I lived in New York City in my mid-20s, and usually when I’m back, it’s for work. But this trip was different, four nights with no meetings, no agenda, just me soaking in the city. I let myself play tourist, revisit old routines, and even lived out a teenage dream at the Dawson’s Creek reunion.
Afternoon Tea & Gossip Girl Moments
I started off with tea at Bergdorf Goodman, where the view over Central Park was just as indulgent as the pastries. Afterward, I wandered the store, stopping to admire sparkling home goods and rows of designer shoes before trying on a Chanel tweed jacket. For a moment, I felt like Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl, living my Upper East Side fantasy.
Subway Rides & A Carousel Glow
Instead of sliding back into my work-trip habits of booking black town cars, I leaned into the subway, a little nostalgic, a little chaotic, but always New York. I rode downtown to Battery Park and found myself on the glowing Seaglass Carousel, surrounded by illuminated fish swirling to soft music. It was whimsical, touristy, and honestly magical.
Liberty Cruise with a Skyline Backdrop
The next day, I used my hotel perk, a complimentary Liberty Cruise from The Moxy Chelsea. For an hour, I drifted past Ellis Island, the Statue of Liberty, and that unbeatable Manhattan skyline. Even after years of knowing the city, seeing it from the water made me pause and appreciate it all over again.
A Night in Capeside
The true highlight of my trip was the Dawson’s Creek Class Reunion, a charity event raising funds for colon cancer awareness. I slipped into my seat, three rows from the stage! When the cast walked out, the cheers were deafening, and suddenly it felt like we’d all been transported back to Capeside.
The night was filled with stories, laughter, and heartwarming nostalgia. And the best part? A group photo with the entire cast, and yes, I was standing right between Joey Potter and Pacey Witter. Teenage me was exploding. Their love story remains, in my opinion, one of the greatest ever written for television, and for a brief moment, I was part of it.
Bagels, Ballet & The Waldorf
No NYC trip is complete without a bagel, and mine came toasted to perfection with scallion cream cheese, warm, chewy, tangy, and comforting in the way only a true New York bagel can be. Fueled and happy, I rode the subway uptown to Lincoln Center for a members-only rehearsal at New York City Ballet. Watching Justin Peck coach dancers through Heatscape, making last-minute tweaks before opening night, was like peeking behind the curtain of genius. Then came Donizetti Variations, where I finally saw principal dancer Indiana Woodward perform live. A moment that took my breath away.
I ended the night — and my trip — at the newly reopened Waldorf Astoria. At Peacock Alley Bar, chandeliers sparkled overhead, live music set the mood, and I sipped a classic Tom Collins while sharing a Waldorf salad and lobster roll with a friend. A perfect ending.
After years of visiting New York on work trips, this long weekend reminded me of the city’s magic. From tea at Bergdorf’s to subway rides, from a once-in-a-lifetime reunion to a behind-the-scenes peek at the ballet. This trip reminded me why I’ll always love New York. It gave me both nostalgia and surprise, the comfort of old memories and the thrill of discovering the city all over again.
Xoxo
Travel. Beach. Love
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