We are well and truly back from NYC now, and having had the most marvellous time I wanted to share five of our favourite things…

This is the not the post to read if you want to find out all the hot touristy things to do in NYC – this is the post to read if you want to dig a little deeper and find out some of the other, less well known things that happen around the place.

1. Governor’s Island

Governor’s Island is one of the many public spaces around NYC. The Island is only open on the weekends and public holidays through summer and can be reached via a free ferry off the south of Manhattan.

It’s full of live music, amazing festivals and stunning views and best of all..it’s free to get there. Pack your own picnic, or buy food there – it’s a great way to spend a day in NYC!

 

 

2. Williamsburg on a weekend

Gosh I wish we could be heading off to Williamsburg today…

Williamsburg is over in Brooklyn and there are just so many wonderful things to do there on a weekend! The streets are turned into mini-parks, there’s live music, flea markets and food stalls. It’s beautiful, relaxing and totally hipster(!)

3. Washington Square

Washington Square was a couple of blocks from our apartment and so we often found ourselves strolling down there, past The Epicurean deli where we would grab some bagels, fresh fruit and hot/cold brown drinks (I think the Americans call it coffee?!?) and starting the day in the quiet beauty. Come late afternoon Washington Square is a great place to take the kids for a cool down in the fountain…

On the weekends, this man brings a piano down into the square where it is played for hours…it’s quite magical. The square also seems to have a different fair happening each weekend with yummy food and amazing exhibitions/stands/presentations.

 

4. The Moth: True Stories Told Live

This was at the top of The Architect’s NYC wish list and I’m so glad he was in the know about it! The Moth is live storytelling that is also recorded and turned into a podcast – one The Architect listens to regularly. There’s nothing you can’t love about this! Basically a group of people show up ready to tell their story – they have a max of 5 minutes to do this. Throughout the night names are drawn from a bag and those who get called, get a chance to tell their story.  Those of us who aren’t so much into storytelling, just get to sit back and enjoy – and wow, the stories are really amazing. The story tellers are judged, a winner declared and the winner then goes on to a final round on another night. The Moth happens all around America, not just in NYC so it’s worth checking out the website if you are planning a trip to the states..and if you’re not, just get the podcast!

 

5. Peanut butter milkshakes at The Bowery Diner.

Have you had a peanut butter milkshake before? Have you even heard of such a thing? We hadn’t before NYC but I’ve got to say…they really are as good as they sound! (unless you have a peanut allergy of course, and then they probably don’t sound very good…)

The Bowery is an old-fashioned diner that made us feel like we were eating in the diner from Grease…this was very cool for The Architect and I and just another of the (pop) cultural references that went straight over the kids heads!

 

But seriously…peanut butter milkshakes are AWESOME!

 

 Have you been to New York? What was your favourite “off the beaten track” experience?