NYC in February
I was fortunate to visit New York City for a couple of days in February. It was perfect timing for taking advantage of cheap flight tickets. I’m a big believer in sticking to a budget. My only tip to fellow teachers is pay your student loans off. Then you will have more money to travel. After that, make all your breakfast and lunches. Yes, I could visit a delicious food truck every Friday, or I could save my money to travel. I also know what it’s like to have medical bills take all your money. When you are healthy and able to save, you can make traveling a priority. If you are lucky enough to know someone living in the place, try couch sleeping. Hostels are for the adventurous. Do you or your spouse travel often? We have been able to get free nights on hotels.com because of my husband’s required travel for work. I’m a Dave Ramsey lover, but I also was able to receive four free flights in the past from credit card rewards. Do what is best for you and your family. My blog is about the teacher life, and I travel on my “teacher budget approved” philosophy.
Cheap flights equal early mornings. I flew into Newark and took a taxi into NYC. I ate lunch at Tick Tock Diner (pastrami burger was delicious) . My first bucket list task was to walk Times Square, and then I took a nap. I met a college friend and her husband for dinner at the Bowery Beer Garden. It was a great place for Superbowl Sunday. The city may never sleep, but I do. I did't see any of the city afterwards.
On Monday, my history teacher dreams came true. I was able to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. You don’t need to make reservations months in advance when you go in February. I personally felt no need to pay extra to walk the pedestal or the crown (stick to the teacher budget). The Statue of Liberty was nice, but Ellis Island was spectacular. I have been teaching Ellis Island for years, and it was great to see it in person. It took about four hours to see everything. A late lunch at Tavola was the perfect Neapolitan pizza. The artichoke and mushroom pizza was amazing. They offered an unique brand of limonada
On Tuesday, I went to see the 9/11 memorial. It was heartbreaking, but I’m glad I went. The memorial does a great honor to the victims and survivors of the tragedy. I think everyone should visit it once. Lunch was at Eatly. I had visited the store in Chicago previously, and I always recommend if you like Italian food. I was able to get a restaurant week meal and was not disappointed. The butternut squash ravioli was amazing. Dinner was at Scallywags. The bangers and mash lived up to the hype.
On Wednesday, I went to the MET. I have been to the Art Institute of Chicago and the National Portrait Gallery in D.C. Nothing prepared me for the massiveness of the MET. Do a coat check because you will be there a minimum of four hours. Wear a t-shirt because a light sweater will be too heavy after all the walking in the upstairs of the museum. I had a muffuletta in a cafe, and it was delicious (best one I have had had outside the state of Louisiana) . Afterwards, I walked 5th avenue. Central Park was mostly brown so I didn’t feel the need to walk it. I walked half of Manhattan. My lunch was at a Thai place that wasn’t very good. Dinner was a slice of pizza from Vito’s Slice and Ices (get the grandma). Dessert consisted of a slice of cheese cake at the corner deli.
Overall, I had a fantastic trip. I do have some regrets. I didn’t ride the subway. I don’t know when I will be back to NYC. I didn’t want to spend my time looking underground. I took Uber almost everywhere. Yes, it was more expensive, but I wanted to actually see the city in my short time. There was tons of stuff I didn’t make it to. Hamilton was $300 a person and that’s not teacher budget approved. I was way too tired to see a Broadway show Tuesday or Wednesday night.
