In a New York State of Mind

Now that I am in a New York state of mind, Chapter 2 must happen.  I went to New York City in December of 2011 and had lots of things on my to to-do list including the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center.  I was lucky enough to add a show on Broadway (On a Clear Day starring Harry Connick, Jr - fantastic) and a lot of other areas in New York City.

My good friend and I were working in Atlantic City and one Saturday took a bus ride to and from NYC.  I am a west coast girl, but there is a lot of convenience of seeing a lot of rewarding things on the East Coast in a short amount of time.

I went to Rockefeller Center during the day to see the Christmas tree and was incredibly disappointed.  It is a MUST SEE at night.  Incredible, but be ready for a huge onslaught of people all with the same brilliant idea.  Work your way through and get a picture.  It is incredible.

Now, presenting...Chapter 2 on this blog of New York City.

Rockefeller Center in December

Rockefeller Center in December

Home of Broadway Musical: On a Clear Day.  Fantastic!  But, if you are going to try to get discount tickets in NYC on a Saturday, be prepared for a long wait in Times Square.  Sometimes, it needs to become a decision of savings versus value of time.  We paid full price and I do not regret that decision at all.  The line for discount tickets was hours long.



Christmas time in Rockefeller Center.  Do it at night or you will be disappointed. 



Christmas time in New York: Rockefeller Center

  

BB King Club near Time Square is awesome!  There are two clubs here.  One that is ticketed and one that is free with up and coming artists.  I had a great time eating and watching up and coming artists!

 When in New York City, the fast pace makes sense.  There is so much to see especially in one day.  Well worth the hustle.  One of my favorite memories was this Saturday spent in December (not too cold this time) in NYC with a great friend.  You know she is a good friend when she is cool about being dragged back to the Christmas Tree in Rockefeller Center twice in one short, but clear day.

New York, City...Where Do I Begin?

When I was a young girl, I dreamt of going to New York City.  It finally happened for the first time when I was 22 and I have been lucky enough in the last two years to go several more times.  There is some kind of spell New York City holds over people.  Crowds, crazy traffic, noise, pollution...and this city that has all of these things I dislike, makes me smile.

I cannot help it!  This city with the bloodline pumping and people on the move has a hold on me that I would never ever try to seek refuge from.  How does this city continue to cast this magic on visitors and locals?  I don't know, but I am going to embrace the magic and go for the ride.

I have lots of pictures I love from New York City.  So, I decided this would be a post based on the pictures from my last trip where we were introducing New York City to a friend who had yet to travel to NYC.  I am sure more posts will follow with other pictures from previous trips.  So here is the first chapter.


I love Alice and I love Central Park!

Central Park in March

Central Park in March

Central Park in March

Central Park in March

Central Park in March

Central Park in March

Central Park in March

Central Park in March - the bloom is beginning

Rockefeller Center in March

Rockefeller Center in March

World Trade Center, March 2012

New York Building near Little Italy

Empire State Building in the Skyline



Time Square in March



View of NYC skyline from Hoboken, NJ

There are so many wonderful places to visit in New York City and nearby, I cannot imagine my adventures here could ever be considered complete.

Baraga, Michigan: Who Knew the Beauty that Lives in the UP?

I travel for work and get to go to many exciting cities.  On the other hand, I often find myself in towns I did not even know existed let alone would I have had them on my LIFE list (no bucket list here).  Every once in  a while, actually more often than not, these cities surprise me with great views, scenic pictures and amazing charm.  I am loving the process of learning about America and all of the hidden gems.

This post is in relation to my trip to Baraga, Michigan home to the Ojibwa Casino.  I had never heard of this nor did I know this small area housed the first Indian Gaming casino in America.  I was a little worried about this trip until I started exploring.  Included in this posts are pictures from this amazingly scenic area and some other areas nearby.

Baraga, Michigan on Lake Superior

Baraga, Michigan on Lake Superior

Baraga, Michigan on Lake Superior

Houghton, Michigan on Lake Superior

Copper Harbor, Michigan

Copper Harbor, Michigan

Copper Harbor, Michigan

Copper Harbor Lighthouse, Michigan

Me eating at Harbor Haus in Copper Harbor, Michigan.  The best caesar salad I have ever had!

Brockway Drive on the way back from Copper Harbor to Baraga, Michigan.

Brockway Drive on the way back from Copper Harbor to Baraga, Michigan.

Eagle Harbor, Michigan

Eagle Harbor, Michigan

Eagle Harbor Lighthouse in the UP of Michigan

Little did I know when I went to the airport to head to Ojibwa in Baraga, Michigan that there would be so many beautiful areas!  Nor had I realized that there was something called the UP - Upper Peninsula.  Apparently in Michigan the UP houses the U-pers, while south Michigan houses the "trolls" for being under the big bridge.

Atlantic City in Photos

 A lot of people view Atlantic City as a city with a smell and a lot of jaywalkers.  While this much is true, there is a lot of charm that can be found in Atlantic City.  A lot of friendly people and interesting views. 

This post is dedicated to some of my travels to Atlantic City.



Capriccio Dining at Resorts, AC has incredible service, wonderful food and awesome ambiance.  One of my favorites.



Atlantic City from the Boardwalk.  This picture tells a tale of a charming city with a few things that may need fixing.  Or maybe it just adds to the charm.







Another view from the boardwalk includes these blooming flowers.  Charming in their imperfect elegance.

 


A reminder that AC is the inspiration for Monopoly.





Taken at the Pier Shops at Caesars.  A gentle reminder of history.



Another photo from the Pier Shops at Caesars.  There is a fountain show that has a bit of different character than the Bellagio fountain show in Las Vegas, but still fun.



Lucy the Elephant has a lot of history for AC (more specifically Brigantine).  A hotel at one time, a mascot, another view of history...this picture is actually a candy reproduction.



This was taken at the Boogie Nights opening at Tropicana AC.  A lot of fun and flavor!  Take a step back to the 70's and 80's.



Cape May Lighthouse.  Very cool area to hang out, but do NOT try to go up the lighthouse in high heels.



 

The Atlantic Ocean from the Boardwalk before nightfall.  Really quite calming.

 


View from a pier outside of Trump Taj Mahal pier.



One of the funway piers in action during the season.



I am pretty sure they were on America's Got Talent.  Fun show when hanging out on the boardwalk.  Totally unexpected.



Like Las Vegas, Atlantic City and the surrounding areas have a lot more to offer than what meets the eye.