History, Nature and Fun in New York City

By Margot Black

The amount of words written about New York could fill Central Park a hundred times over, but there's always something fresh, fanciful and fun to discover. Growing up on the East Coast, I consider the city to be part of my DNA, but on this trip, I fell in love with it all over again.

I traveled across the country from Los Angeles for a reunion with my cousin and old friends and managed to pack a lot into four days and three nights. There's an immediacy to New York that brings with it a sense of movement and discovery, and that's why I always wear comfortable shoes I'm when visiting. You've got to be able to keep up with the bustle.

It's the most populated city in the United States, with more than 8 million residents, and hailed worldwide as a diverse metropolis that offers a history, culture and diverse culinary scene (including the best bagels in the world) all wrapped up in a modern sensibility. Its many iconic landmarks include the Statue of Liberty, Times Square and Central Park and its cultural institutions, such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), which is famed for its extensive collection of contemporary art and -- of course -- Broadway. It remains a place that never ceases to amaze me with its history, nature and endless fun.

This time, I stayed at the exquisite writers' heaven that is the Algonquin Hotel, a charming boutique hotel located in Midtown. This historic landmark is where the author and wit Dorothy Parker held her infamous Round Tables with her close circle of literary friends in the early part of the 20th century. Now part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, the hotel exudes a unique charm with quotes from famous writers on every door as a nod to its noted history. Because of its small size, it was personable, charming and manageable in all ways. The intimate atmosphere, coupled with modern renovations and a resident ginger house cat, made it feel like a cozy haven amidst the city's chaos. I took time by myself to sit at their famed Algonquin Round Table and made sure to enjoy a delicious and beautiful breakfast in the bustling lobby, which features a resident pianist. I would return to this super-central location in a heartbeat.

Taking time in nature is a nonnegotiable part of my life now, and while a trip to New York might not be the first place that springs to mind when looking for the wonders of the outdoors, dig a little deeper, and you won't be disappointed.

One of my first adventures began with a walk along the High Line, an elevated, leafy nonprofit public park built on a historic freight rail line in Manhattan. This 15-year-old attraction, which I can only describe as a whimsical walkway, also features artworks, live performances, food and a unique view of the city. My favorite part was a water feature where children played and people relaxed, enjoying a slice of nature in the urban jungle.

Dinner that evening was at Chez Josephine, which was inspired by the legendary dancer and singer Josephine Baker. This romantic French restaurant offers live piano music and an ambience that transports you straight to Paris. The food and the setting were both extraordinary.

The next day, my cousin and I visited the Empire State Building. We arrived at opening with no lines and went straight to the observation decks, where the views were breathtaking, offering a new perspective of Central Park and the city's skyline. Part of what made this trip so doable was purchasing a CityPASS, which is a great way to save money and time if you're visiting multiple attractions. For a one-off prepaid fee, you can save nearly 40% off admissions and tour the city's highlights without the hassle of long lines and sky-high prices.

For lunch we walked to La Pecora Bianca near Bryant Park. This charming Italian eatery serves delicious dishes and spritzes, and their tiramisu is the largest and most delectable I've ever had. The proximity to Bryant Park makes it a perfect spot to relax and people-watch.

Our final day included a galvanizing speedboat ride (we used the well-worth-it $5 BEASTspeedboat upgrade with our CityPASS) to the Statue of Liberty for unforgettable views of the skyline and Lady Liberty herself. Later we indulged in a whimsical tuk-tuk ride through Times Square. While it was a bit of a tourist trap with confusing pricing, the experience was surreal and a fun way to see the bustling heart of New York.

You never know what you're going to get in New York. Every day feels like a movie, but if are open to exploring new spots and plan in advance (trust me on this one: you're not the only one who loves New York), you can't go far wrong. This is a city that never fails to captivate. Whether it's your first visit or you're a native rediscovering its charm, there's always something new with which to fall in love.

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WHEN YOU GO

Algonquin Hotel: www.algonquinhotel.com

High Line: www.thehighline.org

Chez Josephine: www.chezjosephinenyc.com

CityPASS: www.citypass.com/new-york-comparison

La Pecora Bianca: www.lapecorabianca.com

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Margot Black is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.