New York For My Birthday

Casey and I recently spent a long weekend in New York City celebrating my birthday, and visiting family and friends. Since this was our second trip to the city together, we decided to take a different approach to planning our visit. Rather than planning out every hour, every minute, every second – we decided to pick one thing we wanted to do or see each day, leaving the rest open.

Arriving bright and early (5:20 AM, EST) the morning of my birthday, we had the full day ahead. But after a turbulent red eye flight, the most important thing to do was get to my sister-in-law’s apartment in Brooklyn where we would be staying for the weekend and TAKE A NAP. I think we were both asleep before our heads hit the pillow. Until…

“EXTERMINATAHHH! EXTERMINATAHHH!” knock, knock, KNOCK, KNOCK!!!

Who? What? Huh?! What is happening?!

THAT, my friends is how we woke up on our first morning in the big city. Welcome to New York!

Apparently, ALL of the apartment buildings there are infested with mice, and a monthly visit from the exterminator is just a normal part of everyday life. While we were completely shocked – I guess it’s not so surprising when you think about it. No one ever talks about the not so glamorous side of big city living. We still can’t stop laughing about it. Random outbursts shouting, “exterminatahhh!” are frequent in the Dunn household.

Anyway, that was a blessing in disguise because it got us up and moving. On our last trip to NYC, we had brunch at Stone Park Cafe in Brooklyn, not too far from where we were staying, so we headed straight there for a birthday lunch and a margarita! After lunch, we spent the afternoon wandering the streets of Brooklyn admiring the architecture as we went.

That evening, we hopped on the subway to meet Casey’s Best Man for dinner and drinks at Beauty and Essex on the Lower East Side. Hans and Casey have known each other since elementary school, but we haven’t seen him much since he moved to New York last fall. It was so fun to catch up with him and his sister who was also visiting for the weekend. We had the best time, food and drinks were excellent! The unique dining experience definitely made for a fun birthday celebration. When you enter the restaurant, you actually enter through a small, pawn shop.

The following day, we had lunch with my sister-in-law, Adriana at The River Cafe under the Brooklyn Bridge. Talk about fine dining! The views, the food, and the cocktails were to die for. If you want to splurge, this is a must visit restaurant! I had the filet mignon – aahmazingggg! I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!

Then it was time for more exploring and a walk over the Brooklyn Bridge. If you haven’t walked the bridge, it is a must! The views of Manhattan from Brooklyn are spectacular. Try to visit during the week, or early in the morning if you want to avoid crowds – but is that ever really possible in a place like this? Probably not, haha!

Manhattan Bridge & Empire State Building

Brooklyn Architecture

Manhattan Skyline

Brooklyn Bridge

coat, hat

On our last day, Casey and I grabbed coffee and took a stroll through Prospect Park. It had snowed the night before, so the park was even more picturesque. Would you believe it if I told you that we saw a woman cross country skiing through the park? It’s true! We did!

Prospect Park

From there, we lunched at Calexico (great burritos and fajitas) before heading over to Kick Axe Throwing for some good old fashioned – yes, you guessed it – axe throwing! When Adriana told us she made the reservation, I couldn’t believe it. You can actually throw an axe? In a bar? While consuming alcohol?

The answer is YES! It was such a great time. Each group is linked with an “axepert” who coaches and teaches the basics of axe throwing. As it turns out… I’m quite gifted when it comes to axe throwing. Adding that to my resume ASAP.

I have to say, keeping our schedule for the weekend open made our trip that much more enjoyable. There was no rushing to get to and from places. It allowed us to take our time, relax, and spend quality time with our loved ones without the pressure of worrying about where we had to go next.

Here are a few more photos from this year’s NYC trip, and last. Hope you enjoy!

The Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club

NYSE

Lower Manhattan

Freedom Tower From Park

One of my goals for the year is to get out and take more photos. Photography has been an interest and a hobby of mine for years, and I’m working hard on getting out of my comfort zone to practice! Special thanks to Casey for grabbing this candid – do I really make that face? Maybe I should lose the sunglasses! Haha.