Redefined Timeline

Boredom struck the husband and I during a cold January in 2023. After consulting the internets and researching Broadway plays in DC and New York City, I discovered that Phantom of the Opera, one of the Hubs’ favorite plays, was being performed at the Majestic Theatre in New York City. This information was shared with the mother-in-law, who opted to fly up to DC and train to NYC to view the play with us. 

New York City is just a three hour train ride from Washington, DC. We hopped aboard an Amtrak train at Union Station in downtown DC, and then hopped off in Manhattan at Penn Station. Our accommodation was a small, one bedroom apartment in a high rise near Battery Park in the Financial District. We made sure to book one with a full kitchen, so we wouldn’t have to go out to eat for every meal. We stayed exclusively in Lower Manhattan and the Financial District during this trip, and much of it was spent inside when rain hit. We did manage one day out walking before we got too cold to soldier on. That’s what we get for going in January.

Sites to visit down in Lower Manhattan and the Financial District:

September 11th Memorial and Museum

We didn’t go inside the museum, but we did wander the exceptionally well done exterior grounds. Instead of covering up the holes that were left behind, the architects left the voids. Inside water cascades into the pits, and that is rimmed by a platforms with the name of each individual that perished in the attacks. It’s absolutely stunning.

New York City Police Memorial

Given our profession, we opted to stop by the New York City Police Memorial. It’s very… plain and neglected. However, it was completely empty for our viewing pleasure.

Battery Park

A large portion of the park was closed due to construction, but we were still provided with a decent view of the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty. It was a cloudy, rainy day, but we enjoyed the walk none the less. Usually, there are several memorials, a splash pad, carousel, and Statue of Liberty cruises going out from The Battery.

787 Coffee

Whilst strolling through a damp, cold New York City, all three of us realized we needed to warm up and it was lunch time. After several failed attempts with restaurants that were no longer in business, we discovered 787 Coffee. The inside of the establishment is very eclectic, and the coffee was hot. I call that a win.

Ocean Prime

Ocean Prime is a chic steakhouse near Central Park. We all decided it was appropriate to have a fancy dinner dressed in fancy clothes for this fancy occasion. Per their website, “Ocean Prime delivers an elevated experience with exceptional ambiance, a chef-curated menu, signature handcrafted cocktails, a Wine Spectator honored wine list and genuine hospitality.” I can, in fact, confirm that to be accurate. The food was amazingly delicious, and the wait staff is superb. I can also verify that they have some rather interesting cocktails, even ones that smoke. Plus, when you and your mother-in-law devise a sneaky way to get a free dessert by telling the waiter that we were celebrating my husband/her son’s upcoming retirement, all three parties at the table benefitted from our deception! Several hundred dollars later, dinner was complete. 

Majestic Theatre

The Majestic Theatre was built in 1927, and it’s part of a three theater complex. Decent enough place to take in a show! The main purpose of our trip to the Big Apple was to see the final performance of Phantom of the Opera, the longest running show in Broadway history. I can see why since the show was spectacular! We were all extremely ecstatic with our decision to purchase tickets. 

Since I’m not going to be doing a post about it as it was just a single night out in Washington, DC, Beetlejuice was another fantastic Broadway play to catch! A girls night left myself and three friends laughing hysterically.