I just spent a week in New York City. I think it’s about the 12th time I have visited. It’s one of my favorite cities in the world with an ever changing vibe that never gets old. My son and his wife now live in NYC so I expect I will visit many more times. But for this trip, I tried to find New to Me New York.
Harlem
Staying close to the apartment my son has gave us an opportunity to get to know Harlem a little better. We enjoyed the Renaissance Harlem Hotel with an unexpected beautiful city view. We would definitely stay here again. A perfect New to Me New York find.
In addition to the nice view, the hotel is located strategically on 125th and near to the several main subway lines. Always a bonus in this city. We also enjoyed breakfast and appetizers several times in the restaurant and bar and found everything to be delicious.
One morning we strolled to the world famous Sylvia’s Restaurant, a soul food destination since 1962. Still popular today with both locals and tourists, we enjoyed a giant breakfast of Waffles and Fried Chicken.
Getting to know Harlem a little better also meant attending a free and fabulous outdoor concert at Marcus Garvey Park, part of the SummerStage activities through out the city. SummerStage annually provides free arts and music events at parks all around New York. Put on by the New York Parks Department it’s an amazing summer long lineup of activities. Such a great service to the people of New York.
The northernmost part of Central Park borders Harlem. This wilder, less manicured section of the park is perfect for bird watching. We enjoyed a quiet morning finding some beautiful birds, both new to us and old favorites, all within the beauty of one of the most amazing parks in the world. Did you know the park is 843 acres. Smack in the middle of Manhattan. I love it so much.
On the Water
A few years ago while in the city we did the Circle Line tour, a boat tour of the Hudson and East River. We loved it, but at a price of $45 it seemed a bit expensive. Recently we learned that the city of New York operates a ferry system on the East River, at a cost of only $4.50. On a beautiful, calm and sunny day we rode the ferry from Gracie Mansion (near East 90th) all the way to Wall Street. It’s an hour long ride with outstanding skyline views of Manhattan and Brooklyn. We exited at Wall Street and walked a couple of blocks east where we boarded another ferry (this one free) to Governor’s Island.
Governor’s Island is a new to me New York place, with wonderful history that goes way back to the early days of New York. Today it is a park with amenities, activities and the best free view of the Statue of Liberty around.
I highly recommend getting out on a New York City Ferry on your next visit to the city.
Walking
Without really trying, I walked almost 40 miles during my week in New York. Although my recovery continues from Total Knee Replacement in March, my knee held up pretty darn well. New York is a city for walking….even if you are a fan of the subway which we are. Walking to the subway, through the subway and transferring adds a lot of steps. Not to mention up and down the stairs.
On the one rainy day we had, we walked all around The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and continued, despite the rain, through Central Park and around Midtown.
On another day we took the subway to Lower Manhattan and walked around Chelsea Market, the waterfront and Tribeca. We walked through Chinatown, the Lower East Side and the 9/11 Memorial. Continuing, we visited a new-to-me area known as Alphabet City to peek at hidden tiny parks, which pepper the city tucked between old brownstones and skyscrapers.
We visited Little Island near Chelsea Market for the first time. A unique space built out over the river that offers beautiful views as well as a concert and entertainment venue.
Walking is the best way to enjoy this amazing city, its history, neighborhoods and views.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn is not just a neighborhood of New York, it is a destination all to itself. We always try to visit Brooklyn when in New York. On this visit we went to the New York Transit Museum, a New to Me New York museum in Brooklyn. One of the best museums I have enjoyed this year, I am amazed it doesn’t show up more often on NYC must-do lists. Well organized and presented, the museum is housed inside a former subway station and is home to dozens of historic subway cars. Only $10 to enter ($5 for seniors), we spent a couple of wonderful hours exploring with our son. Highly recommend the New York Transit Museum.
Broadway
Times Square is my least favorite area of New York, but of course if you want to see a show that’s where you go. On this visit we saw two New to Me New York shows. Operation Mincemeat is a British comedy that was good. Oh Mary is a hilarious and relatively short (only 90 min) spoof about Mary Todd Lincoln.
While in the Times Square area we also visited Bryant Park. This New to Me New York park is gorgeous and very popular with locals. Tables and chairs and a beautiful lawn offer both sun and shady space to enjoy. It’s definitely a new favorite. And I understand it is beautiful at Christmas time too.
Food
Well you can’t talk about New York City without talking about the FOOD! It really is a paradise for foodies, no matter your budget or your palate. You will find it in New York. Each time we come we try to enjoy new places, and on this trip we hit some really good ones. Here is what I recommend;
Chada Restaurant and Bar- located in the West Village, Chada is a highly rated Thai restaurant with both a beautiful interior and beautiful food. Indoor and outdoor seating available. We ate here with our friend Lisa and had an excellent meal.
Kellari Taverna – located in Times Square this beautiful Greek Restaurant was our choice for a group of seven following the show Oh Mary. Our friend Heather and all our family joined in for one of the best meals I have had this year. Beautiful fresh fish by the pound – we enjoyed Kellari Taverna very much.
Grand Banks Oyster Bar and Restaurant -located on a historic sailing vessel moored on the Hudson River, Grand Banks is having a moment and I really wanted to go. We had a nice dinner with our son and his wife, but the menu is very small and is seafood only. But the views are great and we enjoyed being right on the water.
Bo’s Bagels – located in Harlem, our son took us to Bo’s Bagels for breakfast our first morning in the city. Of course bagels are a New York staple, and can range in price from $5 – $25. I had a wonderful lox and cream cheese bagel for just $7.50. I will definitely visit this place on our next visit to New York.
Golden Unicorn – while in Chinatown we hit this Dim Sum place, a very popular old style restaurant where they bring the dim sum to your table on a cart. Point at whatever looks good and try multiple styles of dumplings and dim sum. Golden Unicorn has been serving in Chinatown since 1989 and the menu has other Chinese specialties as well.
Shelsky’s Smoked Fish Deli – In Brooklyn just a couple blocks from the New York Transit Museum we had another bagel at Shelsky’s. Very authentic deli with a giant selection of sandwiches and bagels. The quality of the fish and bagels were amazing. A hidden gem. You must go.
Gray’s Papaya – having never had a world famous Gray’s Papaya hot dog before, we decided to make the trek while we were in the Upper West Side. A must on a New to Me New York tour. $6 gets you a hot dog with your choice of toppings and a drink. The papaya drink is the most popular. The hot dog is perfect, juicy on the inside but with a snap on the outside. A very New York thing to do.
JG Melon – we took the train from Midtown to the Upper East Side in the pouring rain to find the historic JG Melon bar and restaurant. This tiny, cash-only spot has been operating since 1972 and can often have a long line. We luckily got a table right away (probably thanks to the weather) and enjoyed their $14 Martini (known throughout the city) a cheese burger and a bowl of chili. Perfect on a rainy night…or anytime.
Amelie Bistro and Wine Bar our final night in the city we went to the Upper West Side to check out this tiny French Bistro. The original Amelie is in lower Manhattan, and the new Upper West Side location is tiny and cozy. We had some lovely charcuterie and wine, a fabulous Lyonaise Salad and my husband had a perfect roasted chicken. Wow. So good. A great way to end our visit to this great city.
New to Me New York
We will be back in New York again the week of Thanksgiving…so I will have another chance to explore the random and fantastic places of this incredible city and more New to Me New York. Meanwhile, if you are considering a trip to New York here are a few more posts I have written over the years that might help in your planning;
New York City – The Hidden Gems Tour
Exploring the Neighborhoods of New York City
My Favorite Things in New York City
Thank you for reading my blog post New to Me New York. We now embark on a fantastic itinerary starting with Greenland! I hope you will continue to follow along.
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