A Perfect Day in the Big Apple

I can't believe it's almost the fall, but that can only mean one thing: School is in session and tourists are about to start descending upon New York in droves. You see, if you live on the east coast, you probably already know that the absolute best time of year to visit these parts is when the weather starts cooling down, the leaves start changing, apple picking is in full swing and street fairs are all the rage.  I still remember way back when during that first week in September when I first met my future husband.  I had just moved into an apartment on Manhattan's upper west side, and my roommate set us up on a blind date.  The moment he walked in the door, I knew he was the one.  He was smart, he was cute, he was funny.  Basically, he was a keeper and we've now been married 13 years and have been making memories ever since.

That very first year when we started dating, I remember how we used to walk hand in hand through the streets of New York City.  I absolutely loved the fall - because every September, there are scores of street fairs throughout Manhattan - selling everything from crafts to cider to antiques, clothes and accessories.  And let's not forget about the week-long San Gennaro Feast down on Mulberry Street in Little Italy, where fried dough with powdered sugar is all the rage.   

If you're a fashionista...hello Project Runway fans, then head on over to Bryant Park for Fashion Week where you're bound to catch a glimpse of your favorite celebrities, models, and top magazine editors as they get the chance to sit front and center while the world's top designers unveil their latest fashion lines. Incidentally, one of the most beautiful public bathrooms is located right in Bryant Park - they've got gorgeous mosaic tiles and fresh flowers that are replaced every day!

If Broadway is more your speed, then hit Ellen's Stardust Diner for lunch where you'll be entertained by singing waiters and waitresses (some of whom have even made it to the Great White Way) and then catch a matinee.  If you get the chance to see a show, here is my must-see list: Jersey Boys (which I just saw on my anniversary and it was amazing), Hairspray, Mamma Mia and In the Heights.  

For those of you visiting New York in time for the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, we highly recommend getting tickets to this one-of-a-kind experience.  We recently got the chance to tour Radio City and learned about the rich history of the theater, plus we even met the Rockettes and caught up with Santa in a golf cart  - and my dad even posed with a Rockette who hailed from New Jersey.  Bottom line - there's a reason the Rockettes have been entertaining audiences for more than 50 years!

Of course, let's not forget the incredible museums, the 42nd Street Library, the South Street Seaport, the Statue of Liberty, the best pizza on the planet (Patsy's is my personal fave) and so many more attractions that make New York one of the most amazing places to visit - whether you're a tourist or a Native New Yorker like me.  Once you get a bite of the Big Apple, you might never want to go home!