Going to New York for 24 Hours?

Last week, I had a quick, 24 hour rendezvous in New York City.  I was the guest of Pfizer for a Blogger Summit.  (Lots more to come on that)  I flew in on Thursday afternoon and flew back out Friday evening. So what do you do when you've got 24 hours in New York City?  Hit the streets baby for some awesome sights.

My starting point was 42nd Street, between 4th and 3rd Avenue, at my hotel, the newly remodeled Westin New York Grand Central. Because President Obama and Governor Mitt Romney also happened to be in New York City for the same 24 hours, my first stop on my walking tour was to go to the Waldorf Astoria Hotel where they were attending the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner.  Romney's entourage zoomed past me as I briskly walked to the hotel. That was as close as I got to seeing the big name comedians for the evening.  I did see lots of Secret Service Agents, black Suburbans, and drug sniffing dogs however.

After hanging out there for 45 minutes, I gave up on my sighting and headed towards Times Square and the Theater District.  There is always plenty of energy going on in that area of town. I love the bright lights and the crowds.

I was pretty hungry at this point, so I headed for a famous hamburger joint, the Shake Shack. Because of its draw, there is always a line outside. What did I care? I had one night and all the time in the world. I ordered their regular hamburger and an order of their delicious crinkle french fries.The food came fast and fresh and hot (they make it to order). Truly, one of the best burgers I have ever consumed.  

I don't know my directions very well in the city. I think I headed north to Columbus Circle, another hustle-bustle destination. My favorite Whole Foods is located there. 

I was still on 8th Avenue and headed towards the ritzy neighborhood known as 5th Avenue. Before I reached that swanky and posh locale, I stopped for dessert at the Milk Bar.  

They are known for their delicious treats, namely crack pie, a gooey conglomeration of sugar and custard filling in a buttery crust. My healthy eating bit the dust after just one scrumptious bite. 

When I reached the corner of 42nd Street and 5th Avenue, I turned back towards my hotel.  All in all, my night outing took about 3 hours.  I was pretty pooped when I got back in my room.  I went to bed at 11:00 p.m., which was only 8:00 p.m. California time. My self directed walking tour was the perfect activity to help me settle down from jet lag. I went right to sleep and woke up ready to hit my busy Friday Blogger Summit beginning at 6 a.m. with a yoga class. At the end of the day, I was headed back to JFK and a flight out to Seattle. 

Phew. What a 24 hour stint I had in New York City. I saw a lot, learned a lot, and truly embraced the vibrant energy of Manhattan. Loved. Loved. Loved it all.

What do you like to do and see in New York City? 

Have you had a whirlwind trip there recently?