Fall in Love with New York City

It's kind of difficult to mention New York City without thinking of Love. Whether it's your love of the city itself, the people, the places, the possibilities, OR actually falling in love, this city has an abundance of love to share. I travel here as often as I can, but it wasn't until I visited this past Valentine's Day that I decided to finally write about it. After all, it is the most written about city so what more could be said about it? Plenty. There is something extremely enticing and intoxicating about walking the streets of Manhattan or strolling through Central Park. It didn't matter that it was cold and windy, in fact, I hardly noticed. Of course, I was dressed the part, but the warmth came from something other than my down parka.

It all started here, in the south end of Central Park. I was joined by many critters on my morning walks here. Squirrels are scattering about, birds are chirping from above, & the branches of trees whistle in the wind. This park is nature at its best. I was so taken in by it all, that I realized I was nearly at the opposite end before I stopped to take notice of how far I'd gone. Along the way, I had chatted with a musician playing the saxophone, said hello to a few runners, & met a couple from England admiring one of the many fountains.

People. I have nothing but positive things to say about the people who reside in this city. There is an obvious love for each other, a real camaraderie among NYers. And yes, you should absolutely do as the locals do and take the subway everywhere! What a brilliant form of transportation & if you get lucky, you'll get an amazing free concert by folks like these.

History. Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge into lower Manhattan is like walking through time. One of the oldest suspension bridges in the U.S., the Brooklyn Bridge has withstood the test of time. Construction of the bridge started in 1870 & was completed in 1883. Today, more than 4,000 pedestrians & 3,100 cyclists cross the bridge daily. Since it's just over a mile long, it's a walk almost anyone can do. Probably the most scenic walk I've had in the city with views of the Manhattan skyline that not even a camera lens can capture. What may have been the biggest surprise to me, however, was the beauty I found on the other side, in Brooklyn.

New. I had never been to Brooklyn before. I loved the coziness of it. It has a real homey feel but I think what I loved most of all was this extraordinary find ~ Jane's Carousel. There's nothing quite like riding around on a white horse with views of the city whisking by you. Not to worry, there is a clear plastic shield that protects you from the wind & cold without missing a thing.

Tradition. There are the typical highlights of this city, & yes they are worth taking in. What would a visit to NYC be like without Times Square & Broadway? I chose Cinderella in keeping with the theme of my weekend. Fran Drescher was amazing! Oh, and this was the first time I actually got to be seen ON a billboard in Times Square thanks to AT&T and the Olympic Games!


Spirit. This city has so much Americana in it. I LOVE how proud I feel when I'm here. From the Statue of Liberty to the new Freedom Tower, New York is filled with national spirit & pride. I can really feel the sense of "United we Stand" almost everywhere I go here.

Unity. The world comes together here at Rockefeller Center. Every flag pole is represented by a United Nations member Country. On U.S. holidays, such as Memorial Day, every pole hoists the U.S. Flag. What's not to love about people coming together. Of course, there's the famous ice skating rink & Christmas tree spectacular each holiday season. No matter what time of year (and I've visited during them all), Rockefeller Plaza bursts with pride & joy.

All of these great things showed me a true meaning of love. But it was Valentine's Day and despite the storm (a.k.a. Pax), a myriad of flight changes & train detours, I did manage to share some LOVE in the most romantic way. We've all seen it in movies, probably made most famous in "Sleepless in Seattle," the light of love that is present for one day only.... it shines bright on the Empire State building but is most visible from my favorite spot, Top of the Rock.

This year, it glowed a beautiful pink. The views from up here are undeniably phenomenal. It is purely breathtaking and a MUST see. By day or by night, with a loved one, a friend, your family, (I've taken them all here) this place rocks! But for the romantic at heart, Valentine's Day at the Top of the Rock is host to live music, a champagne bar, professional photo ops, red roses galore, & the beauty of LOVE.

“One belongs to New York instantly, one belongs to it as much in five minutes as in five years.” 
― Tom Wolfe