A weekend in New York City is an easy trip from Philadelphia but is isn’t cheap, it really never is no matter how many times I’ve visited or insider travel tips & tricks I try to use. So it’s best to set a budget and stick to it when it comes to NYC and celebrate the small wins along the way. I was visiting NYC to see friends I’ve missed the past two years and to celebrate my birthday with a weekend of Broadway shows (I’ve also missed the excitement of live theatre). I had a lovely weekend in New York City and managed to discover seven new things that I’ll call “wins” because travel right now needs to focus on the small positives.
Win #1– Finding an Amtrak seat for $24 one way and $44 home. The total fare of $66 was less than a normal one way fare ($77 on a good day). The only downside was that parking in Philadelphia would cost $81 for the weekend. I looked at public transit which would work one way but not at 9:30 pm Sunday night. So I celebrated the Amtrak fare win and saved $88.
Amtrak Travel Tip: Amtrak discounts train fares booked 14 days or more in advance.
Win #2 – Free Friday ticket at the Morgan Library. This was a nice surprise. I had always wanted to experience the fantastic library in person and even more so after seeing it in the charming Netflix movie “Dash & Lily” (pandemic binging) I booked a ticket for 3pm which gave me enough time to drop off my luggage at the Moxy Chelsea, meet my friend for lunch at Macy’s and walk to the library. Upon arrival, I showed the ticket bar code on my phone and entered the courtyard lobby which had live music! Savings of $22.
Travel Tip: Free ticket Friday at the Morgan Library requires online booking one week in advance.
Win #3 – My friend suggested we eat at Macy’s – really? Hidden on the 6th floor is an Italian restaurant, Stella 34 Trattoria & Bar, with window views of the Empire State Building. You need to make reservations (Open Table) and show your vaccination card and photo ID upon arrival (NYC law). After that administrative work, you can enjoy pizza, pasta, sandwiches and desserts with a fantastic drinks list.
NYC Viewing Travel Tip: Bonus views of the Empire State Building while catching up with friends, family or a well-deserved solo dining/drink treat.
Win #4 – My last minute decision to do brunch at STK Midtown. I had a fantastic solo dinner experience at STK Midtown a few years ago after seeing Hamilton on Broadway. I decided to see if I could walk in on Saturday before my One Summit timeslot. I was keen to have a table rather than dine alone at the empty bar. I was easily accommodated with a view of the restaurant and near the live DJ who was playing a great mix of pop, indie and alternative music circa my college days. The brunch burger w/bacon, egg and cheese with fries is normally $16.99 (a good deal) was on special for $9.99! I was shocked to see my bill for $14.99 (burger + lemonade). Not sure why this was a special as I didn’t see it noted anywhere but to have a five star steakhouse experience in NYC for the same price as the fast casual Shake Shack was fantastic.
Dining Travel Tip: Steakhouses often have great brunch/lunch options for less. Don’t assume you can’t afford a five star experience.
Win #5 – Finding the Underground Donut Tour via AirBnb Experiences (the vendor wasn’t revealed until after booking). The walking tour met in Chelsea outside of Eataly on Saturday morning and introduced me to four tasty donut shops. Who doesn’t love donuts? I not only hit my steps that day but sampled many delicious donuts.
Travel Tip: You don’t need to stay at an Airbnb property to use Airbnb Experiences. Airbnb Experiences offer unique tours such as the Brooklyn Photo Tour
Win #6 – I kept walking past the Skirt Steak restaurant at the Eventi Hotel as I was staying a block away at the Moxy Chelsea. The corner restaurant was new and not that crowded. I looked online to make reservations (they don’t take them) and then couldn’t find a menu posted in the window so I decided to just walk in and what a surprise gem! There is only one item on the menu, well there’s no menu just a stamp on the paper table cover. The skirt steak comes with salad and (unlimited) fries for $28. By comparison, a steakhouse would charge $75+ for those three items. The in house dessert cart finished off this delightful dinner find.
Travel Tip: It doesn’t hurt to walk in and inquire about a menu, restaurant or reservations. You might be surprised.
Win #7 – Magnolia Bakery is located in the new Moynihan Train Station for Amtrak (across from Penn Station Madison Square Garden). You no longer need to walk to Rockefeller Center, Grand Central Station or the Penn Station LIRR underground corridor to enjoy the famous banana pudding, cupcakes or cheesecakes. My final NYC souvenir was a cup of banana pudding which made it home intact.
Dessert Travel Tip: Given the prices of Magnolia shipping via Gold Belly, it’s best to stock up before boarding the train. If you think you want one cupcake, buy two to ensure at least one makes it home (there’s rarely a club car on the train with food).
So my New York City weekend was full of surprise finds, small savings here and there and ended on a sweet note. What more can you ask for in a weekend trip to New York City?