New York City is only a small part of the New York. It is like finding a gem in the ocean. It can be so small but yet so big. What makes Manhattan are the fast paced environment full of businessmen and women, tourist and locals. The busy streets are always full of excitement and you can never run out of things to do.

Columbus park, photo by Anna

Friday

1. Columbus Park, 3PM

Columbus Park was named after explorer Christopher Columbus in 1911. Take a walk to the park. As you walk take a minute and admire some of the murals and architectures that were preserved from early Chinatown. There are many things to see and activities to do including soccer, volleyball, Tai Chi, poker and Chinese chess know as Xian Qi.

2. Traditional Soup Dumpling, 6 PM

Xiao Long Bao or some might call it “Little dumplings in a basket” was originated from Nan Xiang, Shanghai. Xiao Long Bao is pork with meaty soup inside a tender dough pouch. The best place to find this soupy dumpling would be Joe’s Shanghai (Peek hours 12-2 PM & 6-8PM, wait about 1 hour). Each rack has about 8 dumplings. They offer two choices of dumplings; you can choose pork ($6.25) or pork with crab ($8.25). The dumplings are good, but don’t forget to give the fried scallion pancakes ($2.95) a chance. It might just be the best Scallion pancake you’ve ever had! For the vegans, head over to 185 Bleecker Street and try the trending vegan restaurant “By Chloe”. They have many varieties on the menu. I would definitely recommend the sweet potato fries, and the whiskey BBQ burger. To top that off, they give you unlimited spicy aioli and beets ketchup.

Soup dumplings, photo by Joe’sShanghai.com

3. A drink to make the night better, 9PM

Hop on the train for a 10-minute ride over to St. Marks. Enjoy a nice evening with friends and gossip a little at a local speak easy. Angel’s Share would be a popular recommended. Try the Cheek to Cheek ($15) made with Bacardi Carta Blanca, mixed berries, white cranberry juice, balsamic honey, vincotto, with yogurt and mascarpone espuma. Feeling a little hungry after? Grab NYC’s $1 pizza at any corner of St. Marks; it is cheap and delicious after a few drinks.

Saturday

4. Can’t skip breakfast, 10AM

Start the day at Chelsea Market located at 75 9^th Avenue between 15^th and 16^th street. Stroll the market for delicious food and do some souvenir shopping. Stop by Los Tacos No.1 11AM for some tacos, you won’t regret this. Each tacos cost about $3-4 dollars and you have the choices of steak, chicken pork and cactus. After you tried the tacos, go ahead and hop on the High Line. The High Line was an elevated historic railroad used to transport goods. After trucks were invented, the railroad was slowly replaced, and soon the railroad became a resting monument. Abandoned and untouched nature brought the railroad back to life. When the railroad was about to be demolished, people came together (Friends of the High Line) to save what we call “The High Line” today. Take a picture with the sleepwalker sculpture and stroll the 1.45-mile railroad viewing the busy streets of NYC, the ocean, architectures and gardens.

5. Korea Town, Noon

Korean immigrants who didn’t speak any English started Korea Town. The rent was low, and a lot of people were attracted to Thirty-second Street by the Empire State building. Koreans saw this as an opportunity to start there own shops and restaurants. BCD Tofu house are famous for the tofu stew know as soondubu ($20-$30). It is perfect for the cold weather and they have vegetarian options. Head over to the world’s biggest Macy’s, a shopping department that is over two million square feet. Do some holiday shopping or take the escalator to the eighth-floor to see Santa Claus (there are no age limit).

6. Broadway Show, 4PM

Take the train to 49^th street, and walk over to Bibble & Sip for some tea and dessert. Pair the matcha jasmine latte with the earl grey cream buff. It is absolutely delicious! Rest up and take a 10 minute walk to Time Square 42^nd Street. Take pictures at the stairs, explore the shops, and go to a Broadway show. The Book of Mormon is a show worth watching; it is a religious and fun musical that will bring out laughter (lottery, 12Pm & 6PM).

Bibble & Sip, photo by Anna

7. Sweet Chick, 8:30PM

Sweet Chick one of the well knows chicken and waffle spot. The chicken and waffle is a must try. It is paired with lemon and honey, herb and raspberry butter. Still have room for more? Try the buttermilk biscuit!

Sunday

8. Last breakfast in NYC, 9 AM

Breakfast in Little Italy. Stop by the Egg Shop and enjoy a nice hearty breakfast. This place is perfect for breakfast & brunch; the wait on weekends can range from 1 to 2 hours (no reservations). Going with friends? Order a few things to share so you can try a little bit of everything. The Eggs Benedict in a bowl is very popular, and order a customized buttermilk biscuit sandwich ($15-$20).

9. Souvenir, 12PM

Don’t leave NYC without Souvenir. Walk over to Canal Street in Chinatown, and visit some of the gift shops for some I Love NY gifts. Bring home some treat from Singapore Malaysian Beef jerky. The jerkies are slightly on the expensive side since they are made fresh daily. It comes in beef, pork and chicken flavor, also a choice of spicy or non-spicy (1/4 lb $5.25).

Lodging

Manhattan is a fast paced environment, so time shouldn’t be wasted in a hotel room. Want an inexpensive place to shower, sleeps, and brush and be on your way? Book the Vanderbilt YMCA a hostel like hotel located mid-town east on 47^th street. It is about $100 per night. Perfect for people traveling alone and also have family rooms available for those who are traveling in a group.

Traveling with a furry friend and don’t mind paying a little more? Book a an animal friendly hotel room at the Crown Plaza Hotel ($350 per night). It is in the heart of Time square. Go for a early walk around the corner and peek into ABC Studio’s “Good Morning America Show”.

Reference

Columbus Park. (n.d.). Retrieved December 05, 2016, from https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/columbus-park-m015

Welcome to Joe’s Shanghai Restaurant official web site, home of Soup Dumplings. (n.d.). Retrieved December 05, 2016, from http://www.joeshanghairestaurants.com/

The High Line | Friends of the High Line. (n.d.). Retrieved December 05, 2016, from http://www.thehighline.org/

Google Map

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?hl=en&hl=en&authuser=0&mid=1Li0sREZ0wnQ88pK196pDQcbzNPE&ll=40.73696761491369%2C-73.99469820000002&z=13