One of the really fun things about doing a travel blog is reliving the trip as I go through images and figure out what to share about the experience.  

That is certainly  true of the trip to NYC in December.   As the Omicron virus gets more and more headlines for how contagious it is, I am increasingly grateful that we had a chance to visit NYC when we did.  If we were scheduled to be going now, I am sure I’d be canceling.  

This is  Part Three of New York Highlights.  To catch up with earlier blog posts click here.  

New York City Highlights 2021

Deck the Halls……with Holiday Lights

So, what was memorable about our last couple of days in the Big Apple?

Hudson Yards

Well, for one thing, the holiday lights at Hudson Yards are spectacular.  I know there is a lot of controversy over this huge development of sky scrapers, the shopping center, the Shed and the Vessel,  but the owners outdid themselves with lighting up the place.  I’m sure part of this is marketing to draw people to the center to shop and eat, but it rivals the Fifth Avenue efforts at Saks and Rockefeller in the Wow department.   (Photos of Saks and Rockefeller in early blog posts).  

We enjoyed a lot of time both inside and out gauking at the lights.  My grand daughter had her little point-and-shoot and seemed to enjoy capturing the images as well.  Here’s some snaps. 

The apartment we rent is right off the High Line so I tried to capture the magical feeling of this elevated park as we made our way home in the dark.  

Robert in the Museum of Art and Design

Another absolutely favorite experience of mine is to have lunch at Robert in the Museum of Art and Design on Columbus Circle.  I love this museum and its shop on the main floor.  Robert is on floor 6 with a great view of the Columbus Circle.  This time we had a table along the back side of the restaurant and I found it to be just as much fun as being in the creative main area.  The lunch was great, but what I really loved were the reflections in the folding mirrors on the doors to the kitchen.  

Normally I wouldn’t be crazy about being by the kitchen in a restaurant because of the noise and distractions but this time it was great fun.  Here’s why.  

Nordstrom’s

The new Nordstrom’s is in this area and not to be missed if you like shopping.  We could see the front door from the restaurant but, of course, what is really great is meandering the store itself.   It is light and bright with lively decorations, great displays and super friendly staff.  I’d go back in a heart beat.  

Wicked

We attended the play Wicked which is  pretty close to Robert, making a perfect lunch destination before our Saturday matinee.  

I snapped some photos of the shadows and reflections while we made our way to this terrific play.  Of course, I couldn’t take any photos during the performance but I captured a few on the way in and out, hopefully giving a bit of the atmosphere.  I’m sorry to hear that many of the Broadway plays have shut down because of Omicron.  I hope they get back open for business soon. 

Good Places to Eat

Before I sign off I’d like to report on two restaurants in the Meatpacking District we enjoyed.  One is the roof top restaurant in the RH store.  This is a beautiful spot with trees, beautiful chandeliers and a wonderful light art fixture in the stairwell. Oh, and our dinner was good too.  They were great about accommodating a ten year old.  

The last place I’d like to report on is the Empire Diner  on 10th Avenue at 22nd.  If you are in the Meatpacking District this is a great spot to pop into. We had our first and last breakfasts there.  It’s an old diner from the 40s, updated and expanded.  Love the funky atmosphere and hearty breakfasts.