I planned this trip only a few months in advance. Originally we planned to go out west to see Yellowstone National Park, Glacier National Park, and possibly the Grand Canyon. The main goal during this trip was to hit 4 new states that I had never been to for my bucket list. After a lot of thought, we decided to go north instead of west. Going north towards New York would allow us to hit a lot more states with a lot less driving.
Sitting Next to Grandma for their 1st Plane Ride
We decided to visit New York for 5 days and then rent a car and drive through Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire towards Maine. This was my girls FIRST time flying in an airplane. And the first time visiting New York for all of us.
We Drove 1247 Miles Total
My Epic 30th Birthday Trip started out with a canceled flight. It also happened to be fourth of July weekend and the Atlanta airport was insane. After two trips to the Atlanta airport, switching our flight from Southwest to Delta, and a broken pair of flip-flops, we flew out the next morning on a brand new plane with seats right behind first class in Delta Comfort. FYI, Delta Comfort is worth every penny, you get on/off first, in-flight movies, and you get free drinks… including tequila!
Apartment Living Room in New York
Empire State Building
I was really happy with our place. We had amazing views of the city and the river from our apartment. The Empire State Building was lit up for the 4th of July and I could see it while laying in bed!
Panoramic View of New York City
We were in the Manhattan/Hell’s Kitchen area on 52nd street which is within walking distance to Times Square, but out of the busy, craziness of the city.
Rooftop with my Mom, Empire State Building in the distance
View of the Hudson River from our apartment
We flew into Laguardia airport and took a taxi to our 2-Bedroom Luxury Penthouse. We stayed at 5 different places on this entire trip, and we booked them all through VRBO and AirBnb, except for the Salem Inn in Massachusetts.
Staten Island Ferry
We walked 10 miles the first day in New York and almost 10 miles again the second day. I love how convenient everything is in New York. There’s always a grocery store or CVS right around the corner and most places will deliver to you!
Riding the Subway with Grandma
We rode the subway for the very first time and rode the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty.
Statue of Liberty
We visited the 9/11 Memorial, Times Square, and on July 4th we took a bus to Hoboken, NJ to visit the original Carlo’s Bakery!
First Responders on 9/11
One of the 9/11 Memorial Pools
The original Carlo’s Bakery in New Jersey
We walked around Times Square on July 4th but decided not to go downtown to see the huge Macy’s Fireworks show. We saw bits and pieces of it as we were walking back to our apartment.
Times Square on July 4TH
And of course our trip would not be complete without visiting Central Park.
Central Park
Carriage Rides through Central Park
The next morning we rented a car and headed towards Salem, Massachusetts.
Check out the photos from part two of our road trip > HERE.
That is absolutely amazing! You are making 30 the year of awesome!
I’m glad you had fun up in our neck of the woods (New York City). My wife and I live about 5 hours away, and to be honest, I’ve only been through NYC once on my way to Long Island with a friend. I would like to visit there some day. I have my apprehensions about NYC, but I’m sure it’s because of all the crime shows I watch! lol. The Northeast is actually a beautiful section of the U.S.. Judging by your pictures, it looks like everyone had fun! Glad you had a happy 30th birthday! I did not know about free drinks on Delta Comfort! I’ll have to remember that if I ever get booked on a comfort flight!
Haha, yes my mom was paranoid about crime too but NYC is actually very safe. There is always someone around. Thank you for the birthday wishes!
That didn’t start out well but I’m glad it was fixed and your 30th birthday trip went well. You all look so happy and the places are beautiful!
What an amazing 30th birthday you had! I am headed to NYC tomorrow and I can’t wait!
What a fun trip to NYC! The kids will definitely have a lot of memories. You guys did a lot of wonderful stuff, I would love to take my girls to those attractions. Sounds like you had an amazing birthday trip!
I LOVE NYC and road trips in general! It looks like you had an amazing time on your trip!!!
This sounds like such a fun trip and a wonderful birthday party. I would love to go back to NYC and explore with the kids now.
Happy belated birthday. I have always dreamed of going to New York but it hasn’t happened yet. Maybe one day.
I bet it was cool to see Carlos’s Bakery in person. He creates some amazing cakes. I hope that you tried a few of his treats.
This makes me want to go back to New York City so bad! We were there a week before Christmas last year. Love that view of NYC from your apartment. Happy Belated Birthday! Here’s to many more!
So fun! My kids have been begging to go to NY and I keep telling them one day! I have been there without kids but there really is so much for kids there! Plus so great having grandma there!
We spent a few days there two years ago for my first trip to the Big Apple and it blew my mind that you could live your whole life and not need a car! Coming from northern Michigan, that was quite a revelation for me.
Agreed! I drive everywhere here in Georgia. It’s amazing how close and convenient everything is. I would be so fit if I lived in NY and walked everywhere! 🙂
I cannot think of a better way to celebrate 30 years!! NYC is one of my very favorite places and you captured some awesome shots!
What a lovely place to celebrate your birthday. Carlo’s Bakery is one of the things I’m looking forward to visit when I go to New York.
What a fun birthday! It sure is nice to celebrate with the entire family, and a road trip at that. Awesome. I wish I did that when I turned 30!
Such an amazing and wonderful trip. That is one of unforgettable birthday.
Now this is how you celebrate the big 3-0! It looks like you all had an amazing time and it’s awesome that you picked NYC! One of my favorite places to be!