The most wonderful time of the year…

During this time two years ago, I was purchasing last-minute travel items for our Thanksgiving trip to New York. If you've never been to New York during Thanksgiving, you've got to make it a point to go at least once. I'm a Christmas fanatic, so for me, I was like a kid in a candy store. I wanted to go and see everything, all of the decorations throughout the city, the window displays, the ice rinks...I wanted to soak it all in.

When we arrived we were told that it was one of the coldest Thanksgiving they've had in years! I could second that as my face literally felt like it was an icicle about to crack...that's the best way to describe it. Their wind chill was off the charts freezing, but we enjoyed every minute of it. Being from California, we get spoiled with mild temperatures, so this was a nice change for us.

Our first stop after we got off the red-eye and caught an hour of zzz's, we quickly bundled up and headed towards the Thanksgiving Parade. It's been a tradition in our household to watch it on tv each and every single year; and, to now have the opportunity to view it live was nothing but an amazing feeling!

The next night, we headed out to one of the places that were recommended for us to go to...Uncle Jacks. Let me tell you, this place was phenomenal! My husband ordered the Tomahawk steak and I got the fillet mignon. Both were just outstanding, and according to my super picky husband, especially when it comes to steaks, said that this was one of the best Tomahawks he'd ever had...and, that's a lot for him to say! Definitely will return when we come back to NY!

Must see places in the city

Word Sculptures

You can't visit NY without stopping by one of the word sculptures that they have throughout the city. We found LOVE! And of course, you have to show your love when at the LOVE sculpture right?!?!? So my love got besos at the sculpture ♥️

Central Park

You can't go to NY without stepping foot in Central Park. This iconic park is massive. We only go to visit a portion of this beauty, but it was well worth the walk! The park is surrounded by lakes, trees, and even has a zoo! Many movies were filmed here like Elf, 27 Dresses, The Wedding Planner, Home Alone 2, Spider-Man III, and Breakfast at Tiffany's, just to name a few.

Take Aways

• Make a list of places you'd like to see and experience during your stay

• Try new foods, ask for recommendations, and ask locals for the best places to eat

• Don't go on vacation to sleep in, especially in the city! Get up and explore your surroundings, and take in the beauty the city has to offer.

Our Recommendations

• If you're a meat eater, you have to try Uncle Jack’s...it's the best!

• If Italian is more your style, try Carmines. It's a family-style restaurant.

• Known as New York's best place to get cheesecake...you have to go to Juniors. We actually went there twice...once for breakfast and another for dinner, but you have to try their cheesecake! It's delish!

• Go on the hop-on-and-off double-decker bus to view the city.

• Check out the Brooklyn Bridge, my personal favorite, and actually, go and walk on it.

• Walk around Times Square, and soak in the craziness of the tourists.

• Go to Magnolia Bakery and get a banana pudding...seriously, went there like 3 times while we were there...absolutely love it!!!

• Walk up and down 5th Avenue.

• Visit St. Patricks Cathedral.

• Check out Oculus, the Freedom Tower, and Ground Zero...amazing transformation.

• Can't forget the Public Library!

• Serendipity III for a frozen hot chocolate

• Empire State Building

• The list goes on and on...

There's just so much to see in New York that it's impossible to see everything in one trip...unless you're staying there for like a month! What are some of your favorite spots, must-see, and must-eat places in NY? Drop a comment.

xo - Feuna