I LOVE New York!!!!!

Not suprising, I know.  I just absolutely fell in love with New York City from the moment I stepped out of our hotel and began walking the streets.  I have been to other big cities (i.e. Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas) but NOTHING compares to the energy and excitement of New York.  I could write for days on my trip but that may not be that interesting to you, so I am going to show some of my "first" experiences, along with other great places I was able to enjoy while there.

First Tourist Spot

Dylan's Candy Bar

Since I love sweets (as do my children), this was a definite on the list of stopping by.  Since it was only a few blocks from my hotel, it was the first place I visited once arriving.  All I have to say is, three stories of candy.  Fabulous!  I was able to pick up so many great items for the kids (and for myself) and wish we had one nearby to hold a birthday party at!

First Subway Ride

Canal Street

Yes, this public transportation snob actually took the subway, not once, but many times while there.  My interest rose after two cab rides that almost made me lose my lunch.  So, I moved on to the subway and by the end of the trip, I could actually read the subway map!

First Department Store

Bloomingdales

Bloomingdales was my first experience at a New York department store and I about died when I saw that it was 9 floors!  I wanted to stay away from department stores but Saks and Bloomies were a definite since they are SO much better than the ones here at South Coast Plaza (nothing against those, they are nice, but come on, 9 FLOORS!)  I was extremely happy to pick up the Rag and Bone Cobalt Blue Flare jeans I have been searching for forever (more on those in another post)!

First Museum

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the only "musts" on my list was to see the Alexander McQueen exhibit at the Met.  It had received incredible reviews and surpassed all expectations.  The exhibit was an experience and there is no way to describe his collections in person.  It was the only exhibit I went through but I would love to go back to see so many of the others that we missed.

First Dining Experience

Restaurant Marc Forgione

All I kept hearing about was how good the food was going to be.  Everyone was right.  I thought that shopping would be the most enjoyable part of the trip but it was actually the dining experience that I loved.  Marc Forgione's restaurant had fabulous decor and an incredible menu.  I also ate dinner at Hearth and Buddakan NYC, both which were also fantastic.  I am currently on detox from eating the ENTIRE time I was there.

First Sample Sale

Yumi Kim

Lucky for me my best friend new that I was in NY and sent me a tweet that Yumi Kim was having a sample sale in SoHo.  I was actually standing about 5 stores from where it was being held so I headed over and I was able to pick up two gorgeous tops at amazing prices!  I love them both and am now a Yumi Kim fan!

SoHo Shopping Experience

There is nothing like SoHo.  It was my favorite place to shop in all of New York.  So many familiar stores among amazing boutiques that you cannot find anywhere else.  Those were my favorite.  Places that I had a great time spending money at were:

Comptoir des Cotonniers *

Olive and Bette's *

Scoop NYC

Madewell

LF Stores

Wink NYC

* I could have purchased the entire store

First Happy Hour

The Oak Room at the Plaza

Every afternoon we stopped for a little happy hour.  I mean, why not, we have no children and shopping is exhausting!  I visited the Plaza Hotel for the first time and loved sitting in the Oak Room, looking out at Central Park while I indulged in a fabulous cheese plate and glass of wine.  

Sorry for the long post but I cut other things out to not make it a novel.  Overall, an amazing first trip and I am excited to go back again.  The hubby is already onboard for a couple's trip so... 

New York, until next time!