Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Renewing my vows.

I looked at the calendar today and realized something pretty damn exciting: I have all of next week off from work! I carried over four weeks of vacation from 2008, which means I have a total of nine weeks for 2009. I'll never be able to get through all of it (and, yes, I know, I am wicked spoiled by the vacation policy of my current employer), but I have to use those four weeks or I'll lose them forever!

And, so, back in January, I decided to kick things off with a week-long staycation here in New York. I have some travel planned for later this year (Ohio, Napa and possibly France), but this week will be totally and completely about spending time with my city.

One of the craziest things about New Yorkers is that we tend to spend so much time working our butts off (we have to, if we want to afford the rents) that we rarely take time to pause and explore our city. I can't remember the last time I just wandered around the Village, browsing through shops, or struck out on an exploration of a new neighborhood in Brooklyn, or spent hours wandering the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Next week, I will spend my time doing the kinds of things I moved here to do - and I'd love to hear if you have any ideas for me to try! Here's a few things that are already on the list...

- Tickets to 9 to 5 for Tuesday night - Allison Janney FTW!
- Banh Mi sandwich
- Dinner or lunch at Marlow & Sons
- Shopping for furniture/house stuff in Williamsburg
- Lots and lots of Greenmarket-based cooking
- Lunch and shopping in Chinatown
- An outing to Stone Barns
- Lobster roll at Pearl Oyster Bar

What am I missing, people? What do you want to see? Let me know!

10 comments:

The Girl You Used to Know said...

I say do all (OMG that sandwich!!) and take me with you!

Meg Blocker said...

I know, the SANDWICH!!!!

Oh, one more to add: a visit to the Cooper-Hewitt!

http://www.cooperhewitt.org/

SINgleGIRL said...

I am so green with envy right now that I can barely type. Green. I'd hate you if I didn't adore you.

Anyway, if I were you I'd take a weekday morning to stroll through the MOMA and enjoy this http://www.moma.org/visit/calendar/exhibitions/298# without all the crowds in your way.

lostplum said...

the Noguchi Garden Museum is worth the trip!
also Woodlawn Cemetery (but i'm a lit. nerd and such)
I love to explore the city's libraries like the Morgan is wonderful. (there is nothing as exciting to me then library books/old books)

Meg Blocker said...

You guys are awesome...ok, added to the list:

- MoMA
- Noguchi Garden Museum
- Hot Pot in Chinatown (courtesy of @pliadesigns on Twitter)

I think I should also ride the Roosevelt Island tram next week. I've never done it. Great photo ops, I'm betting...

Meg Blocker said...

Add this: Joe has opened up at 85th and Columbus. Hello, an afternoon o' reading (and blogging, of course)!

http://joetheartofcoffee.com/locations.htm

New York Muhtari said...

what a great idea... My boss did the same thing, and they even stayed in the hotel to truly feel the experience and went to Broadway shows..

I have a cpa exam coming up (next saturday) but on sunday I am planning to go to Brooklyn Botanical Garden to see Cherry Blossoms. Yep, it is that time of the year again and it is more beautiful then its peak season, with less crowd and more time to enjoy the cherry trees and wonderful photo shooting. If you are into that sort of thing check their website. saturday morning and I believe tuesday is all free..

Have a great time.

ps: I do have 8 weeks vacation this year wt carryover from last year and going to Europe for much anticipated vacation in 10 days.. so excited.

Robin Wendell said...

Sounds totally divine --Hummm, but where is the bookstore day! I recommend a minimum of 5 new reads. I bet there are some great bookstore cafes out there....

I wanted to try this one on my last trip but ran out of time.-- RadianceTea

Rest assured we all will be living vicariously though you as you wander through the delights of the big Apple. Will you be teasing us with tweets?

Anonymous said...

Megan, I was just informed of your blog. Why didn't you tell me about this? This is oh so fabulous! I love your blog! You go girl! Keep up the good work, writing, and food escapades!
Connie

Meg Blocker said...

@Muhtari: Yes, the Cherry Blossom festival is beautiful - enjoy!

@Robin: Good thinking! My favorite is the Housing Works cafe in SoHo.

@Connie: Thanks, babe! I had no idea you didn't know about my other life. Welcome - and enjoy!

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