Christmastime in the City

I have always had a love affair with NYC, but prior to a few years ago I'd never been.

A couple years back (this was 'bb'- before blogging) Mister surprised me with a trip there at Christmas and it was the most magical, wonderful time.  Since then we've had a goal of getting back there each Christmas.  We missed last year but we hit it again this year in full force.

Even though we just got home, I already miss it and would almost get right back in the car this weekend and drive up there again if we could.  The city is just SO fun, festive and downright magical this time of the year.  If you ever get the chance to visit NYC in the winter I would jump on it!  I've also heard it's just as fabulous in the Spring.  We always leave wishing there were more hours in the day to see, do and eat more while we are there.

I am so mad at myself for not taking enough pictures but the weather was really rainy on Friday and I didn't want to ruin my camera.  :( 

One of Mister's best friends from college lives in Hoboken and so we were able to stay with them and they showed us around all weekend.  Having a tour guide to navigate those two cities was a life saver!

We drove (yes, drove- flights were NUTS) really early Thursday morning were able to pull into town in the early afternoon and hit the ground running! The top spot on my to do list was visit the Rockefeller Tree.  

We headed over to the city, shopped a little and then turned a corner and there she was! I had to stop and take it all in for a few moments, she's even more beautiful in person! 

Friday was all about exploring the city! 

We headed over and landed in Midtown/5th Avenue first.

(I'll be back later this week with some tips, tricks, travel guides for the city)

We hit up a few shops that we don't have around here and then walked and walked and walked.

And honestly, I could walk that city all day long over and over again.

There is just SO much to see, I don't think I would ever tire of looking around.

I also really wanted to visit Dylan's Candy Bar and we were able to and I'm so glad! It was just as bright, colorful and full of candy as I imagined. 

(don't tell Floyd that's one of his Christmas presents)

We went from Midtown to the Meatpacking District and walked across the High Line (one of our favorite parts!)

 We had lunch at The Standard Hotel - so yummy, adorable and affordable!

After that we went through Tribeca, Greenwich Village and around the Freedom Tower. 

(rumor says one of those door belongs to Natalie Morales.  I hung out for a few minutes, just knowing she wanted to come out and ask to be my bff.)

 To get back to Hoboken that evening we took the ferry back across the river, we loved it! It was a quick ride and gives you such a different view of the city.

Saturday was all about Hoboken.

We started the day off with a run around the city and down to the river.

Hoboken is such an adorable little area.  Away from the city but just close enough to pop over quickly!

After our run it was time for a little pampering. We popped down the street and got manicures/pedicures for get this...$28! Can you believe that?! That price is almost worth driving back for. 

 Later that day we were able to meet up with quite a few of Mister's fraternity brothers at a great beer garden.

 That night Mister and I went to a quaint, romantic and delicious dinner at Anthony David's.  I had pumpkin tortellini and Mister veal meatballs ...oh my yum!

And that wraps up our whirlwind trip to NYC at Christmas!

We loved our time there and NYC will always have a piece of our hearts!

Thanks again to our friends for their hospitality and being our personal travel guides!