Our Next Adventure: New York City

The Ishmaels are headed to NYC!

After a long debate about where we should take our next trip (and our first true family vacation), we’ve settled on New York City in December. I know, I know…this sounds like a ridiculous idea. Cold weather, busy crowds, a 6 month old baby. It’s basically a recipe for disaster, but we are up for the challenge!

Why December, you ask? Matt and I have been talking about visiting New York together for years. I’ve been there a couple of times before, once in high school with my church, and again a couple years back for work. Matt has only seen the city in passing, driving from La Guardia to northern New Jersey for work.

I would have loved to go this fall, but with me going back to work and the arrival of our new nephew Bennett, the timing just didn’t work out right. And waiting until next spring just felt too far away. I have always wanted to see New York during the Christmas season, so I thought, “what the heck, let’s just do it!” The decorated storefront windows along 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Plaza Christmas tree, a visit to Santa at the Macy’s flagship…these all sound like lovely ways to bring in the start of winter! Even if it does mean having to get extra bundled up.

It will be a relatively short trip (5 days in total), so to make the most of it we’ve booked an Airbnb in centrally-located Gramercy. We’ll be just a couple blocks from Madison Square Park (I can taste the Shake Shack already!) and close to all the holiday happenings in Midtown. Did I mention we’ll be on the 27^thfloor of a building with 180 degree views of Manhattan? Yes, please!

I’ve been feverishly researching tips on kid-friendly restaurants, getting around the city with a stroller, and fun things to do during the Christmas season. If anyone has ideas to share, I would be glad hear them! Although I’m a little intimidated to take on such a big city for our first real family vacation, I’m looking forward to getting out there and testing the water for ourselves. And of course, I will share our findings back here in December!

Update: Check out all of our New York City adventures here!