A Day in New York City – Summer Series

The jet skiers soared high over the waves barely missing the stern of the speedy ferry arriving at the dock. Warm summer evenings in DUMBO, Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, can be quite entertaining as well as breathtaking and scenic.

I have decided that this summer I would like to visit Manhattan at least 5 times. A matinee and dinner is the way to go for a date in New York City.

After the death of my husband I find that forcing myself to go out and embrace new experiences helps me to keep moving forward. Days hit me where I realize I am a widow and can barely do what is required in my daily life. I am getting used to having those days, but I won’t live like that every day. Moving forward has always been my motto and I need to keep going there.

My summer plan is to venture into nearby NYC as a solo day explorer, finding walks, museums, shops, shows and more cool stuff on my own. I’ll also share some fun happy hour or dining spots I find with my special friend when he gets off from work!

While I am fine with the idea of exploring as a solo woman traveler, and have some fun plans for the summer, some days are best shared.

Recently we drove the one hour from where we live into “The City” to see a Broadway show. We’ve had tickets for this musical since Christmas.

Parking on 45th Street one hour before showtime gave us a chance to walk around the block and get a slice of New York pizza before the show.

We saw “Come From Away”. What a well done theatrical performance of the people from the small town of Gander during the events of 9/11.

38 planes landed in Newfoundland, Canada and the local townspeople of 9000 embraced the 7000 stranded souls and fed and housed them.

We laughed. We cried.

The characters in the show portrayed real people from the town and the planes.

Anyone who lived through 9/11, especially those of us who live in or near New York City, can appreciate the story and the humanity we all felt toward one another after that tragedy.

So after wiping our tears, we drove over the Brooklyn Bridge to a fabulous little restaurant called the “River Cafe”.

Located on a floating barge in the East River featuring one of the best views of New York City, River Cafe is the perfect place to fall in love.

We arrived for pre dinner drinks and watched the crazy jet skiers zip over the ferry wakes.

Such a fancy place. Even my purse got a chair.

For an appetizer, I finally tried steak tartare. Raw beef and a raw egg and some more stuff.  I had actually prepared it while training as a waitress in a posh restaurant in Aspen but never tried it. It’s pretty good.

Dinner was great but the dessert shaped like the Brooklyn Bridge we were dining under was the best!

After dinner we strolled next door to Brooklyn Bridge Park which has ferry service that reaches all over the city.

If all the days in my exploring New York summer series are this much fun I am going to have an amazing summer!! A New York City night out on the town.

P.S. Any suggestions where to go next?

P.P.S.  Let me know if you want to do a New York City Adventure. I’m in!