New York - New York

We had been to New York before in 2011, so we decided that this time we would spend a lot more time exploring New York and it's neighbourhoods and really getting a feel for the city. New York is amazing, it has a real buzz to it and there is always so much going on.

Rather than following the normal follow me around type post, for New York I'm going to just do a bit of a round up of some of the things we did and enjoyed as most of what we did involved walking around a neighbourhood and eating and I'm sure 4 days of me repeating this might bore you to death get a bit repetitive. So here goes...

Something we didn't do the last time we visited the Highline so I was determined to get to it this time round. We planned a route that would start at one end and finish around Chelsea so that we could get some brunch which is a NYC weekend institution. The highline is an old disused train track that has been transformed into a urban park. The walk is really cool, taking you above the NY streets and although in winter the garden was pretty dead I could imagine how beautiful it would be in Spring/ Summer. We finished the walk at Bubby's which is known for great breakfasts and cakes. Although we didn't get any cake I got the pancakes which were almost the same thing. So delish.

Another thing to do around Chelsea is a visit to Chelsea market, which has lots of different food stalls and small shops. We went there after brunch but it was heaving, so actually went back to next evening for dinner. There is so much choice and everything is pretty cheap, so its an easy way to ensure everyone leaves happy. 

We took a walk from Chelsea to Greenwich Village, which is one of my favourite boroughs in NYC. If you are going to visit, take a walk all the way down Bleeker street and enjoy feeling like you've stepped onto a film set. I loved that walk and took some time to choose where I would live once I've won the Lotto!

Greenwich

 We walked loads in NYC, but once we couldn't do anymore we hired some bicycles and cycled around Central Park. One tip is don't rent bikes from just by the park entrance by Columbus Circle, walk one block up to 9th Avenue and you will find a few bike shops literally charging half the price! Make sure you check your bike before you take it though, Jeremy learnt the hard way that cycling around on a kiddies bike is no fun :) We did a full loop of the park stopping off to check out the Alice in Wonderland statue on the way. We also took a little detour out to Levain Bakery for the best choc chip cookies you have ever tasted.

Levain Bakery

The last time we visited NYC we checked out Carnegie Deli, so this time round we decided to head to Katz's. This deli is famous for being where the famous Meg Ryan scene was shot from When Harry met Sally. The sandwiches here are amazing, seriously tasty and generously portioned. We got the Rueben with pastrami. The atmosphere and good food more than makes up for the slightly chaotic ordering system and queue for food. 

Katz's Deli

No visit to New York would be complete without a visit to Times Square and to be honest it didn't really feel like we were in New York until we went there for a visit. It's just such a fun place, the hustle and bustle lit up by the glow of the billboards, all the tourists snapping pics and sitting on the steps to take it all in.

Times Square

The World Trade Center memorial hadn't been finished on our last visit, so we made sure to check it out. I think the memorial is such a great tribute and it was a good way for me to comprehend how big the buildings were and really take in the scale of what the devastation must have been after the attack. We booked a tour with the families' tribute center where they have people that were directly affected by 9/11 telling people their stories of the day. Our guide was an ex fire chief who was called in to help the day after the attack. He lost a good friend on that day, and listening to his version of events was really moving. The families tribute center is funded by donations, so I encourage a visit there when you visit, it really is a moving experience. 

Memorial

Our last night in NYC we decided to head out for some dinner and drinks. We headed to Soho as this was one of the areas we walked through during the day and thought it looked really cool. We went to DBGB kitchen for some drinks beforehand, which was really cool. I had fun trying to take some selfies using the mirrored walls :) Afterwards we headed for dinner at Jack's wife Freda which I had heard a lot about. It didn't disappoint, with the halloumi starter being the highlight for me. The salty cheese and sweet grapes worked really well together. The restaurant itself is quite small, but as we only got there at about 9pm there was only 1 or 2 other tables there. Afterwards we headed back up Bowery road and found a really cool hotel and stopped for another drink at the hotel bar. By far one of the most fun nights we had in NYC.

Selfie time

My hubby at Jack's wife Freda

Deliciousness

Steak Frites - yum

Our last day in New York we decided to take a wander over the Brooklyn Bridge to get some pics of the NY skyline and to check out the area called DUMBO (Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass) in Brooklyn. We did this walk last time we visited but it doesn't get old, neither does the views. DUMBO is a cool area, although our visit got cut short as we headed to meet up with some friends that had just arrived in NYC and just got engaged! We met up with them and then headed for some drinks at Hooters (why not). All in all a great end to our last day in NYC and the last day of our epic road trip! We had such a good time and could highly recommend a road trip of the states if you get the opportunity.

The newly - engageds :)