The Millers were back "on the road" in August for a trip north to visit some family and friends. The last time we were in NYC was New Year's Day and we hadn't been to Rhode Island since Christmas. It was about time to introduce Darwin to our favorite people and places!
Leaving Raleigh after work on Friday has worked out for me in the past, because you get to DC after rush hour and into NYC at a somewhat reasonable time. To our dismay however, we encountered some issues in Raleigh that had to be dealt with before we left and then hit traffic in Richmond, VA!
This is not what you want to experience 2 hours into an 8 hour drive!
Instead of burdening friends with a 3am arrival in NYC, we decided to find a dog-friendly hotel along the way. Our options were either the Red Roof Inn or La Quinta Inn. We opted for a Red Roof Inn in Delaware, resulting in a poor first hotel experience with Darwin. Not only was he clearly uncomfortable (even in his crate), but the hotel was pretty gross. After talking with family who has stayed in a La Quinta Inn in northern Maryland, we will likely try that next time we are in a pinch.
Needless to say, we were back on the road as soon as possible Saturday morning. With the terrible night's sleep behind us and a lovely morning, we were optimistic about the day. We started the awesomeness 30 minutes into our drive with a stop at the awesome Amish Market in Mullica Hill, NJ for some breakfast. They have the best breads!!
The Amish Market breads are amazing!
Getting from Delaware into NYC on Saturday morning was a breeze. I have never gotten into the city nor have I found a parking spot in Battery Park (lower Manhattan) so quickly!
No traffic going into the Holland Tunnel
We got into the city by 9am and had the whole day to enjoy our favorite spots. The first half of the day was spent in lower Manhattan.
Showing Darwin where we would take our lunchtime walk
along the Hudson River and Battery Park
On our way to the World Trade Center site
(in the distance behind Colin)
We were amazed at how much has changed in and around the World Trade Center site since we left just 8 months ago!
Picking up some delicious donut peaches
from a Farmers' Market near Whole Foods
Looking south but walking north along the Hudson River
Taking a break from walking to enjoy the Hudson River on the newly renovated Pier 25.
Enjoying the best sustainable burgers and custard shakes from
Shake Shack's newest location in Battery Park!
After lunch, we headed north along the West Side Highway to meet up with my friend Christina! It was great to catch up with her and see the changes in her 2 year old daughter Layla. Darwin also found a buddy in Christina's dog Reilly.
Here you can see that Darwin's features are not completely that of a true Labrador.
Darwin's eyes are much rounder. Aren't they adorable!?
All morning we had stopped at several dog parks in lower Manhattan to allow Darwin to make friends, but he was not interested in any of them until he met Reilly. When we let the two of them play in the dog park on the Upper West Side, he finally had some fun!
It was also Darwin's first time in elevator!
Poor Darwin is freaking out in the elevator!
To end a wonderful day in NYC, we ate dinner at the vegetarian restaurant, Quantum Leap, in Greenwich Village with our friend Wei and our hosts for the evening, Colin's cousin Jon and his lovely girlfriend Temple. Unfortunately, there was no outdoor seating, so dining with Darwin posed a problem. Ordering food and eating in nearby Washington Square Park was an option, but when we noticed a table at the window we decided Darwin would be okay sitting outside if we watched him.
The staff at the restaurant was enchanted with our little guy and accommodated his every need. They even took this photo of him trying to get away from the open sidewalk by sitting on the flower pot. We were able to make him comfortable by moving the pot away from the building so that he could fit in the space between the wall and the flower pot. From that spot, he could watch people passing, but not be too close. So many people stopped to check out his cuteness, take his photo, or even pet him. What a guy!
Darwin trying to escape the open sidewalk
at Quantum Leap in Greenwich Village.
The stars aligned for us on this day, allowing us to enjoy every bit of the best NYC has to offer. We couldn't have asked for better weather, uncrowded streets, great people and delicious food. Thanks to Veronica and Aldo for offering us a place Friday night and Temple and Jon for being great hosts on Saturday night!
What is your favorite thing to do or place to eat in NYC?
Check back soon to read about our adventures on the Islands of Long and Rhode - even though Rhode Island is not actually an island.
