Headed To NYC City!

From 2:45 a.m. to the Big Apple — Travel Day Adventures 🍎✈️

New York City, here we come!

Let me just start by saying… today started early. Like, 2:45 a.m. early. I wanted to beat that 3:00 a.m. alarm, so I was up, dressed, and ready before it even had a chance to go off. That alone deserves a medal if you ask me.

We were near DFW Airport, parked off-site, and caught the shuttle around 3:45 a.m., getting to the airport just before 4. Yes, that early. Surprisingly, it all went smoothly, and before long, we were sitting down for breakfast at Sunny’s Buy-in Smokehouse in Terminal E. I ordered a full platter—scrambled eggs, bacon, diced potatoes, plus a biscuit with gravy—and I have to say, it was pretty darn good (and reasonably priced too, which is always a win).

Our flight took off at 7:00 a.m., and not long after, the turbulence started making itself known. By 7:36, the seatbelt sign was still on, and let me tell you… it stayed that way quite a bit. I tried to distract myself with Wicked (great choice), then switched over to Below Deck Mediterranean—Captain Sandy always keeps things interesting.

Somewhere along the way:

- 8:30 a.m.: Ginger ale, Sun Chips, and a much-needed coffee with sugar ☕  

- 9:00 a.m.: Passing near Charlotte  

- 10:18 a.m.: The bumpiest ride I’ve ever experienced  

Now, I wasn’t scared—but I was praying we’d land safely. The plane was rocking and rolling like nothing I’ve felt before. Still, I kept thinking: “As long as we make it to New York City, I’ll take it!”

And we did. 🙌

Once we landed, we made our way to baggage claim and then hopped on the free Q70 bus to Roosevelt Station. From there, we figured out the subway (which felt like a big adventure all on its own!) and made it within a few blocks of our hotel—the Holiday Inn Manhattan Chelsea.

Of course, we were too early to check in, so… off we went exploring!

First stop: lunch at 7th Street Burger in Chelsea. I grabbed a cheeseburger and water for about $10—not bad at all. Then we had to try Crumbl Cookies (because priorities), and I got a sugar cookie with pink icing. So good.

And because you absolutely cannot have a cookie without coffee… we headed to Blank Street Coffee, where I ordered a cherry glazed iced coffee. Let me just say—spectacular.

We wandered a bit more, soaking in the city vibes, before heading back to the hotel. We were able to check in just before 3:00 p.m., which felt like perfect timing. I freshened up, put on a little makeup, and rested my feet for a bit. Blake snuck in a nap, I did too, and Jessica and Logan explored some thrift shops across the street (which looked really fun, but my feet were voting “no ma’am” at that point).

Coming from rural Oklahoma, figuring out buses and subways and walking everywhere feels like a whole new world—and honestly, what a treat it has been.

If I had to rate today?  

Absolutely phenomenal!