Category: New York

Destinations, New York, Packing Lists, Style, Travel, USA

Traveling Light: Packing List for a Weekend in Rochester, New York

Alyssa wears a black dress in front of a black wall in Rochester, NY

Sharing my ultra-light packing list for a summer weekend getaway in Rochester, New York This might just be my smallest pack ever (not just in the history of the blog, but ever) with four days/three nights in a tote bag. Until a recent weekend in Rochester, New York, there was a tie for my lightest …

Destinations, Food, New York, Restaurants, Travel, USA

The Complete Weekend Travel Guide to Rochester, New York

Alyssa in front of the Frederick Douglass–Susan B. Anthony Memorial Bridge in Rochester

Something I found fascinating when telling friends and family we were heading to Rochester for the weekend was that everyone had a different immediate response: “Eastman Kodak!” “Wineries!” “Garbage Plates!” “Susan B. Anthony!” “Video Games!” It will never get old to me that people’s first reaction to simply hearing the name of a destination is …

Destinations, Food, New York, Restaurants, Travel, USA

8 Essential Restaurants in Rochester, New York

Exterior of Vern's in Rochester

Look, I love an iconic meal as much as anyone else – bagels in NYC, pasta in Italy, tacos in Austin, stroopwafels in Amsterdam, far too much fish in Denmark, barbecue in Memphis,… Those meals are popular for a reason and they wind up being a large part of the visitor experience. I’m happy to …

Destinations, New York, Travel, USA

From Scrabble to Suffrage: Four Rochester Museums You Just Can’t Miss

Alyssa peers at photos in an exhibit at the George Eastman Museum

Welcome to Rochester, New York: a city steeped in culture and history. There’s no better way to discover the elements that have shaped the city’s identity than by exploring its captivating museums. From the world’s oldest photography museum to the largest collection of play artifacts, Rochester offers an eclectic array of experiences for visitors of …

Destinations, New York, Packing Lists, Style, Travel, USA

Traveling Light: New York City Winter Packing List

Alyssa stands on a street in SoHo in a Swiss dot top, black pants, and black boots

This is the second NYC packing list in the history of this blog – the first was way back in the fall of 2017 when skinny jeans were de rigueur and my Vejas were brand new (wow, look how bright and clean they were!). While my style has shifted some over the years, my love …

Destinations, New York, Travel, USA

36 Hours in NYC: Lower Manhattan

Alyssa stands in a barricaded street in NYC

I can’t believe it’s been more than five years since I stepped foot in NYC (well, I guess given the events of the last few years I technically can believe it – but considering Michael and I used to visit the city two or three times a year, it still feels strange). A relatively inexpensive …

Destinations, New York, Packing Lists, Style, Travel, USA

Traveling Light: Albany, New York Packing List

Alyssa stands by the NY State Capitol Building in a black jumpsuit

Everything I packed in my under-the-seat bag for our weekend in Albany, New York

Destinations, New York, Travel, USA

36 Hours in Albany, New York

Alyssa and Michael stand in front of the NY state capitol building

Considering a quick trip to Albany? Here’s your car-free guide for a fun getaway to New York’s capital city.

Destinations, New York, Travel, USA

Christmas in New York

Alyssa in a warmly light room, though she is in the shadows

Christmastime in New York City is wonderful. Christmastime in New York City is also busy, crowded, and expensive. This time last December, Michael and I sleepily boarded a 6:00 a.m. flight out of Florida with our return flight booked for 8:00 p.m. the following evening. This being peak travel season, we spent $150 each for …

Destinations, Food, New York, Restaurants, Travel, USA

A Three-Day Weekend in NYC

Alyssa and Michael smile for a photo in Central Park

I’ll begin this post by saying this was not your typical New York City trip. There was no Statue of Liberty involved, no shuffling through Times Square, no trip to the top of the Empire State Building, and only one museum. It was my umpteenth time visiting NYC over the past few years, so Michael …