This trip was a very special one as it was not only the yearly get away to New York but also to attend the graduation of Shannon from NYU. Although we are not related by blood I truly do regard her as a daughter and was so proud of all her accomplishments.
This trip was different for many reasons. First we were taking the Mega Bus to New York. While that may sound terrible it really isn’t that bad. First, there are not many direct flights from Pittsburgh to New York and most involve a stop. Second driving takes 6 hours then trying to find a place to park for 3 days is an added expense. The Mega Bus takes 7 to 7 1/2 hours and total cost was 52 dollars round trip. We did take snacks and reading material so the trip went quickly.
This trip was different as we didn’t really go to Time Square, Broadway or the usual tourist spots. We saw New York beyond the tourist spot. This time we spent much of the time walking. We walked at least 12 miles a day. I did make sure to pack my walking shoes.
One of the places we visited was Brooklyn. We went to the farmers market and saw many of the paintings, food and fashion that make up that area. One of the best sites was watching people paint the walls of the buildings. These people are very talented and take a drab building and bring it to life
We did go to the Brooklyn Bridge but unfortunately my hip started to bother me so we were unable to go all the across the Bridge.
Some of the time was spent in Central Park. We walked the various areas and saw the beginnings of a beautiful sunset against some of the New York buildings. Unfortunately I was unable to get pictures due to the sun’s position in the sky and we also needed to get some dinner.
One of the most interesting places we ate was Katz Deli. This is the place that is in “Harry Met Sally” and they do have the exact table marked. The food is great. I had a Reuben and could not finish it as there was a pound of meat on the sandwich. I wish I would have gotten some pictures as it is a unique place complete with pictures of the owner and various famous people ( Hollywood, sports and political).
Another place we visited was the High Line. The High Line is a 1-mile city park built on a 1.45 mile section of a former New York Railroad line which runs along the lower west side of Manhattan. It is full of plants , flowers and benches. There are also some beautiful murals on the sides of the buildings.
The graduation was held at Radio City Music Hall and no the Rockettes did not dance across the floor with the diplomas . It was a very nice ceremony and then we went to Central Park to take some pictures
It was a fun 3 days and I truly think this was the best trip to New York. There is something to be said for getting the true feel of a city.
Blooming Burgh Boomer 
Sounds like so much fun!
It was fun and too short of a visit
I am a New Yorker, and enjoyed reading your post as you got a good feel for the city. Congratulations to the daughter of your heart. That is a fabulous school. Isn’t Radio City lovely? Lots to see and do here, so each time you visit, I hope you keep looking around. I have taken the Mega Bus to DC and it was a lot easier than driving for sure. I lived in Johnstown PA after school for a couple of years, wish we had the bus back then. That was a long drive to NYC!
I had never been inside Radio City and it beautiful. I would love to go back there. There is still so much to see and actually Shannon has a job in New York City so another visit is a definite. The Mega Bus enabled me to finish a book I have been wanting to read.
I love NYC…It has been a long time since I have visited and I long to return. Thanks for sharing your trip so I can dream of that return!
Glad I could help. I know I definitely plan on returning to visit.
I love NYC as well. My friend, who has become my sister by choice, Frissy, has a home there in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. I have been there several times to visit her and always see something different each time I go. It really makes a difference if you have a resident of NY showing you around the parts of the city that most tourist don’t ever get to see. Great photos Kathy. Thanks for sharing.
I think the sites of the Lower East Side and Brooklyn made this visit fun. It is great to see the Empire State Building, Time Square and Grand Central Statin but to go to the little cafe on the corner or visit the farmers market with all the people of the neighborhoods made it great. Thanks for your support and comments.
What a fun way to see NYC. And for such a fun reason! It sounds like, by avoiding the usual tourist traps, you got to see a slice of the real city. I’m so envious! It’s on my list!
Definitely do go. I consider myself lucky to have someone who can allow me to see that special view of New York City