36 Hours in NYC (+ What I Packed!)

Cheers to Friday, friends! Thanks for all your love on this week’s posts…I’m thrilled you’re excited for the One Room Challenge, and were inspired by yesterday’s utility cart ideas. I love this little corner of the internet, and so appreciate all your support!

It’s because of y’all I was even in New York earlier this month, as part of the Better Homes & Gardens Stylemaker Event. I’ll share more on the one-day workshop soon, but today it’s all about the rest of our whirlwind visit to NYC.

Megan and I were able to stay an extra day, so we made the absolute most of our limited time in the city, and packed our itinerary with some of my favorite eats and activities.

DAY 1, 4:30pm

We arrived late afternoon, and after dropping our things at the hotel, immediately headed out to explore the neighborhood around Gramercy Park and the Flatiron District, and a long dinner at the lively Eataly.

Bag (similar) | Hoop Earrings | Watch

DAY 2, 10am
We skipped breakfast the next morning, and headed over to Greenwich Village for one of my favorite NYC activities…a guided walking food tour. For three hours, our small group of food-lovers ate our way through the best little restaurants and shops in the heart of the Village.

It’s such a great way to learn about the history of a neighborhood, and discover favorite new restaurants. You can read all the details of the tour on Megan’s awesome post here.

I debated packing my rainboots since they take up so much space, but considering how much time you spend outside in New York, they were life-savers. It rained most of the day, but we didn’t let that slow us down. #frizzyhairdontcare

Striped Tee (similar) | Jacket | Jeans | Rainboots

Bag (similar) | Hoop Earrings | Watch | Scarf

Rainboots | Bag (similar) | Scarf

Not only did we stop to eat at nine different restaurants, but the guide pointed out Anna Wintour, Bob Dylan, and Anderson Cooper’s homes along the way.

Striped Tee (similar) | Jacket | Jeans | Rainboots

Bag (similar) | Hoop Earrings | Watch | Scarf

3:00 pm

After the tour, Megan and I back-tracked to one of the cafes we discovered on the tour, Caffe Reggio, and warmed ourselves over giant cappuccinos. As much as I love to explore every possible spot, I’ve learned that slowing down really allows you to soak up the soul of a city.

From there, we wandered through more neighborhoods on our way to the High Line, then headed back to the hotel to get ready for the night.

6:00 pm
Quick outfit change before heading out again!

Camisole Top

8:00 pm

I can’t come to New York and not see a Broadway show, and we laughed and cried through the adorably charming, Waitress (based on the movie starring Keri Russell). They even served little mason jars of pie! Funny enough, the gentleman who snapped this pic for us is the casting director!

11:00 pm
After the show, we met Jen and Grace for a late dinner at Minutia Tavern, before heading to bed around 2 am!

DAY 3, 9 am
Time to head home with full hearts and bellies! #thankgoodnessforstretchyknits

Knit Dress | Jacket | Booties | Sunglasses

{Where We Stayed}

The Lex Hotel NYC ~ We chose this hotel because of it’s close proximity to the BH&G Event & mildly-affordable rates. I loved the area & easy walking distance to a park and favorite neighborhoods. The rooms were also really clean & comfortable, and surprisingly large for a boutique hotel

{Things We Did}

Foods of New York Tours ~ This is my third tour & I’ve loved them all! The Nolita tour is probably my favorite, but anything in Greenwich Village is a winner, too.

Broadway Show ~ I’ve never seen a bad Broadway show, but I’m an easy critic. I always check both Broadway Box & Theater Mania for discounted tickets prior to our visit.

*The High Line ~ The city converted an old freight rail line into a lovely park that is elevated above the street level, and runs for many blocks. It’s also got great views of the harbor.

{What I Packed}

Between the dry Texas heat and wet New York chill, packing was all about layers!

Striped Tee | Favorite White Jeans | Utility Jacket | Sunglasses

Deer Print Bag | Favorite Sneakers

I traveled in a tee and my favorite sneakers, but swapped for a jacket and booties for the chilly New York evening when we arrived.

Striped Tee | Favorite White Jeans | Jacket | Sneakers | Booties

Rainboots and a scarf kept me (mostly) dry and warm for our long day of exploring.

Striped Tee (similar) | Jacket | Jeans | Rainbows | Scarf

I intended to wear this flattering dress (under $50!) to the show and dinner, but the weather had other ideas.

Halter Swing Dress | Similar Moto Jacket | Similar Leopard Pumps | Clutch

I always throw one of these camisole tops in my suitcase…they work with so many types of outfits, and paired with a moto jacket, I was able to throw together a warmer outfit suitable for a night out.

Camisole Top | Similar Moto Jacket | Favorite White Jeans | Similar Leopard Pumps | Clutch

For the flight home, I was comfy and warm in a knit dress and light jacket.

Knit Dress | Jacket | Booties

And of course, I never travel anywhere without my cozy cardigan. It was a whirlwind trip, but New York never disappoints…regardless of the weather! What are some of your favorite things to in the Big Apple? Would you pass on a trip if it were only 36 hours?! I don’t think I’d pass on any trip, to any where! 😉 Happy weekend, lovebugs!

{See more of my New York City posts here}

Winter in New York

Fall in New York

Spring in New York

Packing for Spring in NYC

NYC Street Style + Guide

What to Wear to the Theatre

BHG Stylemaker Event

Kips Bay Showhouse in NYC

Redbook Cover Shoot in NYC

Favorite Eats in NYC

{Shop My Outfits}

*This post was created in collaboration with Nordstrom, but all clothes, ideas & expandable waistbands are my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Hi Sugarplum going!*