The Final Day in NYC

Our final day in New York City had us running all over the place, checking out some of the hot spots I felt like I needed to see since I was too young to remember my first visit to the city.

Brunch at The Smith

We slept in (much needed after Saturday night) and headed out to The Smith for brunch with my friend Ashley’s cousin, Erica, and our friend and Ryan’s fraternity brother from college, Hadi.

Merri, Ashley and I sipped on hot coffee at the bar while waiting for Erica and Hadi to arrive before settling into a cozy booth and placing our orders.

Erica, Hadi and I all opted for the spinach egg white omelet (I got mine with ricotta cheese) and breakfast potatoes which was a great choice.

I polished off my meal, even eating the decorative orange slice.

Brunch came with a free drink, which I sipped but didn’t finish because I wasn’t in the mood to drink much so soon after waking up after Saturday night’s festivities.

After brunch, we walked around the city, taking time to meander through Central Park and Times Square.

I was surprised at how quiet Times Square seemed to be. Granted it was a Sunday, but I guess I expected it to be crazy and loud, with music and blaring televisions, but the large screens just flash and the noise only comes from cars and people bustling around. It was an odd thing to notice, but I really was shocked that it wasn’t louder!

Strolling through Central Park was a blast. New Yorkers are so, so active! I noticed a ton of runners, walkers and bikers… and lots of dogs in the park!

Speaking of dogs, I practically sprinted after a man that I saw walking a vizsla in the park!

Doesn’t he look like Sadie?

He was just as energetic and loving as Sadie and I happily accepted his sloppy kisses.

I sure hope Sadie doesn’t check the blog… I’m pretty sure those images would solidify Ryan’s ongoing campaign to be her favorite puppy parent.

We walked around the city a while longer before heading over to Little Brown for the most amazing chocolate chip walnut cookies (“pillows”) as an afternoon pick-me-up. 

The cookies are much larger and more delicious than they appear in pictures.

They were big, warm, gooey and perfectly packed with chocolate and walnuts. Merri and Erica were adamant about taking me and Ashley to try one of  Little Brown’s cookies and I’m so glad they did. I demolished mine in no time and really wanted to buy a bunch to bring home but wasn’t sure how they’d hold up in my suitcase.

I also ordered a mocha that was rich and chocolaty. Pile on the sugar and chocolate, please!

I was too wrapped up in all the fun of the city to bust out my camera for the rest of the day, but we had such a nice time walking around, eating fantastic French food at Tartine in the West Village and hanging out at Merri’s apartment until we finally went to sleep around 1 a.m.

When I awoke this morning, I felt a little down knowing it was time to leave New York City. Two full days simply isn’t enough time to cram in everything I wanted to see, eat all the food I wanted to eat and explore museums and various neighborhoods.

Ashley and I are hoping to be able to manage another trip to the city in the summer with our respective guys when Merri’s boyfriend Pete moves to the city. I’m crossing my fingers that these plans come to fruition!

Traveling is always so much fun, but it always feels good to return home. I’m spending the night at my parents’ house in St. Pete since my flight flew into Tampa and plan to get back in the swing of things and return to Ocala in the morning.

Enjoy your evening!