On the second day of our NYC vacay, we embraced our tourist side and headed to the Top of the Rock to check out the views of the city. But first, we stopped by Ess-a-Bagel for breakfast.
Ess-a-Bagel was established in 1976 and delivers amazing hand rolled bagels. This place was hopping but the line moved quickly.
After a poppyseed bagel with veggie cream cheese (and a nicely sized coffee to wake up), we headed for Rockefeller Center!
Top of the Rock, as the name implies, is the observation deck on top of the GE Building of Rockefeller Center. Built by the Rockefeller family the 19 building complex was recognized as a national landmark in 1987. Building began in 1930 and was completed in 1939, quite a feat! Top of the Rock is considered by some to be the best view in the city as it allows visitors to view the Empire State Building, something you cannot do when you are on the Empire State Building observation deck : )
The girls and I were rewarded for waking up early with a very low crowd at the observation deck. In general, it’s always a great idea to tackle the super touristy attractions right when they open since the crowds are much smaller!
The standard arranged photo is taken before you take the elevators up to the observation deck; we didn’t buy our photo but I did snap an example of the perfect pose in this situation:
The sun was shining and our spirits were high upon stepping out on the 70th floor!
Normal people wait for their friends by simply standing and talking…Lindsey and I wait by making jazz hands in front of shiny walls.
On our way out we stopped in at the NBC Store. So many minions!
And tons of ‘Friends’ merch.
We were able to observe the installation-in-process of Jeff Koons “Split-Rocker” planted form, currently at Rockefeller Center to coincide with Mr. Koons’ retrospective at the Whitney Museum of American Art.
A bit too modern for my taste but fun nonetheless! After one last photo it was off to Brooklyn for the afternoon!
