Ah, yes, NYC… New York City… the Big Apple. It’s huge and fast and noisy and overwhelming and everyone has to go at least once. I’ve been a few times. And my most recent getaway reminded me of why I love to visit there.
It’s the new-ness. There’s always something new and exciting to check out, always something different about the same familiar landmarks. I’ve been to NYC a number of times, and this time I did the classic tourist thing: shows, shopping, and sightseeing.
Photo: Hotel Bellclaire
I had never stayed in the Upper West Side but booked great accommodations at the beautiful Belleclaire Hotel. Decked out in cool turn-of-the-century decor and situated on a quieter residential street that was still close to the hustle and bustle of downtown, the Mark Twain suite I stayed in was roomy and extremely comfortable, and the service was top notch – to have all of this in a NYC hotel is rare (trust me… I’ve been through my fair share of bad apples).
I saw James Franco in “Of Mice and Men,” did the customary loop around Times Square, making pitstops at the Hershey Store and outside NBC Studios, I played for much too long at FAO Schwartz, I saw Lady Liberty, and unfortunately I just missed the official opening of the Freedom Tower (which is incredible – it opens at the end of the month). I also spotted Yoko Ono on a morning stroll through Central Park, a bragable celeb sighting.
Every person, whether you love to travel or not, has to experience NYC. There’s nothing like it anywhere in the world. Believe me… I’ve checked.
Bon Voyage,
Jenn
Jenn Cox is a Montreal-based freelance journalist. Visit her website or email her at [email protected].
