My Girlfriend's Best Recipes: Must Do NYC

MUST DO NYC

Anyone planning a trip to the Big Apple this summer? We recently met up with family in downtown Manhattan and had a fantastic time! Here are some fun pictures, ideas and addresses for your stay. These are some of my favorite places to hit when we're there.

My Favorite Places to Stay...

The Belvedere Hotel

319 W. 48th Street

240-7000

Located in Midtown Manhattan, the beautiful Belvedere Hotel is within walking distance of Broadway theaters and the Ellen's Star Dust Dinner and close to Times Square.

Marriott Marquis

1535 Broadway, New York

800-992-2694

Located in Times Square, if you are there for Thanksgiving...you'll see the Thanksgiving Day Parade, parade down the street right in front of the hotel. This hotel is close to everything!

My Favorite Musicals:
Les Miserables, Lion King and Wicked

Favorite Sights...

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Museum of Modern Art

Rockefeller Center

Radio City Music Hall

(See the Christmas Spectacular if you are there around Thanksgiving or Christmas)

Central Park and Central Park Zoo

(Here's us in Central Park)

Saint Patrick's Cathedral

Fifth Ave. between 50th and 51st Streets.

Across from the street from Rockefeller Center. This incredible cathedral is a famous landmark of New York City. It's Neo-Gothic style breathtaking and something you don't want to miss. My father-in-law was working for Bobby Kennedy at the time of his assassination, and attended his funeral held here in Saint Patrick's Cathedral.

American Museum of Natural History

Central Park West at 79th Street (right across the street from Central Park.)

212-769-5100

Remember the movie...Night at the Museum? Filmed right here! The museum is definitely fun for everyone!

Toys R Us (if you have kids along)
This store has a life sized moving dinosaur, and life sized Lego incredible hulk an indoor Ferris wheel...your kids will love this place!

The Park Hotel

Any Eloise fans out there? Here's where the Eloise children's books take place. Yep, it's a real hotel!

(Gotta love the police on horseback!)

Statue of Liberty
You'll have to take a boat ride to get there, but it's worth it!

Ellis Island
Part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument, this is the site where millions of immigrants entered this country from 1892-1954. Today there is a immigration museum there on the island in the restored immigration building that was built in 1900.

Twin Towers Memorial Site
1 Albany, St.
212-266-5211

Favorite Fun Places to Grab a Little Bite of Something with Kids and Teens...

Serendipity III

225 E. 60th Street

212-838-3531

If you are visiting New York City...hit Serendipity III for their Frozen Hot Chocolate!

Ellen's Stardust Diner

1650 Broadway 51st Street

212-956-5151

The singing wait staff is the reason to hit the Stardust Diner for a lively breakfast, or just for a cup of hot chocolate or shake. I would recommend stopping in for a snack (don't go there looking for amazing food) to enjoy the talents of up and coming Broadway stars, practicing their next hit! You can even sing along! It's just fun!

Dylan's Candy Bar

1011 3rd Ave.

646-735-0078

This candy store is the brainchild of Ralph Lauren's daughter, Dylan. Love candy? You gotta go get some here! Dylan's Candy Bar is a candy wonderland to everyone's delight! You may feel like you are stepping onto the set of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The candy decorating is over the top...but that's what makes it so fun! You can't miss this place especially if you are taking kids... of all ages. If you and the kids need some lunch or just some ice cream they have a light menu and ice cream bar upstairs.