Last week was my 40th birthday, (surreal) and since it was a big one I wanted to celebrate by taking a trip somewhere and doing some fun things with a few friends. After weighing several options, I decided to go to NYC for a few days. I have several friends who live there, and I really love the city. Two of my friends from SC, Lauren Reilly and Michael Bailey, went with me, and the trip could not have been better.
Here are the highlights, in order of occurance:
- Went sailing on a 40-foot sailboat: (What a great, different way to see NYC!) Took a 2-hour sailing trip all around southern Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. Amazing!
- Saw Spiderman on Broadway: Got rush tickets, and got to see a great show for cheap! The writing and the music were pretty weak, but the aerial stunts and special effects were like no other!
- Ate doughnuts at the Doughnut Plant: Tried to hit this place the last time I was in NYC, but it was closed. Best doughnuts I have ever had. Definitely get a square jelly filled one!
- Went to Coney Island: Ate a Nathan’s hot dog, walked on the pier, and rode a roller coaster. Had never been to CI before. If you are from SC, it is pretty much a combination of Myrtle Beach and the State Fair! (in other words, extremely entertaining)
- Had dinner at a cozy little jazz club on the Upper West Side called Smoke: Great food, and great music!
- Visited Trinity Grace Church on Sunday: Great church with several locations around the city. If you ever know of someone looking for a church in NYC, this is a good one.
- Lunch at The Burger Joint: This used to be a fun little “secret” spot, but now the word has gotten out. Still pretty fun, and decent burgers.
- Birthday dinner at Numero 28, (brick oven pizza) and dessert from Veniero’s. (more amazing desserts than you can imagine!)
- And the finale…. watched an incredible sunset and the 4th of July fireworks from my cousin’s 20th floor apartment!
Thanks to Lauren, Bailey, and all my friends in NYC for making this the best birthday I have ever had! Thanks especially to Kelli and Greg for the generous use of their great apartment for the weekend, and to Brandy for your exceptional thoughtfulness and planning. You really made this my best birthday celebration ever!
