New York City is a hub of excitement no matter the season, offering everything from Broadway musicals to literary meetups and unique hotel experiences.
NYC’s Literary Scene
New York is a city of books, brilliant conversations, and unforgettable connections. I had the pleasure of meeting branding expert and bestselling author Aliza Licht at Ella’s. Aliza is featured in On Being Jewish Now and has authored two must-reads: On Brand and Leave Your Mark. We interviewed each other for our podcasts, discussing our books and exchanging ideas that continue to inspire.
My first visit to the famous NYC Strand Bookstore was with one of the travel authors who inspired me to write my book! Thanks to Holly Corbett and all THE LOST GIRLS who wander and wonder and lift up the community of women travelers!
At the NYU bookstore, Professor Susan Shapiro hosted an insightful panel with top authors and agents, offering a behind-the-scenes look into publishing. Another literary highlight was celebrating National Geographic author Andrew Nelson’s book Here Not There at Bspoke House, reconnecting with fellow travel journalists and sharing stories.
Broadway Magic
Seeing live theater on Broadway is a must, and Back to the Future was absolutely amazing—one of my favorite shows! It was especially exciting to be just steps away from M Social Hotel New York, where I had drinks and played virtual golf. Enjoy the food and drinks from Beast & Butterflies and the rooftop virtual golf experience overlooking Times Square in partnership with Jack Daniels and Golf Pro Delivered (GPD). There is indoor and outdoor space, and you can play any golf course. Of course, we chose Augusta!
The “Stay Like WICKED” immersive suite at the New York Hilton Midtown transported guests to the enchanting Land of Oz, blending art deco elegance with WICKED-inspired decor. Though the experience is no longer available, you can feel the spellbinding atmosphere in my videos below.
The Magic of Central Park
Central Park is a place of light and love. A gorgeous November day saw the city bathed in sunshine, with the peaceful sounds of Bethesda Fountain and row boats gliding along the water. From playful squirrels to couples exchanging vows, NYC’s iconic park is always a perfect blend of nature and city life.
Spiritual and Cultural Moments
A deeply moving experience took place at Central Synagogue, where I attended an event with my friend Cindy. Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of Park Avenue Synagogue spoke with Rabbi Angela Warnick Buchdahl about his book For Such a Time as This: On Being Jewish Today. Their conversation on identity and community was both timely and meaningful, especially in light of today’s challenges.
Talking Travel with LDPR
I had the pleasure of talking travel at Laura Davidson PR in NYC. We gathered at Take Care Restaurant, a casual yet elevated bistro at The Shelburne Sonesta. Make sure to save room for the warm chocolate cookie dessert with ice cream—absolutely divine!
NYC: A City of Endless Inspiration
From branding brilliance and publishing insights to Broadway shows and rooftop golf, NYC continues to deliver. Whether you’re exploring its literary scene, connecting with thought leaders, or simply strolling through Central Park, the city’s magic is undeniable.
Check out my videos below to relive the experiences and get inspired for your next NYC adventure!
Defy Gravity with Hilton
Step into the enchanting Land of Oz with the Stay Like WICKED Experience at the New York Hilton Midtown. From Elphaba’s moody green vibes to Glinda’s sparkling pink paradise, this immersive suite brings WICKED to life.
Indulge in hot-air balloon breakfast deliveries, discover secret treasures behind hidden bookshelves, and sip magical elixirs inspired by Oz’s witches.
Don’t hide your magic—embrace it.
What to do in NYC? I absolutely loved my visit to M Social Times Square NYC.
What to do in NYC? I absolutely loved my visit to M Social Times Square NYC. Enjoy the food and drinks from Beast & Butterflies and the rooftop virtual golf experience overlooking Times Square in partnership with Jack Daniels and Golf Pro Delivered (GPD). Scott and I had a blast! There is indoor and outdoor space and you can play any golf course. Of course, we chose Augusta!
NYC always delivers, when it comes to books, brilliant conversations, and unforgettable connections!
I had the pleasure of connecting with the incredible Aliza Licht, branding expert and bestselling author, at Ella’s. Aliza is featured in On Being Jewish Now: Reflections from Authors and Advocates, edited by Zibby Owens, and is also the author of two must-reads: On Brand and Leave Your Mark. Learn more about us when she interviewed me for her podcast, and I interviewed her for mine—all about our books! Our conversation was energizing, filled with the kind of ideas and inspiration that stay with you long after.
At the NYU bookstore, literary dynamo Professor Susan Shapiro hosted a phenomenal panel with five top authors and agents, offering an inside look at the publishing world. Susan has an unparalleled ability to bring people together and spark meaningful conversations.
Celebrating continued at Bspoke House for National Geographic author Andrew Nelson’s book Here Not There. It was wonderful to reconnect with Bia, who I met at ILTM Cannes before the pandemic, and spend an evening surrounded by fellow travel journalists sharing stories and ideas.
A particularly moving moment came at Central Synagogue, where I attended an event with my friend Cindy, who years ago sent me to Monaco for the Formula E race (a trip I’ll never forget and country #97!). Rabbi Elliot Cosgrove of Park Avenue Synagogue spoke about his powerful new book, For Such a Time as This: On Being Jewish Today, in conversation with Rabbi Angela Warnick Buchdahl. Their dialogue was a reflection on identity, purpose, and community—timely and deeply meaningful given today’s challenges.
Throughout all these events, one theme kept standing out: the power of connection and community. In a time of rising antisemitism and over 412 days since the hostages were taken, seeing Jewish authors being supported, celebrated, and heard felt incredibly powerful. It’s a reminder that we truly need each other, now more than ever.
From branding brilliance to publishing insights, global connections, and spiritual reflections, NYC continues to be the ultimate hub for creativity and conversation. These experiences left me inspired, energized, and grateful. For book lovers and storytellers, this city is pure magic.
Central Park is full of light and love
A gorgeous November day in Central Park with the city alive in the sunshine! From the peaceful sounds of Bethesda Fountain to the serene row boats gliding along the water, it’s a picture-perfect scene. Squirrels are playing, clouds are drifting by, and love is in the air as couples tie the knot in this magical setting. There’s something so lovely about NYC on days like this—nature and city life coming together in perfect harmony.
When I am in NYC, one of my favorite things is to see a live theater on Broadway
When I am in NYC, one of my favorite things is to see a live theater on Broadway. GREAT SCOTT, I LOVED Back to the Future and it is so close to the M Social where I had drinks & virtual golf. Erik and I met up at Barnes & Noble in Union Square to talk #TRAVEL and #BOOKS! and we found my friend, Lisa Barr’s #USATODAY #BESTSELLING #BOOK The Goddess of Warsaw. YES I do LOVE #NYC –so much to see and do!
My first visit to the famous NYC Strand Bookstore
My first visit to the famous NYC Strand Bookstore was with one of the travel authors who inspired me to write my book! Thanks to Holly Corbett and all THE LOST GIRLS who wander and wonder and lift up the community of women travelers!
Talking Travel at Laura Davidson PR in NYC
Thank you to Laura Davidson & LDPR for inviting me to TALK TRAVEL! It was so wonderful to gather together and dine at Take Care Restaurant–“A New Casual Neighborhood Bistro That’s Serious About Making Your Day!” Find it at The Shelburne Sonesta and save room for the warm chocolate cookie dessert with ice cream.
Stay like WICKED at New York Hilton Midtown
Unleash Your Magic—Stay Like WICKED
The Stay Like WICKED Experience at the New York Hilton Midtown is more than just a stay—it’s a journey to the heart of Oz, an escape where you can embrace your inner power, celebrate friendship, and defy gravity!
Experience the Magic of OzFrom the moment you enter, the suite transports you into the enchanting Land of Oz. With stunning views of Midtown Manhattan, the suite blends art deco elegance with WICKED-inspired decor, creating a world where fantasy comes to life.
Elphaba’s Enchanted Forest: Feel the mystical energy of Shiz University, with green tones and moody, enchanted vibes—perfect for channeling your inner strength and magic. Glinda’s Sparkling Paradise: Delight in soft pinks, sparkling accents, and a cherry blossom canopy—designed to bring out the light and joy of your magical side.
Holiday Magic, Delivered
- Floating Hot-Air Balloon Breakfast: Indulge in morning pastries delivered by a whimsical hot-air balloon, defying gravity to bring you the sweetest start to your day.
- Secret Treasures: Behind a hidden bookshelf, discover a bespoke beverage bar that magically appears to serve you Oz’s finest coffee, cocktails, and elixirs inspired by Elphaba and Glinda.
Experience the Power of Friendship and ConnectionThis suite is ideal for sharing magical moments with your bestie or loved ones. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or just basking in the magic of Oz, Stay Like WICKED is the perfect backdrop for creating memories that will last forever. - A Limited-Time Holiday EscapeAvailable now through January 26th, this exclusive suite is booking up fast, so don’t wait! Be part of this unforgettable experience before it vanishes like a puff of smoke.
- Don’t hide your magic—embrace it. Stay true to who you are, just like Elphaba and Glinda, and make this holiday season your most magical yet.
FILMING IN NYC: Holiday Travel Tip: Don’t Get #Hangry, bring Welch’s Fruit Snacks
I loved filming my Holiday Travel tips on multiple TV news programs in studio in NYC!
