Going to New York City for just two days might seem like an impossibility at first, what with so much to do. However, the Big Apple is the perfect go-to destination even if you have just a couple of hours.
Just this past weekend, two of my friends and I took a little weekend trip down to NYC and, surprisingly enough, we were able to pack a decent amount of activities into our 48-hour trip. Here's a list of the top places we were able to stop by as well as a mini vlog tour around the city.
1. Broadway Musicals
Dear Evan Hansen follows Evan Hansen, an anxiety-filled teen, as he inadvertently strings together a backstory of a friendship that never was with a classmate who has just recently taken his life. The audience follows Evan through the ins and outs of constructing the story, getting everything, and then losing it all as quickly as he was plopped into the whole mess of things.
I'd been keeping up with DEH ever since it came out in December of 2016. As many other musical lovers and fanatics, I fell in love with the music and the magic both Ben Platt and Laura Dreyfuss brought to each and every song.
I really only knew the general synopsis of the musical - Evan posing as Connor Murphy's friend leading to Evan completely turning his life around and even ending up with the girl of his dreams. How mistaken I was. This musical is so much more than what's truly on the surface; there are layers and layers of story and emotion that you really won't truly understand or experience unless you see it live.
I won't give away any spoilers for those who wish to watch it on Broadway but Dear Evan Hansen leaves you with a bittersweet tinge of life as you walk out of the theatre and back to reality. Sprinkled with sarcasm, comedic spurts, and somber moments, Dear Evan Hansen makes you cry, laugh, and burst over an unforgettable two and a half hours.
As of now, Andrew Barth Feldman and Michael Lee Brown are headlining the show as the two Evans, accompanied by Jared Goldsmith as Jared Kleinman, Gabriella Carruba as Zoe Murphy, and Alex Boniello as Connor Murphy. Michael will be ending his Broadway run on November 24th, leaving Andrew in the limelight.
I was fortunate enough to catch Michael as Evan in the matinee this past Saturday and was completely blown away with his performance as well as the rest of the cast. Try to catch him before his run ends!
2. Times Square
Times Square may be considered a tourist trap but it's a must when in New York City. Otherwise, did you actually visit the Big Apple?
Filled to the brim with shops, food stands, restaurants, and Broadway right around the corner, Times Square has something for everyone. It is generally very crowded and hard to manueaver around so walking to Times Square is a much better alternative to driving there.
As the holidays draw closer, Times Square is getting in the festive mood with their recent installation of their Broadway Snowglobes. Just installed the first weekend in November, tourists and guests can take photos and interact with the Broadway-themed snowglobes, featuring set-ups from Dear Evan Hansen, Wicked, and Jagged Little Pill.
3. 5th Avenue and Rockefeller Center
5th Avenue is basically the Rodeo Drive of New York City. Lined with top-of-the-line shops, boutiques, and hotels, 5th Avenue is your go-to spot if you're looking to splurge on a designer handbag or tie.
Along 5th Avenue, you can also take a trip to Radio City Music Hall and the NBC studios to visit the Rockettes and Jimmy Fallon. Radio City has officially put up their traditional Christmas tree outside its building in preparation for the holidays.
Rockefeller Center is another NYC hotspot near 5th Avenue. Rockefeller Center just recently opened their ice skating rink back in October and will be open until late April. Recreate the Elf ice skating scene or visit Top of the Rock attraction right next door and check out New York City from a whole different angle.
4. The Vessel and the High Line
Located in New York City's West Side, the iconic Vessel and Highline are quick and picture-perfect tourist spots in one of the city's up-and-coming neighborhoods.
The Vessel, opened just earlier this year, has become an NYC trademark in the Manhattan area. The architecturally astounding landmark is a perfect Instagram photo-op with unique gorgeous views of the city. We were unable to walk to the top of the Vessel as you do have to pay for admission but the outside was just as beautiful.
The High Line is a 1.45 mile long park right next to the Vessel in New York's West Side. The park runs along an abandoned railroad track above streets and through neighborhoods. The High Line is the epitome of an "oasis in the city", with greenery covering it from one end to the other.
5. Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market is a food-lover's dream come true (so obviously I was bursting on the inside when we dropped in for just an hour). Set in an industrial brick building in Chelsea, Chelsea Market offers high-end shops as well as all tops of eateries and boutiques. From seafood to gelato to pizza to salads, Chelsea Market has a dish for absolutely any taste or craving.
Chelsea Market also features local artisans, artists, and entrepeneurs so don't forget to check their stands out for a unique piece only found in New York City.
Are you visiting New York City any time soon? What Broadway musical have you watched as of late? Let me know down below!
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