NEW YORK, YOU HAVE MY HEART! 🗽

We finally made it to New York City, and let me tell you… experiencing the Big Apple as an adult was NOTHING like the New York I remembered visiting as a kid to see my grandpa. This time, I got to experience the city in a whole new way, and I had the time of my life!

My husband has always wanted to visit New York, so seeing his excitement throughout the trip made it even more special. We went at the end of August, and honestly, the weather was perfect. It wasn’t unbearably hot or humid, and the evenings were comfortable in the low to mid-70s.

And here’s the part I LOVE sharing…

This entire trip before we arrived, cost us just $22 out of pocket!

You know us—we LOVE traveling on a budget! We used points from our Delta card to cover our flights and Marriott points for our hotel. We only had to pay the taxes and fees, which came out to just $22!

This is why I always say travel credit cards can be a HUGE advantage when used responsibly. We simply put our everyday purchases on the cards, paid them off, accumulated points, and used those points to travel. Our New York adventure for $22? YES, PLEASE!

And New York did NOT disappoint!

Our first Broadway show!

We saw Aladdin, and it was AMAZING! The lights, costumes, music, and energy made it such a memorable experience. Now I already know that when I go back, The Lion King is next! Broadway is one of those things you really have to experience for yourself.

We also traveled with another couple, which made the trip even more fun. And having someone who was born and raised in Queens along for the ride was a major bonus because he knew how to get us around and showed us parts of New York we might not have experienced on our own.  We explored Harlem, saw the famous Apollo Theater, rode the subway, and spent time experiencing everyday life in the Bronx.

We also got to walk through Grand Central Station and experience the beautiful architecture as you’re surrounded by marble everywhere.  

It was cool to see the hustle and bustle of people walking through the station headed to so many different directions. 

And THAT is one thing I loved about New York.

It wasn’t just the tourist attractions, it was the ENERGY of the city.

The horns honked every few minutes, the constant movement. People rushing somewhere and somehow still finding time to laugh and enjoy themselves. The smell of pizza coming from what seemed like every corner.

At one point, I watched a store clerk and a customer going back and forth arguing, and I just knew they’d probably be laughing and acting like best friends a few hours later.

New York has a vibe all of its own, and I loved every bit of it!

Our hotel was another win.

We stayed at the Four Points Sheraton in Midtown Manhattan, and the location was fantastic. We were just a short walk from Times Square, and WOW…

Times Square felt like Las Vegas on steroids!

The giant screens. The flashing lights. The music. The crowds. People dancing, performing, laughing, taking pictures, and simply soaking it all in.

It was loud, busy, colorful, overwhelming—and absolutely unforgettable.

Then came the Statue of Liberty!

For only $26, we took the ferry over, got to go inside the Statue of Liberty, and learned so much about its history. We climbed what felt like a million steps to get to the pedestal—and let me tell you…

THAT was a workout!  We didn't have it in us to keep walking up to the crown.  It was a small winding staircase with about 149 more steps. 

The same ferry also took us to Ellis Island, giving us even more history and perspective on the city.

We also rented bikes and rode through Central Park for just $17 each.

And after walking an average of 24,000 steps a day according to my watch, those bikes felt AMAZING! My feet were definitely ready for the break.

And of course, we couldn't leave New York without checking out Canal Street!

If you like to bargain hunt, this is the place to explore. Electronics, purses, T-shirts, luggage, you name it! We found some great deals and picked up a few things to bring home as souvenirs and even some Christmas gifts.

But one of my absolute favorite experiences was…

Our sunset cruise on the Grande Mariner.

As soon as we arrived at the pier, I knew we were in for something special. The boat was beautiful, and you could see the DJ booth and strobe lights up top before we even boarded.

Once we were out on the water, the music started, the live band was playing, and the New York skyline began to light up around us.

And THAT view…BREATHTAKING!

We cruised past incredible landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge, Empire State Building, Little Island, and so many other iconic New York sights.

Watching the sun go down while listening to live music and taking in the skyline was one of those moments where you just sit back and think…

“Wow. I’m really in New York City.”

My only real complaint about the cruise was that the food wasn't very warm, and the boarding process felt a little disorganized. But honestly, The views, music, and overall experience still made it a fantastic night.

And let's talk about food and affordability!

I was honestly surprised by how affordable New York could be.

🍕Pizza was EVERYWHERE, and you could find deals like two slices and a drink for around $3.99. A regular slice was usually around $4 with toppings. It was quick, filling, and perfect for keeping our budget on track while we were busy exploring.

Many hotels also offered breakfast buffets, which helped us save even more. And that's what made this trip so special.  We didn't have to spend thousands of dollars to have an incredible New York experience.

We walked

We rode the subway

We ate pizza  

We explored neighborhoods. 

We laughed.

We saw Broadway.

We rode bikes through Central Park.  

We sailed past the skyline.  

We stood where history happened.

And the best part of all, we made memories.

New York reminded me that sometimes the best trips aren't about luxury, they're about the experiences you bring home with you.

Would I go back?  ABSOLUTELY!

There is still SO much I didn't get to see and experience. I want to see more Broadway shows, explore more neighborhoods, eat more New York pizza, discover more hidden gems, and experience even more of that unmistakable New York energy.                                        So if New York has been sitting on your travel bucket list… GO! 

And if you're worried that New York is too expensive, don't count it out just yet. With a little planning, some travel points, and a willingness to explore, you might be surprised at just how affordable—and unforgettable—the Big Apple can be.  

New York, this isn't a goodbye… it’s a “see you later.” 🍎