My Top Five Travel Essentials

After a few years of limited travel due to maternity leave and roles that didn’t require much work travel, I’m once again a frequent flier. Not a month goes by that I don’t board a Delta flight for either personal or professional reasons. Most months, I’m heading down to Savannah with Bo and Katie or I’m flying to California or Arkansas for customer meetings.  While I’ve traveled a lot over the years, both domestically and internationally, it wasn’t until my trip to China last month, that I truly appreciated and thought about my carry-on bags. Maybe it is because I knew I’d be on a plane for 17-hours or feared losing my bag if I dared to check it. Who knows the reason, but since then, packing for the next three business trips has seemed so easy. In today’s post, I’m going to share the five things that I never leave home without if I’m traveling. Then, in another post I’ll share a peak into my suitcase including what I typically pack for a 3-day business trip.

 

  • Away The Bigger Carry-OnI treated myself to this bag as an early birthday gift before heading to China. I’ve used it for four trips so far and each trip, I fall in love with it a little bit more. I appreciate that they stand behind the product with a lifetime guarantee and even provide new owners a 90-day trial period to try the bag out for themselves! The TSA-approved combination lock keeps my things safe during travel and the easy to use battery keeps me charged when I’m traveling. But, what I love most about the Away suitcase is what’s inside. When you unzip the suitcase you will find that there is a compression system that helps minimize the space your bulky sweaters take up and on the other size there is a mesh, zip-cover that holds your harder items, like shoes and toiletries, in place. This lightweight bag and the spinning wheels make dashing through airports and navigating overhead compartments much easier!
  • Tumi Voyager Carson Nylon Backpack – This backpack has been such a game changer that I find it hard to believe that I have only been using it for four months. I know that seems like an extreme statement but this backpack has made traveling for business and my weekly commutes so much easier! It is lightweight, has pockets everywhere, easy-to-access zip pockets that are perfect for stowing those items I use frequently during flight, and has a strap that allows me to easily add it to my rolling suitcase. I find this bag to be large enough to hold everything while the black and gold detailing make it stylish enough to carry into a restaurant in Manhattan. During my flight to San Francisco tonight I was reminded of another favorite feature – it is slender enough to fit under airplane seats even when it’s packed with a laptop and water bottle! This makes accessing all of my items SO easy during a long flight!  Over the past few months, as I’ve recommended it to friends and colleagues, I’ve found it on sale at Tumi, Nordstrom and Amazon so check sales to find the best price!
  • Dudley Stephens Cobble Hill Fleece – This comfortable fleece tunic allows me to travel in comfort while still looking chic. Call me old-fashioned but I prefer to look put together when I’m traveling rather than look like I just rolled out-of-bed. The Dudley Stephens Cobble Hill turtleneck is long enough to wear with leggings, is thick enough to keep me warm on freezing flights, and has two convenient pockets to hold my ID and phone while going through security. In fact, I had two people ask me about my top today while I was at JFK! I have this top in grey and red but am considering buying a third color when they are restocked in February. Since people always ask me, here are few further thoughts. I believe it’s worth the price as their tops fit perfectly, is flattering, high quality and I promise you’ll wear it enough to justify the price in no time! I find the size to be true to size unless you have a large chest or broad shoulders, in that size I would recommend going up a size. If you are petite, I think the Cobble Hill will be too long and you may want to consider the Park Slope which is a shorter version.  I wash my fleece, inside out, and let it air dry before putting it in the dryer for 5-10 minutes at low heat!
  • Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones – When I’m not working from my home office I’m either traveling or working from our WeWork in Manhattan which is a co-working space. This means that I’m constantly dealing with someone who is snoring next to me in row 22 on the plane or trying to concentrate while a number of side conversations take place. If you’re someone who can easily multi-task or block out background noise, then these may not be a necessity. But, if you like working in peace and quiet then these will be your new best friend. They have three levels of noise cancellation and their microphone allows you to also use these for phone calls and conference calls. Another plus is that the Bluetooth pairing is far easier than other headphones I’ve used previously. Once you download the app it’s a breeze to use them with your phone, iPad, etc. This pair lasted the entire 17 hour flight to China which allowed me to easily sleep for a while and enjoy a few movies on my iPad!
  • HydroFlask water bottle – Last year when I traveled to Seattle with the Brooks Ambassador team, I realized that 10 of my fellow ambassadors were all using the same water bottle throughout the day. I asked one of them about it and minutes afterwards, ordered my own Hydroflask from Amazon. Since then I’ve carried this 40 ounce water bottle everywhere! The bottle has never leaked and the stainless steel double wall keeps my water ice cold for hours! Once again, I realize the price is a bit more than other comparable water bottles but the quality is fantastic and that’s important when you’re thinking about traveling across the country with it and placing it near papers and computers that could be ruined if a water bottle leaks.
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New York City Travel Guide

Over the years, I’ve received many requests for a New York City itinerary. Whether people are coming into town for a quick work meeting, week-long vacation or a girl’s weekend, everyone wants to know where to stay, eat, drink and what to do while they are in town visiting. Therefore, when my friends at Expedia.com asked me to help their readers by sharing my tips on how to enjoy time in New York, I figured it was finally time to start putting things into a post that I can share and reference for years to come.

Planning a trip to New York can be overwhelming because on any given day there are always new restaurants opening, a new Broadway premiering and a new hot spot to enjoy. But, this list will help to provide a starting point for anyone who is coming to New York. Hopefully, you’ll find something whether it’s your fiftieth time or first time visiting.

In order to make this easy to use, I’ve divided it into a few sections which also align with the questions I frequently receive from readers.

Where Should I Stay? Finding the perfect hotel in New York City can be very challenging as there are so many different neighborhoods and the number of options is overwhelming. The first thing I’d recommend deciding is your price range. Once you have this, you can quickly limit the number of hotels on Expedia.com so you are only seeing hotels that are within your price preference. Then, it’s helpful to think about what you want from the experience – gym, breakfast included, hotel restaurant or perfect location. The more you can figure this out before you start researching, the better luck you’ll have.  Based on our friends and family’s experience staying in New York City as well as the knowledge my husband Bo has from working in real estate investments, these are a few hotels we recommend. Of course everyone has their own preferences, so be sure to check out all of the New York City hotel options on Expedia.com.

Picture Credit

  • Five Star Hotels If you’re looking for luxury during your stay, The EDITION is a new hotel on Madison Square Park that puts you in a prime location for exploring, delivers their take on “reinvented luxury” and is also home to a Michelin restaurant, Clocktower. If you’d rather stay closer to Central Park, The PARKER New York offers guests views of Central Park, is walking distance to MOMA, Carnegie Hall, Broadway and Central Park. Inside the hotel, guests can pamper at the rooftop pool or head downstairs to enjoy some rest and relaxation at Drybar, Tenoverten, Skin Laundry, Blushington and more! One of the most popular breakfasts can be found at Norma’s, one of the many restaurants in the hotel.
  • Four Star Hotels These hotels are a bit less expensive but still deliver on experience and location. The Arlo SoHo is a hip hotel based in SoHo which makes it walking distance from many attractions. While part of their concept is small rooms, the amazing rooftop bar and lively atmosphere make up for the smaller rooms. If you like space, our friends recommend upgrading to the king size room which is still reasonably priced for Manhattan and provides a larger room. W Union Square is located in the heart of Union Square and makes walking to areas in both Midtown and downtown easy. The rooms are clean, comfortable and feature Bliss products while the hotel itself includes a popular bar and restaurant area as well as reliable, friendly service.  Last but not least, many co-workers have stayed at Andaz Wall Street. Located in the heart of Wall Street and close to the Brooklyn Bridge, Battery Park and other attractions in downtown Manhattan this hotel includes free Wi-Fi, happy hour and is typically less than $250 per night.

John Dory Oyster Bar

Photo Credit – John Dory website

Where to Eat It seems like a new restaurant opens in New York City every single minute. It’s impossible to stay up-to-date with the latest and greatest spots. Instead, I’ll share with you the list that we’ve put together on a shared iPhone Notes file over the years ranging from our favorite raw bar (The John Dory) to the best chocolate chip cookies in New York and possibly America (Levain Bakery).  I’m happy to answer questions via email or comments if you’re looking for something specific, but this list should provide a decent starting point.

  • Seafood
    • The John Dory
    • Blue Water Grill
    • Aqua Grill
  • Breakfast/Brunch
    • Bubby’s
    • Murray’s Bagels
    • Buvette
    • Little Owl
    • Russ & Daughters
    • ABCV
    • Sadelle’s
  • Baked Goods/Sweets
    • Levain Bakery
    • Two Little Red Hens
    • Magnolia Bakery
  • Worthy of a celebration or special occasion
    • Anisa
    • Gramercy Tavern
    • Gotham Bar & Grill
  • Fast Lunch or Dinner Spot
    • Luke’s Lobster – A lobster shack in the heart of Manhattan, it’s worth paying $20 for the lobster roll, chips, beer and a pickle.
    • Shake Shack
    • Cava
    • Sweetgreen
  • Steak
    • Wolfgang’s
  • The rest of our favorites…
    • Momofuko – If you can’t get into the original,  Ssam Bar and Milk Bar are both experiences of their own. How can you beat the Milk Bar compost cookies, crack pie, birthday cake truffles and cereal milk ice cream?
    • Joe’s Shanghai – The soup dumplings at their Chinatown location are delicious!
    • Riverpark
    • Balthazar
    • Eataly
    • La Esquina
    • Little Owl
    • ABC Kitchen
    • The Spotted Pig

What should I see on Broadway? There is ALWAYS something on Broadway for everyone but the below are the shows that we’ve loved or heard about from friends. Also, you can save money by getting tickets from a TKTS booth which sells same-day and next day tickets at a discount. While there are multiple booths around the city, the one in Brooklyn and South Street Seaport seem to have shorter lines. You can even see the real-time listings on their website or app!

  • Wicked – One of the most wonderful Broadway shows ever and great for all ages.
  • Beautiful: The Carole King Story
  • Waitress – I’ve heard wonderful things about this fun, heartfelt show and most of my friends say it’s great to see with a mom, sister, girlfriend. An added bonus is the pie they serve to everyone during the show!
  • The Phantom of the Opera – This Andrew Lloyd Webber classic has been appealing to people of all ages for years and the set, costumes, music, and story have made this a Broadway hit for YEARS!
  • The Book of Mormon – Hilarious but can offend some people depending on humor. Must be open to vulgarity, -dirty jokes and religious humor. Not recommended for children.
  • Hamilton – expensive, buy tickets in advance
  • Dear Evan Hansen – expensive, buy tickets in advance
  • Avenue Q (off-Broadway)

What Sights Should I Visit? There is no way to see everything in one trip but over the years we’ve taken friends and family to these attractions and returned multiple times as they are very popular with everyone! Be sure to do research in advance as some of these museums or attractions are closed one to two days per week and others, such as the Frick, do not permit children under 10 years of age.

  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • The Natural History Museum
  • The Frick Collection
  • Museum of Modern Art (MOMA)
  • Arthur Avenue Little Italy
  • Ellis Island and The Statue of Liberty
  • Central Park
  • NYC One World Observatory
  • 9/11 Memorial & Museum
  • Grand Central Terminal
  • New York Public Library
  • The High Line
  • Brooklyn Bridge

 

Where Should I  Run?   My favorite way to explore any city is on two feet and whether you are trying to stick to a training plan while visiting the city or just log a few miles, there are plenty of places to run that are safe for any tourist visiting New York for the first time. I always recommend running as early as possible as this will reduce the number of cars and people on the streets which always makes for a more enjoyable run. In fact, my favorite thing to recommend to people visiting is to go for an early morning run as they can see the city “waking up” and finish their run at a local coffee shop or bagel shop.

There are two ways that I recommend running in the city – solo or with a tour. I’ve heard AMAZING things about the City Running Tours and they offer multiple group runs and solo, personalized tours on a daily basis. These group runs allow you the opportunity to get exercise and learn more about the city at the same time. While they aren’t free, a guided run is often a good deal especially if you have limited time in the city or it’s you want to discover a new area.

If you’d rather do your own thing while you run, here are a few of my favorite routes and areas to run.  For even more routes and specific directions, I always point people to this Thrillist article that includes 9 routes throughout the city so there is one convenient to anywhere you’re staying! If you’re visiting during the Christmas holiday season, this holiday run route will take you by all the most famous decorations and light displays!

  • Central ParkIt’s impossible to see everything there is to discover in Central Park, which is often referred to as a “runners dream” since it has multiple paths of varying difficulty, beautiful scenery and lots to enjoy. The full, outer loop of Central Park is 6.1 miles but there are multiple ways to make the distance shorter or longer by taking the transverses along the path. There is also a soft, 1.5-mile loop around the reservoir which provides amazing views of the city.
  • Brooklyn Bridge – If you are an early-riser or have a time change to thank for it, take advantage by heading to one of the most iconic spots in New York City and be treated to beautiful views of Brooklyn, Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty. I wouldn’t attempt running on the bridge between the hours of 9 AM and 5 PM so you need to get there early in order to avoid tourists, photographers and cyclists. Make sure to stay safe and run in the pedestrian lane since cyclists tend to go pretty fast across the bridge. From Manhattan to Brooklyn the bridge is approximately 1.5 miles each way so you can easily get in a hill workout using the bridge.
  • West Side Highway – You can enjoy views of New Jersey, Hudson River and Statue of Liberty along the scenic Hudson River Park which runs from 59th Street to Battery Place, the Southern tip of Manhattan. The path is especially gorgeous in spring and summer when all the flowers are in bloom and you can watch boats going up and down the Hudson River. There are multiple water fountains and places to use the restroom along the path but, similar to most areas, it can become crowded and always make sure to look both ways so you don’t run into a biker.

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Fall in Manchester, Vermont

Fall in Manchester Vermont

There is no doubt that fall is my favorite season. Spending the days picking apples, exploring pumpkin patches, enjoying the sugar rush that comes with fresh-baked cider donuts before curling up in front of a roaring fire and watching college football or sipping a pumpkin beer outside. Luckily, just a few hours from New York City we have been able to enjoy these things for the past two weekends. Manchester, Vermont is a perfect destination for Fall adventures as it provides something for everyone whether you’re a single girl looking for a weekend filled with Instagram moments, shopping and relaxation at the spa or a family of five trying to please children of different ages.

Image may contain: tree, plant, sky, grass, outdoor and nature

Breakfast: My favorite spots for breakfast are Up for Breakfast and Little Rooster Cafe. Up for Breakfast has been a Manchester favorite for years, attracting locals and tourists alike with their comfort food and friendly service. They don’t take reservations and during peak season the lines can get long, but the relaxed atmosphere and amazing breakfast will quickly make you forget. I recommend getting there early, especially if you are a family looking for extra seats. Little Rooster Cafe, located less than five minutes away from Up for Breakfast is a great spot if you want something a bit more refined and don’t want to deal with crowds.

Lunch: If you need a break from shopping or hiking, my three favorite spots in the area are Ponce Bistro, Zoey’s and JJ Hapgoods. Ponce Bistro is located near the outlets and many of the local attractions so it makes a perfect place to relax. They offer both indoor and outdoor seating, depending on the weather, and their lunches are delicious – whether you’re craving a warm bowl of soup or a sandwich. Everything, even the lunch meat, is prepared in house and made to order. They are not open for lunch on Sunday and Monday, so make sure to take this into account when making your plans. The owner hails from Brooklyn and his mother is Puerto Rican, and both factors heavily influence the delicious food. Zoey’s Deli has the best sandwiches in the area, often so large that Bo and I are able to share one! We stop here when we want a quick bite or need lunch for the drive back to Brooklyn. Save room for the homemade chips that come with each sandwich and possibly, if you have a sweet tooth, their freshly baked cookies that are the size of your face! A new favorite of ours, which we only discovered last weekend, is JJ Hapgoods General Store. Located in Peru, just 10 minutes from the center of Manchester, this restored general store has outdoor and indoor seating, which accomodates everyone, even your dog! Their food is hands down our favorite lunch in the area and the fried chicken sandwich is the best the Southern girl has ever tasted!  Like many spots, they aren’t open for lunch Sunday through Tuesday, so plan accordingly! While we haven’t been here for breakfast or dinner, they serve both and it has been highly recommended by our friends and family in the area.

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Dinner: There are a multitude of dinner options in Manchester but only a few that have survived the test of time and attract locals and tourists alike. The Silver Fork is an intimate, six table dining experience that serves a seasonal menu that can compete with any New York City restaurant. Since it seats so few each night, reservations are highly recommended and often need to be made a month in advance especially during peak season. As mentioned above, JJ Hapgoods is a casual dinner option that serves wood-fired pizzas, local craft beers and more in a relaxed setting complete with white lights and fire pits! If you want a quaint, Vermont experience the Dorset Inn Tavern delivers reliable food, extensive wine menu and a cozy atmosphere that is always decorated for the season.

Drinks: If you’re looking for a happy hour spot or night cap, the Falcon Bar at Equinox Hotel offers a roaring fire pit outside throughout the year where you can sip one of their 50 varieties of wine or a house cocktail and stay warm. They have live music on the weekends which make this the perfect spot to begin or end your evening.

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Activities: If you’ve come to Manchester in search of cider doughnuts, pumpkin patches and Fall foliage then spend at least an hour exploring the Equinox Valley Nursery’s famed pumpkin patch. Their fresh, hot cider doughnuts are incredible especially when enjoyed with a side of apple cider. You can explore their pumpkin fields, corn maze and laugh at their many scarecrows before picking the perfect fall decor to take back home. If you are in search of retail therapy, the Manchester Designer Outlets offer more than 40 different stores where you can update your wardrobe and home. My personal favoriets are Yves Delorme, Vineyard Vines, J Crew, Theory, Kate Spade and Tumi. You can also find great things for your kitchen and freezer at the Vermont Butcher and Kitchen Collection and Le Creuset! If you want to stretch your legs and enjoy fall foliage and incredible views, there are many hikes in the area ranging from short out and back hikes to day-long excursions. Over the years we’ve done each of these four hikes and have enjoyed each one!  Last but not least, if you want to go home relaxed and rejuvenated, the Spa at Equinox is our favorite spot for facials and massages. Your service also provides you access to their year-round heated pool and fitness center! I can personally recommend their prenatal and deep tissue massages as well as their Vitamin C facial.

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