Merrying in NYC! (cont.)

Bethesda Terrace in the snow

The next day, we headed for the New York Public Library, stopping for breakfast near Bryant Park. We had photos made in front of the glorious tree in the lobby, felt the hushed silence of the reading room, and poked through some of the free exhibits on display. Then, we went to Winter Village for lunch! The food here is varied and so yummy! We enjoyed hot apple cider, crepes, raclette, hot chocolate, and donuts, tucking away macarons for later. 

After a quick break at the hotel, we ventured back out that evening, taking in the windows at Bergdorf Goodman (a brilliant partnership with some of NYC's top attractions) and Tiffany's (small, glittering and exquisite). We also made the mistake of walking the extra couple of blocks to Barney's to see their windows. Won't be doing that again. I've tried it two years running, and I haven't liked their display either year. Off the list. 

Tapping our toes at Beautiful on Broadway!

Then, we caught a car to Broadway. We ate a quick (forgettable) bite in a nearby restaurant and then headed to the Stephen Sondheim Theatre for Beautiful! I've been wanting to see this show for a while now, and it didn't disappoint! Wonderful music, a tender story, and solid performances. I loved how the plot was both about Carole King and her husband, but it was closely followed by another songwriting couple that "grew up" with them in the business. Lots of laughter, and when they sang "You've Got a Friend," the whole audience choked up. We took selfies in the lobby!

Jonesing for a bite on the way home, we stopped at a hotel bar/restaurant for a quick (and again, forgettable) nosh, then made our way back to the hotel.

The next morning, we awoke to snow! We walked the two blocks to Herald Square and had brunch at The Harold - benedicts, mimosas, and other lovelies. Then, we took a car to Central Park South. It was a winter wonderland! We strolled up past the Wollman Rink, stopping at the visitors' center and proceeding to the literary walk. Then, we made our way to Bethesda Terrace, where a choir was singing carols. The whole time, the snow was falling, and everything was covered in a blanket of white. Magical.

The Bethlehem Tree

We eventually cut further north, making our way to the street for easy access to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Melanie wanted to see the Bethlehem Tree, so we ducked inside and unloaded our winter wear at the coat check.

We got a bite to eat in the cafeteria (all of the cafes were absolutely PACKED), and then we were ready to explore! We saw the Bethlehem Tree, the Egyptian collection, the Temple of Dendur, and some contemporary photography. (There were some really cool photography exhibits. A couple of them showed photo exchanges between two different artists. They'd each send one another a photo a day. Like an epistolary novel, but with photos, and happening now. Interesting to see the conversations they were having through images.) We also spent time in the sculpture courts and swung by the armory.

By this time, our feet were aching! We took a car back to the hotel for a break. By dinnertime, though, we were anxious to venture out again. We slipped into Delmonico's for steak and wine. We both chose the steak frites, and I had a mushroom soup to start. We chatted with the owner and our server, who both asked questions about our accents. Before we knew it, the owner had sent a free baked Alaska to our table! We were already full, but I'm not gonna lie - we ate every bite! Turns out that baked Alaska was invented at Delmonico's! So, how on Earth could we turn it down! And it was delicious!

At the Metropolitan Museum of Art

With full tummies, we waddled back to the hotel. The next morning, we had a light breakfast at the hotel and headed back to Rockefeller Center for Melanie's last NYC experience - the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, featuring the Rockettes! We showed our tickets, went through security, got our 3-D glasses, and found our seats. What fun! Just as wonderful as it was last year! We loved the show!

The Rockettes!

Afterward, we made our way back to the hotel. Melanie had a slightly earlier flight than I did, so she headed to the airport. I used my extra time for one last turn through Winter Village, purchasing a few last lovelies and eating amazing dumplings and chocolate chip brioche!

Then, it was pack-uber-flights-home! I so enjoyed spending some time this Christmas season and New York City, but most of all, I loved sharing it with Mel! Merry, merry!