New York City - A Summer Trip

Midtown Manhatten:

A surprise summer trip to New York City was just what I needed. My last trip to NYC was right before the pandemic took over. I didn't realize how much I missed this city. One day, I uttered 'I miss New York' and next thing you know, we are off.

We flew from CLT to LGA and this is our normal trek. Flights were reasonable and of course I had a lingering companion certificate as a perk so we put it to use. 2 First class tickets were booked expeditiously! We flew early morning on a Friday and planned to stay through the weekend and return on Monday which is a switch up from our normal travel schedule days. I actually liked this because it allowed us to spend a Sunday in the city soaking in a slow day but in NYC, is anything ever slow? Arriving early morning has its pros and cons. One ride share costs are usually higher but we prefer to get where we are going to get settled. Our ride from LGA to Midtown was ~$75.00. We now choose the 'luxury' versions of rideshare fleet cars because we have had to many poor experiences with normal selections.

The Stay:

Getting there is never an issue but deciding on where to stay always comes with it's fair share of questions. The ultimate goal for this stay was space! If you pay attention the details, you will know that most rooms in NYC are very small however we managed to snag a huge room at The Fifty Royal Sonesta Select New York. Nestled in Mid-town and away from the lights of TS, we were pleasantly pleased with the room mostly because of the space and the open balcony. 19 floors above the city, we didn't spend much time here because whewww looking down was completely jaw dropping but it was a nice to have if we wanted to peek out and run right back in.

Woman on balcony in New York City — Views from the Balcony - Floor 19

Arrived at our hotel but of course our room was not ready however the hotel offered a check-in but if we wanted to wait, we can get an upgraded room and who doesn't want that. It was so spacious and perfect even for short trip. Much of the space was unused for intended purposes (like the kitchen and dining area) but they again were nice to have just in case. :-).

**Tour our room below at the Fifty Royal Sonesta Select New York:

After a few trips around the blocks (on feet of course cause somebody just loves to walk every single street in New York City), we were ready for lunch. We literally stumbled across BennyJohn's Bar and Grill. It wasn't planned. We just happened to be walking by and said, let's try it. Ambiance was great, food was phenomenal and the service was even better. I had the special - Branzino fish with Asparagus and Thomas had a Caesar salad (which according to him is the best to date) and the Cajun Chicken Sandwich.

Most of the day was spent shopping and after being done with sneaker runs (cough, cough), I decided to find a local wine bar for a solo drink. I ended up with a two for one special. Right next door to the cutest wine bar was the sweetest, most cozy Italian restaurant. I only went for apps because the plan was to head to dinner but that didn't happen. So happy I stumbled upon Cello Wine & Cocktail Bistro and La Gioconda.

Both were just awesome places and they are on MY personal list of favorites to return to.

At Cello, I had a glass of Bordeaux wine (no one would have guess that, huh?) and headed across the hall (literally), and had 2 apps - a board with Prosciutto & Cacciatorini with Asiago and Parmigiano Reggiano Cheeses. Delish.

I also had the Gambretti Con Pancetta - OMGEEE!! Seared shrimp wrapped with Italian bacon over cannellini beans. I was literally blown away. Two very tasty and satisfying appetizers that kept me well into the next day. If you are in the neck of the woods for either of these, please give them both a try. :-).

The next day we were adamant about starting early but we didn't lol! We prepared for the daily slowly and headed back up to 5th Avenue for more shopping. Today was my day to get to Bergdorf's for shopping and to enjoy their cafe. It was time well spent and I even met a new associate from Tokyo and made a connect with her super-talented friend!

We linked backup and walked all the way to TS and through a few street festivals.

No festival food this time but we found this cool burger joint near Rockefeller Center and when I say the burger was all that, it was all that! Yum!

Bill's Bar & Burger - did not disappoint! We both had the same thing - the Ranch Hand Burger except Thomas had a pretzel bun and mine was regular. Neither one of us volunteered to share with the other!!

More walking around the city and let's just say, it was HOT. Not as hot as SC, but hot enough. We took a pit stop for dessert and went back to Juniors. It's must for us both. Cheesecake for me and some pastry thing + a Latte for him. Lol! I might add that I also had one of the best Espresso Martini's, like ever! They are becoming my jam thanks to one of my besties! Thanks friend!