I’m still on a bit of a high from my trip to New York.  It could be from the residual sugar in my system after a Sunday morning trip to the Doughnut Plant and the amazing Coconut Glazed/Coconut Cream doughnut I ate inhaled.  And let me just add that lavendar + doughnut is also heavenly.

I went into my trip to New York about as excited as a longshoreman in Amsterdam’s red light district.  I could barely contain myself.  I have longed to go to NYC and experience it and its crazy glory.  It did not disappoint me.

I was only in NYC for 3 days really and I managed to see I huge amount of the city.  Let me tell you–I totally did not pack the right shoes for all the walking I did and my feet are still a little angry with me for that.

Highlights:

1. Top of the Empire State Bldg–when in the city you forget how massive Manhattan is until you are able to see it all around you.
2. Times Square–I don’t necessarily ever need to go there again, but it is insane and a must see.
3. Magnolia Bakery–I had their lemon cupcake and it was to die for and not huge.  The smell when you walk in knocks you down it’s so awesome
4. Doughnut Plant–AMAZING
5. Street food–I know everyone complains that NYC is so expensive, but I was able to get an amazing falafel and a coke for $5 on the street and then followed it up with a Mr. Softee cone for $3.  Not bad for lunch.
6. Grand Central Station–I never saw it from the outside, but the inside is gorgeous.
7. Battery Park–only because I saw Will Smith shooting MIB 3.
8. The Naked Cowgirl–I mean come on, that woman has some conjones or a screw loose–jury is still out on that
9. Rockefeller Center–while a bit anti-climatic, it was cool to see.
10. Subways–this was such an easy city to get around (thanks to my subway app) and you get to see quite a diverse collection of people
11. Walking–I know this sounds crazy, but I loved being able to walk almost anywhere.  I miss that living in STL.  I have to drive most places and I miss the culture of walking everywhere.
12. Butter Bean salad w/arugula and lemon vinaigrette at Snack in Soho

So, not an amazing list.  I didn’t eat at any A list restaurants, but that’s okay.  I have eaten at plenty of those in my life.  But it’s the brief highlight from my time in Manhattan.  Didn’t make it to the Brooklyn Bridge, but I’ll do that next time.  It was also great to get to see my cousin-in-law and her new husband and get to spend time with New Yorkers.  I have to say, I do love the upper west side.  It was a great trip–my conference was good and presenting went well, but seeing the city was amazing and awesome.

New York, I will see you again soon.