New York Aquarium, High Line, Rum House

Why yes, Empire State Building, you are more than welcome to have a sip of my g&t.

After spending a good part of the day on Coney Island's boardwalk and beach, we headed into the New York Aquarium. It was a great day to be there -- practically had the place to ourselves. I saw some seahorses there, and sharks. And some really odd fish that had both of their eyes one side of their face. They swim low and flat near the sand, flat like a pancake with their eyes on top rather than vertical like a sail with an eye on either side. Strange!

And I think one of their seals is magic. See if you can tell:


A couple of highlights the next day involved walking along the High Line -- an elevated train track turned elevated park and playground. It absolutely requires people relax and enjoy themselves up there, with places to sit everywhere -- chairs and lawns -- and tons of plants and trees. In some spots it's hard to believe you're above one of the busiest cities in the world rather than walking through a wooded backyard. My favorite part of the High Line is a fountain that is part of the sidewalk. Water streams across the top and people are allowed to walk through it. It was such a huge relief to pull of my socks and step into the cool, trickling water after a long day of walking the city streets! (Here's another story about its history.)

Enjoyed a night cap at a couple of places, including the La Quinta hotel. Doesn't sound terribly glamorous, but their outdoor rooftop bar has a stellar view of the Empire State Building.

Day after that we got burgers at P.J. Clarke's, I met my editor at CBS, and got drinks at Hotel Edison's Rum House. It was a chilly evening and the Rum House was a perfect place to get out of the wind. It's a cozy, dark bar that serves only drinks, no food. It's easy to linger there, especially when the live jazz begins.

The JC Hopkins trio played the night I was there. Have a listen, Chester!