Hey guys!

I am so excited to share how my weekend was. It was a BIG weekend for me – not only did I get to experience my first iStopOver stay – but it also happened to be in New York City!

I got to truly live like a local this past weekend. A humble Canadian girl faces the big city, and it couldn’t have been better. I’ve been to New York before, but I was 16, so my memories had slightly faded (bright lights still there? Check. Macy’s still there? Check – some things remained!). Let’s rewind and I’ll take you through my experiences.

I was lucky enough to fly Porter Airlines to New York. I’ve heard great things about them – and people are right, it’s a wonderful experience. They know how to take care of a lady! Complimentary Starbucks? You got me. The attentive staff will melt away anyone’s travel anxieties. Oh, AND you leave from an island. How cool is that? Porter flies from Billy Bishop Airport – located just off the shores of Toronto.

I land and text my host, Anya, letting her know that I’ll be half an hour later than planned – not to worry, she told me, there will be someone to let me in!

I was lucky enough to have my apartment (MY NYC apartment!) in Gramercy Park. Gramercy is a quaint, tree-lined neighborhood that has a lot of history. Many of the buildings are ‘pre-war’ with beautiful architecture and charm. The street that my apartment was on was quiet and tree-lined, a lot like my family home in Toronto. It made me feel at ease:

My Charming Gramercy Apartment

The apartment was just as listed – clean, bright and centrally located to everything I needed ie. Metro stop, 20 minute walking distance to Central Park, Times Square, and the Lower East Side.

I didn't test my cooking skills this time around, but I have been known to make a mean spaghetti...

The amount of light that filtered in through all of the windows was so brilliant!

After a day of exploring I'd just kick back and relax...

And if I wanted… my very own separate loft bed!

Very cool use of space!

Of course I did a little bit of exploring around the city while I was there! Heading to New York? Definitely check out these cool places:

Schiller’s Liquor Bar, located in the hippest area – the Lower East Side. Yes, they make a mean cocktail and a delish steak and frites! Don’t mention the word Tequila or else your night might take a drastic turn…

Little Italy: Take a wander down the narrow streets of Little Italy and check out the colourful street vendors. Located around Canal and Broadway – this is quite the scene.

Great Eats!

Make sure to visit the Flatiron district and Mario Batali’s Eataly. There is a pop-up market outside that has street vendors hawking everything from tacos to gelato. Amazing!

The Beautiful Flatiron building!

And of course – take a wander up to Times Square for your fill of everything spectacular! Your neck might hurt from constantly looking up and around, but it’s definitely worth it!

Bright Lights, Big City!

The trip was unforgettable – and now I can safely say that I know how to navigate my way around NYC! (with the help of a map or two and asking the odd local which way the train goes…). And I now know that I can live like a local. It felt so awesome to hold the keys to my very own New York apartment (even if it was just for a weekend!).

Where are your favourite places to visit in New York?

Safe travels!

Savannah