Portland, Oregon, has become renowned in recent years for its vibrant food scene, offering a plethora of dining options that cater to every palate. In fact, Portland – AKA the City of Roses – has been called the “Best Food City” in America by The Washington Post and the “foodie (and drinkie) capital of America by The Telegraph.
During my recent visit, I had the chance to explore some of the most fun Portland restaurants, each providing a unique and memorable foodie experience. Here’s a guide to the best spots I discovered, perfect for food lovers looking to savor the flavors of this eclectic city.
First up – Cartopia – A Food Cart Haven
One of my first culinary stops was Cartopia, an outdoor food stall area that perfectly embodies the spirit of fun Portland restaurants. Cartopia features a variety of food stalls offering a diverse range of cuisines. Whether you’re in the mood for Egyptian Mediterranean, pad Thai, or classic burgers, Cartopia has something for everyone. I opted for the Egyptian food and it was yummy! A bit of spice, but not too much.
The outdoor setting, complete with picnic tables and a lively atmosphere, makes it an ideal spot for group gatherings. I met up with other conference attendees here, and we enjoyed an al fresco dinner with everyone ordering different dishes from the various stalls. The flexibility and variety make Cartopia a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the fun and eclectic dining options Portland is known for.
Cuon – The Best Vietnamese Food in Portland?
No visit to Portland would be complete without trying some of the best Vietnamese food Portland has to offer. Cuon, a small and unassuming Vietnamese restaurant, came highly recommended by a couple of locals I met. And when I say locals, I mean creators who are fully immersed into the foodie scene of Portland and know what’s good. One of them might have even old me this place serves “the best banh mi sandwich I’ve ever had” so I had to give it a go.
The banh mi was fantastic. It was a perfect blend of flavors, good ratio of bread to meat and a hint of sweet but not too much. It had fresh ingredients and a satisfying crunch. The restaurant also offers delicious noodle bowls and rice dishes, but for me the banh mi that truly stole the show. 10/10.
Lil’ Shalom – Mediterranean Delights
Another standout among the fun Portland restaurants I visited was Lil’ Shalom, conveniently located within walking distance of the Hyatt Centric where I stayed (for more info on this cool hotel in Portland, check out this post). Specializing in Mediterranean cuisine, Lil’ Shalom offers a variety of dishes that are both flavorful and satisfying.
I tried the burnt beef ends, served with hummus, pita, jalapenos, and cilantro. The combination was simply divine, especially with a squeeze of fresh lemon to enhance the flavors. The relaxed atmosphere and delicious food make Lil’ Shalom a great spot for a casual meal. it’s small inside so be prepared for that.
Apizza Scholls – A Slice of Portland’s Pizza Scene
For pizza lovers, Apizza Scholls is a must-visit. This restaurant gained fame when Anthony Bourdain visited, and it continues to be a favorite among locals and visitors alike. As part of a large group, we ordered several pizzas to share, each one a little different, so we could try a variety. The truffle one was my favorite! Anthony Bourdain was known to have a clam pie when he ate here, but sadly that one wasn’t on the menu anymore.
The lively atmosphere and excellent service made our dining experience at Apizza Scholls truly enjoyable. It’s easy to see why this place is considered one of the top fun Portland restaurants. The pizza, with its perfect crust and innovative toppings, is a testament to Portland’s culinary creativity.
More Fun Portland Restaurants to Explore
Portland is home to countless other fun restaurants that I didn’t get a chance to visit this time. However, based on recommendations from locals and fellow food enthusiasts, here are a few more spots worth checking out:
- Salt & Straw: An ice cream shop with inventive flavors that will delight your taste buds. They have locations all over but started in PDX!
- Bernstein’s Bagels – a great breakfast sandwich spot
- Cocktails – Pacific Standard PDX
- Mexican Food – Que Pasa Cantina
- Burgers – Joe’s Burgers
Why Portland’s Food Scene Stands Out
What makes Portland’s food scene truly special is its diversity and the creativity of its chefs. From fun Portland restaurants like Apizza Scholls to hidden gems like Cuon, the city offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of street food, fine dining, or anything in between, Portland’s restaurants will not disappoint.
The city’s vibrant food culture is also a reflection of its community spirit. Many of the restaurants I visited are locally owned and operated, and there’s a strong emphasis on using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This commitment to quality and sustainability is part of what makes dining in Portland such a unique experience.
Final Thoughts
Exploring these fun Portland restaurants was one of the highlights of my trip. Each dining experience offered something different, from the bustling atmosphere of Cartopia to the delicious banh mi at Cuon and the mouthwatering pizzas at Apizza Scholls. Portland’s food scene is dynamic, diverse, and incredibly fun, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers.
If you’re planning a trip to Portland, make sure to include these fun Portland restaurants in your itinerary, and let me know if you have any other must-eat restaurants in Portland!
Portland, Oregon, is a city known for its eclectic culture, vibrant arts scene, and delicious food. When planning a trip to Portland, finding the right place to stay can make all the difference. On my recent visit, I had the pleasure of staying at the Hyatt Centric Portland, a cool hotel in Portland, Oregon, that offered both convenience and comfort. Here’s a detailed look at why the Hyatt Centric should be a top choice when visiting Portland.
Getting to Portland and Choosing the Right Hotel
I flew into Portland on American Airlines, using my Capital One $300 Travel Credit to book my flights through the Capital One travel portal. This is a great use of the travel credit as it covered most of the cost of my flight. Upon arrival, I took a Lyft from the airport to downtown Portland, which took about half an hour. As I arrived at the Hyatt Centric, I was immediately struck by its prime location and stylish design, confirming that this was indeed a cool hotel in Portland, Oregon.
Location, Location, Location
The Hyatt Centric is ideally situated in the heart of downtown Portland. This cool hotel in Portland, Oregon is super walkable to a bunch of restaurants and I never felt unsafe, even as a female traveling alone. It’s proximity to the convention center and downtown makes it a perfect base for exploring the city. Whether you’re visiting for a conference, as I was, or just for leisure, you’ll find the location unbeatable.
Checking In and First Impressions
Checking into the Hyatt Centric was quick and easy. The staff were friendly and I was pleased to find that I had been given an upgraded room. The hotel’s décor is modern and chic, with an industrial vibe that includes concrete floors and ceilings, and funky artwork adorning the walls. It’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into making this a funky and cool hotel in Portland, Oregon.
Room Comfort and Amenities
My room at the Hyatt Centric was both artsy and comfortable. Although my initial room was right in front of the elevator, I requested a change for more privacy and quiet, and the staff were more than happy to accommodate. The new room, while not having a view, was cozy and well-appointed, with all the amenities you’d expect – mini fridge, coffee, iron, hair dryer, etc.
The Hyatt Centric also features a decent restaurant on the ground floor, offering breakfast, coffee, and evening meals. The food was delicious, and the convenience of having a good restaurant in the hotel was a huge plus, especially after a long day of conference-ing.
Exploring Portland from the Hyatt Centric
Staying at the Hyatt Centric made it easy to explore the best of what Portland has to offer. I had a phenomenal banh mi sandwich, pizza from the restaurant Anthony Bourdain visited when he filmed in Portland, and a few others. For all the details on the restaurants I ate at, check out this post.
It’s worth noting that there is a hotel right next to the Convention Center that would be the easiest if you’re attending a conference and that is the Hyatt Regency Portland. Both hotels can be booked using points – the Hyatt Centric is a Category 2 and can be booked for around 8,000 points a night and the Hyatt Regency is a Category 3, starting at 12,000 points a night.
Why the Hyatt Centric Stands Out
What makes the Hyatt Centric a particularly cool hotel in Portland, Oregon, is its combination of stylish design, excellent location, and top-notch service. It’s perfect for solo travelers, couples, and business visitors. However, it’s worth noting that the rooms might be a bit small for families with multiple kids. For larger families, considering other Hyatt properties like the Hyatt House or the Hyatt Regency might be a better option.
The hotel’s proximity to public transportation also makes it easy to get around. While I mostly used Lyft for convenience, Portland’s public transportation system is decent, with options like the train system that can take you to various parts of the city. I only took it once, but it was very easy to use. The Hyatt Centric Portland hotel is also only an 8-10 minute Lyft or car ride to the Convention Center.
Final Thoughts
My stay at the Hyatt Centric was a fantastic experience, reaffirming its status as a cool hotel in Portland, Oregon. The combination of stylish accommodations, excellent service, and a prime location made it the perfect base for my trip. Whether you’re in town for business or leisure, the Hyatt Centric offers everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
If you’re planning a trip to Portland and looking for a cool hotel in Portland, Oregon, the Hyatt Centric should be at the top of your list. With its modern design, convenient location, and good amenities, it’s the perfect place to experience all that Portland has to offer.
Our family of 5 visited Maui in March of 2023. Unfortunately, in early August 2023, a series of wildfires broke out on the island of Maui causing widespread damage, killing at least 100 people and leaving four persons missing in the town of Lahaina on Maui’s northwest coast.
In October 2023 Maui reopened to tourists, and with an economy heavily dependent on tourism, I’ll now be sharing the details about our trip, while updating as best I can what is currently open/closed.
Best flights to Hawaii with Kids
As per usual, we flew on Southwest using our Southwest Rapid Rewards points and our two Companion Passes. You can read more about how to earn a SW companion pass (or two) in this post. There are a lot of flights from the west coast to Hawaii across most airlines, and we’ve also flown Hawaiian Airlines and had an excellent experience.
Best Hotels in Maui with Kids
We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa. As a heads up, even at 10pm it took us about an hour to get from the airport to the hotel. The resort, which opened its doors again on November 1, 2023 after housing displaced locals after the fires, has an amazing open air lobby (there are no doors!) and an incredible ocean view. To book on points, room rates range from 25-35K Ultimate Rewards points a night and we snagged a room with a partial ocean view and balcony.
Although we decided against the luau due to its steep price ($210 for an adult!), the breakfast buffet was one of the best we’ve ever had. It had an amazing array of choices, with the chia pudding and the fresh lychee being the standouts for me. The resort also offers scuba classes and a stargazing tour, “Tour of the Stars,” which became one of our favorite activities, offering us the ability to see stars not visible from the continental United States.
The resort is perfect for families, offering fantastic pools that cater to all ages – there is a kids pool, plus an adult pool but unfortunately the Grotto that connects both of them has since been closed for structural issues with no plans to reopen it.
They served this drink at the pool that was made from the purple sweet potato Ube (it was called Ube-bay, like oooh baybay), and it was delicious. The hotel also has penguins that live in its lobby along with koi fish, and every morning at 9am you can join them for feeding time. This definitely added a unique touch to our stay.
Best Things to do in Maui with Kids
Our Maui adventure wasn’t confined to the resort and we actually got to see quite a bit of the island’s natural beauty and culture through various activities:
Jungle Zipline: An exhilarating zipline experience through the treetops of Maui, and we were able to bring our 9 year old son to zipline with us! The little two stayed behind with grandma and grandpa.
Whale Watching Tour with Makai Adventures: They unfortunately lost their flagship boat during the fires but have since purchased a new one and are up and running for business. This tour was incredible, the boat is small with a max occupancy of 20 people, and we saw so. many. whales. The guides were very knowledgeable and also showed real care for the whales themselves, and it was one of my favorite things on our entire trip.
Surfing Goat Dairy: A quirky and delightful tour in Kula, where you can even milk goats during an evening tour. We did a goat cheese tasting, fed the goats, and since Kula is more inland and up in the mountains we got to experience incredible Maui views from a new vantage point.
Kapalua Bay Beach: Perfect for the kids with calm waters and the opportunity to hike the Kapalua Coastal Trail. We rented an umbrella and some beach chairs along with snorkeling equipment. Snorkeling here was magical; we saw a ton of brightly colored fish and several sea turtles up close.
Tour of the Stars (at the Hyatt Regency Maui): I know I mentioned this above, but we really enjoyed it and thought it was worth a bit more info. This activity does cost extra (I think it was around $40-50 for adults?) – you meet in the hotel lobby and then are led up the stairs to the roof of the hotel where a former NASA scientist has these incredible telescopes set up to view different constellations around the night sky. He was incredibly informative, and you can ask any questions you’d like.
The Road to Hana with Kids
If I’m being perfectly honest, I don’t think I would do the Road to Hana again with younger kids. It is a beautiful drive and there are a lot of cool stops and things to see, but younger kids often don’t appreciate stuff like pretty scenery or lava tubes, ya know? Plus the roads are very windy, and our kids don’t get carsick often but two of them were pretty nauseous by the time we headed back. If you do want to go and bring your kids, here are my tips:
- Plan to leave early. Just the beginning of the Road to Hana was already a full hour from our hotel.
- Download the Shaka Guide and pay the $20 or whatever it is for the guide – it’s GPS enabled and it’s amazing for understanding what you’re seeing and knowing where to stop. We would have absolutely missed the entrance to the Lava Tube without it!
- Bring a lot of snacks and activities for the kids to do in the car because you’ll be spending most of the day in there.
- Bring Kids Dramamine and also the kids nausea bracelets.
- Stop and get some banana bread – there’s a bunch of places to get it along the way
- Get out and hike once or twice to break up the day. We hiked at Twin Falls (2nd stop, but we did it on the way back). As a heads up, it was described as a “short hike” to the waterfalls (which are small) but I felt like it was a fairly long walk. Potentially because our 6 year old cried the entire way.
- Make a reservation for the Black Sand beach – we did not do this and were unable to enter.
- If you’d prefer to take it slow, staying a night or two at the Hyatt in Hana might be a good way to break up the drive a bit.
While we didn’t make it all the way to the Seven Sacred Pools (we got a later start and the kids were over it) we did really enjoy all the scenery along the way. It is beautiful, and yes the roads are windy and tight in spots. If you’re a beginner driver, this might not be for you. At one point I could put my hand out the car window and touch the wet moss on the side of a ravine.
Best Restaurants in Maui with Kids
These are the places we ate and enjoyed. We never felt out of place with our kids, although if you’re aiming for more upscale places, or want a confirmed table if you have a larger party, I would highly recommend making reservations several weeks to even months out for some places. Mama’s Fish House was highly recommend but they book up months in advance so we weren’t able to get in.
- Kihei Caffe Lahaina – incredible breakfast, we came here multiple times
- Leilani’s on the Beach – great for a casual dinner right on the water. Outside seating only.
- Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop – excellent sandwiches (they’re huge) and yummy pies! Great stop for lunch after leaving Kula and heading back into Lahaina.
- Down the Hatch – TEMP CLOSED – Excellent seafood, we also came here multiple times – the Lava Lava Shrimp is incredible.
- Paia Fish Market – TEMP CLOSED – fish and chips
- Ululani’s Shaved Ice – TEMP CLOSED – best shaved ice we’ve ever had, we came here 3 or 4 times during our week trip!
- 808 Grindz – TEMP CLOSED – delicious home cooked breakfast, ran by a family, be prepared to wait (but worth it)
If you’re looking for information on what is open since the fires, I have found this website to be a good resource.
As Maui rebuilds, the spirit of Aloha has never been more important. Visitors are encouraged to extend grace and support to the local communities, contributing to the island’s recovery through mindful tourism.
Mahalo.
The Southwest Companion Pass is a game changer for bigger families and it’s how we’ve been able to take our family of 5 on trips to places like Maui, Washington DC, Costa Rica and Kauai. We’ve also been able to take a few kid-free weekend getaways to places like San Francisco and NYC, and that’s just in the last year!
What is the Southwest Companion Pass?
The Southwest Companion Pass allows you to choose one person to fly with you, free of airline charges. You still pay taxes, which for domestic flights are $5.60 per leg, but you can use the pass unlimited times whenever you purchase or redeem points for a flight as long as there is a seat available on that flight. There are no blackout dates.
To earn the companion pass, you can either fly 100 qualifying one-way flights or earn 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. Once you earn the pass, you’ll have it for the remainder of the year in which you earned it, plus the following full calendar year. You can also change your companion up to three times per calendar year.
How to earn the Southwest Companion Pass (or two of them)
I can assure you that we did not fly 100 flights – instead, we each opened 2 Southwest credit cards and the signup bonuses were enough for us to each earn a Companion Pass. In my opinion, this is what makes Southwest the most affordable airline for us. If we only had one, it just wouldn’t be as beneficial. Then, we each designate one of our children as our companion. When we go away for a long weekend just the two of us, one of us calls Southwest to change our companion to the other and voila – 2 flights for the price of one.
How to maximize the Southwest Companion Pass:
If you want to really maximize the pass and get the most out of it (aka have it for the longest amount of time) then the best time to start opening the cards is going to be end of October or anytime in November of any calendar year. This table shows the exact cards we opened, the exact dates we opened them, and the amount of bonus points we got for each:
| Player | Card Opened Date | Cards Opened | Sign up Bonus | Points Earned with dates |
| Raya | October 14, 2022 | Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business card | 80,000 points | January 2023 |
| Raya | December 1, 2022 | Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card | 50,000 points | January 2023 |
| Duane | November 1, 2022 | Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business | 80,000 points | February 2023 |
| Duane | January 20, 2023 | Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus card | 50,000 points | February 2023 |
I earned my Companion Pass January 18, 2023 and Duane earned his in February. We used them to take our family of 5 to Maui in March!
If you notice in the table above, we made sure to earn all of our points in Jan/Feb of 2023. This is very important because all 130,000 points need to be earned in the same calendar year in order to achieve the companion pass. I cannot stress this enough, and every year so many people make the mistake of earning their sign up bonuses too soon.
One other thing to note – all the credit cards listed above have varying annual fees. The strategy here is to, yes, pay the annual fee for the first year. The value you’ll get from the points and the Companion Pass(es) will greatly outweigh the annual fees. Some of the cards also have additional benefits like a reimbursement for Global Entry/TSA Precheck that can offset the cost too. Once your first year anniversary hits and the annual fee posts for the second time, you have 30 days to cancel your card and get the annual fee refunded back to you. This is what we have done and will continue to do. It is not recommended to cancel any credit card before first having it for an entire year.
Now that you’ve got the gist, there is a bit of nuance to this process, and it’s important to pay attention to the details in this situation.
Here’s what else you need to know:
Southwest currently has 5 available credit cards – 3 personal and 2 business cards. You can only hold one personal card at a time, which means your strategy here needs to be either opening 1 personal and 1 business card, or opening two business cards.
All 5 of the Southwest cards are issued by Chase, so that means that you need to be under 5/24 in order to apply for all cards. If you are cutting it close at 4/24, I would do one of two things:
- Open the business card first (because you need to be under 5/24 to get approved for a chase business card) and then open the personal card at least 30 days later. The personal card will use up your last 5/24 spot, so you have to be ok with giving that up.
- Skip the personal cards and just open both business cards and keep yourself at 4/24.
Pay very close attention to the minimum spend on each card, and leave yourself at least a $500 buffer on the card (meaning spend at least $500 under the minimum spend required to get the bonus points) and then put the card away until after January 1st. Do not put any recurring charges on this card, do not give it to a partner or spouse. Once January hits, go crazy, spend the rest of the money to meet the minimum spend and earn your points.
It’s very important to note that returns will still count towards your minimum spend. This means if you buy something that puts you over the minimum spend, and then return it (even if it’s returned immediately), you are likely going to earn your points early. (Note: this is not a hack to get points without actually meeting the minimum spend as there is a chance the bank could take away your points).
What happens if I screw up and earn my points before the end of the year?
Well, you have a couple options.
Option 1 – you can hit the minimum spend on your second card before the end of the year and still earn the companion pass for one year at least.
Option 2 – if you were originally planning to do 1 personal and 1 business card, then you could open up the second business card (you can hold 2 biz cards at once, just not 2 personal cards) and continue with the original plan to meet the minimum spend on both cards after January 1st. Alternatively, if you already opened 2 biz cards and no personal cards, then you could apply for one of the personal cards (assuming, again, you’re under 5/24).
The best part about the Southwest Companion Pass, besides 2 flights for basically the price of 1, is that once you’ve earned the 130,000 points to unlock the companion pass, you still have those points you can use to book flights! You do not have to use those points to “buy” the pass, per se. So if you have 2 people getting the companion pass, that amounts to 260,000+ points to book flights for your family! It’s really incredible.
Why can’t I choose my seats on Southwest?
Sometimes Southwest gets a bad rap because it’s the only airline where there are no assigned seats. While I understand this can be stressful for some families, I can assure you it’s not that bad. Southwest does boarding in groups – at checkin you’ll be assigned either Group A, B or C. Group A goes first. Then B, then C. I do recommend setting an alarm and checking in immediately at the 24 hour mark prior to your flight time. In our experience, our kids who have the companion pass each get assigned the number right before ours during checkin, even when they check in hours later. So, for example, if I check in and get B55, and then I check in my companion, my companion will get B54.
After the A group boards, they will do family boarding. The SW rules state that if you’re traveling with a child age 6 or younger, you’re eligible for family boarding. However, in our experience (and according to other data points from recent travelers, including this article from The Points Guy) any child up to age 13 will be allowed to board during this time. This has been our experience each time we’ve flown Southwest – and if you board after Group A, there are still plenty of seats available for a family of 5 like ours to sit together.
Is Southwest Companion Pass worth it?
If you’re planning trips to any of the places Southwest flies, then the Southwest Companion Pass is an absolute must. It makes air travel for larger families much more affordable. Not to mention, when booking with points you can cancel a flight up to 10 minutes prior to departure and get all your points back. This is an amazing feature if you have kids who get sick at the drop of a hat (isn’t that all kids?). And each passenger (including companions) get 2 free checked bags on every flight! All these benefits are a testament to the incredible value and flexibility that Southwest offers to its loyal customers, making it an unparalleled option for those families looking to maximize their travel benefits without compromising on the quantity or quality of their trips.
This past summer, we took a quick 3 day trip to NYC without kids and, as usual, had a great time. While we’ve both been to NYC several times, we always find new experiences, foods and areas of the city to explore. We flew from Phoenix to La Guardia on Southwest Airlines using our companion pass, which means we only had to pay for one flight. Here’s a quick rundown of everything we’d recommend.
How to get from LGA to Manhattan
We never rent a car when we come to NYC and I don’t recommend it. Once a friend and I spent literal hours driving around the city trying to find just one parking spot and ultimately ended up illegally parked. The public transportation in NYC is the best in the country so take advantage of it. You can catch the Q70 bus at no cost from La Guardia terminals B or C and take that to the subway. If you’re in Terminal A, you can take the M60 bus (but it’s not free), or you can go to Terminal B and hop on the Q70. You’ll want to use Apple or Google maps to know next steps from there because it varies depending on where in Manhattan you’re going.
Restaurants in NYC
The best tacos in NYC is hands down Los Tacos No. 1 and while we certainly haven’t had every taco in New York, we are from Arizona and we know a good taco. We visited the Chelsea Market location and ordered the carne asade tacos, chips and guac, and horchata. The tortillas were homemade, the steak was tender and flavorful, and the salsa was a little bit spicy. Their Horchata was the perfect cold and creamy drink to counteract the spice and I will be returning here.
Follow it up with some Earl Gray Tea flavored ice cream from Van Leeuwen ice cream (the absolute best flavor!), hop on the High Line for a stroll and have yourself a wonderful summer evening in NYC.
Some of the best pizza in NYC is either this random place in Little Italy that I had a slice at circa 2006 and don’t know the name of, or it’s at Joe’s Pizza on the corner of Fulton and Nassau in the Financial District. The line is usually out the door but moves fast, and the walls are covered with celebrities enjoying a slice. If you’re staying at the Beekman like we were, it’s practically across the street.
Butter is in Midtown and if you’re an OG Gossip Girl fan, you’ve likely heard of it. We came here for my birthday dinner before a broadway show. We had a reservation, and the food was pretty good. The rolls are excellent (but not free). Duane got the pork chop and said it was the best pork chop he’s ever had. I had the steak and it was also very good. But the standout here was the raspberry beignets for dessert. I am still drooling over them and I will be returning for those alone.
Maison Pickle is on the upper west side and is a perfect dinner spot after exploring Central Park. I came here with my oldest son in December and the food is really good so thought I’d take my husband this time around. The vibe inside is super cute and cozy. I ordered the Buffalo mac and cheese, he ordered the Chicken and Waffles and we both enjoyed it. Heads up though that the portions are massive, we could have shared something and still had leftovers.
Fun Activities in NYC for Couples
Go for a walk on the High Line – The High Line is a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. It opened in 2009 as a hybrid public space where visitors can experience nature, art, and design. It’s a really fun and different experience to be in the midst of such a big city and yet be surrounded by greenery. Grab dinner at Chelsea Market and then go for a stroll on the High Line for a perfect summer evening in NYC.
Bike around Central Park – we rented ebikes from Citi Bike using their app on our phones and we rode those all around Central Park. Fortunately they are motorized, because there are some hills to contend with! The views of the city from within the park are beautiful and there is lots of great people watching to be had. You do have to stay on the designated bike trails so please be courteous.
Visit the Friends Experience. While they have the Friends experience in several cities around the country, there is something extra fun about doing it in NYC where the show took place. This was a birthday gift for me, as I am a longtime big Friends fan, and it was absolutely a highlight of the trip. From the PIVOT couch, to Monica and Rachel’s apartment, and coffee at Central Perk I absolutely felt like I was living, even for just a moment, in the show I’ve been watching and loving for years.
Take the Staten Island Ferry for a closer look at the Statue of Liberty – the SI ferry is free and I assure you that you won’t be the only one doing this. When you board, head to the right side of the ship for a great seat to see the Lady of Liberty up close. Once you dock, unless you want to spend an hour in Staten Island, make sure to disembark and immediately run back onto the ferry. You can also get great views of the city when you’re out on the water.
A Broadway Show is just an iconic NYC experience and should not be missed. This time around we saw The Book of Mormon. While I thought it was funny, my husband thought it was absolutely hilarious and had moments where we could not breathe from laughing so hard. The basic plot line is (from Playbill’s website): A pair of mismatched Mormon missionaries, one serious and dedicated and the other socially awkward yet well meaning, are sent to Uganda to convert citizens to the Mormon religion. If you like Southpark humor (the play is done by the creators), you will probably like this.
Best Hotel in Lower Manhattan?
While I can’t confidently say this is the best hotel in lower Manhattan, I can say it’s a fantastic choice for either work travel or a couples getaway. The Beekman is located in the financial district which is in lower Manhattan, so heads up that it is a bit far from a lot of attractions like Broadway, Central Park, and the upper east/west sides, but there are several subway stops nearby and they’re not more than a 5-8 minute walk from the hotel. Plus you’re close to things like Wall Street, the Seaport, Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Bridge. The Beekman can be booked for 25,000 Hyatt points a night on average.
The lobby itself is a little bit like a trip back in time. You could easily sit in the lounge at night and imagine you’re back in the roaring 20’s. It feels fancy and smells like cedar when you walk in. When we checked in we were told that we were upgraded to a king bed and a “slightly larger room” – if you’ve ever been to NYC you’ll know that this slightly larger room was still pretty small. However, the upgrade was still appreciated.
Our room was on the 10th floor. As it’s an older building, there was a bit of a quirk in that we had to take one elevator to the 9th floor and then exit the elevator, walk around the corner, and get on a different elevator (or take stairs) to the 10th floor. There is a Michelin star chef whose restaurant is in the hotel, it’s called Gratin. The menu looked fabulous (it’s French food) but we couldn’t fit it in during our three days.
The service at the Beekman was great, and I’d expect nothing less from this level of a Hyatt property. Since it was my birthday my husband had prearranged some chocolates and champagne in the room which was a nice touch. They also keep the mini bar fully stocked if you’re feeling snacky.
Our whirlwind 3-day escape to New York City sans kids was filled with new discoveries, delectable bites, and captivating experiences. Our stay at The Beekman, though slightly distant from some attractions, proved to be a gem, blending old-world charm with modern luxury. In the future I’d like to stay someplace a bit more central, and for our next trip we will stay at both the Andaz on 5th and the Park Hyatt. No matter how many times I visit NYC I always leave with fun memories, and yet I’m always eager to return and unearth more facets of the enchanting NYC. If you’re headed there for your first (or tenth) time, I hope it’s amazing!