On my flight back to the States from Ireland, I was scheduled for a 24hr layover in Newark Airport, which actually turned into 48hrs due to the massive winter storm that was blowing through the east coast at the time.
Although I only had 48hrs, I tried to soak up every minute I could and it was like taking a vacation all over again. I had booked my stay at Roommate Grace Boutique Hotel in Manhattan near Times Square so I could explore the city. But the real adventure was getting from Newark to Manhattan without paying $80 in cab or Uber fees.
From Newark Airport, I followed the signs for the AirTrain after receiving my luggage and purchased a ticket from a self-serving kiosk for Penn Station (I decided this was the closest stop to my hotel). Now keep in mind I have never taken a train or the subway in my entire life and I was tackling it off of jet lag with a 60lb broken suitcase (where did my other wheel go???) in NEW YORK CITY BY MYSELF. After purchasing my ticket for Penn Station, I took the elevator one floor up and hopped on the air train which stopped at New Jersey Transit station. From here, I got onto the actual train (that broken wheel and large suitcase was a real pain in the ass), and passed through Penn Station Newark and then finally Penn Station New York (pay attention to the announcements if you’re new at this like I was). Walking around with my luggage was the worst 7min of my life, I’m convinced. I carried it up 2 sets of stairs and finally made my way out onto 34th and 8th to grab a cab.
I immediately started spewing out the address of the hotel and the cab driver stopped me, “No, no, no, what’s the cross street?”. The cross street? You mean I can’t just give you the normal address? You mean to tell me NYC is so large, you don’t know where everything is??? HOW DARE YOU.
And that was my first lesson in traveling around Manhattan.
He suggested I call the hotel to find out this magical cross street, sure enough that was the first thing I heard on the automated answering machine and off we went. He gave me some free advice for next time I’m in a cab or an Uber in NYC, “Just yell out the destination with the cross street and they’ll think you’re a local. Then no one will mess with you”.
I laughed and told him I should get some Timbs, then I’d really sell it. We were bff’s from that moment on.
Roommate Grace, while it was no quaint Irish B&B, the staff were very accommodating and I was able to check in early with a free upgrade to a king size bed from my original reserved queen. Breakfast fee was not included and the hotel does not have a restaurant inside, but I would absolutely stay here again. Very comfortable and PERFECT walking distance!
For my first night, I had reserved a ticket for Top of the Rock right as the sun was beginning to set. I’m glad I left my hotel early, because it took me about 30min to truly understand those damn cross streets. I’m from a town that doesn’t even have parking meters, give me a break. I made my way just in time through the crowds, freezing temps, and solid blocks of ice in every crosswalk.
When I was 13, I went to New York City on a week long school trip, but that was focused around historical monuments and planned out of my control from start to finish. I remember my views from the Empire State Building, but I wanted something new and chose Top of the Rock for my return at 23. Did not disappoint! It was packed to the brim with people, but nonetheless I had great views of the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and a snow covered Central Park to name a few.
Afterwards, I continued to walk around the Rockefeller Center, marking the Rockefeller Christmas Tree and ice skating rink off my bucket list.
Starving, I made my way back to the hotel (without my gps this time) and stopped at the closest pizza restaurant. I didn’t catch the name, but the staff made my experience so welcoming. I ate an entire margherita pizza. No shame.
The next morning, I knew I wanted to walk the Brooklyn Bridge…which was all the way down at the end of Manhattan. I also knew I needed to see Grand Central Station again, but didn’t want to pay for a cab to see all these places.
And so I walked. 5 miles in -7 degree wind chill. I literally walked half of Manhattan. Half way through, I even stopped at a Nordstrom’s Rack in Union Square and threw out my boots for a new pair because I couldn’t feel my toes. With my scarf wrapped around my face, gloves on hand, and a very general idea of where I was going in a I have absolutely no idea where I’m going kind of way–I did it.
I made my way over Brooklyn Bridge, surprised at how many others were braving the temperatures with me, and stopped at the infamous photo destination of the bridge with the Empire State Building in perfect view across the river. There were SO MANY tourists, even in such terrible weather conditions. I guess I’m not the only crazy one.
I stopped at Cecconi’s DUMBO, enjoyed the very charming bartender that almost fell on his face when I told him how far I had walked to get there, and caught an Uber back to my hotel.
But not before catching a few shots of the bridge and carousel at night. It was an absolute dream!
Having some much needed solo time in New York after a beautiful week in Ireland was more than I could’ve hoped for. The ultimate cherry on top. I suppose the normal way to have felt while facing the challenge of wandering around the Big Apple by myself was a mix of nerves and fear, but all I can remember feeling was excitement and happiness. And pain as my fingers and toes were numb, but still.
I recommend visiting in a warmer month than January, but the city during the holidays is something special all on its own. Bring layers!
Leave a Reply