Everyone has their place they want to spend every day at - a place where they would run away to if opportunity presented itself... a safe place away from home. For me, that place is New York City. I fell in love with the bustling city at a young age. My mom took me to the city as a child, and the experience automatically "clicked" for me. I tell everyone who has never been to the city they need to go as soon as they can. I'm going to share with you 10 reasons to fall in love with the big apple itself.
1. The Lights
New York at night is my favorite time - everything is lit up and makes its own shape in the dark night sky. It is as if the skyline is telling a story. Every now and then, you can even see someone working late - as if they are playing a role in the narration of the city lights.
2. The Architecture
While we are on the topic of skyline and buildings, why not talk about architecture. As you walk around New York City, you can stop and stare at the detail that went into historic churches, brownstones, and bridges. Even the new buildings (as they go up) have so much detail to them. Talented builders put a lot of thought and work into the buildings and bridges that make up this city.
3. Time Square
Time Square: the hustle and bustle of all the city! It is none stop 24/7 265 days a year of go go go. The lights, the sounds, and even the people - from natives to tourists all over the world. It is the melting pot of New York City. Some of the biggest stores are located here - The Toy R Us even has a Ferris wheel that you can ride. I take the chance to ride it every time I'm in the city no matter how old I am.
4. The Markets
Food stores are great, but hard to come by in the city itself. The markets you come across in the city have some of the freshest food you could ever come by for fair costs - even if you are just walking around and want a fast snack like an apple or a bag of peas (judge me, I eat fresh peas right from the market). I promise - you won't be sorry to stop at one of the markets. Those of you who ask, the fresh veggies and fruit and even the meat come from farms in New York outside the city.
5. Street Food
While we are talking about food in the city, let's talk about one of my favorite kinds of food... street food! I love walking around the city and finding a food stand on every corner of every street... from NYC hot dogs to authentic Greek gyros. The ice cream carts are best in the summer when it's hot. The roasted nuts are great in the winter time when you want to warm your hands and mouth - they even have some of the best warm apple cider in a little stand found in Times Square.
6. The Parks
Being in the middle of the city is wonderful don't get me wrong, but every now and then, I like to sit and observe my surroundings immersed in nature. Two of my favorite parks include the NYC Central Park or Bryant Park. Central Park is much bigger and is my go to place if I want to sit by water or climb the rocks over looking the park. Some of my favorite shows where filmed in this park, and I like to visit these places. One time, I even took a peaceful nap in Central park, while my best friend checked out all the guys. Bryant Park is my go to in the winter time because they set up several little shops and food stands for the holidays. It is here you can find one of NYC's famous Christmas Tree stands, with a rink to skate on. It also is home to one of the best homemade carrot soups!
7. The History
Lot's of events happen in New York and it's home to many famous landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Strawberry Fields, and The Freedom Tower. What you see in the picture above is the phone booth that John Lennon was shot in front of. The bullet dings are still in the door, and there is a gate to the right of it that leads into the building where Lennon lived in the city - right next to Central Park itself.
8. Street Performers
I'm not talking about the people who wear the costumes of cartoons or superheros - I'm talking the performers who play music, dance, paint, etc. I am talking about the performers who make you stop and watch because it's cool or sounds pretty. You get to see some real talent throughout the street and parks in New York City. Please - if they are good enough to make you stop and watch, be sure to toss some cash their way! It doesn't hurt.
9. BroadwayIf you are ever offered tickets to see a show on Broadway... take it! Musicals and plays are great and they make you see and feel so much. The buildings these plays are held in are some of the most beautiful ones in NYC. To see people who have great talent is another bonus.
10. Never Bored
The city is known as, the city that never sleeps. Basically, you will always find something do at all hours of the day. From bookstores with coffee to all kinds of clubs staying open until the break of dawn - the city has something for everyone of all ages.
New York City is a second home to me and I wish every time I'm there I didn't have to leave. If you have never been to the city, I highly recommend planing a trip to go - even if it's just for a day trip. Take a look around at everything you can and let it all sink in. It really is a wonderful place, I promise.
