The last time I was in New York City was 2004 shortly after graduating high school, so when my cousin Cole moved there in October, I knew it was finally time to go back. I should’ve arrived around 10:45 p.m. Wednesday (03/15/23) evening, but due to a flight delay, I didn’t get there till 1:00 in the morning! His apartment tower was only 23 minutes from Laguardia Airport, so I didn’t get there too much later after landing, but by the time we caught up and talked, it was well after 3:30 a.m. and we needed to get up a mere five hours later to start our day! This basically set the tone for the entire trip, but honestly, that’s kind of par for the course with me. I like to hit the ground running and operate like I can sleep when I’m dead while on vacation and that was honestly pretty much this entire trip for me.
I walked some 52 miles across the five days I was in New York City and loved every single step I took! I set a new move record of calories burned and miles walked on Thursday only to turn around and break that record on Friday and then blow that one out of the water on Saturday! So please, do join me on this photographic tour-de-force of New York City and all I saw there!
I arrived on trash day and this was unlike anything I’ve ever seen. Trash bags lined the streets everywhere on my drive from the airport to Hudson Yards and still that first morning. It was quite the sight!
Times Square! I was so excited to be here! My #1 favorite song of all time, “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis was partially filmed here and as soon as we got here I was replaying the video in my brain. I was just envisioning that song was being played all around me like I was in a movie and the moment was just surreal for me. Perfect start to my trip.
I got Cole to get Starbucks that first morning. He said he never drinks their coffee, but he did that day. I went and had them every single day I was there as it was right across the street from Cole’s tower. It was the only chain dining establishment he allowed me to go to, which was fine because I’m all about supporting small business, but you best believe by the end of this trip I was craving me some McDonald’s.
Radio City Music Hall where we plan on seeing the Radio City Rockettes this December on the first night of our Cosmopolitan Vacation where we’ll be visiting New York City, London, and Paris in one whirlwind week!
The New York Palace Hotel where Cole and I got a “secret” Gossip Girl Tour (outside of the pedicab Gossip Girl Tour we were already on) led by this incredible security guard, Maurice. He showed us all the hot spots used while filming one of the greatest shows in television history. As a HUGE fan of Gossip Girl, this was surreal for me. Almost cried five times.
This bar should look familiar to anyone who is a fan of the show.
I felt like I was on cloud nine when I heard Maurice talking about Gossip Girl to these two women from Houston, Texas. My ears perked up so damn fast I couldn’t scramble over to him fast enough and thank goodness I did! This behind the scenes experience was absolutely outstanding!
The Palace, as it was coined in GG, was quite the marvel. It costs $2,000 a night to stay in, so only those friends with Manhattan’s Elite could truly afford to stay here.
The courtyard, which was seen regularly in the first season of the show. Our pedicab tour guide was so kind to wait while Cole and I got that special tour. It just really kept adding to this already amazing morning.
I was obviously not going to let him not take a picture here.
We crossed through Central Park several times throughout this day and the sights of the city beyond the park were just incredible. I was in awe each time.
That bridge in the distance was used in the filming of “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.” It’s where Kevin first encounters the pigeon lady.
This is where Blair Waldorf would always get her macarons, so obviously I too was going to get one.
St. James Church was the site of Prince Louis and Blair Waldorf’s ill-fated wedding.
This church was an artistic and architectural marvel, but of course it was, only the best for Blair.
XOXO. You know you love me.
This fountain has been in several shows and movies including Gossip Girl, but also “Enchanted” and “The Avengers.”
There were so many large boulders in Central Park, I just loved it! Apparently the island of Manhattan has this rock all underneath the surface, which is why skyscrapers are so easily built here.
Even though “Friends” is arguably the dumbest and least funny show of all time, you’re not not going to take a picture of the fountain depicted in the opening credits. (Although the real fountain was filmed on a backlot in Los Angeles, this is the one that is supposed to be it since the show takes place in New York City.)
The Hotel Empire behind us is the hotel Chuck purchased and resided in on Gossip Girl.
We had Mediterranean for lunch and it was quite delicious. There were two cute old ladies sitting next to us and the one was so in love with all the music they were playing inside of there, it just really made me happy.
I got my haircut right before I left for NYC and my hairdresser told me she had heard there was no grass in NYC. I told her I was pretty sure that wasn’t true, but she swore by it, so I took this photo to leave her shook should I see her again.
A view of the Central Park Mall, a walkway that runs through the middle part of the park.
“Ooh… Heaven is a Place on Earth!”
I had butterflies in my stomach the entire time I was here. It was such a highlight for me.
Given that I exclusively wear Polo Ralph Lauren, getting to go to his coffee shop, Ralph’s, was a genuine dream come true. Like Kelly Clarkson sings, “some people wait a lifetime, for a moment like this!” That’s me, I’m people.
They limit each table to a forty-five minute experience, but I could’ve sat here all day. It was simply the best.
I got everything on the menu that had Ralph’s name in front of it. You’re not not going to go to Ralph’s Coffee and not order all of his signature items, come on now, this is Ralph Lauren we’re talking about.
I felt so blessed that I had to take a poop here. It was honestly another dream come true for me. I was lowkey worried it might not happen, so I was ever so thankful when it did. The restrooms were posh.
I bought no clothing here, it was a miracle, but just getting to peruse the flagship store was worth everything to me. An experience I’ll never forget.
The Men’s Store was transitioning from fall collections to spring, so it was in a bit of disarray overall, but that didn’t dull my experience whatsoever. It just made me eager to return to see it all showcased in a new light.
I love a good tunnel and Central Park appeared to have a handful of them.
Balto, the sled dog, has nobly stood at this point in Central Park since 1925. I used to love the animated movie, “Balto,” when I was a kid. Haven’t seen it in ages, so definitely time for a rewatch.
“Phantom of the Opera” is ending its historic 35 year run on Broadway in April, so it was a real blessing we were able to see it before the curtain closed for good on this outstanding and magical production. I just loved it!
My dear friend, Kasey, from my Collinsville High School travels of years past, joined Cole and I at “The Phantom of the Opera” and we all went and had dinner following the show. This photo was taken after dinner, which is why I was able to capture the Majestic Theatre without anyone in front of it.
Kasey and I returned to Times Square while Cole had to go back home to do some work.
Even more beautiful at night.
Kasey striking a pose!
Being here was honestly the best. Loved the atmosphere and all the feelings that came with it.
Love that gilded lit building in the center. New York had some of the most incredible architecture I’d ever seen and I just fell in love with all of its structural diversity. This subway station is where Kasey and I parted ways. I then proceeded to walk – by myself – the six or so blocks back to Cole’s at 1:00 in the morning and no, I was not scared or worried whatsoever. In fact, I felt so invigorated and alive, I loved that walk.
Well, there you have it, my first day in New York City! Thank you SO much for viewing! I appreciate you greatly! Please feel free to leave me a comment below as I LOVE reading and responding to them! I’ll be back super soon with Day Two, but until then, I wish you all, all the best!
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I’m looking forward to the rest of your NYC blogs for this trip! How crazy is it that I was vacationing there a mere 3 weeks before your trip, yet the city has so much to offer that we had vastly different experiences!
Hello my pretties. Some might call this day in NY a chaotic, busy journey…but for Ben DeShon it’s called a Thursday. I hope he brought his walking shoes. You know you love me. XOXO
I love all of this! I’m so happy you got to see Phantom before it closed and visit so many iconic spots. By far my favorite picture was the signature smile shown through the mirror 😃
I’m looking forward to the rest of your NYC blogs for this trip! How crazy is it that I was vacationing there a mere 3 weeks before your trip, yet the city has so much to offer that we had vastly different experiences!
Right!?! I could return for another five days & repeat nothing! I love it there so much! Glad we both had incredibly experiences!
Wow looks like a good and busy time you had there in the big apple!
Thank you! Yes! It was simply the best!
Hello my pretties. Some might call this day in NY a chaotic, busy journey…but for Ben DeShon it’s called a Thursday. I hope he brought his walking shoes. You know you love me. XOXO
You KNOW I love this! Sounds just like GG!
I love all of this! I’m so happy you got to see Phantom before it closed and visit so many iconic spots. By far my favorite picture was the signature smile shown through the mirror 😃
I loved that photo too, so I’m glad you enjoyed it as well! Yes! NYC was the best experience for me! Can’t wait to go back!
Looks like you and Cole had a busy and wonderful day! Love to see it!
We definitely did! You know how I like to vacation! Go! Go! Go!
Times Square would be so neat to see!
It was the best! Such an incredible experience!