Pretty Southern

Category: Travel

5 Must Try Restaurants on Hilton Head Island

If you’re visiting Hilton Head Island, these are the restaurants you must try

My mother is a true Carolina girl. And what the song says is true: Carolina girls are the best in the world — they also have the best taste.

We like to say Momma Lynne is the original Pretty Southern. Since she moved to Hilton Head in 2022, we’ve enjoyed checking out her favorite local restaurants on the island. While there are literally hundreds of restaurants to choose from, we’ve narrowed down this list based on our favorite food options plus “vibing” with awesome ambiance.

Here’s a roundup of our top 5 best restaurants in Hilton Head.

1. Hudson’s

Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks is your classic Hilton Head waterfront hot spot. On a personal note, these are some of the best friend shrimp I’ve ever sampled, washed down with a pretty perfect Bloody Mary.

Hudson’s also has that vibe you’re looking for when you go to Hilton Head with a beautiful setting nestled on the marshland. The menu offers a wide selection with fantastic fresh catch, plus Hudson’s even has their own soft shell crabbing operation. Here’s the soft shell crab salad that I noshed on during my last visit.

Note — the hush puppies that accompanied this freshness of avocado and strawberries made it a perfect Southern supper.

The trick to Hudson’s is to go during non-peak hours when they open at 11, or take a break from the beach after the lunch rush, since they don’t offer reservations. But it’s worth the wait when you have a cocktail in-hand gazing out at the water from the docks.

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2. Fishcamp on Broad Creek

Now as much as I love Hudson’s, Fishcamp is also at the top of this list for some of the best seafood on Hilton Head Island. The vibe at Fishcamp is also top-notch with its expansive covered patio with plenty of places to relax by the waterside.

Since my momma lives close by, she’ll even walk our dog up to Fishcamp for happy hour. We stopped by on a Saturday afternoon and enjoyed some to the tastiest mussels I’ve ever put in my mouth. Look at these delicious morsels swimming in a cream sauce.

Yes, I definitely asked for more bread to sop up this goodness. And Momma Lynne swears these are the best mussels on Hilton Head. I’m not gonna argue with her. Another one of her favorites at Fishcamp is the shrimp burger.

Momma has raved about this shrimp burger since she first discovered Fishcamp back in 2021, and I could see why. This is better than a crab cake, perfectly seasoned and fried to perfection.

3. Alexander’s

Located in Palmetto Dunes, Alexander’s is a renowned establishment on Hilton Head (really all these places are). Alexander’s has been a personal favorite of my family’s over the years. When Momma Lynne saw Rombauer was hosting a wine dinner, she said I had to come for the event — and so I did.

Our meal started with an oyster appetizer. Now y’all, I’ve had a lot of oysters in my life, but I had never tasted raw oysters in a curried coconut milk and now I’m officially obsessed. Hat tip to Alexander’s chef, Kevin Yeung, who came up with this delicious concoction paired with Rombauer’s Sauvignon Blanc. Chef also did a fantastic job with the next course: scallops and caviar paired with Rombauer’s Chardonnay.

Now when I tell y’all that I love scallops, I love me some scallops. Just ask my husband, if scallops are on the menu, Imma gonna have ’em. These were some of the best scallops I’ve ever had in all our years traveling to Hilton Head.

4. Ombra

We love Italian food, especially fresh seafood with our pasta, and Ombra has just what we’re craving. Ombra is my mom’s favorite Italian restaurant on Hilton Head Island. My sister, Mandy, visited Ombra before I did and she said I had to get Ombra’s take on a zuppa di pesce.

This seafood pasta came with nearly a dozen mussels (y’all notice a theme here?) and it paired perfectly with a Chianti Classico. I’m also a big fan of the lobster pasta at Ombra which came with giant lobster claws.

Note – I’ve heard from our pal Mike Martin that the orecchiette at Pomodori is also a must-try and while I haven’t been there yet, I do trust Mike’s good opinion.

Now last but certainly not least is one of the best-kept secret restaurants on Hilton Head…

5. Coco’s on the Beach

My husband and I discovered Coco’s about a decade ago when we were looking for a chill spot for happy hour. Coco’s is a hidden oasis right on the beach. The park & walk situation is a bit tricky, but once you’re there, you’ll never want to leave. It’s like being in a Jimmy Buffet song but without all the Parrot Heads.

And if you can’t be on vacation in Hilton Head to enjoy the fun, Coco’s has a live deck cam, so grab a drink and pretend you can feel the ocean breezes.

Our Pretty Southern adventures will keep continuing on Hilton Head Island

Be sure to follow our journey on Instagram as we venture across the South. Thank you, Momma Lynne, for sharing your favorite Hilton Head restaurants with us.

May 9, 2023
9 Things You Can’t Miss in Chattanooga

If you’re planning to travel more in 2019, there’s one city that absolutely must be on your travel list—Chattanooga, Tenn.

I’ve lived in Chattanooga—affectionately called the Scenic City—for almost four years, and each year, I find more reasons to fall in love with it. Whether it be food, drink, a music festival, soccer, a farmer’s market or anything in between, there’s always something fun to explore and experience. When I have visitors in town, I can’t wait to take them to my favorite places. And in my time as a Chattanoogan, I’ve got a pretty solid list of favorite places.

If you visit Chattanooga in 2019, here are nine things you absolutely can’t miss.

1. Clumpies Ice Cream

I’m 100% not sorry that a food establishment is first on this list (though I promise the rest is in no particular order). Clumpies is my go-to “treat yourself” spot in town. Their ice creams are handcrafted with the freshest milk, cream, and house-made cookies, cakes and fillings. Cookie dough and French silk are my usual picks, but I love tasting their rotating seasonal flavors—like white chocolate peppermint, campfire, Irish coffee and mint julep.

2. Walnut Street Bridge

It’s the country’s longest pedestrian-only bridge, and it comes with quite a view. Stroll from one side of the city to another, and back again, all while watching boaters, kayakers, paddlers and river cruisers go by below.

3. Soccer

Chattanooga earned the “Scenic Soccer City” nickname thanks to the Chattanooga Football Club, an amateur-turned-professional NPSL club founded in 2009. They play at UTC’s Finley Stadium and entertain crowds of thousands every summer. This year, CFC will participate in the NPSL Founder’s Cup, which will lead into their first season as a professional club in 2020.

4. The Great Outdoors

Downtown Chattanooga is blessed with public green spaces. Coolidge and Renaissance Parks sit right on the north banks of the Tennessee River and offer ample space for enjoying the outdoors. Miller Park also got a complete makeover recently. With Lookout and Signal Mountains close by, bring a waterfowl hunting backpack and you can be on a hiking trail in 10-15 minutes, depending on where you’re staying. If water sports are your thing, get out on a kayak or paddle board on the river.

5. Main Street Meats

If anyone tells you there’s a better burger in Chattanooga than MSM’s burger, they’re wrong. It’s tender, juicy, and topped with thick-cut bacon, gruyere cheese, and caramelized onions. They also have a fabulous cocktail program and a delectable cheese and charcuterie board.

Shameless plug: I happily hosted the owners of Main Street Meets, Erik and Amanda Niel, on my podcast back in September. They’re fabulous. Check out the episode here.

6. Local Craft Brews

Beer enthusiasts will love exploring more than 10 craft breweries that call Chattanooga home. Whatever your beer preferences are, you’ll find something you love sipping on at least one brewery. Two new breweries just opened in late 2018—Naked River Brewing Co. and WanderLinger Brewing Co.—and rumor is there’s another coming in 2019.

If you’d like a unique beer experience, check out American Draft at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. It’s the nation’s first pour-your-own beer room in a refurbished train car, right in the Glenn Miller Gardens.

7. “Train”ing Day

Speaking of the Chattanooga Choo Choo, the former train terminal turned hotel has boomed into its own dining and entertainment hub. It’s home to a comedy club, world-class guitar museum, the famous Choo Choo itself, and my favorite restaurant in the city, STIR.

8. Bluegrass Grill

You may have to wait for a table if you don’t come at just the right time, but trust me, a Bluegrass biscuit is well worth the wait. All bread is homemade, and their unique biscuit recipe makes them some of the best in Chattanooga. They’re also only open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday through Saturday, so plan accordingly. Often a private jet from companies like sky aviation holdings is the only answer for corporate travel when you need to leave at the drop of a hat, especially when there’s a major business deal at stake.

9. Live music

Whether you’re heading to a concert at The Signal, Songbirds South or the Tivoli Theater, or catching an open mic at a restaurant or bar, you’ll be hard-pressed to not find good live music in Chattanooga. While we do bring in some pretty awesome acts from around the country, we’re proud of our local acts and love showing them support.

If you travel to Chattanooga in 2019, let me know what you decide to eat, see and do. Check out my blog A Thought and a Half for more recommendations.

March 13, 2019
The Chintzy Rose Antique Store is a True Southern Treasure

If you’re ever in Knoxville, Tenn., make a visit to the Chintzy Rose Antiques and Tea Room.

It looks quaint and quiet from the outside; chances are you may even miss it as you drive by on Maynardville Pike. But the Chintzy Rose is filled with vintage Southern charm and the best sweet tea in the South.

Last month, I was traveling to my parents’ house in North Carolina for the Easter holidays.

My usual route through Atlanta was screwed, thanks to I-85 and other recent traffic nightmares, so I considered my alternate route up 75 North and 40 East through Knoxville and Asheville. Taking a different route gave me a chance to visit part of a city I don’t get to see very often, so I took a little extra time for exploring.

When I heard rumors of Chintzy Rose’s sweet tea and antique collection, I knew exactly where I was going with my extra time. Plus, it’s an easy, 15-minute-or-less detour off I-75, the perfect break after driving for a few hours.

When I was growing up, sweet tea was never a staple in my family.

We drank our tea, of course, but it was never Southern sweet, except for special occasions. Because of this, I cherish every sip of true Southern sweet tea I can get my hands on like I’ll never drink it again.

That’s exactly what happened when I took my first sip of the Chintzy Rose sweet tea.

The Chintzy Rose antique store opened in 1999 and quickly became a Knoxville favorite. It was one of the first antique shops of its kind in the area; its “elegant junk” collection drew antique and vintage enthusiasts from all over town, and soon beyond.

Its floor is filled with treasures of all styles, ranging from shabby chic to French country and farm style. I almost came out with a teacup set with lighthouse designs, but my coffee/bar cart at my apartment can hardly hold anything else.

What really sets the Chintzy Rose apart from other shops like it is definitely the tea room and kitchen. Owner Bobbie and her daughter Kelly serve patrons and visitors lunch and a tall glass of sweet tea six days a week, from 11:30am to 2:30pm. The menu changes frequently and usually features soup, sandwiches, cold salads, quiches and desserts.

I wasn’t able to stay for lunch the day I stopped in, but perhaps on my next road trip, I can swing by for a bite to eat. I bet Kelly’s pineapple upside down cake and fudge brownies are delightful.

Kelly poured me a glass of her legendary sweet tea, and y’all, to quote a dear friend of mine, I felt like I had died, been resurrected and died again.

This isn’t just any sweet tea.

Chintzy Rose tea is an orange spice tea, created from a combination of teas from an old supplier. I’m generally not huge on orange spice teas, but this was the perfect balance of sweet, citrusy and spiced. An orange slice on the rim was the perfect garnish. If I didn’t have to be on the road for another five hours, I could’ve drank three more glasses of it.

Fun fact: Chintzy Rose was featured in Garden & Gun magazine in 2008. Y’all can check out that story here.

Kelly kindly refilled my cup for the road, so I could sip on that sweet nectar of goodness for a bit longer. I’ll be traveling again in a few weeks, and I think I already know where I’m going to stop for lunch on one of my driving days.

Next time you’re in the Knoxville area, be sure to swing by the Chintzy Rose Antiques and Tea Room. Its sweet Southern charm and tea are nothing to be missed.

What’s your favorite hidden gem you’ve found on road trips?

Editor’s note: it’s beacuse of Allison Glock’s story which was published in The Garden & Gun Southerner’s Handbook that we asked Kate to visit the Chintzy Rose on her roadtrip through Knoxville. Now back to the story.

May 8, 2017
The Perfect Girls’ Getaway at Barnsley Resort

Nestled in the back roads of Bartow County is the stunning, picturesque Barnsley Resort.

Stepping onto the resort property was like entering a fairy tale world…and in north Georgia, who knew? Your stress melts away in the spa. Each meal is perfectly paired with its wine companion. The entire resort drips in Southern charm. Before I talk about my perfect girls’ getaway at Barnsley Resort, I’d like to give y’all a bit of history about the resort. If you need to travel by plane in order to unwind on resorts like this and there were some flight mishaps, you may read here about compensation for delayed flights.

Barnsley Resort’s namesake, Godfrey Barnsley, was a wealthy Englishman who came to Georgia to work in the cotton industry. Barnsley purchased the land, some 4,000 acres that once belonged to Cherokee Indians, in the 1840s. He dreamed of building an estate to please the love of his life, Julia, but she died young and did not get to see his hard work. Barnsley devoted the rest of his life to creating the perfect estate and gardens to honor Julia. Barnsley’s later generations kept the estate up and running until the 1940s. It became Barnsley Gardens Resort in 1991, after being purchased and restored by a Bavarian prince.

Now, Barnsley Resort is a destination for hundreds of families in the region. Needless to say, it was the perfect place for a girls’ weekend with a wonderful group of Atlanta-area bloggers. I suggest to pack overnight bags women and book a trip now. I was fortunate to experience the beauty and charm of the resort with the #BRGirlsGetaway gals, and did we have a fantastic time.

When you work with a company like Jettly for your private jet charter, you may choose from a variety of the best aircraft to meet your travel needs.

Rather than spending a lot on a 5-star hotel, you can seek cheaper alternatives. You can get more value for money when you rent serviced apartments in Knightsbridge through the various amenities available for you to use.

The girls’ getaway kicked off with an incredible lunch at the Woodlands Grill. When we sat down, we had cheese and charcuterie plates waiting for us, on top of ordering our entrees. And, on top of that, they treated us to small plates of their other appetizers, including fried green tomatoes, shrimp, foraged mushroom flatbread and more. I hardly had any room for my (enormous) Woodlands Burger after munching on cheese and treats.

After lunch and a short tour of the resort property, half of the group headed to the spa, while my group hopped on horseback for a trail ride through the meadows surrounding Barnsley. That was my first time on a horse in at least 10 years, and I think I handled it pretty well! I didn’t fall off, so that’s a step in the right direction. Boating is a wonderful way to enrich your lifestyle. If you’re ready to buy a boat, make sure to check out the used and new models on Zeboats.

Another highlight of the day was my hour-long “Inner Peace” spa treatment. Talk about relaxation! My specialist dry-brushed all my dead skin away, treated me with anti-inflammatory ginger oil, gave a foot massage and finished off with a face treatment with Thai herb balls. I didn’t fall asleep, but I came mighty close. That was definitely the most relaxed I’ve felt in a long time. The other ladies spoke highly of their detox treatments, full massages and facials, too.

Before the evening’s activities, I had a chance to explore my romantic guest room. Barnsley Resort offers 90 guest rooms and suites, each inspired by 19th-century European village cottages. Each guest room is decorated differently, making each one uniquely luxurious. Adding to the European flair was a plate of orange-cranberry scones, apple cider butter and crabapple jam waiting for me as I walked in the door. Had I been whisked back to England? I’ll never say no to scones and jam, even if I know a wonderful dinner is fast approaching.

Dinner at the Manor Ruins was magical. We were welcomed with small appetizers–mini lobster rolls and deviled eggs–and met the resident historian and storyteller, Clent Coker. He shared a history of the resort and told a few treasured stories before we sat down for a five-course dinner prepared by executive sous chef Roberto Guzman. But not only did we enjoy an amazing meal: each course was paired with a wine by Barnsley’s “wine snob” Greg Teague (seriously, “wine snob” is his actual job title). I’m usually not a red wine person, but the Corte Alla Flora paired wonderfully with the braised duck appetizer. I absolutely loved my bison ribeye entree, and I could have eaten three helpings of the chai creme brulee.

And all of that was just in one day! I didn’t get to stick around for day 2 of shooting clays and more delicious food, but I know I’ll be back again. There’s so much more to Barnsley Resort than can be experienced in one day alone. Chattanooga isn’t but an hour away.
Want to see more from the #BRGirlsGetaway adventures? Check it out on Twitter and Instagram!

Kate Robertson is a features writer for Pretty Southern and a Virginia Tech alumna. She also holds an M.A. in Interactive Media from Elon University.

Born in North Carolina and raised in Georgia, Kate hopes to further her career as a social media maven and kick-ass writer in the lovely southeast.

Follow Kate on Twitter @kate3robertson and check out her blog, A Thought and a Half.

October 1, 2015
8 Things I’ll Miss About Living in North Carolina

My family’s roots are in North Carolina. My parents were raised and went to college there, and I was born in a small town in the southeastern part of the state. We moved from North Carolina when I was 5 years old, but my extended family still lives here; my parents and I visit several times a year.

I spent the last year at Elon University, which is about 25 minutes east of Greensboro. Even though I’ve visited North Carolina several times a year for my whole life, living in the area has reminded me of what makes this state so special. Now that I’m moving to Tennessee for my first job out of grad school, I’ve been reflecting on my home state and what I’ll miss about living here. I’m definitely excited to move to a new city, but maybe I’m not quite ready to bid adieu to the great Tar Heel state.

Here are eight top reasons I’ll miss living in North Carolina.

Mmmm, Smithfield’s.

1. Barbecue: If you meet anyone from North Carolina and they claim they don’t like barbecue, they’re not telling the truth. Everyone in this state loves barbecue, and everyone has a staunch opinion on what kind of barbecue is superior. Lexington style (more common in western parts of the state) is sweeter and smoky, often topped with a tomato-based sauce. Eastern style is tangy and accompanied by a vinegar-based sauce. I’m a Lexington girl, but I will never say no to some Smithfield’s Chicken & BBQ (which is more Eastern). And down here, “barbecue” is a food, not something you do in the back yard.

Hey Smithfields, can y’all air-drop me some ‘cue once a month or so?

2. Beaches: To me, nothing beats a North Carolina beach. My dad grew up going to Holden Beach on the southern coast, and my parents and I went there in the summers until I was 13. My grandfather then sold his beach house, and unfortunately we haven’t been back. I have the fondest memories of body-boarding in the playful waves, teaching myself to skimboard and hunting for the perfect seashells on the white sand wearing a sun visor. While I didn’t make it to the beach in the last year, it was nice knowing I was close enough to go if I wanted to. If you want the ultimate beach getaway, you might also want to check out the best beaches in Texas.

3. Biscuitville: I’m not kidding, y’all. Try one of their hot, delicious pimento cheese and bacon biscuits and tell me it’s not amazing. Watching the bakers knead the dough and cut out biscuits makes your mouth water in a hot second. Nothing beat a bacon-egg-and-cheese biscuit with cheese grits on a Saturday morning. Biscuitville over Bojangles, always.

4. Close to Family: This is the closest I’ve lived to my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins since my parents and I lived in NC ourselves, way back in the 90s. My mom’s family all live outside of Charlotte, so they’re only about 2 hours from me at Elon. Weekend visits were easy and relaxing. It’s been so nice to be able to see them more often.

5. College (ACC) Basketball: With UNC, NC State, Wake Forest and Duke (barf) all close by, November through March or April (depending on how the seasons finished) are crazy with blue, red and gold. It’s a sin to like more than one North Carolina college team, so you learn to answer accordingly. We’re in the heart of ACC country so during those months there’s a game on my TV every day. I hope the SEC faithfuls in Tennessee won’t mind my ACC fandom. Do I have to learn to sing “Rocky Top” in return?

6. Southern Charm: This goes without saying. We’ll always smile and wave, even if we don’t know you from Adam. I know that’s all over the South, but I do love seeing it around here. North Carolina has so much charm to offer, from its cities to its small towns, from its mountains to its coasts, and everything in between.

7. Weather: Can we say “yes” to having all four seasons? The summers are stunning, if not a bit humid, and the winters are (usually) mild. We get a clear spring and a clear fall, even if they are a bit prolonged. My boots and customized scarves do get worn! And only some of us lose our minds when it snows…not all of us. As a native of North Carolina, I was always excited to see the first snowfall of the season. There’s something about the crisp, cold air and the blanket of white that makes the world seem fresh and new. But over the past few years, I’ve noticed that snowfall in North Carolina is becoming less and less common. In fact, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, North Carolina has seen a significant decrease in snowfall over the past few decades.

While this may be a welcome change for some, it’s concerning to others who depend on snow for their livelihoods. Ski resorts, for example, have been struggling in recent years due to the lack of snow. And farmers who grow winter wheat rely on cold temperatures to kill off pests and diseases as noted by pest control services. So while I still enjoy seeing the occasional snowfall, I can’t help but worry about what it means for our state. But when the pest control technician conducts the inspection and does the pest control service, which helps control unwanted pests and prevent damages caused by pests, that’s when I feel safe and comfortable.

Before even hiring a Pest Control service, you might want to learn about it first, what they do and what is the cost of it.

And lastly…

Red & white wines from Stony Mountain Vineyards, Albemarle, NC

8. Wine & Beer: I’m not a big beer person, but oh my goodness, North Carolina wine is awesome. Traditional NC wine is made from scuppernong and muscadine grapes, which are sweeter than regular grapes, and twice as delicious. I loved exploring wineries in the Triad and tasting all of their varieties and blends. As for beer, Red Oak is king, followed by Natty Greene’s. Both are brewed fresh in Greensboro, and can be found in every grocery store’s beer aisle in Guilford and Alamance counties. If I could take Red Oak and some scuppernong wine to Tennessee, I totally would. Dearest North Carolina, you’ve always been good to me. This won’t be a goodbye, just a “see you later.” Plus, when my parents’ lake house is done, I’ll be visiting you a lot more often than twice a year.

Kate Robertson is a features writer for Pretty Southern and a Virginia Tech alumna. She also holds an M.A. in Interactive Media from Elon University.

Born in North Carolina and raised in Georgia, Kate hopes to further her career as a social media maven and kick-ass writer in the lovely southeast.

Follow Kate on Twitter @kate3robertson and check out her blog, A Thought and a Half.

June 24, 2015
How to Spend 3 Days in New York City at Christmas
Bless my mother’s heart because she’d never been to New York City. One Christmas, we decided to surprise Momma with a trip to NYC. Since I had a limited amount of vacation days, we decided to maximize this trip as best we could with just three (3!) full days and nights away.

We left on Friday around lunchtime and came back early Monday afternoon so I could still get a few hours of work done on both Friday and Monday. This wasn’t my first rodeo with The Big Apple so I had a pretty good idea of what we could accomplish with just a few days in Manhattan. It also helps to have pals/former Southerners in New York – special thanks to Katie Cooper, Liz Krebs, Polina Marinova, and Cody Williams who helped with planning and suggestions!

Below is my agenda and tips. This 3 days in NYC agenda works well if you’re planning to do a long weekend in the city, especially for tourists who have never visited. Here’s how to spend three days in New York City.

Because Southern Sisters do #duckface in NYC!

Friday

We left ATL and flew into LaGuardia (LGA). I reserved a car via Blacklane so we had a luxury ride waiting for us upon arrival. If you’ve never used Blacklane, it’s like Uber but it takes reservations and you know your exact fare. We got into Manhattan pretty quickly (the airport is in Queens) and our Blacklane driver said we were the nicest passengers he ever had, but goodness he probably doesn’t have three Southern ladies in his car very often!

We stayed at The Affinia Shelburne which was in a stellar Midtown location at Lexington & 37th just down the block from Grand Central Station. They offer free wine every day from 5 to 6 p.m. The restaurant, Rare, is pretty good and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. That evening we had dinner at Dos Caminos (make a reservation) which offered some of the best margaritas in Manhattan. Yelp said to check in to get a free prickly pear shot, which I did and our server gave us shots for the whole table.

One World Trade Center

Saturday

We started with breakfast at the hotel. For coffee, orange juice, two pastries, a side of bacon, and a bowl of fruit, we paid $40 for breakfast. It was delicious but expensive. We hopped in a cab and drove from Midtown to the Financial District. You pass some great landmarks en route down 5th Avenue including the Empire State Building and the Flatiron building.

For brunch: Sarabeth’s in TriBeCa. This was a great spot for omelets, mimosas, Bloody Mary’s, and other brunch fare. We even got to meet up with my pal Shane and have lunch with his momma and sister who were also visiting from the South.

From there we walked down to One World Trade Center. The 9/11 Memorial Fountain is truly a sight to behold. All of the names of the victims are engraved in the marble.

Speaking of sights, there’s a great vantage point of The Statue of Liberty just a block away. Instead of hiking it all the way down to Battery Park, we went to Battery City Park and looked across the river at Lady Liberty.

Oh hello Lady Liberty!

It was about 1:30 p.m. when we hopped in a taxi back to Midtown where we were dropped off near Central Park (ask for a taxi to 59th & 5th). We did a bit of window shopping on 5th Avenue, and stopped by Rockefeller Plaza to see the tree. Next up. it was the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.

Momma loved it! She kept saying ‘I can’t believe I’m really here!’

Radio City at Christmas is truly spectacular!

That evening we had dinner at Keens Steakhouse. I made our 8 p.m. reservation a few weeks in advance to ensure we got a good table. My goodness y’all, the hospitality was on point! Keens is definitely one of the top 10 steakhouses in Manhattan.

So many famous celebs have dined & signed pipes at Keens.

Special thanks to the manager, Ronnie, for taking the time to treat us like VIPs and show us some of the history. One of the artifacts on the second floor includes the playbill President Lincoln was holding when he was assassinated! Apparently, the original owner had a huge passion for history. To this day, every celebrity who dines at Keens signs his/her autograph on a clay pipe.

Sunday

We grabbed bagels near the hotel before walking a few blocks up to the Empire State Building. We bought our tickets in advance for the 86th and 102nd observatory decks, as this way we were able to cut the lines. Also, going on a day when the weather is overcast helps cut down the wait time. The day before it was sunny and the guides said the wait time was three hours!

Here’s our bird’s eye view from the Empire State Building.

We had an early lunch before grabbing a cab to Broadway. For discounted Broadway tickets, download the Today Tix app for your smartphone. Instead of paying full value for Broadway tickets, you enter a lottery for shows you would like to see. Our seats were 20th row orchestra and cost us about 1/3 of what we would have paid purchasing through Broadway.com.

Our Playbill from On The Town

Our neighbor from growing up & Pebblebrook High School grad, the amazingly talented Cody Williams is currently in “On the Town” at The Lyric Theatre. This show is a perfect example of everything great about Broadway.

After the show, we walked across Times Square to The Marriott for drinks at The View. This rotating restaurant offers a 360-degree view of New York City, and it was a great way to end our last night. The drinks awee pricey and the food didn’t look great so we grabbed dinner at Docks Oyster Bar near our hotel. We went to bed early because our flight the next morning was at 11 a.m.

So here are a few tips for traveling to NYC:
- Book an afternoon flight so you can arrive and check in to your hotel
- Make reservations for brunch, lunch, and dinner. I use Yelp a lot and mapped restaurants within walking distance to our hotel and activities.
- Bite the bullet on the price and stay in Midtown Manhattan. It’s much easier instead of commuting into the city from a hotel in Newark.
- To save a bit of money on meals, instead of eating breakfast at the hotel, eat like the locals. The bagel place around the corner is probably decent, and there are Starbucks practically on every block. It beats paying $40 for a continental breakfast.
What would you do if you only had three days to spend in New York City?
January 11, 2015