The Adventures of Debbie Dimples - The USA - New York - New York City

New York City

I embarked upon a solo 5 day trip to New York in March 2017. New York is larger than life and one of the most iconic cities on the planet. The city is known for its towering skyscrapers, famous districts, and endless energy. From baseball and pizza's to Times Square and yellow cabs, there's a lot to explore in the Big Apple. New York was possibly one of the most famous cast members in the family favourite movies - Home Alone 2, Hitch, Coyote Ugly and You've Got Mail - along with the tv series - Sex and the City.

The Hudson Hotel

Ever since I studied Interior Design at University, I've had an obsession with the properties within the Morgans Hotel Group designed by Philippe Starck. I finally got to see one of their famous hotels in person with a stay at the Hudson in New York. The entrance and lobby is one of the main features of the hotel. The entrance consists of an illuminated escalator which takes guests up to the indoor/outdoor roof top private park which echos the proximity of the hotel to Central Park. The lobby features a large reception desk and chandelier. This indoor area is linked to an outdoor roof garden which is open during the summer months.

Rockefeller Centre

I got to see a few of the most famous buildings and sites during my trip to New York, one of the most famous being the Rockefeller Centre. Rockefeller Center is a national historic landmark in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. Home to Top of the Rock Observation Deck, NBC Studios, Radio City Music Hall and much more. I took the elavator to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck which has (in my humble opinion), the best views of New York which include a view of the Empire State Building and Central Park.

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building is a 102-story Art Deco skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The building was designed by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon and built from 1930 to 1931. Its name is derived from "Empire State", the nickname of the state of New York. The Empire State Building is symbolic of New York’s skyline.

Hudson River

The Hudson River is a 315-mile river that flows from north to south primarily through eastern New York. There are many sightseeing cruises which operate on the Hudson River for views of the skyline, Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty.

Brooklyn Bridge

One of the most recognisable parts of the New York City skyline, Brooklyn Bridge is a brilliant feat of 19th-century engineering. Brooklyn Bridge, which connects the New York City boroughs of Brooklyn and Manhattan, was constructed between 1869-1883 and spans 1595 feet.

The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty, aka Liberty Enlightening the World, is one well-known landmark – it's one of the most famous and beloved icons in the world. It is a colossal neoclassical sculpture located on Liberty Island and is a universal symbol of freedom.

Times Square

Times Square is a major commercial intersection, tourist destination, entertainment hub, and neighborhood in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Most importantly for a chocolate lover such as myself, it is the home of the world famous Hersheys Chocolate Shop.

Broadway

Broadway is a diagonal road in the borough of Manhattan in New York City and is home to many of the city's best theatres. The Longacre Theatre is a Broadway theater at 220 West 48th Street in the Theater District of Midtown Manhattan in New York City. Opened in 1913, it was designed by Henry B. Herts and was named for Longacre Square, now known as Times Square.

One World Trade Centre and 9/11 Memorial

The One World Trade Centre is New York City's tallest building. The One World Trade Centre honours the World Trade Center's past and stands as a symbol of hope for the future. The 9/11 Memorial is a symbol of rememberance and is located at Ground Zero, the former location of the previous World Trade Centre Twin Towers.

Flatiron Building

One of New York City's first skyscrapers in 1902, the Flatiron has been a quintessential New York City icon.

The Guggenheim

The Guggenheim exhibits modern and contemporary art, painting and sculpture in one of the most famous buildings in the world, designed by the visionary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The Guggenheim is located at 1071 Fifth Avenue between 88th and 89th Streets on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City.

Central Park

Arguably one of the most famous parks in the world, Central Park is a manmade wonder.  Not only is it the first public park built in America, but it is also one of the most frequently visited, with over 25 million guests per year. Just on the outskirts of Central Park, the horse-drawn carriages can be seen.

Imagine Mosaic

The stunning black-and-white tile mosaic in the center of Strawberry Fields at Central Park includes the word "Imagine" in the middle, a tribute to the legendary singer John Lennon.

The Plaza

The Plaza – situated at the southern edge of Central Park on the brink of the Upper East Side – holds the title of one of the most iconic hotels anywhere in the world. The Plaza Hotel featured in Home Alone 2, which came out in 1992, and is where Kevin McAllister (Macaulay Culkin) stayed after getting separated from his family at the airport and finding himself alone in New York.

Fifth Avenue

The most famous street and the main artery of New York is Fifth Avenue. It connects the north and south of Manhattan. Fifth Avenue may be most notable for its shopping district between 49th and 60th streets. World-famous storefronts like Chanel, Tiffany & Co., Harry Winston and Saks Fifth Avenue make this section commonly rank among the most glamourous and expensive shopping districts on Earth.

The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine

Located on the southern fringe of Harlem, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine is the seat of the Episcopal Diocese of New York (and I have no idea what this means but it is something religious)!

Harlem

Long known for its intimate jazz clubs, soul food institutions and African-American heritage, Harlem draws a diverse crowd of locals and visitors. Trendy eateries, stylish clubs and hip bars make for an energetic nightlife scene. The area features a mix of 19th-century brownstones and modern high-rises. The main route through the neighbourhood, 125th Street, is home to the iconic Apollo Theater.

Grant's Tomb

Grant's Tomb, officially the General Grant National Memorial, is the final resting place of Ulysses S. Grant, 18th president of the United States, and his wife, Julia Grant. It is a classical domed mausoleum in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Upper Manhattan in New York City.

Macy's

Macy's legendary flagship store at Herald Square has long been a popular shopping destination for visitors to the city.

New York Night Tour

The New York Night Tour is an extensive guided tour that gives you the opportunity to admire the Manhattan skyline at night.

What I missed out on........

For a city as large as New York, 5 days is not always enough time to see everything you want to see. If I ever get to take another trip to New York City, I would like to stay at the Gansevoort Hotel, watch a Yankees game, and visit the Highline.

The New York Yankees

The New York Yankees are an American professional baseball team based in the New York City borough of the Bronx. I didn't manage to watch a game during my visit to New York in 2017.

The Highline

The High Line is a 1.45-mile-long elevated linear park, greenway and rail trail created on a former New York Central Railroad spur on the west side of Manhattan in New York City. I never got to see the Highline on my trip.

The Gansevoort Hotel

Gansevoort Meatpacking is an iconic hotel that has called New York City home since 2004. If I were to visit NYC again, I would take a visit during the height of summer and stay at the Gansevoort for the rooftop pool.

Until next time New York!