Lately I feel as though I’ve been having a multi-city love affair, actively “dating” San Diego and New York City (with my heart belonging to my beloved Boston, of course- but that’s a given.) Both cities offer something unique that makes me fall head over heels in love with them whenever I’m there, and it’s impossible for me to pick a favorite of the two. The scenery, the people, the nightlife, the music and art scenes- they’re both so different from one another that I know I’m always in for a new and (usually) exciting adventure when I travel to either destination.

On a whim, I spent this past weekend in NYC with no real plans in mind- just strolling through the city checking out different shops, restaurants, street fairs, and the occasional tourist attraction. I’ve heard it’s frowned upon by some Native New Yorkers to visit the more “touristy” areas, but I think it’s all part of the experience of living in one of the greatest cities in the world. If you can’t go and enjoy seeing people from all over the globe flock to different parts of your city to admire and appreciate their significance- then what’s the point? Even in Boston when I’m passing by Quincy Market or walking through the Common, I can’t help but smile when I see different people from all walks of life posing for family vacation photos or looking at maps/pamphlets to learn more about the area.

Besides, if you’ve never eaten at Tom’s Restaurant (delicious food, and no, I didn’t order a BIG salad or a Snickers bar) or dragged your friend who’s deathly afraid of heights to the top of the Empire State Building for their first time (this recent visit marked my 4th time at the top of NYC,) then you just haven’t lived.

A large chunk of my weekend was spent walking around Central Park, which resulted in a pretty painful muscle tear in my right foot (I’m typing this with my foot elevated on a pillow, wrapped up tightly, with an ice pack resting on it,) but I still managed to tough it out to visit the Central Park zoo before I headed home to start my work week.

Also, if anyone is looking for a lovely hotel to stay in for one or two nights that doesn’t cost a fortune, but is easily accessible from the subway and within walking distance of many points of interest- may I suggest the Affinia Manhattan Hotel on 31st & 7th? I booked a room literally hours before I took off to the city and it was comfortable, clean, and chic. I loved the combination of antique and modern decor. I had my own kitchen area, which was fantastic, and I thought the floral designs on the walls in the room were so cute.

xox