NYC Diaries; Fall Blue Skies & Bittersweet Goodbyes

It was one of those perfect October fall days with blue skies stretched endlessly overhead, and a crisp chill in the air that made every step feel energizing rather than cold.

Being our final day in New York, we took full advantage of the gorgeous weather and strolled through Central Park whilst soaking in the autumn atmosphere, leaves just beginning to turn and the city humming around us.

We made our way toward Empire Rock where that we could see Billionaires Row rising sleek and gleaming, uptown Manhattan stretching beyond.

New York has a way of making you feel small and completely alive at the same time.

By lunchtime we headed to Tavern on the Green, a place that feels timeless no matter how many times you’ve seen it in movies.

I ordered a light and refreshing watermelon feta salad, the perfect pre-flight meal to get in some freshness and nutrients.

Ryan went for the meaty beef brisket sandwich served with fries, so naturally I had some of those with my salad too.

The whole place was buzzing with that unmistakable Friday afternoon energy.

Locals were sipping drinks, easing their way into the weekend, laughter echoed around the courtyard, and that wholesome feel of fall was in the air.

There was even a wedding reception happening within the venue nearby and it was like we had stumbled into a little slice of someone else’s love story.

Sitting there surrounded by good food, happy energy, and my man by my side, it felt like the most perfect way to close out our dreamy week in New York. It’s no wonder why this city captures hearts so easily.

I don’t think we could have asked for a better goodbye to our new favourite city; we’ll see you soon NYC ❤

Where To Next; New York City

Every year I like to book in a city break as part of our travel diary, so this year we decided on a trip to New York at the end of September. I’ve never been to NYC and my boyfriend went when he was much younger, so it’s a place we are super excited to explore together.

We’ll be staying at The Park Lane Hotel right by Central Park with a gorgeous rooftop bar overlooking the city skyline and the park.

I’ve grown up watching Friends and I’m now in my Sex & The City era, so I’ll definitely be channeling my inner Carrie Bradshaw prancing around the city in cute outfits.

As one of the fashion capitals of the world, shopping in New York is a must and top of my list is the iconic Fifth Avenue, Madison Avenue for some ultra luxury retail therapy, and Chelsea for markets and thrift shops.

Being a huge Audrey Hepburn fan, a Breakfast at Tiffany’s moment would be my dream; pretending I’m Holly Golightly with my takeaway coffee and croissant browsing the glistening windows of Tiffany’s.

The food scene in NYC is incredible too with so much to choose from whether its street food like bagels and pizza slices, or aesthetic brunch spots and glamorous rooftop bars.

Some places I’ve pinned to try so far are Leon’s Bagels, L’Industrie Pizza, Saddle’s for brunch and 230 Fifth Rooftop for drinks with a view.

My favourite way to explore a new city is on foot, so I can’t wait to discover the many different neighbourhoods for ourselves. And not forgetting the most famous spots we’ll have to visit during our time in the city including Times Square, Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, Empire State, Grand Central Station and Central Park.

We only have a week there, so planning our days will be key to seeing as much as possible. I’m sure it’s going to be an intense but fabulous time in NYC which will leave us wanting to go back to see more ❤