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Friday Exploring in NYC

December 16, 2013 by Julie 40 Comments

On Friday morning, after we were done with breakfast, I said goodbye to Merri and Theodora who both had to work, and headed back to Merri’s apartment to meet up with my friend Ashley who was arriving in town from Chicago around noon.

Morning Exploring

After I hopped on the bus, I got off at an early stop so I could walk for a little while and shop before it was time to shower and get ready for Ashley’s arrival. My first pit stop took me to Express because I wanted to pick up an adorable pair of drawstring pants that I saw one of Merri’s coworkers wearing the other day. They were super cute and since there was a store-wide 40 percent off sale, I couldn’t resist.

Before I arrived at Merri’s apartment, I took some time to stroll through the market at Union Square and drool over the freshly baked breads and sweets and take in the smell of the evergreen wreaths and garland for sale.

Union Square Market

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While there, I couldn’t resist picking up m’smen, a buttery Moroccan flatbread that tasted a lot like a thick crepe stuffed with caramelized onion and cheese.

m'smen

You better believe I will be doing my best to recreate this at home very soon!

Once I made it back to Merri’s apartment, I took a quick shower before Ashley arrived and we headed back out into the city to check out the holiday sights.

Our first stop was the famous tree at Rockefeller Center.

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It was absolutely packed, so we stayed just long enough to snap some pictures and watch the ice skaters for a little while.

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Rockefeller Tree

We walked around the city for the rest of the afternoon, grabbed a late lunch and headed back to Merri’s apartment to get ready while our other friends began to arrive from Florida, Virginia and Illinois.

Friday Night

Everyone started arriving in the early evening and Ryan was the last one to land in New York around 6 p.m. We had plans to meet at Rolf’s, the bar we visited last year that was completely decked out in Christmas decor. It is truly an amazing sight and their mulled wine is so, so good.

Rolf's NYC

We had early evening reservations that we ended up missing and since the bar was ridiculously crowded and we didn’t want to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers, we opted to walk to Old Town Bar since it would accommodate our group of 15 for an impromptu dinner and festive drinks.

Hot apple toddys were a big hit with all of us!

Hot Apple Toddy

We enjoyed our drinks and dinner but had to leave by 8:45 p.m. since we had reservations at Cafe Wa? for an evening full of great live music!

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The music was great and it was a really fun night!

More fun to come…

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: hot apple toddy, New York City, Old Town Bar, Rockefeller Center, Rolf's, travel, Union Square

About Julie

My name is Julie and I am a full-time blogger, new mama, fitness enthusiast (certified personal trainer and group exercise instructor) and food fanatic (mostly healthy... but also not-so-healthy) living in North Carolina with my husband, dog and baby boy. Thank you for visiting Peanut Butter Fingers! I hope you enjoy little glimpses into my life and have fun trying the sweaty workouts I frequently share and making some of my favorite recipes along the way!

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Comments

  1. Erin @ Girl Gone Veggie says

    December 16, 2013 at 9:19 am

    Your hair looks so good in that Rockefeller picture! I miss NYC at Christmastime. I’m glad you had fun!

    Reply
  2. Ali @ Peaches and Football says

    December 16, 2013 at 9:24 am

    NYC looks so amazing – I would love to see Rockefeller center and go ice skating. It’s definitely one of my bucket list items!! The bar with all the Christmas decor is awesome. We have a place near here that does Christmas year-round. It’s pretty ridiculous in the summer but I especially love it this time of year – tons of lights, garland, and various ornaments.

    Glad you are having a fabulous time!!

    Reply
  3. Florence says

    December 16, 2013 at 9:31 am

    That Moroccan flatbread looks insanely delicious! Looks like such a fun holiday trip!

    Reply
  4. Linz @ Itz Linz says

    December 16, 2013 at 9:45 am

    ok where is merri’s white slouchy hat from!??! i’ve been looking for one!!!!

    Reply
    • peanutbutterfingers says

      December 16, 2013 at 9:53 am

      ShopBop!

      Reply
  5. Alex @ the really ones says

    December 16, 2013 at 9:58 am

    Oh my gosh, that decor! Did you go to Macy’s? Apparently their Christmas decor is pretty awesome!

    Reply
  6. Katie @ Peace Love & Oats says

    December 16, 2013 at 10:16 am

    Ah so jealous! Rolf’s is on my “Must Visit” list if I ever get to go back to New York – the pictures you’ve shown from last year and this year make it look so pretty! I need to force one of my friends to move to NYC so I can go visit them, haha. I haven’t been since a school trip when I was 16!

    Reply
  7. Ali says

    December 16, 2013 at 10:25 am

    Those Express pants might be the greatest pants ever invented. They are cute and look amazingly comfortable. Post a picture when you wear them!

    Reply
    • peanutbutterfingers says

      December 16, 2013 at 2:19 pm

      They really are so comfortable! I am just worried they look too much like pajamas on me even though they looked adorable on Merri’s coworker. I’m still not sure how I am going to wear them so I kept the receipt, but I am hoping they work out because they are so ridiculously comfortable!

      Reply
  8. Jackie says

    December 16, 2013 at 10:33 am

    What a fun day! I wish I would have made it to the city during the holiday season!

    Reply
  9. Stacie @ Simply Southern Stacie says

    December 16, 2013 at 10:44 am

    Ok, I am officially putting Rolf’s on my list of places to go this weekend! Love the decorations!

    Reply
    • peanutbutterfingers says

      December 16, 2013 at 2:18 pm

      It is really a must see!! Just be prepared for lots and lots of people!

      Reply
  10. Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says

    December 16, 2013 at 10:48 am

    NYC is literally the best! Such great shopping and such great food! Sounds like an amazing time!

    Reply
  11. Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says

    December 16, 2013 at 11:08 am

    Looks like fun! I am still amazed at that bar’s decorations – so over the top! I love it.

    Reply
  12. Sara @ LovingOnTheRun says

    December 16, 2013 at 11:18 am

    Love your hats! I always love finding new hats for winter – they are always hard to come by that can still look somewhat “dressy” – can’t wait to read about the rest of your adventures!

    Reply
  13. Chelsea says

    December 16, 2013 at 11:44 am

    That restaurant with Christmas decorations is just gorgeous!! I’ve always said I wanted to go to NYC, but didn’t care if I actually did. Now I will be going around Christmas time!! Can’t wait to see more adventures!

    Reply
  14. Sarah @ Sweet Miles says

    December 16, 2013 at 12:00 pm

    Oh my word, that flatbread looks absolutely amazing. I’m practically drooling over here! I’ve never been to NYC and think I would be really overwhelmed, but man it looks like so much fun!! 🙂

    Reply
  15. Kelly @ Kelly Runs for Food says

    December 16, 2013 at 12:12 pm

    Looks like a blast! The big Rockefeller tree hadn’t been decorated yet when I went. That place is so pretty during the holidays!

    Reply
  16. Julie @ Better Life with Burgers says

    December 16, 2013 at 12:19 pm

    What a fun weekend! I feel like we would be good travel buddies (is that creepy?) because it seems we both like to pack as much in as possible. Only two days to explore a huge, overwhelming city? No problem! I do my sleeping on planes and just power through to take in as much as I can, and I like seeing you do the same! Can’t wait to read the rest!

    Reply
  17. Ashley H. says

    December 16, 2013 at 12:30 pm

    Just had to tell you that I ran my first half marathon Saturday because you inspired me and I finished in 2:26 minutes!!! I was SOOO excited! 🙂 It was very challenging, but by God’s grace I made it through under 2:30 (that was my goal!!).

    Reply
    • peanutbutterfingers says

      December 16, 2013 at 2:17 pm

      That is absolutely amazing! And what a fabulous time! Congratulations to you!! So exciting!!!!!!

      Reply
      • Andrea says

        December 16, 2013 at 2:37 pm

        And where is your hat from? So cute!

        Reply
  18. Miranda @ Lovely Wife Lovely Life says

    December 16, 2013 at 12:51 pm

    The Christmas tree!! <3 that would be the only reason I would ever go to NYC.

    Reply
  19. Livi says

    December 16, 2013 at 1:00 pm

    that looks awesome! It’s so cold in NY right now!

    Reply
  20. Diana says

    December 16, 2013 at 1:00 pm

    Your trip looks like so much fun! NY is amazing during this season…they really go all out. Can’t wait to hear more. 🙂

    Reply
  21. Livi says

    December 16, 2013 at 1:00 pm

    that looks awesome! It’s so cold in NY right now!

    Reply
  22. Natalie @ Free Range Human says

    December 16, 2013 at 1:23 pm

    Rockefeller Center was packed when we were there a few weeks ago as well. I don’t think people can resist the ice skating at the iconic rink!

    Reply
  23. Lindsay @ Shiny Love Affair says

    December 16, 2013 at 1:29 pm

    The market in Union Square is the best! I wish I lived in NYC so I could hit that up on a weekly basis. Looks like you’re having fun in NYC!

    Reply
  24. Adriana @Laced Up With Lipstick says

    December 16, 2013 at 2:01 pm

    Only you could look that beautiful in that hat!

    Reply
  25. Ashley @ Broc Blog says

    December 16, 2013 at 2:18 pm

    Sounds really fun and action packed, can’t wait to see the recipe up here because that bread thing looks delish!

    Reply
  26. Taylor @ Singletrackedmind says

    December 16, 2013 at 2:19 pm

    NYC looks beautiful – and cold! I’m excited to go there for Christmas!

    Reply
  27. sanaz@runforcake says

    December 16, 2013 at 2:20 pm

    That bread looks amazing. Similar to a garlic nann right? I love the decorations in that bar. So amazing it doesn’t even look real.

    Reply
  28. Jamie @ Sometimes Healthy Living Blog says

    December 16, 2013 at 2:36 pm

    Love the Union Square Market! Used to work around the corner, which meant I could go there whenever I wanted :-). It was amazing! Love seeing the tree too – headed down to NYC tonight, and I will have to stop by that tree!

    Reply
  29. Anna @ Fitness à la Anna says

    December 16, 2013 at 2:59 pm

    I made mulled wine for the first time this weekend for a dinner party with my roomies – so good!

    Reply
  30. Katrina says

    December 16, 2013 at 3:13 pm

    If anyone’s interested, check out this ebay auction! Julie had mentioned this item in her blog on December 4.

    http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Balance-Heidi-Klum-Moto-Pullover-XS-NEW-WITH-TAGS-NWT-/131071291708?pt=US_Womens_Athleticwear&hash=item1e8475313c

    Reply
  31. Mary says

    December 16, 2013 at 3:59 pm

    NYC really is one of the best places in the winter season, especially during the holidays. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  32. Jennifer says

    December 16, 2013 at 4:51 pm

    I am reliving my trip from two weekends ago through you! I passed through the Union Square Market too- I love that area! I had the most delicious cookie with nuts, chocolate chips, and Earl Grey tea. I was a little unsure, but it was absolutely fabulous! Can’t wait to hear more about your time in NYC.

    Reply
  33. Pam Hammond says

    December 16, 2013 at 5:21 pm

    I visited Le Pain a few weeks ago and absolutely loved it! Their prosciutto, pear, and fig sandwich was phenomenal!

    Reply
  34. Chrissy says

    December 16, 2013 at 9:25 pm

    cute AND comfy pants?! nice. do you know how long they are? I have long legs so I’m assuming too short as usual, ha!

    Reply
  35. Kayla says

    December 16, 2013 at 10:14 pm

    NYC is alway so beautiful around the holidays! Looks like you had such a fabulous weekend! Love you hat btw, where is it from!?

    Reply

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Hi! I’m Julie and I am a mom to three energetic boys and a personal trainer and blogger living in Charlotte, North Carolina. Welcome to my blog! Peanut Butter Fingers follows my life and my interests in food, fitness, family, travel and (mostly) healthy living.
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