Greetings from the heart of the Big Apple! I’m currently immersing myself in the vibrant energy of BlogHer 2012, a premier conference for women content creators and digital influencers, right here in New York City. My attendance at this incredible event has been made possible by the generous support of Rug Doctor, and I’m thrilled to be part of the inspiration and connection happening here.
A Whirlwind Return to NYC: Celebrating Design with Whirlpool
Just a couple of weeks prior to this exciting blogging conference, I had the immense pleasure of visiting New York City for an equally captivating event. I was invited by Whirlpool to experience the much-anticipated House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year 2012. This annual showcase brings cutting-edge kitchen design to life, and this year, it was truly a spectacle of modern elegance. The star of the show was undoubtedly Whirlpool’s White Ice Collection, which was seamlessly integrated throughout the entire kitchen space. The sleek, pristine finish and thoughtful design of these appliances were simply stunning, elevating the kitchen to a new level of sophistication and functionality. The overall aesthetic was a masterclass in contemporary design, blending innovative features with timeless beauty. I’m already eager to share more intricate details and design insights from this inspiring event in dedicated posts over the coming weeks.
An Unforgettable Girls’ Getaway in the City That Never Sleeps
Making this prior trip even more special, I had the wonderful opportunity to bring my two daughters along, neither of whom had ever experienced the magic of New York City before. We transformed the work trip into an unforgettable “girls’ weekend,” filling our days with iconic sights, delicious treats, and countless memories. Witnessing the city through their eyes, seeing their amazement at every turn, was truly a joy. From the bustling streets to the serene parks, every moment was an adventure, leaving them with beaming smiles and stories to tell. It was a perfect blend of professional engagement and precious family time.
Exploring Iconic NYC Landmarks and Hidden Gems
Our itinerary was packed with classic New York City tourist activities, ensuring we soaked in as much of the city’s unique charm as possible. Each stop offered a different facet of the city’s vibrant character, creating a rich tapestry of experiences for us all. We started with a leisurely stroll down the legendary 5th Avenue, marveling at the grand architecture and famous storefronts. It’s an iconic walk that truly captures the essence of luxury and urban grandeur. The girls were wide-eyed with wonder, taking in the bustling atmosphere and monumental buildings.
A quintessential New York experience led us to take the ferry across the harbor to visit the magnificent Statue of Liberty. The ferry ride itself offered breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and Ellis Island, building anticipation for our close-up encounter with Lady Liberty. Standing beneath her majestic presence, understanding the historical significance she holds, was a profoundly moving experience for all of us.
Following this, we paid our respects at Ground Zero. It was an incredibly poignant and overwhelming experience, a stark reminder of a day that forever changed the world. The solemnity of the memorial, the silence that enveloped the twin reflecting pools, evoked deep emotions and a profound sense of remembrance and reflection. It was a necessary and important stop to acknowledge a significant piece of modern American history.
Culinary Delights and Entertainment in NYC
To lighten the mood, we indulged in some delightful treats, starting with mouth-watering cupcakes at Sprinkles Cupcakes. Their gourmet flavors and charming shop provided a sweet respite from our busy sightseeing schedule. We also found tranquility amidst the urban jungle by walking through the expansive and beautiful Central Park. It’s an oasis of green, offering a peaceful escape with its winding paths, picturesque bridges, and iconic landmarks like Bethesda Terrace.
Our culinary adventures continued with a truly unique dinner experience at Max Brenner Chocolate by the Bald Man, where we were joined by my lovely friend Amber. This place is a chocolate lover’s paradise, offering everything from savory dishes with a chocolate twist to decadent desserts that are pure bliss. Lunch found us exploring the vibrant atmosphere of Chelsea Market, a food lover’s dream with its diverse array of artisanal shops, bakeries, and eateries. It’s a bustling hub of culinary creativity, perfect for a casual yet delicious meal.
As evening approached, we made our way to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck, where we were treated to an absolutely spectacular sunset. The panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, including the Empire State Building and Central Park, as the city lights began to twinkle, were truly unforgettable. It’s an iconic vantage point that provides unparalleled photo opportunities and a moment of pure awe. To cap off our memorable girls’ weekend, the girls were delighted to attend a performance of Zarkana by Cirque du Soleil at the legendary Radio City Music Hall. The grandeur of the venue combined with the incredible artistry and acrobatics of Cirque du Soleil provided an exhilarating and magical end to our adventure.
Battling the Big Apple’s Summer Heat
Despite all the wonderful experiences, there was one significant challenge we faced: the relentless summer heat! We’re currently experiencing record-breaking temperatures back home in St. Louis, so you’d think I’d be well-accustomed to sweltering weather. However, at home, I have the luxury of retreating indoors to air conditioning. New York City, with its concrete canyons and constant movement, felt like being trapped in a giant frying pan. The humidity was thick, and the heat radiated from every surface, making prolonged outdoor exploration quite a feat. It definitely added an extra layer of challenge to our sightseeing, turning every walk into a mini-marathon against the elements. Staying hydrated became our top priority!
In such intense conditions, I found myself getting a little obsessed with constantly checking the weather on my Nokia Lumia 900 Windows Phone. It became my lifeline to understanding just how much heat we were enduring and planning our indoor breaks accordingly.
I distinctly remember one moment on the ferry ride to the Statue of Liberty when I checked the temperature, and it reported a mere 90 degrees Fahrenheit, feeling like 92 degrees. I was seriously shocked because, with the intense sun reflecting off the water and the sheer humidity, it felt infinitely hotter. I’m pretty sure that must have been a typo and should have realistically said “Feels like 192°” because that’s exactly how it felt to us!
Navigating New York City with My Windows Phone: A Travel Essential
Beyond providing essential weather updates, my Windows Phone proved to be an indispensable travel companion, making our exploration of the city significantly easier. One feature that truly stood out and came in super handy was “Local Scout,” conveniently pinned right to the front screen of my phone. This intuitive feature transformed how we navigated unfamiliar streets and discovered local attractions.
Local Scout leverages the phone’s built-in navigation to pinpoint your exact location and then instantly presents a comprehensive list of everything you might need or want in that vicinity. It goes far beyond just restaurants, though it’s excellent for finding dining options. It also highlights entertainment venues, shopping opportunities, popular attractions, and much more! Whether we needed to find the nearest coffee shop, a unique boutique, or a highly-rated local restaurant, Local Scout had us covered. It was a truly fabulous tool for travelers, eliminating the need to constantly pull out maps or scour multiple apps, making our spontaneous city exploration seamless and enjoyable.
Capturing the Big Picture: Panorama Photography with My Smartphone
With all the walking and the intense heat, I didn’t always feel like lugging my heavy DSLR camera everywhere. This is where another incredible feature of my Windows Phone truly shined, offering a capability I don’t even have on my professional Nikon D7000! I simply downloaded the “Camera Extras” app from the Market Place, which allowed me to take stunning **panorama pictures**. And what better place to capture a panoramic vista than from the iconic Top of the Rock observation deck, just after witnessing a breathtaking sunset over the city?
(click picture to see larger)
Taking a panorama with the Windows Phone is incredibly user-friendly. The camera’s interface provides clear guidance, telling you precisely how far to move your phone and when to stop for each shot. Once you’ve completed the sequence, it takes just a few seconds to intelligently stitch all the individual shots together into one seamless panoramic image. The resulting expansive views truly capture the grandeur of cityscapes and natural landscapes in a way standard photos cannot.
However, it’s worth noting that panoramas can be a bit tricky when your subject or your platform is in motion. I learned this firsthand while attempting to take a panorama on the ferry as we departed Liberty Island. While the phone still produced a cool picture, you can see that it doesn’t quite work as well when there’s movement. I don’t think the New York Harbor really dips down like that in real life, but it certainly adds a unique, almost whimsical distortion to the image! Despite the slight wobble from the boat, it’s still a fantastic capture of the Statue of Liberty and the surrounding waters, demonstrating the versatility of the feature even in less-than-ideal conditions.
(click picture to see larger)
Back to the Big Apple, Ready for More Adventures
So, here I am, back in New York City this week, but this time without the kids and surrounded by a bustling crowd of over 4,000 other bloggers, all eager to learn, network, and share at BlogHer. After my previous trip and the successful navigation of the city’s sights and sounds, I’m more confident than ever. I know I’ll have no trouble finding my way around the city’s complex grid or documenting every exciting moment along the way, all thanks to my trusty Windows Phone. It truly has become an indispensable tool for urban exploration and content creation.
I’d love to hear what apps you’ve found that makes exploring a new city easier and more enjoyable. Share your recommendations in the comments below!
If you’re curious to see how life looks on a Windows Phone and get a preview of its unique and intuitive interface, I encourage you to check out their Facebook app. It offers a great glimpse into the user experience.
I’m Lovin’…….New York City and my Windows Phone
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Disclosure: Microsoft generously provided me with the new Nokia Lumia 900 Windows Phone for the purpose of testing and review. While I am being compensated for this review, I want to assure my readers that all opinions expressed throughout this article are entirely my own and reflect my genuine experience with the product!