We did it again! We spent Christmas in New York City. This time—THE WEATHER WAS AWESOME! It was “chilly” but not “cold” and it didn’t rain once. The last time we spent Christmas in New York, the real feel was 15 degrees. Another difference? My mom, Papi, mother-in law, brother-in-laws, and my brother-in-law’s parents also joined us.
Last time we stayed in Times Square but his year we stayed in midtown. Actually, the Hilton Garden Inn Midtown Park Ave. The location was awesome. We were literally 2 blocks from shopping and restaurants, which was one of the reasons for going. Oh, and a block from a cupcake place called Buttercup Cupcake Shop, which has an amazing apple pie cupcake. I ate 4 in 2 days. No worries, I'm back at it. Sometimes I girl needs a cheat day....or week. Other than the location, I wasn’t too impressed with the hotel. It was just ok. The rooms were small, even for 2 people. And, there wasn’t much gathering space for a group.
We ate at two new (to us) restaurants, Buddakan and Le Pain Quotidien. We rode on the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. We visited Rockefeller Center several times. Hey, it’s Christmas and it’s so festive. We shopped in Times Square and on 5th Ave and places in between. We were even brave enough for Macy’s on the day after Christmas. It was nuts. It is the world largest department store with 11 floors and covering an entire NYC block. The morning prior to our departure, we got up super early and visited the Today Show too. We took the kids to The Natural History Museum but didn’t see many exhibits because it was so hot. Or, maybe that’s just pre-menopausal symptoms. Who knows?
Financially, NYC is not for the faint of heart, especially when feeding 5 people and needing 2 hotel rooms. With that said, start early and it is doable.
Corey and I plan to return in early December without the kids. So, if you’re interested in joining us, please join our mailing list and you will be notified when the details are posted. We are also planning a warm destination this Christmas. We haven’t decided the location but I’m thinking beach and unlimited adult beverages.
Until next time… live and travel w/love.