Top of the Rock.
The thing about living in a tourist destination is that, when you live there, you don’t actually do much that is “touristy,” even things that would otherwise be on your “to do” list. I think that’s because, when you live in one of the world’s biggest tourist destination, the last thing you want to do is be around tourists. Sorry, friends. Also, when you live somewhere, as opposed to being on vacation, you actually have things, like, a life to do. Work, friends, you know.
Essentially, the only time that I do anything that is “touristy” is when I have someone visiting (so please, come visit so I have an excuse to to spend too much money and wait in lines!). Last week, my friend Erica, who is a native New Yorker, was in town with her boyfriend, who is originally from Missouri. So, obviously, this was a perfect opportunity to do something touristy that I’ve always wanted to do. Now, at the beginning of the year, I included a list of things to do in New York City in my 101 Things in 1,001 Days list. On everyone’s mutual “to do” list? Go to the Top of the Rock!
That, my friends, would be the Top of Rockefeller Center. After dinner in Soho on Friday, we made our way up to midtown Manhattan. The wait in line was actually not terrible, and we made it even easier by noshing on Auntie Anne’s pretzels (despite the fact we’d just finished dinner and dessert – what?! You weren’t there! You don’t know how amazingly irresistible it smelled!). After a brief security check followed by a very awkward video-slash-commercial for Swavorski crystals (there are a couple Swavorski crystal displays in 30 Rock), we finally made it to the elevator which brought us up to the multi-level observatory deck.
The views were gorgeous! Take a look:
The lights of Times Square.
A view of the Swavorski crystals in the lobby. The crystals are in the shape of an upside down Rockefeller Center. True story.
It was so much fun! I have also been to the Empire State Building, which I did in 2008, but that was during the day. I have to admit, I prefer seeing New York City during the day. One nice thing about going to the Top of the Rock was seeing the Empire State Building included in the view. We could see the flashes from the cameras of the tourists over there! I’m not sure if it would be as quick to get up to the Observatory Deck at the Top of the Rock during the day as it was at night, but it’s definitely something I would recommend looking into if you are ever visiting New York City.
This is gorgeous! Next time I’m in NY, let’s definitely get together, OK? I should be there sometime this fall! I’ve been a few times, though, so I won’t make you do anything too touristy if you don’t want to.
I know exactly what you mean, though. I lived in D.C. for three years & only ever went to museums when my mom was in town, monuments when a friend was in town. Being a tourist in your own town feels embarrassing, somehow, doesn’t it? I never wanted people to think I was one of them! Ha.
Oh yay! Let me know when you are planning to come! You should check out my 101 Things list and see if there’s anything on there you want to do.
I went to Top of the Rock last year when my Mom and I made the trip to NYC. It was wonderful. And, I tested the limits of SWAG bolusing at Magnolia Bakery at least 4 different times!! Turns out, my diabetes LOVES Magnolia.
I love Magnolia too! And I rarely have a problem bolusing about 50 or 60 grams for one of the cupcakes. I think because they are relatively small compared to, say, Crumbs, they are a lot easier for me to manage.
Oh I still have to send you the pictures we took of you from our camera! I’ll do that tonight.
I have visited Top of the Rock many times, mostly at night, though I actually prefer to visit on a clear day. I have never waited in line more than 10 minutes to purchase tickets and after that, there really isn’t much of a wait for elevators. So, go during the day!!
Those who are planning to visit MoMA (Museum of Modern Art) can buy a ticket that offers discounted admission to MoMA and Top of the Rock.
I live in a very tourist-y area and I’ve recently taken upon myself to be more of a tourist myself! It makes the weekends seem to stretch longer and as if you get a break from your normal life. I need to create a list, though! I think that’s a great idea.
Beautiful photos!