Oh man, oh man, what a weekend! After a few plane delays and some nervous sweat on my part, I finally was off to NYC. I can’t properly express how proud I was of myself for flying there and getting a cab to our hotel solo. I felt like a real New Yorker! … because they take excited selfies in taxis, too, right?
I arrived around 4:30 to our hotel, The Hudson Hotel on W 58th Street near Columbus Circle (does that sound fancy or what?? Ok, ok, I’ll stop).
David and I felt super swanky at The Hudson. It’s quite a nice hotel, just checkout the lobby, and it’s a happening night spot! The have several bars, a 15th floor terrace bar and an outdoor area called Tequila Park that is packed full by happy hour every evening.
(Picture taken in the morning due to said crowds)
We checked into our room and were updated to a superior room.
Wow. NYC hotels are a whole new (tiny) world! The room was small, but well-aligned, clean and all we needed for the weekend. The AC was flowing and the mattress was comfortable. What else do you need a room for besides sleeping anyway?
The bathroom followed suit. It was ”cozy” (that’s what realtors use for the word small, right?), but felt crisp and clean (most important to me!).
To my total surprise, I had a special delivery waiting for me.
My incredibly sweet friends, Alexis and Christen, had sent beautiful flowers and cupcakes from Magnolia bakery to my room! I was overwhelmed with their thoughtfulness and we dug right into the (AMAZING) cupcakes while we were getting ready for the night out.
Once we were all dolled up, we walked down towards Time Square and our dinner reservations at The View Restaurant.
The entire restaurant rotated, providing us with incredible views of the city at sunset.
During our dinner, we got in a full rotation and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the city from this viewpoint. However, the food…
though beautifully plated, was simply not good. It was bland and lacked texture. My filet was more similar to pot-roast in texture and taste than a filet. I would recommend The View for grabbing a drink, but eat elsewhere!
No matter, we were having a great time and I was too excited about the show to care much about the food.
After dinner we headed straight for Gershwin Theater to see WICKED!!!
Seeing Wicked was the one thing on my must-do list in NYC and I can enthusiastically proclaim that it did NOT disappoint. In fact, it was incredible. Our seats were on the first row of the balcony and we were blown away by the talent of the cast. They nailed the songs, made us laugh with innuendos and three glorious hours flew by. I highly recommend Wicked if you’re taking a trip to NYC!
I also recommend not even packing heels. I know, what a rookie mistake. Let’s just say the pedicab suckered me in after the show and I swore to wear flats for the rest of the weekend.
More to come!
What is one thing you consider a MUST DO in NYC?
Karen says
So happy you had such an amazing weekend. I think a MUST DO is to walk down 5th Ave. I am a HUGE Sex and The City fan (still to this day) so I’d want to check out some of the places they filmed. 🙂
Erica says
Oh my favorite city! I was only there once but I hope to go back as soon as possible! Walking the highline was one of the best memories I have, as just wandering around central park.
Lindsey says
Looks like a GREAT weekend! We were in NYC in Dec and from a recommendation saw The Rockettes and were totally amazed, best thing we saw/did while there hands down.
Parita @ myinnershakti says
What a fun way to celebrate 30!! I love eating my way through NYC. There are so many hole in the wall restaurants that are out of this world. YUM!
Emily @ Perfection Isn't Happy says
Looks like so much fun! I’ve never been to NYC, but I’d love to go someday! That’s how I felt when we went to Chicago and stayed downtown — the hotel room and bathroom was so tiny!
Gcroft says
Glad to hear you had a great trip. My 30th birthday gift to myself was a trip to NYC (we’re talking several years ago now…).
Must do? Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge.
Adrienne says
Looks fun! I went to see Wicked on my last trip there, it was definitely the best part of our trip! Seeing a show is now on my list of must do’s when we visit the city!
Giselle@myhealthyhappyhome says
I would love to go to NYC someday! Seeing a broadway show would definitely be on my to do list but choosing one would be so hard with all they have to offer! Such a bummer on the food. We had a similar experience this weekend and it’s always so disappointing. Especially when you don’t get to eat out all that often. Looks like a great view though!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
What an AWESOME way to spend your birthday!! NYC is seriously my favorite place on earth :).
Ashlee@HisnHers says
Ahhh I’m dying to see Wicked. Rotating restaurants are so fun. We ate at one in Honolulu once that was amazing! The views were great.
Bethany says
Sounds like a fun weekend! My must do in NYC is to visit Babycakes NYC for some healthy(ier) treats, visit Bryant Park, and of course Central Park! 🙂
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
You look so pretty all dolled up! That sucks the food wasn’t good, but it does sound really cool!
Amy @ Long Drive Journey says
Looks like such a fun weekend! I live in Connecticut, so I go into the city often, but I think one of my favorite touristy things to do is walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. It’s just so beautiful, and I’m a sucker for a good walk.
Sarah says
What a fun adventure! We went a few years ago for my husband’s birthday and saw Mary Poppins. It was wonderful! Did you love the cupcakes?
Maria says
Oh my gosh, your hotel lobby is gorgeous and the room as well! I’m happy you had a great time and I cannot believe I haven’t seen Wicked yet! I’ve only done the Disney Broadway shows (which were amazing, too).
Looking forward to reading more about your trip!
Alison @ Daily Moves and Grooves says
Ahhh it looks like you had a blast!! Your hotel is beautiful! It’s hard to find a nice one like that in the city. I’ve lived close to NYC for 8 years, and I’ve never gone to see Wicked yet. I’ve heard raving reviews for it though, and your review is also convincing!
SoHo is a great place to go for Chobani(!) and you would also be close to Little Italy where there is fabulous food and gelato 🙂
Liz @ I Heart Vegetables says
It looks like you had an amazing time in NYC!
Peggy says
Spend the afternoon in Central Park. Visit Grand Central Station. Go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Have Fun!!
Marjorie says
I saw the traveling version of Wicked, and it was awesome. I can only imagine seeing it on Broadway! Looks like you had fun. Glad it was a good trip!
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
I would love to see Wicked!!! I’m glad you had such an awesome trip. Sorry the food was a letdown, though. That’s always a bummer!
Shari says
There is nothing like seeing Wicked at the Gershwin! <3 So glad you enjoyed it and had such a lovely birthday weekend!
My must-do in NYC is Rockefeller Plaza … I just adore the area!
Mer says
Glad you had a nice 30th! Wicked is such a fun show!
Danica @ It's Progression says
I’m so glad you had a great time in NYC! I’ve never been but it’s certainly on my travel bucket list so I’m excited to see what parts you loved!
Emily S says
sooooo fun. i love new york. please tell me you got shake shack.
when we lived in dc, we went a few times a year as it was just a 3.5 hr train ride away (so much more relaxing than flying).
Courtney @ Don't Blink. Just Run. says
That looks like an awesome trip! We took a trip to NYC in March of this year for my best friend’s 40th birthday so she could check out all the Project Runway spots (or one of those shows, I can’t remember which. I hate them all equally! LOL)
NYC is definitely very overwhelming and exciting!
char eats greens says
Sounds like a fabulous adventure!! Mine would be to go to Candle 79 and Time Square!