As we stepped off the train at Penn Station, the energy of New York City enveloped us. My traveling companion, my eight-year-old son, wide-eyed with wonder, could hardly contain his excitement.
The bustling streets pulsed with energy, and the towering skyscrapers seemed to touch the sky. I paused to ask the building attendants at Madison Square Garden a question. When they heard it was my son’s first visit, they welcomed us with high fives, a discussion of baseball teams and a loud “Welcome to the Big Apple!” They even hailed a cab for us.
It felt like a scene straight out of a movie. We laughed as we climbed into the yellow cab; I could see my son’s eyes sparkling.
We zipped through the streets, the sights whizzing by—from the hustle and bustle of Hell’s Kitchen to the serene beauty of Central Park, each moment burst with discovery. This was more than just a trip; it was the start of a journey into the heart of a city that never sleeps and is filled with endless excitement, as one would expect of NYC.
SEE:
During the fall and winter holidays, NYC transforms into a wonderland. There are endless options for holiday-themed events throughout the city, including the ICONIC Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The tradition started in 1927 when the first giant character balloons were introduced. Be sure to stroll around the Upper West Side near the Natural History Museum the night before the parade to catch the balloon setup. It is a festive event that I have experienced several times.
Locals and tourists walk the streets to watch the massive balloons inflate, starting in the early evening and continuing until the early morning hours. Each balloon is tethered to a crew of handlers. ICONIC characters like Snoopy and SpongeBob SquarePants have become favorites over the years. The setup process is a unique opportunity to see in person the larger-than-life balloons and witness the kickoff to festive Thanksgiving traditions.
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Check out Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. This stunning winter event transforms the garden into an illuminated landscape. With a dazzling array of light displays, this experience includes pathways adorned with colorful lights, immersive installations and artistic projections. Visitors can wander through themed sections, from shimmering trees to enchanting arches, combining art and nature.
My holiday favorites include the ICONIC ice skating at Rockefeller Center, where the twinkling lights create a brilliant holiday atmosphere. Another often-missed skating venue is Wollman Rink in Central Park, where the city views and company of fellow skaters are a great way to get into the holiday spirit.
STAY:
One of the best places to stay is Loews Regency on New York’s Park Avenue, a luxury hotel on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Its location offers easy access to Times Square, Carnegie Hall, and Central Park on foot.
Our room was spacious, modern, elegant and surprisingly quiet. It also boasted a balcony with a view of Central Park, making it a spectacular spot to watch the sunrise with a hot cup of coffee.
The hotel has 379 guest rooms yet has an intimate feel. Its luxurious spa, hair salon, and the fabulous Regency Bar and Grill are filled with well-dressed tourists and elegant New Yorkers.
Eat:
Regency Bar and Grill offers classic American fare with an international flair. Led by Executive Chef Manjit Manohar, the restaurant crafts dishes of exceptional quality sourced from local and organic farms. The venue sources both sustainable and fresh ingredients.
Some menu suggestions include the classic RBG burger served on a toasted brioche bun, homemade pickles, lettuce, onion, tomato and cooked-to-perfection fries. If fish is your dish, you can’t go wrong with the pan-seared Branzino garnished with leeks, winter citrus, sunchoke and herb sauce.
Dessert is delicious, and if you don’t have room for delectable options like the Valrhona chocolate mousse with raspberry sauce, don’t worry—room service can always deliver, and you can indulge when you do.
One of the best meals in midtown Manhattan was at Le Marais, an old-fashioned French steakhouse with scrumptious steaks adorned by salads and fries. I indulged in the entrecôte, Argentine grass-fed beef, while other diners commented how delightful the braised lamb shank, escarole and white beans dish was. Additional tasty options include the roasted salmon paired with haricots-verts and cherry tomatoes.
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Everything is made with a French flair, and the food is sublime. Le Marais boasts an elegant but welcoming atmosphere, not to mention speedy service, which was an extra perk after a full day of wandering the city streets and exploring on foot.
An excellent option on the Upper West Side that serves mouthwatering modern Mediterranean dishes is The Hummus Place. This hidden gem is on 305 Amsterdam Ave.
A medley of flavors will surprise you, from fresh salads to hummus to various spectacular eggplant dishes. The food is authentic and tastes home-cooked. Be sure to try the thirst-quenching homemade lemonade, a personal favorite. The food is so good that I dined there more than three times during my one-week trip.
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