Turning 30 in Manhattan
đ Upper East Side, NYC
Similar Dress (similar) || Heels ($50 off with code SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE) || Similar Handbag || Bracelet || Earrings
After a quick break from social media, I’m feeling equal parts recharged and inspired. We’re still in Vermont for the rest of the week, but I’m still gushing over our recent long weekend in New York City. The number one order of business was to celebrate my 30th birthday. Months earlier, David and I were chatting about potential gifts, and I was *this close to a stunning Chanel handbag. After some deep soul-searching, I knew I would much rather have an incredible experience instead. We quickly picked NYC on our way to visit family and excitedly planned, making a list of all our favorite spots in the city. While the whole weekend was a treat, June 25th will always stand out!
Flight to NYC
My 30th began how every day should, an early wakeup to catch a flight! This was our first visit back to Manhattan since we moved in November 2019, making the experience feel more like a homecoming than a birthday celebration. To say that I was a little emotional is a severe understatement. We were even treated to beautiful views of the city skyline as we landed, making the whole moment feel so special.
Lunch at Dante
After a quick check-in at hour home base for the weekend, the Arlo NoMad, we took the subway to MacDougal Street for a lunch reservation at Dante. This cafe always tops the list of restaurant recommendations, and it has never disappointed! Even in St. Pete, I’ve been able to get their signature cocktails shipped directly to me for the winter holidays. We were seated at our “usual” table, and I quickly realized that this was the last restaurant we ate before moving away. The significance did not escape me. David and I dined on flatbreads and burrata, sipping on craft cocktails that I swear taste better in the city. As a special birthday treat, we ended the meal with a very healthy slice of tiramisu.
Dinner at Brasserie Cognac
After a quick disco nap at the hotel, I was so happy to join friends for pre-dinner cocktails. The location was a random bar in NoMad and didn’t really matter. Instead, we were much more focused on catching up, having many laughs, and toasting on new opportunities. I honestly wished it could have lasted longer, but we had reservations uptown. Off we went to the Upper East Side for dinner at Brasserie Cognac. Stepping up from the subway, I felt a wave of nostalgia for our once neighborhood and this corner bistro. Our meal was incredible, and they gave us complimentary champagne to help celebrate my birthday.
Drinks at Bemelmans
The final stop of the night is probably the most important! I was beyond fortunate to snag drink reservations at the institution that is Bemelmans Bar. If these walls could talk, the stories they would tell! As soon as you walk in, you feel the history from the murals handpainted by Ludwig Bemelmans to the book of classic cocktails. This bar is Old New York. Making the occasion even sweeter was the company we were able to keep. I’m so honored to have been joined by my friend Sydney and her boyfriend. Since leaving NYC, I’m so happy that our friendship has continued to grow, despite distances and quarantine. Our hours of drinking and revelry passed in the blink of an eye, but it is something I will always cherishâthe perfect way to cap off a milestone birthday.
It’s another year around the sun, and a new decade for me is on the horizon. I’m so thankful for my husband, family, and wonderful friends who made my 30th birthday in Manhattan feel so special. No matter what year you’re celebrating, I hope your next fĂȘte can feel just as noteworthy.
Love from NYC,
Katie
As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.