I have a note on my phone listing all of my (mom’s) favorite restaurants, places and activities in New York that I send out to my friends whenever they come to visit. Yes, I know I’ve only lived here for six weeks and I’m practically still a tourist, but I like to think I have good enough taste that people trust my opinions. Please don’t tell me if that’s not true.
Instead of sharing that list with all of you, however, I decided to post my updated list of favorite foods, places and things in the city now that I live here. That’s right, these are places I can afford to go/things I can afford to do on my previously discussed, extremely well-managed budget.
Because there's so much more to do in New York than there was in Nebraska, I try to make the most of every day by sleeping a lot exploring as much as possible. Although I haven't had time to do everything yet, the below are a few of my favorite things I've done so far that I think you all should laugh at and ignore try next time you're in town.
PLACES TO GO
There's this really big museum called The Met(ropolitan Museum of Art) that has some really cool steps the main characters of Gossip Girl always hung out on. Great place to sit if you need a break. There's also some art inside, supposedly, so you could check that out if you're into that kind of thing.
Times Square, obviously. You could truly spend a whole day here, taking in all the lights, sounds and smells of the Big Apple. There's something so refreshing about being pushed through enormous crowds of people who don't know where they're going. Also a great place to get a picture with a person in a creepy princess or superhero costume. If you're lucky, you may even see the naked cowboy, a local celebrity.
Coney Island. I haven't actually been there, but I've heard it's at least mildly enjoyable. Go on the 4th of July for peak enjoyment, as you'll be able to watch the annual hotdog eating competition.
Anywhere Carrie Bradshaw & the girls went in Sex and the City. You should probably rewatch all six seasons before coming to town to make sure you're caught up on all of the hip bars, clubs and restaurants from the late 90s and early 2000s.
Top of the Rock, top of the Empire State Building and you should probably also climb all the way up the Brooklyn Bridge to make sure you've seen Manhattan from every possible aerial angle.
The Q train stations on 72nd, 86th or 96th streets. They just extended the Q into the Upper East Side last year, so these stations are all shiny and new, plus they have the best escalators.
New Jersey.
FOOD TO EAT
Popsicles on the High Line. There are probably popsicles available in many other places, but these ones are the best, I swear. Then again, I haven't had (or really wanted) a popsicle anywhere else.
Olive Garden in Times Square. This is a THREE STORY Olive Garden. THREE STORIES OF UNLIMITED BREADSTICKS + authentic Italian cuisine in an incredible location.
Salad from Trader Joe's. This is my weekday go-to lunch. They make great lil chicken Caesar salads for only $3.50. Guaranteed to satisfy for at least one hour, then leave you feeling hungry for the rest of the day.
Starbucks, specifically because you can order on your phone and your drink will be ready when you get there. Unless the barista can't read and makes you wait 10 minutes because he doesn't believe your coffee is sitting right in front of him, even though it was there the whole time and you tried to tell him. I know, there are bigger problems in the world. But it ruined my morning.
Bagels, but only if you're okay with ruining all Nebraska bagels for yourself. You think I'm being dramatic, which is fair, but Bruegger's will never be
$1 pizza. It tastes best after at least three drinks, especially if it's past 2 a.m.
I'd offer to cook you dinner, but my biggest culinary feat this week was broiling a bagel because we don't have a toaster, sooooo don't think I have much to offer you there.
THINGS TO DO
Ride the Staten Island Ferry. I don't actually know what there is to do in Staten Island, as I've literally only been to the ferry station, but it's a free boat ride that takes you right past the Statue of Liberty. Last time (the only time) I went, I even befriended a drunk man who insisted on taking pictures of me and my friends. Who said New Yorkers aren't nice?
Alternately, swim to the Statue of Liberty for relief from the summer heat and a nice workout. Chances of this being legal are slim.
Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge at 3 a.m. This is the best time to ensure there's no one around to get in the way of your photos. Also a good way to get mugged, probably.
Abruptly stop in the middle of the sidewalk to take a photo. Gotta live in the moment, right?
Sell your firstborn child and half of your soul to see Hamilton.
Listen to "Welcome to New York" by Taylor Swift on repeat the entire time you're here. Could possibly switch to the Sinatra rendition of "New York, New York" or Billy Joel's "New York State of Mind" if you prefer, but nothing else is allowed.
Find a place with air conditioning. Sit there all day. Enjoy not sweating.
I'm sorry if you actually read all of this, hoping I'd have some helpful tips for your upcoming trip. The popsicles on the High Line really are great. Probably don't listen to anything else I said.
If you're actually coming to New York, feel free to text me, slide into my DM's (LinkedIn is preferred, as always) or email me if you're my mother, and I'll send you my real list of restaurants I can't afford unless Debbie/Lee is in town and places I actually enjoy going. Happy travels!