{ NYC Favorite } Central Park

It's been so great living close to Central Park. My apartment is a short 10-15 minute walk from the park and I go several times a week. Pretty much each time I go I find something amazing that I didn't see before.

Shannon visits NYC

My friend Shannon came to NYC for the weekend. I met Shannon through Gannett's Talent Development Program which we were accepted to after graduation in 2009. Shannon is great at staying in touch and making her friends feel as though they are a loved and valued part of her life. She inspires me to be a better friend. I did a horrible job of documenting her trip. Probably because we where having too much fun! In fact, the only picture we have together is the one of us on the Brooklyn Bridge at night.

I absolutely love having friends come to visit  me in the city. I really get to geek out on my love for New York. So who is coming to visit next?! Here are some highlights from Shannon's quick, but eventful weekend in the city and a taste of what you could be in-store for you when you come to visit! 

The Duck

This is the diviest of dive bars and it's right here in my current neighborhood of Spanish Harlem It's a country bar. In New York City. In Harlem. Go figure... 

Central Park

We enjoyed some fantastic sunshine in Central Park and sat in the grass to have a picnic.

McSorley's Old Irish Ale House

This place is my forever favorite and if you come to see me we will end up here at some point during your visit. 

Brooklyn Bridge

I love taking the long stroll over this iconic structure. The amazing views of Manhattan will never get old.

Back Room

A speak easy on the Lower East Side. There is no sign. You need to have the address. If you find the door you are let down a set of stairs and around to the back of this building. I won't tell you anymore because I don't want to ruin the surprise when we go. 

Moto Cafe

We planned on busting out our inner hipster all over Williamsburg, but settled for a quite dinner here instead.

The Grisly Pear

We popped into this West Village bar for just a second and ended up staying the whole night listening to fantastic karaoke. Two of which Shannon recognize as performers from Jimmy Fallon's late night talk show. New York City is full of amazing talent! 

PS. Here is another example of amazing NYC performers in unlikely places... Please excuse the brief profanity. My follow subway rider was really impressed!

Brandywine Valley Wine Festival

Spending your summer weekends outside of the city is key to survival in New York City or so I'm told. So this past weekend I attended the Brandywine Valley Food and Wine Festival in West Chester, Pennsylvania with my friend and old co-worker Jason. He scored VIP tickets and we sampled wines all afternoon and purchased a bottle of our favorite to enjoy in the grass.

 

Later, when we desperately needed to beat the heat we headed over to the new Whole Foods in Glen Mills, PA where they have a pub dedicated to local brews. We spent the rest of the afternoon drinking beers, playing Connect Four and snacking off the bar menu on things like this pub cheese for only $1! Yum!