My Unforgettable 72-Hour New York City Adventure: Food, Family, and Iconic Sights

Get ready for an extensive recap because my recent trip to New York City was nothing short of epic! I managed to snap nearly 400 photos during my brief 72-hour stay, a testament to the city’s endless allure and my sheer excitement. Every corner held a new discovery, every meal a delightful surprise, and every moment was packed with the vibrant energy only NYC can offer. While I did squeeze in a decent amount of sleep (a necessity for keeping up with the city that never sleeps!), I’m thrilled to share the highlights and intricate details of this unforgettable family weekend.

My connection to the Big Apple runs deep, largely thanks to my older sister and brother-in-law, who call this incredible city home. Though I don’t visit them nearly as often as I’d like, their presence always provides the perfect excuse for a trip. This particular visit was extra special, doubling as an early wedding gift from them: a weekend of urban exploration culminating in a memorable dinner at a unique restaurant just outside the city, a tale reserved for tomorrow’s eagerly anticipated post.

Adding another layer of excitement to this trip was the fact that my fiancé, Connor, had been living with my sister and brother-in-law for the entire month of September! He’s currently undertaking month-long medical rotations across various hospitals nationwide, a crucial step in preparing for his residency applications. This demanding period has certainly been a whirlwind, but the silver lining is the wonderful opportunity it’s given me to travel more and visit him in different locations. It’s truly been an adventure navigating this new phase together.

My journey to NYC began bright and early on a Friday morning. I hopped on an early train and arrived in the bustling city by noon. Oh, how I adore trains! They are, without a doubt, my absolute favorite mode of travel. There’s a certain charm and relaxation that comes with watching the landscape glide by. This trip also marked a personal first: my inaugural Uber experience on the way to Union Station in D.C. The ride was everything I could have hoped for and more: “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan was playing, setting a cheerful tone, and to top it off, I was offered a free lollipop. It’s safe to say, I’m now a dedicated fan of the Uber experience!

Friday: A Whirlwind Welcome to the City That Never Sleeps

Culinary Delights in the Upper East Side

With Connor busy working through the evening, my sister and I kicked off our NYC exploration. My first stop was her place in the elegant Upper East Side, a perfect base for our urban adventures. After a quick catch-up, our stomachs led us on a quest for the perfect lunch. We weighed our options, deliberating over the myriad of tempting eateries, before settling on the renowned Maison Kayser. This French boulangerie and cafe chain is celebrated for its artisanal bread and pastries, and it certainly lived up to its reputation.

Our lunch there was a truly exquisite experience. We shared an incredibly elegant chicken and quinoa salad, whose sophisticated presentation took us by surprise. It wasn’t just beautiful; it was bursting with fresh flavors and textures. Alongside it, we indulged in an equally delicious fig and goat cheese tartine, a perfect balance of sweet and savory. I’m already mentally planning to recreate both dishes at home – they were simply that good! And as if the main dishes weren’t enough, we were presented with a bread basket featuring their famous, utterly amazing baguette. As a true bread enthusiast, I insisted on devouring every last piece. It was crusty, airy, and everything a perfect baguette should be.

Beyond the culinary delights, this lunch was also a chance to reconnect with my sister, Pippa, and celebrate some incredibly exciting news: she’s just over 20 weeks pregnant! I can’t believe I hadn’t shared this with you all yet – it’s going to be my very first niece or nephew, and my parents’ first grandchild, making this an exceptionally thrilling time for our entire family. The anticipation is almost palpable. To make it even sweeter, the baby is due on Valentine’s Day. How incredibly cool is that for a birthdate?

Exploring Union Square’s Treasures

Weeks before my trip, my sister asked what I wanted to do during my visit, and without hesitation, I declared, “I want to go to Fish’s Eddy!” For years, I’d seen countless pictures of this infamous store near Union Square, a mecca for food bloggers and home cooks alike seeking unique dinnerware, glassware, and silverware. I longed to experience its legendary offerings for myself, envisioning shelves brimming with quirky and beautiful props for my own culinary creations.

And indeed, I wanted all the things! The selection was vast and utterly captivating, a treasure trove of unique pieces. However, I must confess to a slight disappointment. Please don’t hate me for saying it! While the array of items was impressive, the prices were considerably higher than I had anticipated. I’ve often had better luck discovering truly unique and affordable deals on stylish home goods at stores like Anthropologie and West Elm. Despite this, it was still a fun experience to browse and soak in the atmosphere of such a celebrated spot.

While we were in the area, we made the most of our time by also visiting the lively Union Square Farmer’s Market. This bustling market is a sensory delight, filled with fresh produce, artisanal goods, and the vibrant hum of city life. Just around the corner, we also stopped into Mario Batali’s Eataly, a place I’ve visited before and absolutely adore. Eataly is more than just a market; it’s an immersive Italian culinary experience, featuring multiple restaurants, a vast array of high-quality Italian products, and a bustling, authentic atmosphere.

My personal pilgrimage within Eataly led me, as always, directly to the “Parmigiano-Reggiano” fridge. This refrigerated sanctuary, packed with towering wheels of aged cheese, is essentially my version of Mecca. The sheer volume and aroma are intoxicating, a true testament to the beauty of Italian craftsmanship and flavor. It’s a must-see for any cheese lover!

Since it was literally just next door to Fish’s Eddy, we also made a spontaneous stop into ABC Carpet & Home. My sister was on the hunt for rug ideas for her upcoming nursery, and this seemed like the perfect place to gather inspiration. What we discovered was truly unique: essentially a mini Costco-sized rug showroom, smack dab in the center of New York City. It was a wonderfully weird and overwhelming experience, with rugs of every style, color, and size imaginable. And, in a scenario that’s perhaps all too typical, we both ended up falling in love with the most expensive rug in the entire store. Oh, the irony!

Evening Adventures in Curry Hill

After a full afternoon of walking, browsing, and soaking in the city’s unique atmosphere, we eventually made our way back to the apartment. It was time to meet up with my brother-in-law, Brian, and finally, Connor, who had finished his rotation for the day. A bit of relaxation was in order before we ventured out for dinner.

Our initial plan was to head to Curry Hill, a vibrant enclave known for its incredible Indian cuisine, to dine at my sister’s favorite vegetarian Indian restaurant. Unfortunately, upon our arrival, we discovered a snag in our plans: the restaurant was closed for the evening due to a gas leak. While a bit disappointing, New York City always offers a silver lining. Since the area is absolutely brimming with fantastic Indian restaurants, we simply walked around the block and found ourselves at their sister restaurant, Pippali. And what a delightful stroke of luck that turned out to be! The food was utterly delicious, a vibrant explosion of spices and flavors that more than made up for our change of plans.

I have to say, one of my absolute favorite things about New York City is the sheer breadth and accessibility of good restaurant options. You can simply walk into an establishment and, more often than not, secure a table without an extensive wait, even at popular spots. This freedom to explore and indulge in diverse culinary experiences on a whim is a true luxury and a highlight of any visit to the city.

Saturday: Brunch, Bridges, and Brooklyn Charm

Delicious Brunch at East End Kitchen

Saturday morning dawned, and after catching up on some much-needed sleep (a sentiment that primarily applied to Connor after his demanding week, but I happily partook as well!), we were ready to continue our marathon of eating. Our destination for brunch was East End Kitchen, conveniently located close to my sister’s apartment. The atmosphere was lively, and the menu promised a fantastic start to our day.

Connor and Brian opted for what I can only describe as the richest breakfast in the world: shrimp and grits. It’s so hearty, I often wonder if it even qualifies as breakfast, but it certainly looked incredibly satisfying. My sister and I went for lighter, yet equally delicious, choices with an omelet and an egg scramble. There’s something truly special about brunch, isn’t there? It’s the perfect blend of breakfast and lunch, a leisurely meal that encourages good company and relaxed conversation. It’s a culinary experience I wholeheartedly love!

Iconic Stroll Across the Brooklyn Bridge

After fueling up, we made our way downtown via the subway, our next adventure being a walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge and an afternoon spent exploring the vibrant Dumbo area. The weather was absolutely perfect – clear skies, a gentle breeze, and comfortable temperatures, making for an ideal day to enjoy the city’s outdoor marvels.

This marked my very first time walking across the magnificent Brooklyn Bridge, and indeed, my first time ever setting foot in Brooklyn! The experience itself was breathtaking, offering unparalleled views of the Manhattan skyline and the East River. However, I quickly noticed a peculiar phenomenon: people walk really slowly on the Brooklyn Bridge. I confess, I’m one of those individuals who walks at a perpetually fast pace, all the time, for no apparent reason, and this slow procession drove me absolutely bonkers! A friendly tip for fellow fast walkers: be prepared for a leisurely stroll, or plan an early morning visit to beat the crowds.

Discovering Dumbo’s Vibrant Scene

Upon reaching the Dumbo (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) area, we discovered it was buzzing with even more activity than usual. A Street Arts Festival was taking place, which meant the area was completely packed with locals and tourists alike, all enjoying the vibrant displays and lively atmosphere. Despite the crowds, it was still incredibly rewarding to visit the beautiful Brooklyn Bridge Park and truly soak in the unique charm of this revitalized industrial neighborhood. The juxtaposition of historic architecture with modern art and green spaces is truly captivating.

And the view of the city from Brooklyn Bridge Park? Absolutely incredible! The iconic Manhattan skyline stretched before us, a breathtaking panorama of skyscrapers glinting in the sun, with the Statue of Liberty visible in the distance. It’s a postcard-perfect vista that truly captures the grandeur of New York City.

Before we left Dumbo, a visit to the famous Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory was an absolute must. Housed in a charming old fireboat house right on the waterfront, this institution is known for its classic, homemade flavors. Following my sister’s excellent recommendation, I ordered a scoop of their vanilla chocolate chunk. It was simple, perfectly creamy, and utterly delicious – the ideal treat to cap off our Brooklyn exploration on a beautiful afternoon.

A Flavorful Finale: Mexican Feast

From Brooklyn, we took the subway back home to the Upper East Side. After a few hours of relaxing and refreshing, we were ready for our final culinary adventure of the day. Just around the corner from Pippa and Brian’s apartment lay their go-to Mexican restaurant, Mole. This vibrant spot promised authentic flavors and a lively atmosphere, and it did not disappoint.

I indulged in what felt like the world’s largest serving of fish tacos, beautifully presented on homemade blue tortillas. Each bite was a symphony of fresh flavors – flaky fish, crisp toppings, and the comforting chewiness of the tortillas. It was pure heaven! The food at Mole was the perfect end to a day filled with exploration and delicious meals, reinforcing New York City’s reputation as a global culinary capital.

Looking Ahead: More NYC Adventures

Despite the plethora of incredible food shared in this post, believe it or not, the best is yet to come! Tomorrow, I’m going to tell you all about one of the most unforgettable meals I’ve ever had in my entire life. Prepare yourselves for even more pictures and an even more extensive culinary review. It was an experience that truly transcended the ordinary and left a lasting impression on my palate and my memory.

And as a final, exciting tidbit from my whirlwind New York City weekend: I actually saw Martha Stewart! Yes, the Martha Stewart. It was an unexpected celebrity sighting that added a little extra sparkle to an already incredible trip. So, there’s that!