New York

NEW YORK BABY!! Well....for the second time!

Mile 17 and he still managed to make me smile! 

This trip was for a very different reason altogether; my amazing husband, Tom, ran the New York Marathon and I was so very proud of him (& all that that took part).  The atmosphere, organisation, people, runners, professional athletes, supporters and well wishers were all, to quote a word used a lot that day "AWSOME". 
He finished with an AMAZING time of 3:02:02





A visa is required for **British Passport holders.  ESTA (Visa Waiver programme) approx. US$14.00 per person, including Children.  Validity is 2 years**.  Should passport expire sooner than 2 years, a new authorisation is required.


We stayed at a pretty fab hotel called Shelburne NYC - an Affinia Hotel.  This place was a couple of blocks from Grand Central Station and was within easy reach of pretty much everywhere! It had fantastic views at night from the roof terrace out towards the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building!
Top tip: Request a high floor room or a room with a view.  Not guaranteed, but worth a shot!




Empire State Building & Chrysler Building view at night from the hotel rooftop terrace



One World Trade Center
This time around we took a trip to the One World Trade Center.  This was not finished the last time we were here.  It was a very sombre moment, but it houses the most fantastic views up towards Midtown. 
Top tip: Make sure you book in advance to beat the queues.







No trip to New York is complete until you have seen a show on Broadway. 
On our first visit, we saw Mary Poppins, which was good.
For our second visit, we saw Aladdin! Wow! The show is light hearted and fun for all the family.  For those of you who may have seen The Lion King, (which in my opinion nothing has ever come close), well Aladdin may well be up there with this!

Aladdin - The Musical


Top tip; As with all shows, book as soon as you book New York, tickets sell out and you do not want to be disappointed!



Take a look at Carmine's website here:
http://www.carminesnyc.com/locations/times-square



Finally food; As we had to stick to a strict diet of pasta, pasta and more pasta in keeping with the Marathon training, so we found an amazing Italian restaurant just off Broadway called Carmine's Italian Restaurant.  This place is amazing! The food at Carmine's is served family style; generous portions that are made for sharing.  Brilliant service and atmosphere.  Groups of all sizes were attempting to snag a table, but were being put on waiting lists.  Prices were very reasonable and a great selection too.  
Top tip: if a special occasion, book early to avoid disappointment.  


It doesn't matter how many times you go to New York, you will still always want to go back!


Want more information?  
Contact me on 0121 314 6650 


** Please ensure that you always check the most up-to-date rules and regulations regarding visas and authorisations to travel, as these can change.

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