So! Picking up where I left off (if you missed the first part of our road trip, you can read about it here 🙂 ) Stephen and I left Avalon Beach on Sunday and made our way up to NYC. Side note, referring to New York as “NYC” always sounds so dramatic in my head. I don’t know why?? Maybe I’m just weird lol. Okay, anyway! My best friend, Nora, lives in Brooklyn so we went to stay with her and her boyfriend, Ryan, for a few days.

Upon arriving Sunday night, we went to this great indoor/outdoor spot for tacos and (spicy) margaritas, called Parklife. The perfect start to the trip, no? Afterwards we went to grab a beer followed by a gelato place that they said we had to try. So yeah, I had ice cream and a donut earlier in the day but was NOT about to reject this supposed amazing gelato 😉 And yes, it was pretty amazing.

Monday morning, Nora took Stephen and I to get bagels from the Bagel Pub. Have you guys ever had a whole wheat everything bagel? And then add jalapeño cilantro cream cheese to it? Game changer. I got one on our way out of town too because it was so good. Anyway, we picked up breakfast and walked to Prospect Park and hung out there for a bit. Afterwards Nora and I went to the gym. I have to say, that one thing about both trips is that I was still able to get all my workouts. Both Julie & Nora workout as part of their daily routine as well so my workout routine was easy to keep up with.

That afternoon, the four of us walked the Brooklyn Bridge, which I have never done before, so yay for checking things off the tourist bucket list! Afterwards, Nora and Ryan took us to Emily for their famous burgers and pizza. The restaurant is supposed to have one of the best burgers (and pizza for that matter) in the city and OMG without a doubt the best burger I’ve ever had, and the pizza was just as good as in Italy. One of the pizza’s we got had pistachio and honey on it–such a good combo!! If you’re visiting NYC, and you love pizza, burgers (and fries) this restaurant is a must visit. You won’t be disappointed!

The next day (Tuesday) was our last full day, and while Stephen did homework, Nora and I decided to take a bike ride to Carroll Gardens. Ummm, let’s just say that biking through the streets of NY is probably one of the most terrifying things ever!! Not to mentioned that I was riding Ryan’s bike which is one of those “real” bikes where you are leaning over the whole time since the handlebars are so low. Yes, I know that is a TERRIBLE description LOL. But I think most of you probably understand what I’m saying? Please say yes!! Anyway, that plus the busy streets was a deadly combination–still surprised that I made it without crashing. Carroll Gardens is a really nice area of Brooklyn, and we made sure to stop in Barney’s and look at everything that we couldn’t afford 😉 On the way back though, we passed Ample Hills Creamery, aka my new favorite ice cream place. Nora did say they had really good ice cream, so I was warned. But guys, I got the Oatmeal Lace flavor and OMG–incredible!! I know I already said the same thing about Emily. But both Emily and Ample Hills were so amazing (mouth currently watering just thinking about it!)

Later that afternoon, we headed over to Grand Banks for oysters and cocktails. Grand Banks is an oyster bar on a historic fishing boat (basically). It’s in Tribeca, right on Pier 25 Hudson River Park. It’s a little bougie, but I don’t think oysters on a boat can’t be? lol. But overall the vibe was pretty cool and relaxed. I would definitely recommended going here as long as the weather is nice. We got caught in a 5 minutes torrential downpour and we all had to run below deck to stay dry haha. But besides that it was great! The cocktails were great as well. I got their Fracas cocktail which was Blanco tequila, mezcal, pineapple, lime, Angostura bitters, and nutmeg. Love me some mezcal!

After Grand Banks, we headed to Tacombi where we met another couple we’re all friends with. Tacombi is more of a casual Mexican restaurant that is pretty Instagram-esque. Yet somehow, I didn’t take any photos while there. Probably because I was too busy sweating in my turtleneck crop top (talk about an oxymoron) or eating tacos. Who knows. But the tacos here were pretty good! Nothing like the burger and pizza at Emily, buuuut good for casual Mexican food. They did have street corn that was pretty delicious, which of course Stephen ended up eating half of it (SHOULD’VE ORDERED HIS OWN 😉 But really…). But can you guys guess where we went afterwards? ….Yep. Ice cream! We went to Big Gay Ice Cream which I guess you could say is a go-to ice cream place in the city. I know locals go here, but I also feel like if you’re visiting NYC and want ice cream that this is one the main spots to go to (Morgenstern’s is also another great ice cream spot if you’re ever visiting!) TBH, I was a liiiiitle disappointed with Big Gay Ice Cream but I think I made a rookie mistake and got something other than one of their dipped soft serve cones. So, noted for next time! After ice cream, we just grabbed a beer and then basically called it a night. Nora and I are grandmas, what can I say? I like to be in bed by 11 😉 No seriously though..

Sadly, we had to leave early the next morning but not before hitting up the Bagel Pub one last time! All in all, it was a great trip. Stephen has only been to NYC one other time and so it was fun to go back with him. Also, I’ve been able to see Nora a couple times this year because of my bachelorette party and wedding, but obviously those times were super busy; it was good to just see her for a couple days and have some girl time (plus the boys of course ;))

What are some of your guys favorite things to do in NYC? A few of you messaged me with some recommendations that I’ll have to try next time I’m there! xx