Some people come to life in the city that never sleeps. For me? 36 hours in NYC is my limit! The shows, the food, the bright lights, the shopping–it’s all so invigorating…until it’s not. That’s why when my daughter wanted to see a show on Broadway for her birthday, I had to plan an in-and-out strategy that crammed a lot of girly NYC fun into a little time. Whether it’s a mother daughter weekend or a girls trip with your besties, this jam-packed 36-hour itinerary will have you eating, singing and shopping your way through the Big Apple.
Day 1: 36 Hours in NYC
Check-In: With such a short time in the city, and knowing our main focus was seeing Wicked on Broadway, we opted to stay in what is admittedly one of my least favorite areas of NYC- the Times Square District. The sheer number of people in this area can be overwhelming, but the convenience–especially if you are seeing a show–simply cannot be beat. The Westin Times Square is a modernly designed, 4-star hotel located on West 43rd and 8th. It features a welcoming lobby, a contemporary on site restaurant and bar, quick elevators, an indoor parking garage and an on-site Starbucks (score!). While it doesn’t have the swankiness of the Gansevoort or the luxury of the The Carlyle, it is an all-around solid and reasonably priced (in NYC terms) choice.
Lunch: Growing up in the South, I am drawn to BBQ like a bee to honey, so naturally lunch at Virgil’s BBQ (W44th between 6th & 7th) was first on the list. Whether you like Carolina pulled pork, Texas brisket or Memphis style spare ribs– Virgil’s has you covered. Do NOT, I repeat DO NOT leave without getting the hush puppies. They are crisped to perfection and served with the most delicious brown sugar butter that melts in your mouth! Calories don’t count in NYC, right? Walk off your meal with a little post-lunch stroll over to Times Square. The lights, billboards and people watching are second to none. You haven’t really experienced the eccentricity of NYC if you haven’t seen the Naked Cowboy (or the Naked Cowgirl)!
Show: Next up, a Broadway show! Most shows have matinees on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. With all of the theaters in walking distance, you can pick your poison, but if you have a particular show or seat preference be sure to get your tickets well in advance. My daughter wanted to see Wicked, and though it was my third time seeing it, I was blown away all over again! For the more spontaneous crew, or those looking to save a few dollars, there are several last-minute and discounted ticketing options you can find here.
Dinner: Dance and sing your way back down the streets of New York to freshen up for what will surely be the best meal of the trip–reservations required. Located on the theater district’s famed Restaurant Row, Becco is quite simply delizioso! Known for its nightly selection of three homemade pastas that you can enjoy in unlimited quantities on their own or pair with a second course, the food is authentic and fresh. In a city known for its huge price tags, Becco’s extensive $31 wine list is a huge selling point! If you save room for dessert (which I highly recommend) the sampler is the perfect way to taste of a little bit of everything. For the 21 and older crowd, check out The Press Lounge for rooftop drinks with a view.
Day 2: 36 Hours in NYC
Morning: Rise and shine and lace up your walking shoes for a day of sightseeing and shopping. First up–head on a stroll towards the iconic Macy’s Herald Square (34th street between 6th & 7th). One of the largest department stores in the world, this flagship location has been open for 115 years and is the site of the famous movie Miracle on 34th Street. Continue down 34th towards 5th Avenue and you’ll arrive at the Empire State Building. If you want a panoramic NYC view, this is the place to be. Hop on the elevator for a ride up 102 floors and take it all in. Arriving early will help you beat the crowds, but you can buy advance tickets and even express passes online if you are on a tight schedule.
Mid-Morning: Hopefully by now you’ve worked up an appetite. Get an Uber or live like a local and take the F train towards downtown to SoHo for two of a girl’s best friends–food and shopping. Brunch at Balthazar is a longtime NYC right of passage. As one writer put it, “Have you eaten at Balthazar?” was the 1997 equivalent of today’s “Have you seen Hamilton?” And it’s reputation has only continued to flourish. Celebrity sightings of A-listers including Taylor Swift, Michael Jordan, Madonna, Joe DiMaggio, Cate Blanchet and Eric Ripert have been par for the course since its opening. The atmosphere of this French bistro is chaotic and charming, sophisticated and trendy. While the price tag is steep, the Eggs Benedict and Steak Frites are worth every penny, as are the Bloody Marys for adults and Hot Chocolates for the little ladies. If you don’t have a reservation and can’t get in, be sure to stop by the Balthazar Bakery just next door for some authentic Parisian pastries.
Afternoon: Shopping, shopping and more shopping. From boutiques to big box, SoHo stores cover the gamut of goods and prices. I love this A to Z guide of stores from SohoStrut. Take a peek before you leave so you can map out your route. One “girls weekend in NYC” must in my book is a stop by Laduree SoHo for some macaroons (can you tell I love Paris? and food?). The melt-in-your mouth meringue cookies are the best I have ever had with pistachio and raspberry scoring the top spots on my list. Once you’ve shopped ’till you drop…you can officially head back to the burbs cultured, well-fed and impeccably dressed.
Until next time NYC…xoxo
