Well, that statement is not exactly a fact. We didn’t climb Mount Everest. But we ascended the highest point near us at the moment which was the Empire State Building, which is actually the third highest building in New York City, but still…we were way up in the air!
In the distance spires the top of the Empire State Building
This was on our final day in the city. Lynndee has already shared many of the moments of our Christmas vacation to the city here on the blog. And I’ve already added my own tale of this trip earlier. But the one thing yet to be touched upon is our trip to the Empire State Building, which was actually not the first choice of the day. We began the morning with breakfast at a diner across the street from our hotel, one of our many eating experiences in the Big Apple.
It was our trip from the hotel to the diner, though, that changed our plans for the day. Initially, we had planned on going to visit the Statue of Liberty. However, once we hit the street and ran into the cold weather, we decided over breakfast that we didn’t want to take the ferry trip out to the statue. We had already almost walked all the way to the Empire State Building on our previous day’s trek through the city so we decided to catch a cab this time and go do the tourist thing.
On arrival, we were surprised to see such a line snaking around the building so early in the morning. So, ironically, there we were in the freezing cold and wind, working our way to the entrance. It wasn’t that bad, though, and we mad it in in about 30 minutes. But from there, it still took quite a bit of time to make it to the top; about two hours! But once there, it was a magnificent experience.
The new World Trade Center at what is now remembered as Ground Zero
The well-named Flatiron Building. We actually have a Flatiron Building in my home city of Asheville, NC
The famous Chrysler Building; the Queensboro Bridge is in the background.
Surprisingly, in my four previous trips to the city, I’d never made my way to the Empire State Building. Those times I’d went with a friend of mine who was a previous resident of the city, and we spent much time driving through the city and even much more walking, stopping at many of the famous bars and enjoying many of the restaurants; what’s to be expected from a couple of single guys? But hee certainly knew his way around because he drove a cab there for twenty years.
Our son Yogi enjoying the view
One of my most memorable experiences was visiting the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Just standing there, looking up was stunning. And it was at the base of the South Tower that my friend bought me my first ever knish from a street vendor’s hot dog stand. To my regret, we didn’t go up and do the tourist thing there on the observation deck. We did walk through the lobby and walk around the outside of the Towers, viewing all the beautiful landscaping. So making my way up to the Empire State Building’s observation deck was a special experience for me, as you can see from the views I got to see. And of course, it was here in this area that the final scenes of one of my all time favorite movies, Sleepless in Seattle, took place.
The greeting you receive in the lobby
Unfortunately, our trip was of a short duration and I didn’t get to show Lynndee and Yogi everything I wanted them to see. Therefore, that’s just an excuse for another trip to the Big Apple, as if I need one. 🙂
I love the Empire State Building. That view and just the building itself is absolutely amazing. I’m glad you finally got up there!
thanks for the wonderful pictures, you really capture the city… I’d love to go there and see this in person, must just be amazing to experience : )
The first thing I did when I visited NYC for the first time was head to the Empire State Building. It’s the most romantic building in the US in my opinion.
What a view! We went to the East Coast over the summer and spent some time in NYC, it was such an experience. One you have to do at least once!
I would love to go to the Empire State building. The view is so amazing. I will have to do it the next time I am in the area.
These are fantastic photos. I am hoping to be able to check out the Empire State Building this summer. I will have to take tons of pictures.
We just did the empire state building on our last trip to NYC! What a breathtaking view it is! Wow! It was very memorable!
Your pictures are absolutely gorgeous. I have never been to New York City but hope to visit there one day with my husband and daughter. What a view, what a city, and just WOW. I am thrilled that you were able to visit the Empire State Building and take in memories to last a lifetime.
That’s my favorite movie, too! The views from up there are amazing. NYC is on my bucket list. I would definitely include the Empire State building on my list when I go there.
What a beautiful place and spot to visit with husband!! I would love to go there soon.
I can’t imagine being that high up. Your photos are stunning. I’m afraid of heights but I’d still climb the empire state building for the experience.
It looks like you enjoyed your trip to New York City. Your pictures were beautiful. That skyline never gets old. Just remarkable!
Wow that is an amazing view. I would love to go on a tour at the Empire State building. I just don’t know that I could stand in line for over two hours though. 🙁
I’m afraid of heights and think I would be so nervous to go up in the Empire State Building. However, it looks like there were definitely some gorgeous views!
Next time I am in NYC, I am definitely going to do this! I only saw it from the outside, but now that I saw your pictures, I really want to see it from the top! Thanks for sharing!
I loved visiting New York when I was there a few years ago. However, I would not put the Empire State Building on my list of places to visit. I have a horrible fear of heights, so I will just see it from your lovely pictures!
That’s one of the places we wanted to get to during our whirlwind NYC visit last year but didn’t. It’s amazing