This past weekend, my bestie and I hopped on a plane to the Big Apple. It was a much anticipated Girl’s Weekend that all started with an announcement from Playbill.com. Sara Bareilles was going to do a ten week stint in Waitress, the Tony Award nominated musical in which she wrote the music and lyrics! A few emails and phone calls later, it was settled. We were going to New York.
We did a similar trip about a year and a half ago so at this point, we felt like old pros. We knew what were MUST DO’s and what things we’d just wing. Our last trip included some sight-seeing (One World Trade and the 9/11 Memorial), lots of shopping (it was almost Christmas), Book of Mormon and a dessert tour (which I highly recommend.)
Read: NYC Dessert Tour: Bright Lights and Broadway Bites
This time we were focused squarely on the theater and our motto for the weekend quickly became: “Whatever, we’re in New York.”
“Oooooh, do you see that drink? It’s a little expensive but looks amazing.” Whatever, we’re in New York.
“I really want dessert but I’m kind of full.” Whatever, we’re in New York.
“Should I get wine with that?” Whatever, we’re in New York.
“Can we stop in “insert store name here”?” Whatever, we’re in New York.
So if you’re planning a girl’s trip to New York City, here are my recommendations to ensure you have an EPIC weekend.
1. You need a great place to stay.
Our go-to hotel is The Refinery. It’s in the Garment district and centrally located to just about everywhere you need to go. We were a super quick walk to Bryant Park, Macy’s and 5th Avenue, a longer walk to Central Park and just an Uber ride away from the UES, Soho or Chelsea Market…all places worth going.
Why do we love The Refinery?
- The rooms are gorgeous. The lobby is gorgeous.
- Bottled water whenever we asked.
- Coffee in the a.m.
- Happy Hour from 5-6 in the evenings with a complimentary glass of wine! (A glass of Rosé was the perfect start to our evenings.)
- SLIPPERS!
- Friendly, helpful staff
- ROOFTOP BAR (Get the mojito with strawberry puree. You can thank me later.)
2. Good coffee.
Staying at The Refinery is a good thing because right across the street is this super awesome coffee shop, Culture Espresso. Not only do they have amazing coffee and lattes BUT they also have the best chocolate chip cookie I have ever put into my mouth. I know that’s a strong statement but it’s the truth. Ridiculously delicious. We may have brought home a Baker’s Dozen. Maybe.
We were in NYC for approximately 48 hours and we went to Culture five times. Clearly, that says something.
3. Yummy food
The key to any vacation is good food. Plan ahead with a list of recommended places to eat and when in doubt, ask your concierge. We came prepared. We knew we wanted to eat up at the Rooftop Bar one evening. We knew we wanted to hit up Ellen’s Stardust Diner after a show (milkshakes, mmmmmmm!). I had a recommended brunch spot for Saturday (You must get the Lemon Ricotta pancakes at SaraBeth’s) and Coleen had a tapas place (Boqueria) on the Upper East Side that she wanted to revisit.
Boom, done. Our bellies were so happy.
4. Broadway, baby
We came for Waitress. It was the sole purpose of our trip. But about two weeks before the trip, I got the itch to plan something for Friday night. I knew I didn’t have strong desire to shop and really wanted to see what else we could squeeze in. So at the last second, we booked tickets at the new production of Miss Saigon.
BEST IDEA EVER!
I love musical theater. Anyone who knows me, knows I love musical theater. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better Broadway experience. Both shows were spectacular, but Waitress simply blew me away. I’m not sure if it’s because of Sara (probably!) or what, but everything in the show wowed me. The set, the choreography, the talent, the music (duh!). I laughed, cried, held my breath…and I knew the story! It’s an excellent show and everyone should see it.
We had a simply fantastic weekend. I honestly can’t think of anything that would have made it better.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a girlfriend and GO!
Sounds like you ladies had a blast. I need to plan an impromptu trip like that with my BFF. I sometimes get caught up like it needs to be a week long event, well planned but a short stint to the mountains, beach or NYC is cool too. Thanks for the reminder. There is plenty of summer to try and make it happen.