I was so happy to have my sister Sandra visit me this summer. Since we’ve both retired we have become thick as thieves (spend a lot of time together). I refer to her as my “partner in crime.” I’m the oldest and Sandra is one year younger. Since retiring my “little sis” now makes her home in Alabama, the state in which we were born. We try to see each other as often as we can.
This time on her visit to see me I wanted to take her to New York City to experience A New York State of Mind as an overnight mini-vacation. I have a friend who knows their way around the city like the back of their hand. They offered to be our tour guide for the weekend. This was such a huge bonus. It was a riding tour so we were able to see a lot of attractions in a short period of time while eliminating all of the walking.
In less than 4 hours we were in the Big Apple.
There always seems to be a back up when you’re driving into New York City. We entered the city via the Holland Tunnel. Driving underwater always makes me nervous. I would never be able to drive in New York City there’s just entirely too much traffic and you have to drive aggressively and that’s just not me.
9/11 Memorial Museum in Lower Manhattan
One World Trade Center
The Chrysler Building
Harlem At Its Best
We had dinner at the famous Sylvia’s restaurant located in Harlem. The line was long but well worth the wait. This place has fed a lot of famous people. You will find many celebrity pictures featured on the restaurant’s walls. Folks come from near and far to partake in the mouth-watering southern cuisine.
That moment when you are feeling the New York state of mine.
Marcus Samuelsson is the chef and owner of The Red Rooster, he’s made a name for himself on the Food Network channel. His restaurant is literally right down the street from Sylvia’s. I walked down to The Red Rooster to see if the wait time was less. It was.
From what I could observe the crowd at the Red Rooster was a younger hipper crowd. The music was pumping and the customers appeared to be having a really great time. They were engaged in food and conversation while listening to music. The wait would be shorter at The Red Rooster, however, my party was looking forward to the dining experience at Sylvia’s. The Red Rooster would be another reason to make a trip back to New York to experience the food and atmosphere.
A star in the making. Free entertainment as we waited for dinner.
The famous Apollo Theater where so many artists got their start.
A New York state of mind, a view of the East River.
Barclays Center Home of The Brooklyn Nets
The Barclays Center is located in Brooklyn, New York and built in 2012. The center is the home of the Brooklyn Nets and the New York Islanders.
Jay Z helped promote the Barclays center. He had a small interest in the Barclays center for a short while however, he sold his portion in order to get certified as a sports agent. I assume it was a conflict of interest to own stake in a sports venue and represent players who would be playing in the facilities.
***Continue the journey, by following my day trip to Atlantic City.***
After dinner, we made our way through a few of the boroughs. We did some sightseeing in Queens and the Bronx. Later that evening we traveled to New Jersey to stay overnight. I think I can safely say that we had a good day. For A brief time, we were able to embody “The New York state of mind”. Spending time with my sister and seeing the smile on her face as we enjoyed the charm and allure of the city were priceless.
Have you had the opportunity to visit New York City? What was your favorite experience? Leave a comment below.