The statue, Times Square, Central Park and, most importantly, the home of the bright lights of Broadway -- New York is an astonishing and, sometimes, overwhelming place to visit. Not only is the city huge, but, as I learned when my mom and I landed for our first visit, it looks much different on a map in our living room in North Carolina than it does in person. Here are a few of the lessons we came to learn in the duration of our unbelievable visit:

1. Don't have a plan.

Except for, like, where you're staying and airports and stuff...that's important. As for walking the streets, just start exploring! You'd be surprised the kind of treasures you'll find unexpectedly.

2. Just eat the dessert.

While watching your waist is a healthy habit, don't inhibit yourself from that creme puff. I mean, just how often in your life are you going to be surrounded by the most famously decadent desserts in the nation? It truly is the food of the gods. My mom and I should know -- we ate seven desserts in our time there...no shame.

3. Take the low-key tours rather than the big ones.

I know just how tempting the hundreds of tour bus people can be standing at every street corner, but if you're going for quality over quantity opt for a small walking tour or explore with a map. My mom and I took the Act I walking tour with Broadway Up Close and, let me just say, wishes were granted. There were only two other people and our tour guide was phenomenal! You'll learn things that you'd never think to ask.

4. Splurge on shows.

Expensive? Yes. Magical? Absolutely! I don't care if you are a "theater person" or not, when you are sitting ninth row center orchestra during Aladdin and "Friend Like Me" starts playing, you experience a whole new kind of feeling. As our culture evolves, we lose the preciousness of human connection. Theater rekindles this -- if only for a couple of hours. If you're willing to connect, you'll feel a refreshing sense of compassion awaken in your soul and it is beautiful. (And, might I say, so is Sean Hayes from the third row of An Act of God...)

5. Stay for stage door.

For those of you who are not familiar with this magical concept, the stage door is where the actors and technicians exit the theatre after a performance. You can ask for autographs and pictures and even have a conversation with some awesome security guards! I was lucky enough to meet some of my idols during my first stage door experiences this past week. I don't have words for just how incredible it was!

6. Don't "pre-stereotype."

I'm here to debunk an age-old stereotype that southerners, in particular, seem to spread like butter on a biscuit. Ready? Not all New Yorkers are rude. It's hard to believe, I know. Throughout our entire stay, not one native was anything less than helpful and kind. They help you when you're lost, apologize when they accidentally bump into you and even offer up a compliment in passing. And, get this, they do it more often than not with a smile. So when you find yourself there, do yourself a favor and don't act like a fool with no manners just because of the rumors you've been told. We're all human.

7. Experience everything...

...and get excited! You're in the "Big Apple!" The City of Dreams! Don't spend all of your time on technology. Between all of the sights to take in and new things to experience, it can be difficult to not want to document every second. Trust me, I know how hard it is. I mean, I took over 500 pictures in the time we were in the city. But there is a difference between just recording memories and experiencing them in the moment while you're there. It's a whole new world so put your phone down every now and then and realize just how lucky we are to be alive right now. I know I did.