Tag Archives: Empire State Building

Alternative Sights To See In Places To Avoid The Main Tourist Trap

No matter how far apart and different major cities around the world are, they all have the same two things in common. They attract a lot of tourists and these tourists all flock to the same main tourist traps.

New York Travel Tips Brooklyn Bridge

It’s true. In New York, everyone uses their first trip to see the Empire State Building. All the way over in France, the Eiffel Tower is Synonymous with the word Paris. Parents with eager kids in California think Disneyland Park is the only option. And in Venice, Italy, you won’t get far without seeing someone clambering aboard an overpriced gondola!

In doing the same activities and seeing the same sights, you’re doing two things to yourself. You’re making yourself compete with the elbows and selfie sticks of hundreds of others. Plus, you’re also losing out on the authentic part of the city, lurking quietly in the background. So, break away from the crowd, metaphorically and literally by taking the road less traveled by tourists.

California, USA

Avoid: Disneyland Park
Instead do: Adventure City

Anaheim as a city has a lot more to offer than just Disneyland Park! Sure, it was the only Disney park that Walt actually had a hand in building himself. But it’s also a hotspot for manic children and exhausted parents all year round. Well, you might not believe it, but somebody actually had the bravery to set up a competing park in the same area. Adventure City opened back in 1994 and has managed to survive ever since. Yes, the park is smaller and offers fewer rides. But this doesn’t mean it is small or even limited. Set across two acres, you get the same thrills and rides for a far more affordable price. While the masses are over at Disneyland, you can join the savvier adults over at Adventure City.

Venice, Italy

Avoid: hiring a gondola
Instead do: a day trip to Treviso

Ask people what you should do on a trip to Venice and they will probably answer ‘hire a Gondola’. Well, while this is a very nice idea, it is also a very expensive one! The owners of the gondolas have caught on to just how popular their offering is, and their prices seem to rise every season! So, say no to this offer, and hop on a train instead. Bear with us on this one. While there is lots to see and do in Venice, it is very difficult to avoid the tourists. However, if what you are looking for is authentic Italy and all it has to offer, a 30-minute train ride away is the town of Treviso. Much smaller, it is also much quieter. However, this in turn means it is more affordable, more authentic and just as stunning. Plus, they have rivers and boats in Treviso too!

New York, USA

Avoid… the Empire State Building
Instead do… a wander around Greenwich Village

Let’s be honest. The best part of the Empire State Building is the view from the top. From the outside, and especially down below, it kind of looks like pretty much any other NYC building. 

So, instead, head to where the locals and resident New Yorkers spend a lazy afternoon or early morning; Greenwich Village. Wander around the cobbled, tree-lined streets. Stop for a coffee in one of the many places that does it freshly brewed. Say no to the tourist shops and look in the little boutiques that are dotted around Greenwich Village. You could also spend the day exploring some chic neighborhood in Brooklyn such as Williamsburg or DUMBO. They’re just a short train ride from Manhattan and offer a way more personal New York experience than you’ll ever find in midtown Manhattan. 

Paris, France

Avoid… The Eiffel Tower
Instead do… A traditional Parisian Park.

Tourists in Paris love The Eiffel Tower like tourists in Venice love the gondolas. I.E. – A LOT! However, there is simply so much more to the French capital. Locals boast of having lived in Paris their whole lives and having never visited the tower once. Instead, they busy themselves with the wealth of other authentic sites and activities Paris lays on. Take Paris’ parks. Parc Monceau and Parc Montsouris are just two stunners to enjoy on a stroll or a picnic – or both. Parc Buttes-Chaumont is another local favorite, and it offers wonderful views over the city too. It’s not just grass and trees you’ll find, either. Instead, there is a lake, waterfalls, hidden grottoes and more.

Find me on: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Snapshots from New York Fashion Week SS15

New York Fashion Week

The view from the rewardStyle party at the Empire Hotel

Samsung

The Samsung wall in Lincoln Center

Outfit of the Week

My outfit from Day 3

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

The enterance to the tents

Empire State Building

The Empire State Building looking bright and stylish

Marrin Costello Jewelry

Gorgeous pieces by Marrin Costello

MBFW Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Striking a pose in my fab Target dress

hot guy

Playing football in the Clorox booth outside Lincoln Center

Fashion Week

Sometimes it’s hard to get a photo

Find me on: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Being Touristy!

tourist

For two years running, my Mom has come up for Delaware to New York City for her birthday. I guess now you can call it a tradition. This year, we decided to be super touristy and take both a bus and boat tour of Manhattan. I would absolutely recommend the boat tour or at least taking a boat cruise around the Hudson River (which I plan to try next). However, the bus tour was at best okay. Even as a tourist you see most of the places walking anyway and the tour guide was super annoying. What I liked most about the boat tour is that you could see the city from a whole new prepective and get see the Statue of Liberty up close at sunset.

Macy's NYC

Selfie

flatiron building

NYC Traffic

city life

sunset

Statue of Liberty

Find me on: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

 

My New York in Instagrams

So I finally got an iPhone (I know it’s shameful how long it took), but this phone upgrade has truly marked an upgrade in my life.  I’ve come to realize that every time I use Instagram, I’m holding a billion dollars. That app is absolutely amazing.  If you ask me, Facebook purchased it for a steal.  Today, I walked through my neighborhood on Manhattan’s west side shooting Instagrams of my surroundings.  Seeing them on Instagram was as magical as when I saw New York for the first time.

Above you will find the Empire State Building to the left and the view from outside my door on Ninth Ave. to the right.  Since this past weekend was absolutely beautiful, I took a stroll through the High Line, a city park built on old elevated train tracks.  Here are some of the highlights of my High Line trip:

(Left) A butterfly at the High Line
(Right) The Diane von Furstenberg store in Meatpacking

(Left) The Standard Hotel
(Right) A billboard that explains everything you need to know about life in Manhattan