The beauty, sophistication, and unique locales that New York offers truly make it one of the best cities in the world. Living in Westport, Connecticut, allows me a manageable commute into the city that never sleeps. Connecticut may be where I love to play in the dirt, but New York is where I love to dress up in black tie and create an experience of a lifetime.
This week I did just that for New Year’s Eve, by booking a room at the Ritz-Carlton with a breathtaking view of Central Park South. Even though I was working on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, I did not miss the opportunity to enjoy the sights and the experience of being there. Lunch at Bergdorf Goodman, window shopping along Fifth Avenue, a stop at St. Patrick’s Cathedral to give thanks and prayers, and more. Of course, no NY experience would be complete without some shoe shopping, this time at the Cole Haan store at Time Warner Center.
In the mood to do something utterly crazy and memorable, I visited the Minus 5 ice bar at the New York Hilton on Sixth Avenue. What an extravagant way to get a cold drink! I stepped inside – out of the cold – only to put on an extra coat, this time a heavy parka. I needed it, as the entire bar is made from solid ice, from the walls and pillars to the furniture and to décor – and even the glasses! A freezing 23 degrees Fahrenheit (minus-5 degrees Celsius) helps this place rank as the coolest place in the city – literally!
After a chilly drink or two, I returned to my hotel to experience the view from my own private window seat. The ball dropped only blocks away in Times Square, but I sat happily taking in the midnight fireworks over Central Park. I wasn’t freezing anymore, but it was still a ‘cool’ way to ring in the New Year. Happy 2014 to all my MARtians!
