New York City Was Great!

Bittersweet doesn’t even begin to cover our last day in New York City.

We took our time getting up that morning, knowing we had to be out of the hotel by 11 a.m. After dropping our luggage downstairs, we squeezed in a little more exploring—because how do you not soak up every last second in the city? We walked about six blocks to the subway and went on a mission to replace the souvenirs I’d accidentally left behind at a restaurant earlier in the trip (still hurts a little 😅). Thankfully, I found the perfect replacements—postcards, keychains, and even a t-shirt—so all was right again.

We wandered a bit more before heading back to Johny’s  for breakfast one last time (because when you find a good spot, you stick with it). Then it was time to make our way toward the airport. We hopped on the subway and caught the Q70 free bus to LaGuardia, arriving nice and early—Jessica was not taking any chances with TSA lines, and honestly, fair enough.

After getting through security, we found our gate and settled in. Blake and Jessica grabbed lunch, while I went for a protein bowl—simple, but it hit the spot. Later, Blake and I found some loungers, and I finally gave my feet a break. I spent most of that time reading on my Kindle and just resting… which was very much needed after walking over 53,000 steps and climbing 34 flights of stairs during this trip. I’m still impressed with myself for that one!

Our flight ended up being delayed about 45 minutes due to a storm, and then we sat on the tarmac for another hour waiting our turn. At one point, the pilot said there were 12 planes ahead of us—and just as many behind us. It was a whole situation.

By the time we made it back to Dallas-Fort Worth and got home, it was around 4 a.m. I was beyond exhausted… but also incredibly grateful.

This trip was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The kind you carry with you long after it’s over. And honestly? I don’t think I’ve seen the last of New York City. There’s just too much left to see and do. 

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!