Quick Detour to NYC

I know what you are thinking. New York City is not a quick detour. You would be right in that statement. However, a couple of months ago I found myself at a friends wedding in central Pennsylvania. I love New York and the thought of being so close to the city and not dropping in seemed wrong. The wedding festivities ended around 2:00 and I quickly got on the road to the city. I ended up driving to a parking garage right off the NJ turnpike and hopped a train into the city. 

It's hard to explain, but the few short hours I spent walking around in one of the world's busiest cities, was so relaxing and refreshing. For me, there is a certain release that comes from walking down a street not knowing a single person. I found myself looking at other people and wondering what their story was. There is an energy to NYC, Manhattan specifically, that is intoxicating. I understand why Taylor Swift is so obsessed. 

After a couple of hours walking around and ducking into a few shops to cool off, I made my way downtown. I stopped by Stumptown Coffee and grabbed a cup of cold brew before heading back to the train station. I got back to my car around 10:00 pm and set out back home to VA. 

Travel tip: Make sure you have plenty of cash for the tolls if you plan to take the interstate in or out of the city. I made the mistake of not getting cash, and I am still receiving little souvenir photos of my car and a fine accompanying them in the mail. 

The craziest part of this adventure is the fact that I was set to volunteer at church the next morning. With traffic and weather, I ended up driving straight through the night and straight to church the next morning. I was supposed to be there to serve at 7:30, and I pulled in at 7:35. Not bad, considering I was commuting from NYC for church that day. 

Here are a few iPhone shots from my short detour to the city. Such a fun and spontaneous experience, and I am ready for another NYC adventure, asap as possible!