Visit to the Biltmore

While Jason and I were on vacation in Tennessee with my family, we (I) decided to drive to see the Biltmore since it was only an hour and half away. This has been on my bucket list forever so I was so excited to be able to finally see it.

On the way, we stopped and took some scenic photos just because it was just so beautiful. 

When we got to the Biltmore, we took some photos outside. I was amazed at how huge this place was. So so pretty.

We couldn't take any pictures inside but it was so fun to walk around the 3 stories that were open to the public. It was like the American Downton Abbey!! I loved it! Although, I will say that it was stuffy and hot in there. There was obviously no air conditioning and there were a ton of people there. So I got a little cranky at times =).

There was a balcony on the first floor that had such a breathtaking view. Can you imagine this being your view everyday?

Once we were done with the inside of the house, we stopped at the beginning of the gardens to take a few pictures and see the views. The garden area was HUGE so there was no way I was going to make it through the whole thing so we just took pictures right off the house.

I'm so glad that we were able to see the Biltmore. I would definitely recommend it if you are in the area and like history. A tourist  told me it's really pretty at Christmas time because they decorate the house extravagantly. 

New York City: Day 3

On Saturday morning, we woke up and headed to go on a bike tour in Central Park. It was good way to see the park in about 2 hours. We didn't see everything but we were able to see a lot of it. The next time we go - we will have to go hang out there some more.

Aren't we just cute? Although the helmet wasn't great but safety first!

This is the Bethesda Fountain - the scene where they are dancing in Central Park in Enchanted was filmed here

In front of the Jacqueline Kennedy Reservoir

We stopped in Strawberry Fields and saw the Imagine sign

After our bicycle tour, we stopped by the Lincoln Center so I could take a picture in front of the fountain. A scene from the season finale of Glee in season 2 was filmed here ( and yes I know I am a huge dork)

Then it was time for lunch and so we headed downtown to eat at Katz Deli where the scene where Meg Ryan's character in When Harry Met Sally fakes "it".

The sign says where Harry met Sally hope you have what she had - ha!

After lunch, we went and walked the Brooklyn Bridge - it was fun but I was ready to stop in for a nice Starbucks treats after it was over.

On our way back to the midtown area, we stopped by the apartment that they used for the outside shots in Friends. You better believe I had to take a pic in front of it.

We then went on a little cruise to see the skyline and the bridges and to rest our tired little feet and then went back to the hotel to freshen up before we went back out to eat at the famous Shake Shack. It was very yummy!

Even though the food was delicious here, we decided we needed a lovely late night snack so we headed to Serendipity's!

We had the famous frozen hot chocolate. It was amazingly so good. So good that I found a recipe on pinterest that supposedly tastes like it and I can't wait to make it!

It was a great last day in NYC. We had such an amazing time and I am so glad that we got to go. We will be back - I can guarantee it =).

New York City: Day 2

To see Day 1 go HERE.

On Friday, we woke up and headed to Battery Park to get our tickets and go see the Statue of Liberty. We got there before 9 so we could get the tickets and then go stand in line to get on the ferry right when it opened. The ferry ride took us to the statue of Liberty and then we took another one to Ellis Island, and then another one to get back to Manhattan. The ferry rides weren't bad, but for the next 24 hours I swear the room felt like it was rocking back and forth =).

The skyline from the back of the ferry

So excited!

Land of the free and the home of the brave

I got really tired holding up the statue after about 5 minutes - ha!

We then headed over to Ellis Island.

The inside was really pretty and they had a museum all over the building. I was a nerd and read all the little plaques on the walls - some pretty interesting stuff.

After we left Battery Park, we went up to visit the World Trade Center sight before heading back to the midtown area.

We will never forget

We stopped at Starbucks for some afternoon sustenance and to rest our tired feet for a few minutes!

Yummy!

We then headed to go on a tour that drove you around to see different famous sites from movies and television and where famous people live around the area.

This is where John Lennon was shot

This is where Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis used to live

This is the cafe where Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan's characters meet in You've Got Mail

Do you recognize this door? It's the Sheffield's residence in The Nanny!

The fountain that they used for the inspiration in the Friends theme song where they are dancing in the water

After the tour, we headed back to the hotel to get ready to go to:

Yep that's right - WICKED!!!!

Looking fab and ready to see the most wonderful play ever!

The stage before it started

During intermission, we bought some wine because that is what sophisticated people do at the theater =). They had their own specialty drinks for the play and I got the Glosmopolitan. We got a really cool cup with a lid that I got to keep which was a great souvenir!

It was delicious!

I was in complete heaven watching Wicked. The actors were fabulous, the music spectacular, and the atmosphere was wonderful. I sang the entire thing in my head with the actors. After it was over, I turned to Jason and asked if we could do it again. We stayed afterwards to meet the cast and I got a picture with the actress who played Glinda. I was ecstatic!!

Friday was long fun filled day but I went to sleep a very happy girl!

New York City: Day 1 and 1/2

*Disclaimer: I have almost 300 pictures that I took in NYC but I will spare boring you to tears and show you the highlights*

Jason and I got in to NYC on Wednesday afternoon and headed to our hotel. We got everything situated and then headed out to meet Jason's friend, Neel, who lives in NYC, for dinner. We met at this place called John's Pizzeria down in the theater district.

They had a really cool wall in the eating area that had a vintage picture of New York

The pizza was really good. I highly recommend it.

The next morning, we woke up before the sun to go stand in line to be in the crowd for the Today Show.

This is the sign we made for the show.

We got a really good spot but we had to get there really early to get it.

Bobby Flay was there and I was standing like 10 feet from him. I almost asked him if he enjoyed hanging out with the Pioneer Woman but I didn't.

The Rockettes were there and we got to see them do one of their performances. I wish I could move like that. They are very talented.

Hi Al!! He was so nice.

My picture with Matt. I almost died!!!!

Hi Ann!! She was so personable and probably the nicest.

After the Today Show, we headed over to the MET to culturize ourselves and look at some art.

Just a little tidbit: This where they filmed the scene in Hitch where Hitch meets Albert Brennaman for the first time and he spills mustard on his pants.

The pyramid tomb replica in the MET where they filmed a scene in When Harry Met Sally.

They had a roof garden on the top where you could buy food and enjoy the views of the city.

We then went to the NBC Studio tour to go see the insides of NBC productions like SNL and football night in America. We weren't allowed to take pictures inside but I snapped some before the tour started.

I'm official!!!

We then headed to the Empire State Building. We bought express passes so we got to bypass all the lines. It was totally worth the extra money.

Perfect time of day to be on top of the building

We then headed to go eat at Hard Rock Cafe for dinner and then headed over to Magnolia Bakery for a cupcake. They were heavenly!!

It was a very busy busy day but we had a lot of fun. Although my feet were killing me.....=)