Hey travelers! We just returned from a quick trip to New York City, and it was an absolute blast! We flew from Indianapolis to Newark for a wedding, but of course, we had to squeeze in some sightseeing and delicious eats. Here’s how we packed all the fun into 48 hours in the Big Apple!
The Journey Begins 🚀
We were thrilled to attend a wedding in New Jersey for one of Alex’s former teammates—it was the perfect excuse for a city getaway! We used credit card points to cover our flights and hotel, making the trip even sweeter. (Check out our “Your Entry Guide to Travel Cards” post for tips.)
Once we landed, we scheduled an Uber in advance—a major pro tip! This made getting to our hotel a breeze. We opted for the hotel “Motto by Hilton“, just outside Times Square, which was perfect for exploring Manhattan. After checking in, we threw on our walking shoes and headed out to find some authentic New York City pizza. Our first stop was Carnegie Pizza, where Alex enjoyed a Vodka Sauce Slice, and Kobe indulged in spicy pepperoni. It was everything we hoped for and more!
With full bellies, we strolled through Times Square, taking in the neon lights and people-watching. Seriously, where else can you spot a fake designer bag, have your face printed on M&Ms, and bump into Bumblebee all within a block?
After a little downtime at the hotel, we headed to Pasta Lovers for divine lobster ravioli—an excellent way to cap off our first night in the city. The NYC energy was contagious, and we were ready for more!
The Perfect Day in New York City
Saturday morning, we woke up eager to tackle our New York City bucket list. We kicked off the day with a classic breakfast: a bacon, egg, schmear, and cheese sandwich on an everything bagel from Broad Nosh Bagels. How else would you start your day in NYC? We savored every bite while lounging in Central Park, feeling like we were in a rom-com.
The park was stunning! We wandered, snapped pictures, and made the most of those perfect photo ops. We even had to stop by Magnolia Bakery for their famous Banana Pudding—OMG, it lived up to the hype!
After our Central Park adventure, we hopped on the subway (which we were super impressed with) to the Flatiron District. Unfortunately, construction blocked our view of the Flatiron Building, but we turned that into an opportunity to visit the Harry Potter Flagship Store instead. What a fun vibe! We grabbed a Butterbeer and soaked in all the magical details.
Exploring the Financial District
Next, we ventured to the Financial District to pay our respects at the 9/11 Memorial. It was a powerful experience. After reflecting, we headed over to see the famous Bull statue and the Stock Exchange.
With our energy dipping, it was time for round two of New York City pizza at Joe’s. Classic! After refueling, we took a short break at our hotel to recharge before the night ahead.
For dinner, we enjoyed sushi before heading to see “The Great Gatsby” on Broadway. Y’all, it was AMAZING! The cast and production blew us away, and we couldn’t stop talking about it. We capped the night with late-night Krispy Kreme because you always need a sweet treat!
Wedding Day Celebration
Finally, it was wedding day! We checked out of our NYC hotel and drove to the northern Jersey Shore. It felt like a college reunion as Alex reconnected with former teammates and friends. The wedding was beautifully curated, celebrating the love between two college sweethearts. The energy was palpable, and we danced the night away, creating unforgettable memories.
Until Next Time ✈
Waking up on Monday felt like post-concert blues. We weren’t ready to leave but also excited to cuddle with our kitties back home. This trip was a whirlwind of joy and adventure, and we can’t wait for our next escape! Until then, safe travels, everyone!
—A + K