City Views: Top of the Empire State Building

While Shelby is off exploring other countries I thought I would do a fun little series sharing some of my favorite views of New York City. 

Believe it or not, until last week I had never been to the top of the Empire State Building. My friend Katy was in town so up we went! It was super crowded but strangely peaceful 86 floors in the sky.

{facing south}

{Madison Square Park, The Flatiron Building, the rooftop of 230 Fifth}

{facing north}

{central park behind the buildings in the forground} 

{the green space is Bryant Park}

Until Next Time

XOXO

Ashley

City Views: Brooklyn Bridge Park

While Shelby is off exploring other countries I thought I would do a fun little series sharing some of my favorite views of New York City.

 

I can't think of a more perfect summer day in NYC than a visit to Brooklyn Bridge Park. Between the park, the East River, the Brooklyn Bridge, and the great views of Downtown Manhattan everywhere you look there is something cool to see.  

 

 

There are plenty of seating options to relax and enjoy the view. Between traditional picnic tables, benches along the river boardwalk, or a simple blanket laid out on the grass there are plenty of ways to relax and enjoy a day in the park.

The park features a fully restored historic carousel which you can ride for $2.

I recommend you hit up the park on Sundays as it coincides with Smorgasburg!

Until Next Time

XOXO

Ashley

P.S. Our last trip to Smorgasburg

City Views: Rooftop of the MET

While Shelby is off exploring other countries I thought I would do a fun little series sharing some of my favorite views of New York City. 

 

While most people flock to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the largest art museum in the US, to take in the historic paintings and sculptures I prefer to take in the views from the (little known to tourists) rooftop.

The Met sits on Fifth Avenue on the edge of Central Park so the views from atop the 5 story building are mostly of the park with the buildings along the Upper East and West sides of Manhattan peaking above the trees.

Every summer a new art installation sits atop the Met's roof. This summer's installation by Imran Qureshi was a bit different than last year's...at first glance it looks like a lot of splattered blood but upon closer inspection the splatters are actually intricate designs.

If you want to experience panoramic views in NYC but don't want to deal with the crowds at the Empire State Building or Top of the Rock then the roof of the Met is a great alternative.

Until Next Time

XOXO

Ashley

P.S. The last time Shelby and I were at the Met

City Views: Central Park

While Shelby is off exploring other countries I thought I would do a fun little series sharing some of my favorite views of New York City. 

Central Park. I'm not sure if there is another place quite like this anywhere in the world. The fact that you are in such a large city filled with millions of people and miles of concrete and there is an escape like this is just so cool. The moment you step into the park you are transformed into a quiet and serene place. I don't think I can emphasize quiet enough. While in the park you rarely hear a trace of the hustling and bustling city you are in. 

The Boathouse in the park offers a great dining expereince. Between the food and the breathtaking views of the park and a peak of the buildings on the Upper West Side this might just be one of my favorite New York City experiences. 

I'm not sure if there is a more famous Central Park landmark besides Bethesda Fountain. 

Bethesda Terrace was one of the original elements of Central Park when construction of the park began in 1859. 

This place is a great refuge to escape to in order to get recharged. I'm so grateful I live within walking distance of this magnificent place. 

Until Next Time

XOXO

Ashley

P.S:

Pixie's first trip to Central Park 

Central Park covered in snow

Spring in Central Park

Parents In NYC | Video Recap

Here are a few vlogs we put together of the days we spent with our parents in NYC!

Day One

Day Two

Day Three

Day Four

Day Five

Until Next Time

XOXO

Shelby

Madison Square Park and the Flatiron

On our parents last day in the city we had a little time to kill before they had to catch their flight so we walked around the city a bit and stumbled upon this cool installation in Madison Square Park.This park is also home to the original Shake Shack.

The art installation is basically layers and layers of hand knotted rope. It is very impressive in person.

The Flatiron Building sits just south of Madison Square Park.

What a great end to a great week hanging out with family. Hope you've enjoyed following along. Shelby's off to Europe for a few weeks (lucky girl) but I'm around and will be popping in. 

Until Next Time

XOXO

Ashley

Brunch at 230 Fifth

230 Fifth is New York's largest outdoor rooftop garden and it has amazing views of the NYC skyline. It is primarily a bar but on the weekends they do a brunch buffet. In theory, this was a super fun thing to do but it had been unusually cold here and this day happened to be very windy...not ideal rooftop weather. I've been to the bar at night as well and it's a very cool atmosphere.

 

Great views of the Empire State Building

 

When it's cold outside they turn on heaters and have these red robes on hand for use.

We took advantage of the pretty scenery and got some family photos (just missing Ethan)

Until Next Time

XOXO

Ashley