location location location

I'm almost positive raising my kids in NYC will have an effect on them. I know it's changing me. But are kids just kids? Will they grow up to be whatever they want to be despite the location they were raised?

I was raised in Florida, on a beautiful lake with the occasional manatee and alligator in my backyard. We  had a canoe, a hammock and a swimming pool for as long as I can remember. I loved it.  I had no complaints, until my teenage years of course. It was then I started to realize I was a city kid. So I sought after the closest city I could find: Sarasota. I loved Burns Court Cinema with it's limited parking lot and foreign films. I adored the museums and dreamt about going to college here.  I found any excuse to go. Even if it was by myself.  Sarasota gave me a slice of the city life I was craving.

What about you? As an adult, are you living in a place much like the location you grew up? Or did you move away someplace totally different? How does it measure up? While I did move far away, there's a familiarity and connection I still have with living by water. I do miss that. Right now my view is the back of another building and some sky if you crank you neck hard enough. Oh my so called "sun drenched" apartment.  I love it for so many other reasons.

I wonder where my kids will escape, what kind of places they will be drawn to live as they get older. As for me, I can't think of living anywhere else but NYC. Not after a summer like this. And it's not even over yet!

NYC sans kids

Kids are great, but so risky. Look at my boys scaling the rocks along the East River. Someone hire a babysitter stat. I'm obviously not taking proper care of them. I'm too focused on my shot of the Brooklyn Bridge!

When parenthood gets to this point, it's time to discover the city sans kids. Here's a list of my recommendations for a couple visiting NYC. Times Square, The Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, shopping on Madison Ave have been left off on purpose. I'm sure my list will evolve over time. Did I miss anything?

1. Go to Lincoln Center to see the ballet, opera, or symphony. Even if you don't love either of those things, the experience is worth it. Dinner: Across the street Cafe Fiorello. Must order the fresh mozzarella sampler and the chocolate moose. And then choose anything off the antipasti menu. Not the spaghetti.
2. The MET, buy an audio tour, afterwards walk a few blocks and eat at E.A.T.
3. The Museum of Natural History. Afterwards eat at the Shake Shack across the street. Order hamburger, french fries, and a milk shake. Not a hot dog.
4. The NY Botanical Garden. Take the 20 minute train ride out of Grand Central Station. Before you leave, take a quick tour of the station.
5. The Brooklyn Botanical Garden. Afterwards eat at Tom's (not to be confused with Tom's Restaurant from Seinfield--don't eat there! horrible!)
7. See a Broadway Show for cheap! (click on link for details)
8. Go to Top of the Rock. totally tourist thing to do, but I've been 3 times and love it!  Go to the basement and eat at Hale and Hearty Soup.
9. Buy lunch foods at Zabar's, walk to Central Park, picnic at the Great Lawn, walk to Belvedere Castle.
10. NYC Public Library, buy a sandwich from 'wichcraft, and eat it outside at Bryant Park.
11. Walk the Brooklyn Bridge!
12. The High Line Park. A Must! Afterwards eat at Chelsea Market. I can't believe I forgot this one. Thanks Amanda.