The jet skiers soared high over the waves barely missing the stern of the speedy ferry arriving at the dock. Warm summer evenings in DUMBO, Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass, can be quite entertaining as well as breathtaking and scenic.
I have decided that this summer I would like to visit Manhattan at least 5 times. A matinee and dinner is the way to go for a date in New York City.
After the death of my husband I find that forcing myself to go out and embrace new experiences helps me to keep moving forward. Days hit me where I realize I am a widow and can barely do what is required in my daily life. I am getting used to having those days, but I won’t live like that every day. Moving forward has always been my motto and I need to keep going there.
My summer plan is to venture into nearby NYC as a solo day explorer, finding walks, museums, shops, shows and more cool stuff on my own. I’ll also share some fun happy hour or dining spots I find with my special friend when he gets off from work!
While I am fine with the idea of exploring as a solo woman traveler, and have some fun plans for the summer, some days are best shared.
Recently we drove the one hour from where we live into “The City” to see a Broadway show. We’ve had tickets for this musical since Christmas.
Parking on 45th Street one hour before showtime gave us a chance to walk around the block and get a slice of New York pizza before the show.
We saw “Come From Away”. What a well done theatrical performance of the people from the small town of Gander during the events of 9/11.
38 planes landed in Newfoundland, Canada and the local townspeople of 9000 embraced the 7000 stranded souls and fed and housed them.
We laughed. We cried.
The characters in the show portrayed real people from the town and the planes.
Anyone who lived through 9/11, especially those of us who live in or near New York City, can appreciate the story and the humanity we all felt toward one another after that tragedy.
So after wiping our tears, we drove over the Brooklyn Bridge to a fabulous little restaurant called the “River Cafe”.
Located on a floating barge in the East River featuring one of the best views of New York City, River Cafe is the perfect place to fall in love.
We arrived for pre dinner drinks and watched the crazy jet skiers zip over the ferry wakes.
Such a fancy place. Even my purse got a chair.
For an appetizer, I finally tried steak tartare. Raw beef and a raw egg and some more stuff. I had actually prepared it while training as a waitress in a posh restaurant in Aspen but never tried it. It’s pretty good.
Dinner was great but the dessert shaped like the Brooklyn Bridge we were dining under was the best!
After dinner we strolled next door to Brooklyn Bridge Park which has ferry service that reaches all over the city.
If all the days in my exploring New York summer series are this much fun I am going to have an amazing summer!! A New York City night out on the town.
P.S. Any suggestions where to go next?
P.P.S. Let me know if you want to do a New York City Adventure. I’m in!
47 Responses
The new Whitney and High line are a must! Whitney is free on Fri nights. A rooftop movie this summer is on my list! Let me know if u are interested in joining me!
That sounds great. I would love to go. Thanks Liz
Lovely visit. I would love to see the Come from Away production. And I need to walk the High line and central park.
Thanks. I have walked the High line and that was great. Really well thought out and designed. Central Park is fun too. Thanks for your comment.
Fabulous pictures and that River Cafe looks darling! I wish I had known about it when we lived up north. Glad you enjoyed your trip to NYC ~ it’s an amazing place to visit!
Thanks- so many places to see in NYC!
So many things to see in NYC! Love that place and I enjoyed all your photos. Makes me miss it that much more!
Thanks. Well you’ll just have to come back for a visit!
This really hit home for me. I’m from NYC and I am a city girl at heart. I love NYC and so glad that you had a great visit. There’s so much to do in the city. I’ve got to see that play you saw. I was there during 9/11.
The show was really well done. If you can see it, you should!!
NYC is an amazing and unique city! I am glad that you are getting to enjoy it with a special friend from work. The NYC bridge is an awesome structure!
Thanks. We are having so much fun exploring the city together.
Musicals, dining and all in New York deffo my kind of day out. Been NYC alot too…Broadway is fab x
I agree. I love musicals on Broadway
The river cafe looks so cute! I’m going to New York this fall!
Great. Have a nice visit.
I’ve always travelled to New York and I’ve never visited the River Cafe. On my next trip, I have to visit. I am surprised that I haven’t been there in the years I’ve travelled there.
This was my first visit too. I’ve heard from others that it’s a special occasion spot.
Thanks for the suggestion! I go to NYC a lot for work, I will have to check some of these places out!
Definitely worth trying to see a show thanks for reading.
New York is one of my favorite places! I can’t wait to take my daughter there to see it. You really captured some special spots … I need to add it to my list next time!
Thanks for reading. Always fun to visit NYC and find new places!
Wow, thank you so much for sharing this, the highlight of your piece that genuinely interests me is the one about Come From Away. I really want to watch it to know more about 9/11.
The show was really well done and full of emotional triggers.
First off I’m sorry for your loss. I am happy that your still pushing yourself to get out there! An secondly that dessert looks amazing!!
Thank you for your comment. And yes the dessert was as good as it looked!
Exploring my town and trying new things was incredibly helpful for me when I went through my divorce. I wish I knew more about New York City! I would happily provide insights into things to do. If/when I go to NYC, I will have to check in with you! 🙂
I learn as I go. So much to experience in New York City!!
That’s exactly what I do! It is the best!
love the photos of your “exploration” thanks…
Glad you enjoyed them!
I admire how you are taking the new phase of your life bravely. I am yet to see Come from Away. River Cafe seems like a great place to unwind.
Thanks for reading – great show and yes the River Cafe is really nice and great views.
New York Is definitely my fav. You should go over to Brooklyn. Brunch is really good over there. Try SOCO for Brunch.
Thanks. The River view cafe is in Brooklyn, right under the Brooklyn Bridge.
First, that cheesecake looks amazing. ” I haven’t heard of that play, it sounds really interesting.
Thanks for reading. Show and dessert were great!
I am loving the pictures especially the food! hehe I really enjoy the ferry rides and with such amazing sightings it sure seems wonderful
Thanks. So much to see in NYC!!
I like the close-up images and the fun, casual vibe of your trip. There’s a sense of fun and intimacy in your post 🙂
Thanks
I mean, i would go to NYC for that Bridge desert alone!
Mike Reid
Thanks for your comment. And I agree. Great dessert!!
We am so sorry for your loss. What an inspiration to get out there and travel! Thank you for sharing. We are headed to New York this fall and we are going for that bridge dessert for sure!
Thanks. Such a great restaurant and that dessert was amazing.