New York City | New York

The city. Yes, I said THE CITY because typically when you are from where I'm from, when you talk about going to the city it means New York. It had always been a dream of mine to head to NYC and just explore. No plans other than to find some authentic New York pizza and ride the subway.

Before we get into the trip details lets back track to about two months before the actual trip. I found out about a bus trip that was heading into New York in December and I immediately called my sister and said, "We are going!" She of course being my sister got on board and from then on I spent much of my time looking at tons of pictures, fell in love with some NYC based bloggers and did lots of reading about visiting. Doing this really opened my eyes and I gained a good bit of insight about what to do and what not to do while in New York and I feel that this is SUPER important.

Being someone who has spent a good bit of time going places I knew that I could not just show up in the city and have no idea how to read a map ( I love maps by the way) or where to go. For example, when walking on the street, walk on the right side and please don't stop in your tracks to check your phone or look in your purse. Typically New Yorkers are in a hurry and know where they need to be so they do not want to be constantly stopping dead in their tracks for people who have no idea where they are going. Instead, step off to the side before you check anything acknowledging there are people behind you. Also, don't carry a huge map, Google maps on your smartphone works wonders and you will look like you know exactly where you need to be. There is so much more I could tell you about when you are about to head into the city but for now I'll flash forward to the trip!

Visiting New York in December I knew it was going to be crazy! Everyone always wants to head to Times Square, Rockefeller Center and The Empire State Building. Let me tell you this, I did not go to any of these places. Now, I''m not telling you not to do them, I'm just saying if you know me, you know I am an off the beaten path type of girl. I want to see what the locals are up to. I want to visit the small mom and pop shops, the hole in the wall places. So that is what we did.

We avoided the rush and when I stepped off that bus and looked up I was in love! The views, the people, the hustle and bustle, it was exactly what I had imagined. We left early in the morning and I didn't eat breakfast I was waiting to get some good eats when I got there. After about a 4.5 hour ride we were starving so our first stop was Shake Shack. First time there and it was so good, either that or I was really that hungry! That burger was probably one of

the best burgers I've had and of course crinkle cut fries. Ummm, YES! After stuffing our faces we just started walking. We walked to Bryant Park and looked at all of the shops they had out, watched some people ice skate and then headed to Madison Square Park where we got to check out the Flatiron building and take a break. This park was a relaxing atmosphere where we could sit and enjoy the view of the Flatiron building and people watch.

Jumping on the subway was one of my sisters "things to do" but after a few stops she realized that its just another public transportation system. So from Madison Square Park to 81st street we went! American Museum of Nature History was next, I cannot wait to go here again with my boys. I recommend visiting one of the many museums in the city especially in the winter or on a rainy day, you won't be disappointed.

After all of our walking an adventuring we were of course hungry again. Do you remember what was the other thing we had to do? PIZZA, of course! At this point we were pretty far up on upper west side so we called an Uber and down to headed to Sacco Pizza. Small shop, authentic Italian, fantastic Sicilian pizza. Goal achieved. Highly recommended and will be back.

To wrap this up I just have to say, one day in New York is NOT enough. I cannot wait to go back, which will be very soon. I'm in love with the city and the locals are so very friendly don't be afraid to talk to some native New Yorkers and truly experience the city. Get lost, explore, just visit, read up on it and you will not be disappointed.

Until next time,

Lorraine