Ladies, listen up! If you’re thinking about taking a solo trip to New York City, let me tell you, it might just end up to be one of the most empowering experiences of your life. You’ll feel like a total boss babe as you navigate the bustling streets and take on the city that never sleeps all on your own.
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My first solo trip to New York City was more than incredible. I hopped on and off the subway, kept up stride for stride to native New Yorkers as they went about their lives, while pretending not to be captivated by it all. In short, I slayed my first New York experience.
I Was A Little Nervous About My Solo Trip To New York City
The days running up to boarding that plane at Midway in Chicago, my mind swirled with all kinds of scenarios.
Will I get lost?
Will I enjoy myself?
Will I get pickpocketed?
Even though I didn’t show it, I was a nervous wreck. The old 45 spinned again and again in my head.
You…will…be…in…New York…by…yourself! Are you sure you want to do this? Over and over until that record turned white from taking too many spins on the turntable in my mind.
To calm my nervous mind and stomach, I did what I always do, I prepared.
I watched video after video on the subway. I watched videos on how to catch an Uber from LaGuardia into Manhattan. I spent hours in street view on Google Maps walking the streets in the neighborhood I was staying in to familiarize myself ( absolutely LOVE this feature). I knew exactly where and how to get to the nearest Starbucks and how long it would take me to walk to MoMA versus taking the subway (too long).
That intense preparation served me well. I knew exactly what the nearest subway stop looked like above ground. I knew exactly where Zabar’s was from my apartment. I knew where the Tin Building was compared to the Brooklyn Bridge.
Would I have managed this 30 years ago before all these tools?
My 30 year old self would never have felt that a solo trip to New York would have been in the realm of possibilities.
But this is today. My 60 year old self is saying “hell yeah” If the Muppets can take Manhattan, so can I.
An Early Start To My New York Adventure
And so at approximately 3:30 am on Tuesday April 25th I dragged myself out of Megan’s old bed so as not to disturb Rick, got dressed and hauled my sleepy apprehensive behind into my car for the 3 hour drive to Midway Airport in Chicago.
Driving usually calms me, and this is no exception. Slowly the fear started to fizzle as I parked in the economy lot, grabbed a shuttle, went through security and got to my gate with plenty of time to grab a coffee and breakfast.
Step one complete.
The flight was fast. Getting off and following the signs to ground transportation and finally car app services pickup was a piece of delicious cake. I summoned an Uber and three minutes later, was being swept to my apartment on the upper west side (don’t you just love that New York lingo). $74 dollars later, I was dropped off at my home for the next four days, Up four flights of creaky steps covered in old dark green carpet, in an old tired apartment building in a safe neighborhood between Central Park and Broadway.
A Look At My New York City Home For The Next Few Days
My AirBNB apartment, whose resident moves out when it is being rented, was definitely lived in. I felt like I was moving right into someone else’s life. A New Yorker, in a tiny one bedroom (only big enough for a twin bed) apartment that is quirky if not in need of some TLC.
You walk straight into the living area. To the left is a pint-sized kitchen with an old white apartment sized stove and oven in the left corner. Moving clockwise is a counter with upper cabinets, only big enough to fit a single bowl sink. The corner is filled with what seems to be the walls of a chimney going up to the roof. Next to that is a cupboard with a counter only a foot and a half long which the toaster and old coffee pot sit on. Rounding out the kitchen is a refrigerator. The walls are a light green color filled with a mish mash of framed, inexpensive art.
The tiny bathroom next to the kitchen barely fit a small sink and cupboard, a toilet on the opposite wall, and a shower and tub. Rose pink tiles fill the wall space and tub area. There are personal effects everywhere. A toothbrush, moisturizer, hand soap, a hairbrush. It’s rather interesting stepping into its occupants’ life like this. But it feels eerily comforting.
The living room has wood parquet floors in a warm honey color. There’s a small drop-leaf table and two padded chairs. A vase with yellow tulips has a welcoming touch. The gray couch looks new. An ornate fireplace which is painted cream and no longer works, a round chair and small coffee table gives the apartment an urban vibe. Pictures of Audrey Hepburn, Paris, New York, and other places tell me its resident likes to travel. But what caught my attention the most was all the books. Books on wall shelves, books on the coffee table, books on a standing shelf, and books in the bedroom. This person whose life I’m stepping into is a kindred spirit.
The apartment has a terrace. This is certainly the selling feature. In summer, I imagine the pots are full of flowers. A small bistro table and chairs beg for summer solo dinners with a glass of white wine. For my stay, I decide to choose to the comfy outdoor chair by the door. Note: the only chance I will get is my last night with a bottle of moscato de asti and I look up to the night sky, watch the planes fly over, and celebrate my successful trip.
The cleaner is still getting the apartment ready when I arrive, so I say hi and drop my bags in the bedroom. She gives me the keys, one for the apartment door and one to unlock the second door to the building.
I leave while she finishes. It’s time for me to take a bite out of this apple!
The Real Reason For This Trip
First order of business is to walk past the Beacon Theater which is at the center of the whole reason I am making this trip. Last year, Bono released his hefty memoir and did an accompanying book tour. A sort of one man broadway show with singing and storytelling. I could not score tickets to see it in Chicago, so when it was announced that he was going to do multiple shows in New York, I thought I’d try my luck at getting tickets. Luck was on my side and I got my solo ticket. I remember thinking “now what” I guess I am going to New York!
The theater is only a block from the apartment. I find the stage door, right on W 75th street. With that finished, It’s time to get some food for my stay. Zabar’s is close by on Broadway, so I walk there. If you’ve never been there, it’s a trip! Deli, bakery, grocery store, and market all rolled into one unique New York style package. My friend Benita makes Syrian cheese and sells it here under her name Kasbo’s Market. I will hopefully be meeting her during this trip. She is someone I met through Twitter and I’m eager to try her cheese.
I get her cheese, 2 bagels, cream cheese, a beet salad, a pasta salad, and a hunk of delicious looking coffee cake.
I arrive back at the apartment just as the cleaner is leaving. I unpack and settle in and in a few minutes am off again. This time I noticed as I was descending the four flights of stairs, I’m leaning a bit. The whole staircase is a little off kilter. Just another aspect to add to the charm I tell myself.
Riding The NYC Subway For The First Time
I walk to the W 72nd Street subway. Here goes! My first NYC subway ride. I find out that when riding the subway; you aren’t going north or south, it’s uptown and downtown. Mostly I would take the 1 train either uptown of downtown. I observed the signs. I had the NYC Subway app on my phone. It helped me tremendously. It was easier to keep track of the stops. Sometimes the subway car was so crowded it was hard to see which stop we were at. It helped to use the app and count the stops. Some people had cautioned me about using the subway, but I never felt unsafe and I always kept my bag in front of me. After all, it’s the primary mode of transportation in the city.
I skipped buying a metro card, instead using my credit card at the entry. Just a matter of convenience. I would suggest to buy a metro card and fill it up with whatever amount you think you will need if you are going to be staying longer and taking the subway many times. This way, you won’t have all those minor charges on your card. Also, while every station I used had the credit card choice at the turnstile, there may be some that don’t.
There have been things lately written about the safety of the New York subway. Let me just say I never felt unsafe. I rode when it was not crowded and I rode packed in like a sardine. I minded my own business and held my bag close. I rode as late as 9:30 pm ( I know, but that is late for me), I was aware of who was in the car with me and was cautious not entering one with all men. I encountered all kinds of people, well-dressed business people, moms with children, elderly, tourists, people from all walks of life. While you definitely have to be cautious and use your instincts, I wouldn’t avoid the subway. At $2.75 a ride, it’s the budget friendly way to go.
Back to my visit.
Going To MoMA, Magnolia Bakery, and Top Of The Rock For Sunset
The first stop was 50th street and walking to MoMA. I bought my entry tickets ahead of time before I left home, so the entry was easy. Since I only had 2 hours and my primary goal was to see Van Gogh’s Starry Night, I looked for that first. I found it on the fourth floor. Just look for the crowd and you’ll find it. Like the parting of the Red Sea, the other onlookers left me a front row view. I’ll admit, standing before this masterpiece was very emotional for me. I only wished Megan were with me. It’s her favorite painting, and she painted her own version when she was in grade school. I put her painting in a frame and displayed it on my picture shelf in our living room. It’s incredible the feelings that such a work of art will stir in a person. I had to conceal a few tears as i admired Starry Night, quickly wiping them away. I suddenly felt everything. The relief in overcoming my fear, deep pride, and a sense of accomplishment. There was only one other time that these waves of emotion washed over me. An early spring day in 2011 when I saw the Eiffel Tower for the first time.
Having satisfied that goal, i backtracked and went down to the third floor to see the Georgia O’Keefe Exhibit, finally making my decent to the courtyard. It was a cloudy, but warmish day, so I bought a bottle of water at the portable bar, plunked down on a chair, and gathered myself for my next stop.
I had some time before my 6:30 entry time for Top Of The Rock for sunset and the nighttime New York City skyline. Just down the street from MoMA is the store Uniqlo. It tempted me to satisfy my shopping bug, but left empty-handed. I made a vow to myself when I went only with a carryon to limit my purchases. This is uncharacteristic of me. In the end, I only came home with an inexpensive sweatshirt for me and for Megan.
By this time, I was hungry, and Magnolia Bakery was just around the corner from Rockefeller Center. I had time, so I went in and ordered a Blueberry Jamboree Ice Box Bar. I know they are famous for the Banana Pudding, but the blueberry called to me. Walking across the street, pulling up a seat on a fountain, I devoured that dessert turned dinner like my life depended on it. I finished and still had time for people watching. From my vantage point on the fountain ledge, I reveled in the grand spectacle of New Yorkers whizzing by like urban superheroes, each with their own secret mission in the concrete jungle.
The twilight entry to Top Of The Rock wasn’t cheap, $50 (I Suggest reserving online ahead of time), but to me it was worth it. It was a long wait for sunset at the very top. If you don’t enjoy being sandwiched in with many people, avoid the steps to the very top. Instead, stay on the level you exit the elevator from. People still flock to the coveted spots along the glass. This was where I knew I was in NYC, as I heard no one around me speak English. It may be touristy and crowded, but the view of the city at sunset and at twilight was incredible! I was worth the admission. It was a fantastic way to cap a first day in the Big Apple.
I arrived back at my upper west side apartment around 10pm, exhausted and feeling on top of the world. I had done it!
Day Two: Central Park, Levain Bakery, And Bono (signing my book) At The Beacon Theater!!
The next day’s activities served the entire purpose of my trip to New York. I bought one ticket to see Bono’s one man show, Stories Of Surrender, based on his memoir that was published late last year. Even as a long-time fan club subscriber, I could not score a ticket to the Chicago show, so when these extra dates were added in New York, I went for it. I had gotten my ticket, which forced me to carry out this bucket list trip.
My plan was to get coffee, came back to the apartment and have a bagel for breakfast, then pay tribute to John Lennon by walking past the Dakota and visiting Strawberry fields in Central Park. I was only a couple blocks away, and this was also on my list of “musts”. I did that and then walked to Levain Bakery for a gigantic Chocolate Chip cookie which they are famous for. How many desert only meals can I have?
By this time it was late morning and I went back to the apartment, grabbed my copy of Bono’s book which I had hoped I could get it signed, and walked over to the Beacon Theater’s stage door and waited with about 20 other people.
I’ve done this before. Waited for Bono and the other band members to arrive at the venue. It’s a chance to get an autograph, have a chat, or get a selfie. It’s also a chance to share stories and meet other fans. We are extremely blessed that they (especially Bono) are so generous with their interaction with fans.
About 3 hours later, Bono arrived and quickly dashed in, saying he would stop after the sound check in about 10 minutes. We all knew better that it would probably be more like an hour.
Our patience payed off as he came out about an hour and 10 minutes later, signed, and chatted with everyone there. By this time, there were probably 50 people gathered. I luckily had a prized spot along the barricade, so he quickly signed my book and went on to the next person. The woman I stood next to and chatted with all the while had her 9-year-old daughter along. Bono, of course, was taken with her and he cheerfully listened as she asked him to sign her teacher’s excuse, explaining why she was missing school that day. Can you think of a better reason to miss a day of school?
The crowd dispersed after Bono turned for one last wave and had climbed back in that shiny black escalade to be whisked away. A few fans lingering eager to show others what he signed and what he said to them.
I walked back to my apartment for dinner (beet salad and a Benita’s Syrian cheese bought at Zabar’s), and catch my breath a bit before it was time to head back to The Beacon for the show.
All I’ll say about the show was, it was AMAZING!! Hearing Bono’s stories, on top of his singing (his voice has never sounded better) was an experience I will never forget. A 2 hour one man show filled with laughter and tears. I saw what the fuss was about from those that caused me to have major FOMO when I read the reviews of the earlier shows.
Can this trip be any better?
My Last Full Day In NYC: Tin Building, Brooklyn Bridge, 911 Memorial, Pizza, and Dinner
My last full day in NYC started with visiting the ultra cool new Tin Building (a food market and hall near to the Brooklyn Bridge), which I recommend if you’re a total foodie.
Then I walked the Brooklyn Bridge. It was a little hard for me to find where to get on the pedestrian portion, but it was okay. Gave me a chance to see more. To walk the gritty streets. This took a huge chunk of my morning.
Once I walked all the way across the bridge to Brooklyn and back, I walked to the 911Memorial. Everyone was right. It was a somber hour in my day. I came across a large school group of grade school-age children. Seeing the spring in their steps and the smiling chatter among themselves as they approached the first pool, I realized that this generation was not yet born when those planes hit on that saddest of days.
By this time I was ravenous, so I hopped the subway at the memorial to John’s On Bleeker Street for Pizza. OMG!! This recommendation from my friend Benita’s husband was on point! I ate my NY style pizza folded imagining myself a true New Yorker. The dark inside they covered walls with framed photos of celebrities that have been here before. I was excited to share my pizza with Bruce Springsteen! The booths and tables were carved with names. Greenwich Village has a whole different vibe than the other part of Manhattan. A Bohemian style that my younger self would have loved to be surrounded by.
I ended my busy day by meeting my friend Benita at Zabar’s (must see), and having dinner with her at Bustan, a Mediterranean restaurant. Coming from Syria, she played teacher and I her student of food. She ordered and educated me on the foods that she grew up eating and still serves her family. Someone from rural Wisconsin rarely hears a story as fascinating as hers.. Thank you Benita for sharing your hand-crafted Kasbo’s Market Syrian Cheese and your story with me!
If you are in NYC, please go to Zabar’s and get some of Benita’s cheese!
I closed out my last night back at my cozy apartment, sipping wine bought at a corner wine shop on the terrace in the dark. I watched the sky as a few stars were out and the planes flew by high in the sky, but low enough to hear their faint rumble and see their flashing lights.
Final Thoughts And The End Of An Amazing Trip
My last morning was bittersweet. Sad to leave this tiny apartment and the neighborhood. Yet, I also felt recharged and satisfied like I hadn’t felt in a long time. I will never get over this feeling of elation at accomplishing something I had been fearful of doing.
I packed my suitcase and backpack and made one last descent down those leaning and narrow steps for my usual trek to the corner Starbucks for my morning latte. I savored the chilly air while sitting on a bench in the middle of Broadway, sipping my coffee. I imprinted the view in my mind so I could recall it when I’m feeling down..
And with the inevitable looming, I summoned an Uber to take me back to La Guardia for my uneventful afternoon flight back home.
Thank you to New York City for being who you are. Chic, stylish, gritty, diverse, a little weird, and above all, surprising. I will be back.
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