New York City Girl: If I can make it here...
- groovychickpjw
- 6 days ago
- 16 min read
I LOVE New York City. From the first time I was there, I knew I was going to have an on-going relationship with New York. I can say with 100 percent certainty it’s one of my favorite places on earth. I love the hustle, the bustle, and the people. I love Broadway shows, the history of New York and the amazing food. For years New York City has been a sister trip. While this year my sister didn’t go with me, she was with me in spirit. This trip happened differently than ever before. At first it was challenging…and it made me wonder…how could I respond and still have a great time in a city that I love.
I realized it was meant to be…which I ended up loving. Luckily, I had a few friends suggest a pivot…which I appreciated.
The Universe presented an opportunity for me to grow in ways I wasn’t expecting. And yet, it worked out! Lesson here: GO WITH IT. Trust the Universe. She knows what she’s doing.
While the entire trip was one of my favorite experiences, I have to say…there were four highlights….
The very first happy event happened when I was walking into the Southwest terminal at Lambert. I heard my name and turned to find my friend Jenny with her husband Rich walking in behind me. They were flying to NYC to get to Greece and then a wedding. We were on the same flight! That couldn’t have been arranged had we tried. Since Southwest has open seating, Jenny and I chatted the entire flight to NYC. What a great catch up.
Hugging them goodbye, we (and sometimes it was we with the friend who invited me-long story-not important at this point) jumped on a bus to find a subway to get to the city. Loving this $2.80 ride versus the $100 uber ride, I memorized it so I could repeat it for future trips.
Arriving in Time Square our hotel was a short walk away. The Four Points by Sheraton Midtown-Times Square was quite a find. Clean, safe and a ten-minute walk to Times Square. In addition, we were across the street from the Bus Terminal, home to Ralph Kramden.
After check-in we wandered around and settled on Juniors for an early dinner. I had purchased tickets to Mama Mia that evening which I was very excited about. I’ve seen the show so many times I can recite dialogue!
Juniors Cheesecake has become my favorite place for blintz’s. They are incredible. Crisp on the outside and filled with a mix of cheese on the inside; they are served with sour cream and strawberry sauce. I can only eat two of these mammoth blintzes which I try for at least twice on every trip! In addition, they bring you pickles!!!
l also had a piece of chocolate mousse cheesecake which was just the right amount of rich and flavorful. Not my favorite, but glad I tried it.
There is something special about Times Square as it gets ready for the evening. Walking through on my way to the Winter Garden Theatre I loved the energy I could feel. People are everywhere coming and going. Enjoying themselves. Trying to figure out where they are. And everyone everywhere is taking pictures.
Maybe it was me, though, because I was shaking with my own happy energy about seeing Mama Mia again on Broadway. I knew it might sell out, so I bought tickets before I went to New York and loved my seat. I happily settled in for what I knew would be an uplifting song-filled night.
Mama Mia was a stunning success! I loved this production which was just a little bit different than previous shows. The songs brought memories, and the actors were having a great time sharing this with the audience. By the end, the entire audience was singing and dancing! One of my best shows ever. Thank you, Dancing Queens!
Steps count: 10, 462 or 4.5 miles.
The second day of my NYC adventure included The Ultimate NYC Secondhand Shopping Experience booked through Viator. It was a long walk to the meeting place at the ACE Hotel Lobby.
There were six of us of all ages with our tour guide Isra.
One group of ladies was from London, one from Australia. Our tour guide, Isra was a comedian, and a writer. I was completely fascinated by her life. She also had an online resale business. Her plan was to take us to five different resale shops.
Our first stop was Crossroads. I didn’t find anything, however, everyone else did. It was fun to be in New York in a resale shop. Resale and vintage shops reflect the area they are in. I always check out the jewelry because you never know what you might find. And winter coats and jeans.
Our second stop was Flamingos Leather. Still didn’t find anything to purchase, but it was fun to look around. And help the other ladies find treasures.
Our third stop was Buffalo Exchange, which was the funkiest place ever. The bags from here are the best, too. (and yes, I have one) It was here that I was successful. First, I found a PINK Coach bag that I fell in love with. However, at $65 it was not in my price range. The young woman from London scored it. I did, however, find a Carrie-Bradshaw tutu black dress for $20 (still needs to be altered) and a pair of jeans that feel and look like they were made for me. I’ve worn them a million times.
We also stopped in Garage Sale, another fun place to shop.
It was about this time I ran into Sunac Fancy Food for a quick pick me up salad. All that shopping had made me hungry. Then I met the group at 2nd Street Secondhand. Again, I didn’t find anything, but others did. And it was just as much fun to watch everyone else find items that they liked.
Our last stop was the 25th Street Goodwill, which was huge. By then, I was pretty wiped out. Our tour guide who had been pointing out possible purchases for us told me that she loved this Goodwill and often found amazing pieces here.
After a goodbye to the group, I caught up with my friend Ricky Fox who now lives in New York. We’ve known each other since we were 16! He’s a great friend-offers the most amazing wisdom and actually listens to my podcasts. In all seriousness, I feel grateful that I can call Ricky a friend. He’s also shown me HOW to live without regrets and to take every opportunity offered. We were about five blocks away, so I walked toward him, and he walked toward me.
His apartment is so cool, and he is living a happy life. There are celebrities in his building, however, that is going to stay between me and him. We walked to the NYU campus where he walks every morning. We had a fun afternoon catching up, and I was so happy to spend time together. He then directed me to a subway and helped me figure out which way I was going. Exiting at Times Square I spent a little time on the Red Bleachers and buying gifts for my sister. The subway system is completely different than the year before. You can use Apple Pay or your credit card and zip through. Tickets are no longer needed. Easy and fast.
I stopped at Bagel Market for a healthy, light dinner before the theatre that evening. Treating myself to a delicious lox, cream cheese, capers wheat bagel, I was happy with my choice.
Just in Time, the Jonathan Groff musical about Bobby Darin was playing in The Circle in the Square Theatre on Broadway which is located underneath the Wicked theatre. You might not even know it’s there. But it is a magical theatre. You could feel the magic once you entered the theatre. I felt it and the guys in front of me did as well. And I couldn’t believe I was going to see Jonathan Groff.
Honestly, I didn’t know much about Bobby Darin at all. I just knew that if Johnathan Groff was in it, it had to be good. I knew he had been nominated for a Tony, too. As expected, the production was incredible-every single actor hitting each note. The dancing was engaging and the story itself happy, sad and intriguing. The stage was everywhere and the audience mesmerized. One of the BEST shows I’ve ever seen anywhere.
After the show, I waited at the stage door. And I was enchanted. The cast was fairly young. The actress who played Gini in The Four Season on Netflix was in it and she stopped to say hey. One of the actresses said she was living the dream. Yes!!! LIVE that dream for all of us! And all of us that wanted to dance on Broadway (and still do!)
Meeting the cast was very fun!
I also met Becca and her mom who visit NYC regularly to see shows and often wait at the stage door. Becca is also a writer and was prepping for the LSAT. We’ve stayed in touch.
Steps count: 19, 040. 7.9 miles.
The third day of my NYC adventure started at Bagel Market and my same order. Then, walking with a group of people, we headed to the Golden Age Tour somewhere near the MET. We wandered through the park and found The Little Prince statue.
While I never would have sought out a Gilded Age Tour, it was quite fascinating. The tour guide was knowledgeable, I believe a history teacher, and I enjoyed hearing how the tycoons of early New York helped the immigrants by donating funds as well as improving living conditions. He showed us a few mansions-some still housing families, others housing schools and businesses. He connected the mansions to the TV Show, which was interesting, too.
One of the homes on the tour. (not the Met)
Walking further into the Upper East Side, I enjoyed the sights and lunch. We were close to one of my happy places and managed to find Levain Bakery. Oh. Those cookies.
And I made a few new friends who were visiting from France.
Being the good sister that I am, I ordered a few cookies for my sister, too. Yes, I am one of those people that indulges the minute the cookies are handed to me. Mmmmmm warm chocolate chip cookies. Yes, please.
Taking the subway back towards the hotel, we stopped to buy lottery tickets fully expecting to win.
It was back to the Red Bleachers for me before heading to The Booth Theatre to see John Proctor is the Villian. A show that was receiving rave reviews.
I did enjoy the show, but it was really tough to watch. It’s based on The Crucible-duplicating issues of women’s rights, questioning perspectives of narratives and who to believe. The show is based in pop music and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house by the end. These are the shows that make you think….and question… and cry.
Steps count: 17, 274 7.5 miles.
On the fourth day of my NYC adventure, I made my way back to the Bagel Market-couldn’t get enough of the New York bagels or the lox special.
I then asked the friendly faces at the front desk of my hotel to help me take a tree photo. If you know me, you know I take a tree photo everywhere I am. I wanted a tree photo right outside the hotel and the front desk willingly walked outside with me and granted me this wish. When I sent the photo to my sister she asked, “Did you hand your phone to a stranger in New York?!!”
I then wandered around the theatre district making my way to the Red Bleachers, which were closed until 11 am. I walked over to the Broadway Museum to check out their gift shop-my sister and I spent a lovely day here a few years ago and then headed back to Times Square to people watch.
The Red Bleachers did open, and I enjoyed another session-this time at the top. One of the things I love about the Red Bleachers is hearing all the languages spoken, seeing all the combinations of families, friends, and couples. I often am asked to take photos, too. Nobody I’ve ever been with except my sister understands my fascination of the Red Bleachers. I often think I want to ask people questions about their lives.
One of my other favorite little places is the Broadway Up Close kiosk (www.broadwayupclose.com/giftshop) offering tours of New York and fun souvenirs.
The people who run it are often Broadway actors and writers and happily ask you which shows you’ve seen and what you thought. They also always have a friend performing in a Broadway show currently and/or have been in or written a Broadway show.
That afternoon Sunday, I had tickets to Wicked on Broadway. It had to be my third or fourth time (maybe fifth or sixth!). While I was in New York, I realized I wanted to see Wicked. Broadway.com was an invaluable resource and I was able to secure a good ticket for the matinee. I was so excited to see Wicked again. It’s one of those shows, like Mama Mia that speaks to me in different ways each time I see the show.
Wicked was everything I needed and wanted. The performance was incredible. As always, I could barely breathe when Elphaba sang Defying Gravity. I was lost in the show and the story and then the experience of watching her fly and stating to the world that she was going to defy gravity. She was going to trust herself, her intuition, and her heart. That song is an anthem for any of us who have been the underdog, misunderstood, or misrepresented. Sort of like Helen Reddy’s I Am Woman.
After the show I waited by the stage door. Like a giggly teenager.
Who came out was a gift in itself. Since this was the matinee, many actors and performers stay in the theatre for the second show. However. Fiyero came out and patiently and happily spoke to every single one of us.
When he saw me and smiled, I was star struck even though I had been listening and observing. Jordan Litz was making his Broadway debut, and I was overcome with excitement. While we were chatting, I said, “My favorite line is when you say: It’s looking at things another way.” He asked me why. (Seriously, he asked me why.) “I think because we all have the choice to look at things in a different way and a have a different perspective if we choose.” Fiyero/Jordan then said to me, “That’s my favorite line, too. The audience always responds differently. And depending on how the response is how I deliver the next line. You guys were great. You got quiet and I could tell it meant something.” Hello. I’m discussing dialogue and meaning with Jordan Litz, who plays Fiyero in Wicked on Broadway?!!! DREAM come true….
After this, I was floating on air. New York City air. Broadway air.
This is what happens. You meet Fiyero and you suddenly think all your dreams can come true.
I headed back towards my hotel through Times Square. Always through Times Square. I found a Food Emporium and grabbed a wrap. Nothing to write home about, however, I just needed to ice my feet (!) and have something healthy.
Walking to the hotel I happened upon a firehouse with a few cute firefighters hanging out. I thanked them for their service; told them they could charge for photos and asked if we could take a selfie. They obliged.
On my way back, I passed The New York Times building which I had passed a few times, and each time I was in awe….and wondered what it would be like to work there. I also walked by FIT where a friend’s daughter had gone to school. I texted: “Look familiar?” And She texted back: “I know that place”.
Steps count: 13, 469 5.8 miles.
On Monday, Broadway is closed so after breakfast at the Bagel Market, my friend Demi texted: Want to chat? Always. As we chatted, I walked around the neighborhood in the opposite direction and ended up inside the bus station. Then I decided I would utilize the lobby and planted myself in there for a few minutes.
After that I headed uptown via Bryant Park. I told a friend that I spend quite a bit of time on the Red Bleachers, and he challenged me to find a new place. Bryant Park offered that.
I hung out there for a while and then jumped on a subway for my visit to breakfast at Tiffany’s on 5th Avenue. Also one of my favorite things to do.
Truth be told, while I was on the subway I figured out I was on the wrong subway going the wrong way. I asked a couple on the train, and they didn’t understand what I was asking. At the next stop, I jumped off and jumped onto the train going the opposite way.
Following my GPS, I found Tiffany’s on 5th Avenue.
Finding my way inside, I quickly found the floor that I wanted. My friend Anne who actually reminds me of Audrey Hepburn and who I always send photos of myself at Tiffany’s suggested I find “The Audrey Hepburn Experience.” I asked about it and was told it was under renovation. Darn! That would have been a lot of fun.
Heading back out, retracing my steps (I’ve gotten good at this, I’m very visual) there was a protest going on. Jumping on the subway I used maps to figure out how to get to Rockefeller Center so I could check out the NBC store and wander around down that way.
I love being in that area, too. I didn’t know it, but during the warmer months people can sit on the great big wooden steps until about 3pm and picnic or rest or people watch. The steps are built from the ground up which in the winter is turned into an ice rink. After 3pm, a restaurant emerges.
Another cool place to watch people in New York? Yes, please. People came and went, and I enjoyed the rest as well as observing everyone. I met a lovely young actress named Suzanne who was on lunch break from her job. She told me she continues to audition for shows, and I told her I could tell one day I would see her on Broadway.
After a while, I decided to walk around to Magnolia Bakery. I love this area including Radio City. Three years ago, I had the opportunity to see The Rockettes in the Holiday Spectacular. Fun fact, the Rockettes changed their height requirement a few years ago to 5’5”, so now I can audition.
Once inside Magnolia Bakery, I was overwhelmed by the sugar! I usually get the banana pudding which is incredible. (I’ve even made it a few times with my friend Jenny.)
While I was deciding a family came in and I listened to the dad talk to the kids about the cakes, cookies, pudding and bars. I thought he is as good as anyone to ask about life lessons. It seemed to me; he was imparting wisdom right there in line at Magnolia Bakery.
Nate gladly offered up his idea. “Experiences, not things.”
Thanks Nate, I love this.
Since I always get the same thing, I asked what he suggested. He told me that the red velvet cheesecake was to die for. Or live for at this point! (he was very right!!!)
Knowing I needed actual food before consuming this cheesecake I wandered across
s the street to The Eataly Caffe. An Italian café that served delicious food. I had the Tricolore pizza which more than took care of the food portion of the day. The pizza crust was delicious; it was topped with veggies and ricotta and I loved it.
I sat down at a community table, which I always enjoyed. You never know who you might meet and this choice today filled me with such joy as I met the two coolest women ever. It was at the community table that I met Allie the writer and her friend Cam who was visiting from Canada. I love community tables for just this reason. We began chatting and it turns out Allie has written books and is now in a graduate studies writing program in the city. Her friend Cam was in school training to work as a social worker. We had the best time! We talked and chatted for quite a while as we enjoyed all of our treats. They also had goodies from Magnolia and we compared notes.
Thanks Allie and Cam for making this day extra special.
After that lovely lunch, I walked over to Times Square to sit on the Red Bleachers and enjoy more people watching. A perfect way to end my day.
Steps count: 11, 887 or 4. 8 miles
Tuesday I was heading home in the afternoon, and I got up early to get as much New York City as I could before leaving.
First stop, Times Square and the Red Bleachers.
My sister had encouraged me to walk over to The Today Show. We’ve done this every time we’ve been in New York, even meeting Hoda Kotb and hearing Kelly Clarkson on a Friday concert. I decided to give it a try.
I’m so glad I did! Their outside space wasn’t that busy and there were very few people around the perimeter. The hosts were getting ready to gather for a food segment, walking around saying hello. Right before she approached me, Savannah Guthrie was called away…to do her job!
I wasn’t moving. If there was any chance to meet Savannah I was going to take it. After the food segment, and after she wrapped up the show, she walked back over and asked, “Where did I leave off?” I waved my hands and said, “Here!”
She kindly walked over to the person standing beside me and chatted. Then she turned to me and I said, “I watch you every morning! You are my hero!” to which she thanked me, chatted with me, hugged me, and said, as we took a photo, “Now you have a bestie picture!”
Indeed, I do! Thank you, Savannah!
What a morning!
I walked over to the wooden steps in Rock Center and sat and glowed from my experience. Best Tuesday ever! I also sent the photo to everyone I know! I thought about how lucky I was to be on this trip. How much fun I was having and how much I wanted my sister to come with me the next time.
When I got hungry I headed inside to Black Seed Bagels and enjoyed breakfast outside.
Needing to leave by noon, I headed to the Red Bleachers for one last look before I left and headed home. I stopped at Bagel Market to bring my sister home a bagel. She was getting Levain cookies, too. That’s the kind of sister I am!
Oh, what a trip it had been! Something I hadn’t expected and yet, what was presented to me ended up being an opportunity that I loved. Making me realize that even when I wasn’t expecting it, I always landed on my feet and made the best of any situation.
Taking the bus to the train to the airport took a bit of time, however, I met a nice young man on the last bus who was from St. Lous and on the radio here. Arriving at the airport, I found lunch and my gate and settled in to read on the way home. The day was gorgeous, and I had spectacular views of the city I love as we left.
And…. I had an even more spectacular view of the St. Louis Arch flying into St. Louis. I love love love to see this as I fly into St. Louis. For me…it always means…there’s no place like home.
An uber brought me home. And just like that…real life began again.
While the entire trip was more than I could have ever imagined…There were four highlights to this New York City Trip that made this adventure more than I could have dreamed. First, I LOVED Mama Mia! The show always makes me happy, and I was overjoyed to be able to see it in New York. Second, I was spending time with my friend Ricky. Who is wise, fun, funny and reminded me that we’ve known each other for many years. That friendships like that don’t come along every day and making time to be present can make us happy. Third, meeting Jordan Litz/Fiyero after a Wicked matinee. And talking about our favorite line of the show! Lastly, meeting my new best friend, Savannah Guthrie, is an experience I will always love. She was so very kind. (also, beautiful and she smelled good).
I love New York City.
I’ve always wanted to live there. In fact, this was my dream as a teenager. To live in New York or Chicago and write about my life. For now, visiting each year and enjoying each trip which somehow is always different makes me happy. And with every trip, I learn something new about myself.
This trip specifically showed me that I can manage on my own in a big city. I can get lost and find myself, taking wrong turns and right turns. I made friends with almost everyone I spoke with. Most importantly, I enjoyed my time and space in a city that I love.
Step count: 11, 244 steps 4.7 miles
Expect Good. Defy Gravity. Sparkle ON! Look at things another way.
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