I surprised Hank (the New Year's baby!) with a trip to the city for his birthday. There is nothing like New York. I love everything about it - the pulse of the place, the culture, the chaos and the beautifulness of it all. In another life, I would absolutely live there.
Lucky for me, one of my most awesome friends, Maura, works in the city / resides in Hoboken. She is seriously THE coolest. We had breakfast at Turning Point with Maura before Hank and I were off to be NYC tourists.
The last time I was in the city was in 2010, for Hank, 2007, so he hadn't seen the 9/11 Memorial and neither of us had seen One World Trade Center.
One World Trade Center, while not complete, is the tallest building in the U.S. The 9/11 Memorial, just breathtaking. A white rose is placed by each name on their birthday.
Taking to the streets...
Central Park!
Times Square
We took in a TON of sights by day. We had a fun afternoon of drinks at Toloache (Mexican! Love their Mezcalita de Pina) and Connolly's Pub before heading to dinner at Don Antonio. After dinner, The Lion King. Oh. my. gosh. I had tears during the opening act - I was just so overcome with happiness. It was all things colorful and wow! in one place.
After the show, we were lucky enough to be in Times Square when they were testing the ball for New Year's Eve the following night. We saw the countdown and ball light up without the crowds and before the world. It was truly delightful and definitely a moment I won't forget.
We grabbed a slice of cheesecake at Junior's (plus an entire cheesecake for family) before heading back to Maura and Steve's apartment. Seriously - how happy is this apt. corner.
The next morning, we grabbed bagels and coffee before heading into the city on New Year's Eve. We took the ferry in and explored around Radio City, Rockefeller Center and Saks Fifth Avenue. I discovered my new favorite ornaments in Saks, Glitterazzi, and grabbed a steal of a deal on their last New York City Santa.
We grabbed pizza and beers at Grimaldi's before heading back to get ready for NYE!
I may have packed decorations and "photo booth" props. I just love a celebration.
Maura made the best snacks - one of which was those darn meatballs (recipe here).
Maura + Me
Maura got Hank Crumbs cupcakes plus candles so the five of us sang HBD to Hank. Hank even had some awesome beers - Rare Bourbon County Brand Stout - courtesy of Steve.
We did an all-inclusive package at The Madison for NYE. It included drinks, snacks, party favors, DJ and breakfast at midnight. It was so fun to bring in 2014 with such fab friends.
We walked the pier in the early hours of 2014 and took in one big city pretty.
We brunched at Elysian Cafe the next morning before heading back to N.C. to finish out Hank's HBD. Thanks so much, Maura and Steve, for being undeniably great (per usual).
