Taking a Bite Out of the Big Apple

A Two-Night, 3-Day Itinerary

I love to make detailed itineraries even for short weekends away. Wouldn’t it be great to just show up somewhere with all your reservations and plans made, tailored exactly to your desires? I have an exceptional knack for finding the most unique sights that bring a destination to life.

Read on to get an idea of the magic trips I have up my sleeve. I would love to captivate you with one I design especially for you.

Day 1: Saturday, The Lower East Side

Depart 7 AM and Arrive Lower East Side at 11:30 AM.

12-1:30: LUNCH AT KATZ’S DELI

A Lower East Side institution since 1888, Katz’s sells more than 10,000 pounds of pastrami a week, and more than 12,000 hot dogs. This place is world famous as the location of where Meg Ryan famously fakes it in “When Harry Met Sally,” and the table and chair they sat in is quite the attraction. The walls are plastered with memorabilia from the deli’s long history and with photos of all the celebrities and dignitaries who have eaten here.

1:45-2:45: TENEMENT MUSEUM TOUR

Dedicated to the immigrants from all over the world who made the Lower East Side home, this museum brings to life their histories from the 1880s through the 1970s through tours of their recreated homes in two tenement buildings on Orchard Street.

2:45-7 PM: SELF-GUIDED HERITAGE/FOOD TOUR OF LOWER EAST SIDE. WE MAY PUT ON A FEW POUNDS HERE

• Angel Oresanz Foundation Synagogue: established in 1849, this is the oldest synagogue in New York and the fourth oldest in the country. It knows functions as an art and events space.
• Yonah Schimmel’s Knish Shop: a neighborhood fixture since 1890, this is the oldest knishery in the world. Best known for their potato and kasha knish.
• Russ and Daughters Jewish Grocer and Cafe: An icon for the last 106 years specializing in smoked fish, caviar, bagels, bialys, babka, and other traditional baked goods.
• Museum of Street Art at Citizen MBowery hotel. Check out their cool lobby. 20 graffiti artists each designed a floor in a 21-story stairwell of the hotel with depictions of life in the Lower East Side.
• Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery, best known for their puddings and cupcakes.
• Economy Candy, floor to ceiling candy in the densest collection of sweets near and far.
• Walk on Williamsburg Bridge, connects Delancey Street with Brooklyn. Has pedestrian and bike lanes.
• Chinatown: walk along Canal Street, stroll through Columbus Park to see mahjong and chess players. NYC has the largest population of Chinese in the country, and Canal Street is the main thoroughfare.
• Dinner at Joe’s Shanghai, Chinatown

7:30: CHECK INTO KIMPTON MUSE AND RELAX

I was looking for a fun hotel near Broadway that reflects the charisma of The City that Never Sleeps, but also one in which we actually could get a good night’s sleep. I found it in the Kimpton Muse Hotel. Just take a look at the playful decor of the rooms. The black and cream palette with pops of bright color, the pillows reminiscent of Andy Warhol, and the unexpected splash of graffiti when you open the closet captures the essence of the Big Apple. It’s literally around the corner from Times Square, a mere two-minute walk.

Day 2: Sunday, The Neon Lights are Bright on Broadway

BRUNCH AT ELLEN’S STARDUST DINER

This retro 1950s-themed restaurant, with its singing waitstaff belting out show tunes and jumping on tables, has employed many aspiring Broadway stars before they hit it big.

1:00-3:00 PM, DEAR EVAN HANSEN, MUSIC BOX THEATER

3:30-4:30 PM, WINTER VILLAGE AT BRYANT PARK BUMPER CARS ON ICE. Through March 6, you can skate or do ice bumper cars on the only free admission rink in the city, dine in a cozy, heated igloo, or take curling lessons.

5:00 PM, TOP OF THE ROCK FOR A SUNSET VIEW OF THE SKYLINE

6:30 PM, DINNER RESERVATION AT THE ELGIN Menus | The Elgin in New York, NY (elginnyc.com)

Day 3, Monday, Lower Manhattan

10:00 AM-1:00 PM, Hamilton Musical Walking Tour.

This walking tour inspired by the Tony Award-winning ‘Hamilton’ musical, takes a deep dive into the Founding Father’s life and the making of the hit Broadway show. This tour provides context to the story and its songs as you explore lower Manhattan. Visit historical sites that sync with songs from the Broadway show. See Kings College, Thomas Jefferson’s house, Trinity Church, and more.

LUNCH AT O’HARA’S GROUND ZERO PUB

Originally a happy hour destination for professionals who worked near the twin towers, O’Hara’s was transformed on Sept. 11, when its windows were blown in as the buildings collapsed. After it reopened seven months later, it became a destination for the workers at ground zero.

A framed poster at the front door bearing the names and faces of the 343 NYC firefighters who perished sets the tone. Two massive scrapbooks detailing the events of Sept. 11 are available to anyone who asks to look through them, and many do. The pub’s walls are almost completely covered over, mostly in embroidered patches representing fire, police, paramedic and military outfits from all over the world.

VISIT THE 9/11 MEMORIAL, WALK THE BATTERY, RIDE THE STATEN ISLAND FERRY, AND HEAD FOR HOME