David should have known it was going to be a long day when it started with me screeching “take my picture in the bagel shop!”
An authentic NYC bagel was on my list and Pick-a-Bagel did not disappoint.
Warm, chewy, delicious whole wheat everything bagel with veggie cream cheese.
Once full STUFFED from breakfast, we ventured to Times Square to get tickets for the Gray Line Buses. We chose it based on a recommendation of how to see the most in the least time (tourists at our best!), and I’m really glad we did. We could hope on and off anywhere in Manhattan and I am a huge nerd when it comes to listening to historic facts that tour guides give.
We took the downtown loop to start and I soaked up all the stories of the city’s beginnings and snapped pictures with the best of ‘em.
Did you know the Macy’s red star comes from a tattoo that Mr. Macy got as a teenager when he worked on a Nantucket whaling ship? SQUEEE! History tidbits.
We hopped off the bus in the financial district because high on my must-visit list was the 9/11 monument. We waited in a long line and went through airport-esque security which I was not expecting, but it was completely worth it.
The reflecting pools are incredible. I felt the entire area was very well done and is a beautiful place to remember the tragic terrorist attacks and the innocent people that lost their lives. It really is breathtaking.
We walked a little ways through Battery Park before hoping back on the bus and resuming picture taking.
Hello, I’m pretty sure this is where Carrie went trapezing (?) on Sex and the City! How could I not snap a pic?
We hopped back off the buses at Rockefeller Center. What a cool area! It’s loaded with people (but isn’t all of NYC?), but I had fun searching for Tina Fey and imagining the ice-skating rink that calls the Rock home at Christmas time.
We grabbed some salads then searched for Rockefeller’s I Believe plaque. Check!
From there we wandered up to 5th Avenue, the high-end shopping street. We bought nothing but some pajamas for Hailey at FAO Schwarz after Zoltar directed us to do so.
I admired the dedication (or complete bonkers-ness –it’s a word) of the people standing in this horrific line that also wrapped around the building waiting to…wait for it… buy a new iPhone. Insanity. Especially because most of them were playing on their old iPhones while waiting.
We walked up to Central Park, watched some street performers, then decided to rest our feet at the JW Marriott, snack on some wings and catch up on the football scores.
We wandered a bit more before heading back to The Hudson to clean up. We grabbed a drink and admired the view from their 15th story terrace bar before heading out.
We were looking for a little spot to grab an appetizer and man-oh-man did we luck out!
We found an authentic little Italian spot called La Masseria and it. Was. Phenomenal. The waiters were friendly Italians, the outside atmosphere was sublime and the food? Incredibly fresh.
I let David take the lead and he ordered something I never would have- the grilled octopus and cuttlefish with broccoli rabe over a fava bean puree.
You guys, don’t be frightened. It was INCREDIBLE. We enthusiastically licked our plate clean. I wish we would have stayed for more, but the plan was to hop around. However, if you like real Italian food, ambiance and a dining experience, I highly recommend La Masseria.
We switched gears to a little place called the West End Grill.
It was more of a burger and beer place, which suited us fine. We ended up staying there until it was time to head to the show. Another show?? Yes. Someone help me. I’m addicted.
Jersey Boys didn’t have seats together at the half-priced ticket line, so we opted for Chicago.
It was quite the different experience from Wicked. The show was solid, but it didn’t have the dimension that Wicked had and felt somewhat flat. Nonetheless, it was still entertaining and we enjoyed Roxie’s character!
After a full day and the rain that appeared after the show, we just grabbed froyo on the way back to the hotel. We people watched for a bit and called it a night. After all, we had more to do tomorrow!
Broadway-type shows- love ‘em or leave ‘em?
What’s the best one you’ve ever seen?
Wicked was phenomenal and I also loved seeing The Sound of Music with my dad at the FOX Theater. Cirque du Soleil shows are pretty awesome too!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
You guys are such fun tourists! I love how you made the best of your time in the city! My favorite show is definitely Wicked. It’s unbelievable. 🙂
Lee says
I love Broadway shows. My all-time favorite is still Les Miserables.
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family says
I actually entered college as a theatre major so I LOVE Broadway shows and have seen MANY. When my dad took me to NY for high school graduation we saw 4 while we were there.
If you ever get the chance to see Jersey Boys it’s really good! Wicked will always be one of my favorites though 🙂
Karen says
Oh my goodness, I don’t think I could get past the octopus legs and eat that dish, but everything else on it sounded wonderful. You are a brave soul.
Glad you had a great birthday.
Hanna says
The best broadway show that I saw in NYC was Momma Mia! I would love to see Wicked. I have heard that it is awesome!
Karen says
What fun!! I need a trip to NY very soon. I LOVE broadway shows and wish I had a good singing voice to be in one, always been on my wishlist. I would say my favorites are probably, Wicked & Moving Up.
Marjorie says
I love NYC! The bagels are to die for. As for Broadway show – I love ’em! I have seen 4 shows on Broadway, and by far Les Miserables was my favorite. It was ah-MAZ-ing!!! I was in high school at the time (1996-ish?), and all of the males in our group were all, “We don’t want to waste a night going to some stupid PLAY.” Cut to the end of Les Mis when all those tough guys were bawling their eyes out because it was so moving and beautiful.
Gcroft says
I struggle with the pace of musicals, though I loved Wicked which I saw in London’s West End. Looks like a fab trip!
katie says
I think anything you would have seen after Wicked just wouldn’t have the same feeling….I love the idea of being able to hop on and off a tour bus, I’ll have to remember that for the next time I go to NYC!
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
I can’t tell whether I’m more jealous of the bagel or the Broadway.
Nope, it’s the octopus. I’m jealous of the octopus.
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Those buses are the best! I always get tickets for those because then you really don’t need to use public transportation at all!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Looks like a fun day! It looks like you made the most of it. I’ll be honest though, that octopus dish kinda weirds me out with the tentacles and all. I’ll try anything, so that’s saying a lot coming from me. 😉
Trixie says
Oh my gosh, I almost wish you had seen Jersey Boys even if the seats weren’t together! I’ve seen both it and Wicked twice, and both have an incredible energy about them! jersey Boys isI’m totally a Broadway show person…I’ve also seen Les Mis, Phantom, and the Lion King. I’d go back to see all of them again!
Danica @ It's Progression says
I can’t imagine what it would be like to stand at the 9/11 memorial…so many emotions!
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
Your posts are tempting me to go back to NY as soon as possible! I saw Beauty & the Beast on broadway and I saw Rent in SF, both were very good! I love shows!
Chantal says
Oh God. The octopus. No thank you!
I’ve never been to NYC. I’d love to go one day!
Paulina says
These posts are making me want to travel to NYC. I’ve always been a little intimidated by the idea, though my husband has always wanted to go. We’ve got pretty great bagels here in SE Michigan, but I’d love to wander around Central Park for an afternoon and see a show on Broadway.
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
I cannot believe that so many people were waiting in line for a new iPhone. Of course, I don’t even own a Smart Phone, so clearly I would never be one of those people! 😉
Abby says
I went to NYC with my mom a few years ago and we saw Bye Bye Birdie (with John Stamos!!), The Fantasticks and Next to Normal. They were all amazing…I’d definitely recommend The Fantasticks Off Broadway show…so funny! We picked up tickets at TKTS in Times Square because we had a few extra hours of free time. The person working there recommended it to us and it didn’t disappoint. I also saw Wicked back home in Minneapolis and not much can compare to that!! I think if you’re going to go to NYC, you HAVE TO see a Broadway show! =)
Rachel says
We’ve lived in Manhattan for the past year (but just moved away), and went to Chicago and I totally agree, flat… Especially compared to Wicked which is AMAZING!! It’s still fun to go to a show, but Chicago is one of my least favorites, where are the costume changes and set changes?? It’s all basically the same the whole show. Boo 🙂 Glad you had fun in NYC, makes me miss it!
Claire says
Broadway musicals are my FAVORITE! I love Wicked, Les Miserables. They are AWESOME! I’ve seen Wicked twice and Les Mis three times (once in LONDON on my honeymoon!). I can’t get enough. Some of my least favorites were DonQuixote and Jesus Christ Super Star and A Chorus Line.
Emily S says
I love reading your recaps of NYC! I have wanted to see Wicked foooorrreeevvveeerr. Maybe one day! The best show I’ve seen was Jersey Boys, although I did love Mamma Mia too.
Kate @ Indulgent Wellness says
Broadway shows = LOVE ‘EM!! My favorites are Wicked, The Producers and one that we saw recently, The Book of Mormon. The content of BoM was jaw-dropping at times, but mostly hilarious and the music was great:-)
Jo says
Long time reader, first time commenter here. After seeing your first NYC recap and the sex and the city picture in this one, I had to tell you, your hotel, The Hudson, was also in SATC. Sam and Smith attend an event there. Just a random tidbit. Love the blog 🙂
Heather @TheSoulfulSpoon says
I’m SO jealous!:) You’re in my favorite place in the WORLD!! I saw the Little Mermaid my first trip to NYC, and I literally cried half the show because for 1 it is my favorite movie of all time, and number 2, I have always wanted to see a Broadway play. Plus, the show was so amazing and I couldn’t believe I was lucky enough to be there! My mom actually went with me and it was the best trip of my life!:) I could just get lost in NYC, totally. I mean, it is just amazing! So glad you’re enjoying your trip:)
Neil Butterfield says
I agree that you are really fun tourists. You really make it sound like a whole pile of fun.
Shari says
Wicked is definitely my favorite, no doubt about it. I also really enjoyed Promises, Promises and Newsies! 🙂
Courtney @ Don't Blink. Just Run. says
Looks like another awesome day!
I love Broadway type stuff. I’m not sure if you can consider them, but my favorites would be Stomp and Blue Man Group. I’ve only seen a few others, including a couple with my wife’s cousins in CT and RI. I’ve never actually been to see a show “on Broadway”.