NYC Bucket List

The military life is one that is always on the move, and since we won't be in the New York City area indefinitely, I put together another bucket list (with a few repeats from my summer and fall lists) to tackle this coming spring and summer. Of course, you could live in NYC for years and not experience all the city has to offer, but I'm determined to see and do as much as I can so that when we do leave, I'll know the time we did have was well spent and full of adventure.

Without further ado, here is my ambitious bucket list, in no particular order:

• Go ice skating while it is still wintry out! Nice rinks in Bryant Park or Prospect Park
• See a Broadway show (recommendations welcome!)
• Wine tasting in the North Fork of Long Island (or Brooklyn)
• Explore Brooklyn Bridge Park and take a spin on Jane’s Carousel
• Walk across the Brooklyn Bridge at sunset
• Finally eat a Shake Shack burger (I’ve been to the original Shack in Madison Square Park, but I didn’t eat a burger!)
• Picnic in Central Park and say hello to the animals at Central Park Zoo
• Shop the Brooklyn Flea Market, and explore the surrounding Williamsburg neighborhood
• Check out the Statue of Liberty, up close or during a harbor cruise (or even from the Staten Island Ferry!)
• Tour the National September 11 Museum (we've been to the memorial but didn't go inside the museum)
• Walk through the breathtaking St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• Play date at Coney Island
• Stroll through a city garden: Brooklyn Botanic Garden or New York Botanical Garden
• Take in the view from the Top of the Rock
• Chow down on some great New York-style pizza (I heard Lombardi’s on Spring Street or John’s of Bleecker Street are excellent)
• Shop and dine at Eataly
• Explore the shops and restaurants along the charming cobblestone-streets in the West Village 
• Visit more museums! Especially the MoMA, again, to see the Jackson Pollock exhibition, and the Whitney Museum of American Art
• Spend a sunny day exploring Prospect Park
• Journey to Roosevelt Island and/or Governor’s Island
• Attend a performance of The New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center
• Eat an authentic Italian meal in Little Italy
• Check out the New York Public Library
• People watch in Washington Square Park and take tons of photos of the stately marble arch (OTTO, a Mario Batali pizzeria is nearby for lunch)
• Head to the Jersey Shore for a beach day? Better yet, head to the Hamptons!
• For G: Go to a Yankees game and attend a basketball game at Madison Square Garden

So much to do, so little time! Would you add anything to this list? Recommendations and tips happily accepted. While I may not hit every item on this list, it's exciting to dream about and look forward to the possibility of all these fun adventures. 

New York art prints (1, 2) 

via Rifle Paper Co.

A New York City Summer

After an accidental sabbatical from blogging, I'm jumping back in today by sharing my NYC summer bucket list. Now, I know summer is almost over (tear!), but still want to make the most of the warm weather while we can and explore the city's "great outdoors." The hubs should be home next week and will (fingers crossed) get on a more normal, predictable schedule come October.

Without further adieu, here are ten adventures I'd like to take before the cold sets in.

(Sources: 1, 2, 3)

Hanging out in Brooklyn Bridge Park, including riding the carousel and checking out Please Touch the Art.

(Source)

Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, taking in those spectacular Manhattan views, preferably at sunset.

(Sources: 1, 2)

Chowing down on juicy burgers, salty fries and creamy frozen custard at the Shake Shack's original Madison Square Park location.

(Sources: 1, 2, 3)

Strolling along The High Line, an out-of-use 1930s freight rail line, elevated above the bustling city streets on Manhattan's West Side, that was converted into a gorgeously designed and landscaped public park.

(Sources: 1, 2)

Enjoying a summer evening of art and wine on The Met's rooftop, which overlooks Central Park and boasts panoramic views of the city.

(Source)

Picnicking in Central Park. Gotta remember these tips on where to lay out our blanket in that vast expanse of greenery and what to eat if we don't pack our own basket. (Bonus points for rowing boats on the Lake afterwards!)

(Sources: 1, 2, 3)

Shopping for vintage, antique and handmade goods at the Brooklyn Flea, and taking another day to be an absolute glutton at its weekly food-focused market, Smorgasburg.

(Source)

Spending a day whiling away on Governors Island, which closes soon (Sept. 27). Located in New York Harbor, it is only 800 yards away from Manhattan but it claims to feel worlds away from the big city. All I know is that Hammock Grove is calling my name.

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This is somewhat of an ambitious list and we may not accomplish everything this summer, but I'm looking forward to getting adventuring soon!

(Top photo of Central Park reservoir 
taken and edited by me)