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A few years back a friend and I were talking about going to NYC during the Christmas season. I had never been. So we went and we had such a great time we decided to make it an annual trip! Well because life happens, we skipped the second year. But we made up for it this past year!
I LOVE New York City, especially during the Holiday season! Everyone and everything is so festive around the entire City. We got there on Friday evening. It took us forever to get into the city because of the rain. But it was okay, we didn’t have anyplace to be by a certain time! We stayed in the Beekman Tower. We learned later in the weekend some history of the tower. It’s one of Midtown Manhattan’s great art deco skyscrapers. It was built between 1927-1929. The building was built during the women’s rights movement in the 1920’s. It was built as a clubhouse and residences for the professional women affiliated with the greek-letter sororities. Below is the plaque that is posted on the outside of the building.
Here are just a few of my suggestions that are a “must do” at least once in your lifetime!
1. A Rooftop Bar:
When doing research my friend found out that at the top of the Beekman Tower is one of the best rooftop bars in the city is located there. So needless to say, once we got settled in to our place, we headed straight up there. It’s called “Ophelia”. It was a small, cozy set up with all around amazing views of the city. It was dark and foggy out, so you couldn’t see very far that night, but I’m sure in the daylight it’s some pretty amazing views as well. We stayed for a drink and a small appetizer. I decided on a drink called “Ophelia’s Ascension”. It has smoked Jamaican pepper infused del maguel vida mescal, makers mark, sri lanka palm sugar, aromatic bitters and cedar smoke. If anyone knows me, you know I’m up to try just about any type of drink at least once! And let me tell you, this was a good one to try! It is a great sipping drink that will make you all warm and fuzzy! As for the appetizer that we got, I don’t know how they did it, but those were probably the best potato wedges that I’ve ever had! The balance of garlic and the crispiness of the potato was just perfect!
2. Saks Fifth Ave. Light display:
This is a MUST DO when visiting. It doesn’t matter how many times you see it, each time is even more amazing and impressive as the last. This year was a “Frozen” theme along with the normal Christmas music. It runs every 15 minutes or so and I could sit there for hours on end, you always notice something new. If you are able to see it from different angels, it will give you a really good appreciation for all of the work that goes into setting this up.
3. Rockafeller Christmas Tree:
I don’t care what anyone says, this tree is always amazing! It sits at the top of the ice rink and is even bigger in person than you could have ever imagined. Every year I see when the bring the tree in and watch the lighting on TV. And every time I get to see it in person, I am always amazed by how big and amazing the tree is!
McSorley’s is an experience that you just have to experience. The bar is a historic, classic New York dive bar. When you go, don’t expect to sit and watch the game and get a bite to eat. The entertainment and ambiance is all you need. It’s a piece of NYC history and it’s always crowded, but always welcoming, until you wear out your welcome that is! If you plan on just sitting there and socializing without ordering your next round, you may be the next one they make give up a table! Oh and don’t forget the cash, it’s an all cash bar!
5. Chelsea Market:
Very Fresh Noodles
I had never heard of this market (not a surprise), but I’m so happy that my friend took me there. We went after we saw the Rockette’s Christmas Show, so it was right around noon when we got there. We hadn’t eaten at this point, so we were going to walk around and try some different things. When you go to this market, be sure to go hungry! And be sure to split your food so you can taste a few different things! After walking around, we decided our first stop would be “Very Fresh Noodles”. They only served a handful of things, but they made everything right there! And those things that they did serve were so worth it. We must have gotten in line just in time because when we went to sit down, there must have been 30-40 people in line behind us! They make everything fresh right there. The guys were making the noodles and they were going straight into the boiling water. The beef was super tender and could have been cut with the plastic spoon or your chopsticks (I’m not very good at using them, so it was a spoon for me). Be sure to save room for dessert! So many amazing options. We settled on The Doughnuttery. They make mini doughnuts and topped with your choice of goodies. And because they are so small, you can have multiple ones and not even feel guilty!
They also had a “Big Mozz”, if I hadn’t filled up on all the other goodies, I would have stopped here too! But I will have to save this for my next visit. After you spend your lunch time there, you can you for a walk on the High Line. It’s NYC’s elevated park and is one of the more popular attractions. There is a bunch of history for this as well, but just for a brief history of it, it was once a rail track, but it went out of use in 1980. About 30 years later it was transformed into what is now considered one of the most unique parks in NYC, and for good reason. In the spring and summer time, the playground features wildflowers, greenery and outdoor art. From what I understand it is maintained by volunteers. So go check out this park after your get some good food from Chelsea Market!
I know there are a ton of must see and do things in NYC, but there are just a few of my favorite during the holiday season!
What are your favorite things to do in NYC? Follow me over on instagram and tag me in your favorite things!
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