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

Striped Tee (similar) | Jacket | Jeans | 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 | 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.

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!

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

{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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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}
{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!*

Leave a Comment

17 Comments

  1. How you manage to look so cute when I would look like a wet dog is incredibly annoying! 🙂 Loved the trip recap! And now I want that pasta with the egg on top! YUM!

    Posted 10.14.16 Reply
  2. KW0410 wrote:

    LOVE all of the NY pics – such a fun place! Also love all of your outfits – great styling ideas and I like how you are taking some of your pieces into fall!! thanks

    Posted 10.14.16 Reply
  3. I would go in a heartbeat!

    Posted 10.14.16 Reply
  4. Anonymous wrote:

    Question (but first I have to say- loved this post and the ideas you gave me about my next trip to NYC!): Roughly how long is the food tour? Are each of the tours you've done fairly comparable? I am planning to go with my whole family, including a (sometimes surly) teen and it's helpful to have the heads up of how long things take. It will obviously help that food will be involved 🙂 Still, covering all bases. Thanks!

    Posted 10.14.16 Reply
    • They are around 3 hours, but move quickly! This particular one we only sat in two restaurants (for about 15 mins each)…the rest are walk-in and eat standing, and move along quickly. So I think they do a really good job of keeping you involved. Plus the food is just so delicious!! Read Megan's post for the details of this exact one. Hope this helps!! xo

      Posted 10.14.16 Reply
  5. Anonymous wrote:

    what size did u order in the swing dress? thanks

    Posted 10.14.16 Reply
    • It runs pretty small…I'm wearing a small, and even that feels a little snug across the chest and shoulders. I figured it was bc I was so bloated! 😉

      Posted 10.14.16 Reply
  6. Oh, this makes me so homesick for NYC. I really miss it! Café Reggio was one of my favorite hangouts.
    Rainboots make such a difference when you're trekking around the city.

    Posted 10.14.16 Reply
  7. Summer wrote:

    Thanks for the photos! Looking all so wonderful ♥

    Posted 10.14.16 Reply
  8. I love, love, love NYC! Was there this summer on my 4th or 5th trip and did a walking food tour based on your recommendations as well as many others online. It was my favorite part of the trip!

    Quick fashion question: what bra do you typically wear with the black camisole top? I've loved it every time you've shown it – but just can't figure out what would stay hidden, as well as be supportive.

    Posted 10.14.16 Reply
    • I'm thrilled you tried and loved the food tours! Doesn't it make you want to try them all!? As for a bra, if I know I'm keeping my jacket on, I'll just wear a regular bra (or none!). If I'm wearing it alone, I'll wear the stick-on Nu-bra…works like a charm! xo

      Posted 10.14.16 Reply
  9. Perfect timing! I'm so itching to go back to NYC and really think I want to take my two adult kids and leave my littles at home!! I think we would have a blast together. Somewhat considering an air bnb.

    Posted 10.14.16 Reply
  10. Patricia wrote:

    Woman after my own heart. Always thinking about food and looking cute while doing it. We love New York. We visited the Highline park on a sunny day. Best use of an old elevated rail road ever! And "Waitress" was one of my favorite movies with funny and charming Keri Russell and the dishy Nathan Fillion. I'm sure I'd love the musical. I hear they bake pies everyday so the theater always smells just right.

    Posted 10.14.16 Reply
    • The theatre smelled incredible, and the ushers were wearing little diner uniforms…it was all just too cute for words! I loved the movie too, but this was a whole other level!

      Posted 10.14.16 Reply
  11. Anonymous wrote:

    Hi
    Cassie, What lipstick are you wearing in these pics? I love it 🙂

    Posted 10.18.16 Reply
  12. Carole wrote:

    Cassie …I’m a new follower of your blog and love it! Just wondering if you have some suggestions for makeup/products you pack for traveling. I always take too much of the wrong things. Thanks

    Posted 5.24.17 Reply