start to the day we wanted to unwind with a glass of vino and lucky for us there was a lovley little wine bar called Wine 30 on the opposite side of the road to our hotel so we had a little afternoon tipple in the garden, blissful.
After a productive start to the day we wanted to unwind with a glass of vino and lucky for us there was a lovley little wine bar called Wine 30 on the opposite side of the road to our hotel so we had a little afternoon tipple in the garden, blissful.
As it went dark we walked to the Highline and spent some time there before venturing to the free (yes free) ferry to Staten Island to see the glittering sights of the Manhattan skyline.
By Saturday our bodies were starting to go fully into run down mode and was most definitely feeling a little poorly BUT still we wanted to make the most of our last full day so we left the hotel at 7 in the morning with our comfy shoes on and we set off to Brooklyn via the Williamsburg bridge.
Once we arrived on the other side of the river we went in search of Champs an all vegan american diner. After eating (birthday cake pancakes anyone?) we were feeling very full and completely fatigued so we definitely weren't feeling up to walking around anymore (which was a massive shame) let alone visiting Coney Island especially as we would not have been able to go on any rides without vomming up some breakfast burrito and pancakes so we got the subway back and had a late morning sleep and relax before summing up some more energy and walking to the village again and grabbing a cone of delicious vegan ice cream.
In the evening we were at a little loss of what to do we wanted to make the most of the night as it was our last but we were also feeling very weary. We walked down to the West Village but not before finding a 'bark fest' dog type party in Madison Square gardens, Doggy heaven! We tried a couple of restaurants which were all fully booked, in the end Matt found a great restaurant called Avant Garden and called them to book a table for 9.30pm so in the mean time we found a pretty wine bar to enjoy a glass and a beautiful NY evening for a walk around before heading for an amazing last dinner in the city.
Once we arrived on the other side of the river we went in search of Champs an all vegan american diner. After eating (birthday cake pancakes anyone?) we were feeling very full and completely fatigued so we definitely weren't feeling up to walking around anymore (which was a massive shame) let alone visiting Coney Island especially as we would not have been able to go on any rides without vomming up some breakfast burrito and pancakes so we got the subway back and had a late morning sleep and relax before summing up some more energy and walking to the village again and grabbing a cone of delicious vegan ice cream.
In the evening we were at a little loss of what to do we wanted to make the most of the night as it was our last but we were also feeling very weary. We walked down to the West Village but not before finding a 'bark fest' dog type party in Madison Square gardens, Doggy heaven! We tried a couple of restaurants which were all fully booked, in the end Matt found a great restaurant called Avant Garden and called them to book a table for 9.30pm so in the mean time we found a pretty wine bar to enjoy a glass and a beautiful NY evening for a walk around before heading for an amazing last dinner in the city.
Sunday
Our last morning and we started it with another bagel (cos NYC baby) to fuel us for some more walking, enjoying the gorgeous weather and soaking up the last of the trip whilst being soppy little saps with each other.
This was my third trip to the big apple and this time we just soaked up the vibe and atmosphere more then anything as neither of us wanted to do anything majorly touristy such as the Statue of Liberty, or Empire State although it would be nice to see the scene from the top together (next time Matt?) we already want to visit again together perhaps towards the end of October, Halloween would be great in the states! or maybe even November in time for our birthdays.
For next time...
We would definitely like to spend more time in Brooklyn and walk over the Brooklyn bridge and explore Dumbo area. Possibly do the Empire State or Top of the Rock together. I think take it more easy with later mornings (even though were both early risers naturally) and getting the subway a little more.
I would like to eat at Two Hands, Screamers Pizza, and enjoy a proper meal at Cafe Henrie. Be arty at the Guggenheim We are already itching for our next holiday or american trip, we both definitely fancy Boston in fall and visiting the West Coast together.
I would like to eat at Two Hands, Screamers Pizza, and enjoy a proper meal at Cafe Henrie. Be arty at the Guggenheim We are already itching for our next holiday or american trip, we both definitely fancy Boston in fall and visiting the West Coast together.
