It’s very hard to find a city that compares to New York, because really there are none. New York is in a league all of it’s own. There is so much to do, so much to see, it will probably take you more than one visit to get it all in (and even that is pushing it). So a great suggestion might be to split your list in half and do a return trip in the opposite season from when you are visiting. Baby Bug and I have visited New York in both warm weather and cold weather. Spring time was a great time to stroll around the city and Central Park, but it’s hard to compare to a visit in the Christmas season – with the beautiful Christmas lights, the huge Christmas tree and skaters in Rockefeller Centre, and the over the top Christmas displays in all of the store’s windows. Add to that the Christmas markets and the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall and you will understand why a visit to New York City during the holidays is a must.
Times Square
One of the first things you think of when you think of New York is Times Square. This is a very touristy area but it is definitely worth a visit, both during the day and at night. There are so many restaurants and stores to choose from. We stayed in this area on our first visit and it was in a great spot to get around. We could even walk to catch the hop on/hop off bus, which we highly recommend for getting around the city to see the sights,(this is also a great option if it looks like rain because on the bottom you are enclosed.
Broadway
There’s always a large variety of shows on Broadway. Mary Poppins just happened to be on while we were there, perfect timing since this was always one of Baby Bug’s favourite movies. We did a matinee, and I remember it being a little long but we really enjoyed it.
Central Park
This is not your ordinary park. We have spent a lot of time here (in all seasons) but have not even come close to seeing it all. There is a carousel, a zoo, horse and carriage rides, playground areas, boat rentals and so much more. We love this park and make it a point to visit every time we’re in Manhattan. One spot that we always get back to is Strawberry Fields, The Lucky Bugs are huge Beatles fans and this area of the park is dedicated to John Lennon. This special part of the park is located right across/beside the Dakota Apartments, where John lived and was tragically murdered in 1980.
Another not to be missed spot in Central Park is Tavern on the Green (this famous restaurant was closed for a few years, but reopened as a restaurant in 2014.)
In the winter, Central Park is one of several places throughout the city that you can ice skate.
Rockefeller Center
This large area of the city consists of 19 high-rise buildings, including the Top of the Rock, with amazing views of the city. Here’s Baby Bug standing amidst the 200 flagpoles that line the plaza (the flags are made up of United Nation countries, the U.S. states, and some are just decorative.)
Another thing that Rockefeller is known for is it’s fabulous Christmas tree and ice skating rink, you can see a small corner of the rink behind us. We were surprised at the size of the skating rink (seems bigger on t.v.)
During the holidays the city lights and store windows are beyond description. Baby Bug’s poor little legs never gave up as we walked and walked and walked some more, taking in all that we could. Another must is a stop at one of the many Christmas markets set up all over the city – I think our favourite was the one at Columbus Circle. These little festive markets sell all kinds of treats and gifts and most run throughout the month of December.
Macys on 34th Street, just like one of the Lucky Bug’s favourite Christmas movies, Miracle on 34th Street
An Early Christmas Present – at the American Girl Store
For anybody that knows a little girl under the age of 10 – you probably know what the whole “American Girl” thing is all about. New York is where my granddaughter “Ella” was born and it just wouldn’t be right to celebrate her “birth”day without having lunch in the American Girl Cafe (and yes. she is sitting in her own clip to the table chair, lol). Check out my Chicago post for more on American Girl.
