NYC in 3: How I Experienced the Best of NYC in 3 Days

NYC in 3: How I Experienced the Best of New York City in 3 Days!

#NewYearNewYork was the absolute best three day vacation I’ve ever taken. I’d wanted to travel to New York City (NYC) for many years and had a burning desire to bring in the New Year in Times Square and I did just that! During my vacation, which will be remembered as my first ever solo trip, I explored many of the notable attractions of NYC, Brooklyn and a taste of New Jersey. Using a CityPASS (See CityPASS: The Key to the City blog), GroupOn deals, and strategic budgeting, I was able to plan and enjoy my entire “First Time in NYC Bucket List” all within 72 hours! Here’s how I did it:

Day 1: (December 30)

I rose early in the morning for a 6a.m. flight from ATL to LGA.

Once in NYC, arrived at the DristiKt Hotel around 10a.m. and the first thing I did was took a nap! I was exhausted from packing all night. Side Note: I originally booked an Airbnb in early September and unfortunately it was cancelled less than a week before my trip because the host was moving. How inconvenient, right? RIGHT! But I didn’t worry. At that point, I couldn’t find another listing that fit my needs, so I decided to shorten my trip a day and a half and book a hotel instead. Turns out, I felt safer and was closer to the main attractions. I loved the fact that I could come and go a little more freely and that I was closer to the area where I spent most of my time.

 

Once I was awake and fully energized I headed to Times Square. On the way I passed the New York Times and asked a couple to take my photo out front in exchange for me taking one of them together. Before parting ways the woman asked, “Are you here alone?” And as I replied, “Yes!”, she said, “WOW! Be careful!”

That was the first time it actually dawned on me that taking a trip to NYC by myself was probably one of the craziest, most adventurous things I could’ve done! You see, somewhere between my family members, who were absolutely terrified at the idea of me traveling alone period, and all of the advice I’d received from friends and associates who’d visited NYC before, I had kind of blocked out the negative noise around me. I was too busy planning what I hoped would be a perfect trip to stop and think… “YOU ARE GOING TO NYC ALONE, THIS IS KIND OF A BIG DEAL!” (LOL) Over analyzing it probably would’ve made me nervous!

I kind of have this thing I do where I don’t make a huge deal about stuff, I just do it. So it hadn’t occurred to me how crazy the idea of me going to NYC alone sounded to others, until that very moment! When I realized, “This is crazy!” I countered it with, “I AM HERE FOR CRAZY!!!” (LOL) As I walked away, I felt more excited than ever and I actually became more present in that very moment.

The energy in Times Square was different than any I’ve felt. There were hundreds of people walking in every direction and I got a thrill out of the vibe everyone had. It was like they all had something important to do or somewhere important to be and there I was just soaking it all in. The snow began to fall again just before I arrived in Times Square making for the most amazing photos ever!

Hunger called so I answered by stopping at the Brooklyn Diner for a fine turkey sandwich for lunch. Then, I walked several blocks exploring attractions and stores in the area including the Rockefeller Plaza, Saks 5^th Avenue, H&M, and Top Shop.

I had a slice of Buffalo Chicken Pizza from Famous Original Ray’s Pizza, before ending the night with a front row seat to see one of my favorite movies on Broadway, “Chicago” at the Ambassador Theater.

 

 

Day 2: (December 31- NYE)

I started the day by heading to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck at the famous Rockefeller Center (CityPASS attraction). This was one of the most breathtaking views of a city that I’d ever seen. There were so many large buildings and with access to the entire deck, I saw NYC from every angle. I literally cried right then, because in that very moment I was truly grateful to God for allowing me to view such beauty.

Next, I headed to Central Park, which was probably the only grass I saw during my entire visit! (LOL)

After Central Park, I grabbed brunch at a.Cafe where I had some delicious French Toast topped with strawberries and blueberries. If you are ever in the Central Park area be sure to stop there!

Following brunch, I walked to the New York City Center to see the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater perform. As a dance lover, I’ll admit that the show was incredible! And as a lover of the arts as a whole, the only thing missing from this performance and Chicago on Broadway was…. ME!!! (LOL – No seriously!!!)

After seeing the show, I had dinner at my hotel and rested for a couple of hours before heading out in the freezing cold to see the ball drop. I left for Times Square at about 9:30p.m. and stood in line for about an hour before going through three security searches and finally arriving in Times Square at 11p.m. exactly! The temperature was 10 degrees and dropping, making it the coldest NYE in NYC since 1952. (WOW!) I battled the chill by dancing and humming as I tried to keep the the blood flowing in my freezing body. And then… I counted down 2018 with thousands of thrill seekers who, like me, fought the NYC cold for hours to witness the ball drop! The adrenaline rush was insane and the whole experience was definitely once in a lifetime and well worth it.

 

 

Day 3: (January 1 – New Year’s Day – HAPPY NEW YEAR 2018!!!)

I started the day with a ride on the Subway from Downtown NYC to Fulton Street near the 9/11 memorial. It was cool to see real New Yorkers use the Subway like pros while I just tried hard not to look too much like a tourist!

I exited the Subway and headed to a Horn Blower Cruise that I’d found for only $17 on GroupOn. Unfortunately, after over an hour, the cruise was cancelled and unloaded for technical difficulties. I still snapped a few pics!

No worries though, I hurried to the other side of town to catch the Miss Ellis Island Ferry for my Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island passes. (CityPASS attractions)

For dinner, I returned to Downtown NYC and met up with Ms. Jill (my Line Sister Ramia’s mom) for dinner at Junior’s and then an exploration of the World’s Largest Macy’s. Ironically, both of us had planned solo trips to NYC and though we only shared a few hours together, we had the best of times.

 

Day 4: (January 2)

I rose early in the morning for an 8a.m. tour of the Empire State Building Observation Deck. Similar to the Top of the Rock, the Empire State Building offered breathtaking views of the city. My time in NYC was finished by 9:15a.m. as I hopped in an Uber heading for the airport… so before you are deceived, I DID technically see NYC in 3 days since I started after noon on the first day!!! (LOL)

After heading back to my hotel to retrieve my luggage and going to LGA for my flight, I said to myself, I DID IT!!! ALL BY MYSELF!!! I felt soooooo accomplished!!!

Through the freezing temperatures that even six layers of clothing and a thick coat couldn’t match, New York City was the most rewarding trip of my life. And not because I literally visited every place my heart desired and experienced everything on my “First Time in NYC Bucket List”, but simply because I did it by myself.

Many people asked me “Why are you going or why did you go to New York by yourself?” and my response is:

I started my “Journey of Independence” over a year ago, where I began teaching myself the art of being alone, single, and independent. I’ve been to the movies alone, concerts alone, plays alone, and had innumerable dates alone, but I’d never traveled alone. This trip was the final step to true independence for me, so I chose to plan it, pay for it, and go at it all by myself.

The result?

INDEPENDENCE and JOY like I’ve never felt before. I now know that I can truly do anything!!!

I am committed to taking this independence with me all the days of my life and not in the sense where I don’t need anyone, but from the perspective of:

1. Knowing I can and will accomplish ALL things that I put my mind to!
2. Being content with my single life and being committed to enjoying every minute!
3. Challenging myself to believe in ME, combat my fears and live my wildest dreams.

Thank you NYC for being all that and more to me!!!

Whether you do something as extreme as taking a solo trip or as simple as taking yourself on a date,  I hope that this post inspires its readers to be independent in all ways!!!

By: Verinique D. Bailey, “The V. in Virtue”

 

The continuing…

As I headed to the airport super early for my 1:40p.m. flight, I got word from my mother that my grandfather was transitioning. Thanks to Christie at Southwest Airlines at LGA who was extremely kind and helpful, I got my flight rebooked FREE OF CHARGE as I hurried to New Orleans and then to Baton Rouge to see him. I literally cried because I NEVER get to the airport that far in advance for a flight, but I was super early and turned out to be right on time to board my plane to Houston then to New Orleans. Once my Mom knew what time I’d arrive, she whispered to my Paw Paw that I was coming from New York and would be there around 8p.m.! I made it ya’ll and got to kiss my Paw Paw and tell him I loved him once more on his 73rd Birthday! He passed away the next morning around 5a.m. and there was a peace that came over me. I thank God for literally aligning everything so that I could get home and see him. I am truly grateful and though I’ll miss my Paw Paw, I have no doubt that he loved me and I have the quotes in my notes, text messages, and voicemails to prove it! Thank you Paw Paw for being such a great person to me! I love you always and forever and I will NEVER forget the lessons you taught me!!!

Thank you for reading!