Last week when my friend texted me to meet up for lunch in NYC I jumped on the opportunity, I have not been into the city since December 2019. I typically go to the City 2-3 times a year since it is only a train ride away but with COVID it was not possible. Now that things are looking up I felt it was the perfect time to go back into the city for some fun.
My day started early, I caught the 8:04 train and arrived into Penn Station around 9:42. I prefer taking the train because I don’t like driving into the city and I can work on the train. For this trip into the city I was only going for a short time so I used my Barrington Gift bag. I recommend using a bag with a zipper when traveling in the city.
What’s in my bag:
For this day in the city I brought a book, AirPods, my camera, a water bottle, my wallet and my vaccine card. They ask for it going to certain places in the city so it’s best to have it with you incase they ask. Now for the flip flops, there was a chance of rain and I wore my Sarah Flint Leather flats so incase it rained or the sidewalk was wet I needed a back up plan. Not pictured is my portable charger which is a must, since my train ticket and schedule is on it. Also having a charged phone is a must because it provides entertainment for the train as well as you never know when you will want to snap a picture as you are walking around. (well as safety reasons lol).
First up:
Once I met up with my friend Amanda, we walked two blocks west from Penn Station to Hudson Yards. Once there we looked at the map to find some coffee/tea. We both had been up early and needed a pick me up. On the way to the coffee shop we past the Breast Cancer flower exhibit that was on the first level. It was all dresses made out of flowers. These are some of my favorites
After looking at the flowers we headed up stairs to Blue Bottle Coffee, located on Level 2. I got my usual cup of tea which the steeped in front of you with fresh leaves. It was so cool. I also picked up a croissant, not as good as it looked but I was hungry so it did the job.
Next up, The Edge:
After our tea/coffee we made our way to the 4th floor where The Edge starts. You can’t bring drinks with you so we finished up and then headed in. We showed our tickets, then our ID and vaccine card and waiting in line for security check. To purchase tickets, go here. Once our bags were checked we waited for the elevator. We went from level 4-101 in 52 seconds, it was a little freaky. The walls are screens with videos playing and moving really fast. The elevator opens up to the indoor area before you walk out on the edge. If you are not a fan of heights I would recommend skipping this portion of Hudson Yards.
East, The New Yorker South, One World Trade Center
The views from The Edge were spectacular, you could see the entire city unlike I had ever seen it before. There was many places to take pictures and the without people being in the way, the entire Edge is glass giving amble space for everyone to take pictures. We stayed for about 40 minutes, after a while the height and sun beating down on us got to me and I head inside. I would like the average time spent there is 30-60 minutes. We saw people taking pictures and enjoying the views and even a couple get engaged!
Shopping at Hudson Yards
You probably know by now, but I love shopping so the best thing at Hudson Yards it is regular every day shopping as well as the fancy places that are enjoyable to check out. I only seem to take the time to shop Zara when I am at Hudson Yards. It is quite large and I always find some fun pieces. Other stores included are Banana Republic, Lululemon, H&M, Faherty, Madewell and Sephora, to name a few. There are also Tiffany and Co, Cartier and Tory Burch. I love walking around the fancy jewelry stores seeing all the sparkly diamonds.
Lunch:
Hudson Yards as some great sit-down restaurants but we plans a little last minute so there was no reservations available, we ended up eating at Sweetgreen. I got the Kale Caesar and it was very taste, I got medium dressing, I should have got heavy because I did not feel like there was enough, other then that it was a great lunch.
More time left:
We both had things that evening so we took trains out of the city between 2-3 in the afternoon but if you have more time in your day you can spend it shopping, eating at one of the sit-down restaurant or even take a walk along the Highline.
Hudson Yards is new in the last few years but has become one of my favorite places to go when I head in to the city, so much to look at and close to Penn Station that you don’t have to factor in how long it will take to get back down for your train. I am so glad I went back to the city and have plans to go back at Christmas time, which is my favorite time to go to the city.
With love from the Sea,
Ps. Check out more about travel posts here!
Follow me on instagram so you never miss a post!