Where can I begin? New York City is always a good idea. I had been to the Big Apple once before with my family back when I was 15 years old (my very first flight). I was able to explore the City mid-winter when the Christmas lights were up and shining and the city was preparing for New Years Eve festivities. From exploring China Town to Horse Carriage rides in Central Park, wonderful family memories were made. But this time around, it was my boyfriend’s first time seeing the Big Apple.
First day in NYC
We decided to plan a Birthday Trip for me, and what better place to celebrate another year of life than NYC. We took a quick flight to JFK and we were ready for our romantic weekend away from the craziness of Miami. The streets were surprisingly empty and clean in February (2016), I guess it was way too cold for most folks. We hoped for snow but got a snow storm heading our way instead… The weather was FREEZING, but we always make the best of it. We stayed at the Cambria Hotel and Suites in the heart of Chelsea; the prices were pretty great during that month, highly recommend traveling in February.
Our first night in NYC we took a stroll to Battery Park for some ice-skating; a gorgeous night out and about. The next day we booked one of those Hop on Hop off Big Bus Tours which are a great deal in my opinion, we got a bargain because we were able to purchase three-four types of bus tours for pretty much the price of one: different loops- one that included Brooklyn, and a night tour. We took full advantage of those tours since it was so cold, best way to get around that weekend (you have to get to the bus early to get the inside seats during the winter!). We did a lot of walking as well though, had to power through to get the most of it.
Things to do in the City
We were able to visit the MoMA (The Museum of Modern Art), the World Trade Center 9/11 Memorial, and Rockefeller Center which is a MUST- you get some of the best views of the City! I haven’t checked out the view at the top of the Empire, but the sights up on Rockefeller Center leave you in awe.
We also checked out the Statue of Liberty. The short boat ride over to Ellis Island was freezing, but the views were worth it at the end! On our last day we took our tour bus around China Town, I was nearly in tears, my feet were frozen. We stopped by a Fast Food Restaurant to just warm up and then hoped back onto the bus, we were not prepared for that weather. The next day we were off to the airport, we did not get snow all weekend but before getting on our flight it started to flurry! I can’t wait for another weekend trip to the Big Apple. I Love You, New York.
