NYC TRIP RECAP

This girls' trip all came about because my pal had a friend who had a free apartment on the same weekend as my birthday and we couldn't resist! We had an incredible 4 days, read on for a full recap, or check out the highlights here!

Day One

Our trip started off, as so many do right now, with a chaotic airport experience. Once we made it through security and to New York, we headed straight for our apartment on the Upper East Side to settle in. We were hungry and excited, so we grabbed a quick snack and cocktail at Felice 64. From there, we felt like we needed to head to the centre of it all. Tourist mecca that it may be, Times Square was calling our name!

After the obligatory photos, we did a little shopping and exploring before heading to the West Village. We grabbed a paloma and a snack at Tacombi and then wandered over to our dinner reservation at Olio e Piu. After dinner, it was time for one of my trip must-dos-- Marie's Crisis Café!

This bar never disappoints, I really wish we had something similar in Toronto-- though I guess it feels more special having to make the trek to NYC to feed my musical theatre sing-a-long addiction!

Day Two

Day two dawned with a pair of hangovers. Mine was worse than my bestie's, who valiantly put up with my grumpiness as we grabbed some carbs to soak up the alcohol and headed to Chelsea Market. I had never spent any time in this part of the city, and definitely want to go back when I'm not feeling so icky-- the market was so cute with lots of little shops and boutiques, some restaurants and take-out spots that I would love to try, and a really neat history. From the market, it was only a short walk to get onto the High Line. This elevated park walk through the city has great views and lush foliage, but I would not recommend it for sunny, hot, hungover mornings! Gorgeous, but I was dying a little bit oops.

We walked the length of the High Line and ended up at the Vessel. Eager for some air conditioning, we checked out the Hudson Yards Mall before grabbing an unexpectedly delicious lunch from Pardis in the Park. Revived from the food and a rest in the shade, we headed up to Broadway to grab evening theatre tickets, then hopped on the subway down to the Brooklyn Bridge.

Walking across the Bridge was a bucket-list item for Alicia, and it was incredible to see the views on our walk across. It was very hot, we should likely have planned to do it earlier in the day, but totally worth it for the skyline and Statue of Liberty sightings!

We had reservations at Harriet's Rooftop in the 1Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, so we made our way there. Upon arrival, we were initially seated in direct sunlight, and after our full day in the heat (with hangovers!) this was a no-go. Thankfully the staff was incredible and shifted us into one of very few tables with an umbrella. For anyone visiting in the summer, keep in mind that shade is very limited up there! The roof was gorgeous, beachy boho vibes that contrasted against the urban skyline and incredible bridge views in a fun way. Our cocktails were yummy, the food was good, but really, you are paying for the view at this spot.

Finally it was theatre time! Back on the subway we got, and headed up to the August Wilson Theatre for Funny Girl. I loved every second of it and thought Beanie did a great job, despite what the critics said! She got multiple standing ovations, it was truly great to see. And the tap dancing! Loved. It.

After the show, we were exhausted. Our loose plans for a nightcap were ditched in favour of sleep, and it was definitely the right choice!

Day Three

Day three was just as hot and sunny as every other day of our trip! We lucked out with the weather in some way, but also wished it was just a couple of degrees cooler. Summer in the city is no joke! Day three was meant to be a more restful day, so we headed over to Soho, where my bestie treated me to a blowout fro Dry Bar for my birthday. Hair looking pretty, we headed to Soho Diner, which was an unexpected highlight of the trip. Adorable retro vibes and delicious food, we were in love with every part of this spot!

After brunch, we did some Soho shopping (and window shopping at the gorgeous designer spots!) before

heading to Loopy Doopy for some rooftop day drinking. I loved this spot, the cocktails were tasty, the view was good (not as great as Harriet's, but a better vibe and way less pricey!) and the people were nice-- we befriended the girls at the table next to us and had a great time.

Leaving Loopy Doopy, I felt a touch dehydrated from all that sunshine and Prosecco. A quick nap had me back to rights, and we headed to Short Stories for snacks and drinks and tequila shot midnight toasts for my birthday! This spot had new disco vibes and was so much fun.

Day Four

Day four was another hungover day, predictably! This time, it was my pal who had the worst of it. We headed to midtown in search of brunch and ended up at Bistro Verde inside Nordstrom, then wandered Central Park before it was time to head to the airport.

After another (worse! 8 hours long!) chaotic airport and flight experience, we made it back to Toronto. I'm already counting down to when I can go back to the city that never sleeps! For more from my NYC trip, check out more detailed reviews of my favourite spots here, and how we planned the trip here!