With just a backpack as my personal item, I boarded a plane to take me where many bloggers have gone before… New York City!

A few weeks ago, I visited my sister in NYC. I could only spend a few days there, so we jam-packed the weekend with amazing sights and activities.

Let’s begin our blogging tour of the Big Apple.

Day 1: Matchas, Monuments, Mario, & More!

After a short subway trip from Brooklyn, our day began in Manhattan. We stopped by Cha Cha Matcha first for some matcha drinks. I got the iced strawberry matcha while my sister got a hot matcha latte. It was delicious, the perfect drink to start the day.

Our primary goal was to visit the Nintendo Store, which I wanted to visit during my first visit to NYC, but couldn’t squeeze into the agenda. We began walking to our destination with our drinks. but soon found ourselves in front of the Rockefeller Center.

“It’s well known for its ice skating rink,” shared my sister.

“Oh! Like in Hawkeye!” I said.

We stopped to take some pictures and selfies.

The interior and exterior designs are phenomenal, and it’s wild to think that some people just work in there.

We also stopped by the FAO Schwarz store in the same building.

OMG, sustainable!

After walking a couple more blocks, we finally reached the Nintendo Store! Yay!

It was busy, hot, and full of different character statues and merchandise of their popular game franchises. I loved seeing the statues of my favorite Nintendo character Link.

They also had an interactive screen where children could meet and talk to a virtual Mario.

I didn’t buy anything, but it was great to finally visit the Nintendo Store and see all the games, merchandise, and vintage video game consoles they had on display.

We stopped by for a quick bite at Byrant Park and explored the exhibitions at the New York Public Library. The NYC gods blessed us with an open seat (and table!) at the park on a bright, sunny day.

Then, we headed over to Washington Square Park. I wanted to see the Arch!

A quick ride in the 1970s orange subway car, illuminated by the yellow-tinted light, should take us there in no time.

We made it! Here’s the Washington Square Arch!

The park was very busy and full of locals sitting by the fountain and picnicking, vendors selling their goods, tourists taking photos, skateboarders zooming by, and more.

I only wish Orange County had popular public places for locals to build community and friendship.

Oh, to be a New York City local enjoying the warm afternoon sunlight among community and peers.

We took the subway back to my sister’s place to eat dinner and rest after walking around the city for hours. It was nice to just sit down and watch TV (a highly underrated activity while on vacation), but my sister and I soon realized we were craving dessert.

We stopped by Martha’s Country Bakery, where my sister ordered a slice of pecan pie and I got a slice of red velvet cake. It was divine.

The dessert place was incredibly packed, even at 8 pm. The sense of community and belonging present in nearly every NYC spot is incredible. There is always something to do, and always friends to do them with.

Day 2: A Glossy, Central Parkin’, Pizza-Slicin’ Good Time

On day two of my NYC trip, I wanted to visit a couple more places I didn’t get a chance to visit during my last trip. At the top of our list was Glossier. Before we hit SoHo, we first grabbed some necessary snacks.

After a short subway trip, we made it to SoHo!

The interior was so cute; it was posh and clean, with Glossier’s signature pink hue dashed here and there. I bought a birthday balm dotcom, as an early birthday gift to myself.

We then took another subway ride to Central Park. People were biking, toddlers in strollers, dogs on leashes, phones out for photos, and so much more on this bright and sunny afternoon. This park is massive, and I know we only got to explore a small sliver of it.

My sister really wanted a Central Park pretzel, so a Central Park pretzel we got.

It was nice to just sit in the warm sun and take everything in. The entire weekend was go-go-go, we definitely needed a few moments to sit, people-watch, and enjoy each other’s company.

Of course, we couldn’t end this trip without a slice of NYC pizza.

After a weekend full of subway riding, picture snapping, window shopping, and snack grubbing, it was time to head home.

Is there any place I should visit during my next New York City trip?

Until next time, friends!

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