View of the New York City Skyline in Lower Manhattan

If only my travel dates to New York City had coincided with the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! Maybe next year . . .

In the meantime, I was still able to cross a few more items off my list of Must Sees and Do’s on this fast-paced trip to The Big Apple. For WanderFood Wednesday here at Wanderlust and Lipstick, I’m starting off with one of my favorite food choices:

6) Snack on a super-size soft pretzel and roasted chestnuts while wandering around Midtown. All that window shopping takes its toll! Thankfully, corner street vendors abound here so you’ll have plenty of food choices to whet your appetite. If pretzels and chestnuts don’t do it for you, how about a hot dog? Or Falafal? A chicken kebab or Italian sausage perhaps?
Mmm . . .

7) After checking out the beautiful window displays at Versace, Michael Kors, Lord & Taylor, Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue (Hey – a girl can dream, can’t she?) – you know what’s next. It’s time to go shopping! My hopes are dashed, however, when my teenage daughter shows me the plan she’s already mapped out.

Better luck next time, Mom!

8) Take a break from urban mania with a walk in Central Park. Even a short respite will help restore your sanity and show you a portion of the lovely 843-acre landscape designed by Fredrick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux in 1858. I still haven’t made it to Strawberry Fields, the meditative garden created by Yoko Ono in memory of her husband, John Lennon. But I know it ranks high on the list of NYC residents and tourists alike so I’m adding it to my list.

9) Go for a spin on the ice at Rockefeller Center. If you’re not quite up for an axel jump or a camel spin, which we Wanderboomers rarely are, you can still enjoy a more relaxed skate around the rink, or simply watch the other skaters from the viewing platform. NBC Studios, Radio City Music Hall, and Top of the Rock are all here and definitely worth a visit.

10) Keep your eye out for celebrities. You never know who you might run into so don’t be surprised if your server or tour guide looks vaguely familiar. Say, haven’t I seen this guy and gal on Law & Order? Maybe The Late Show with David Letterman?

Here’s a tip: if you do see a celebrity like Brad or Angelina (Where in the world are you, Johnny Depp?), be cooool – and always respectful. In fact, if you want to be the epitome of cool, pretend you have no idea who they are, just like I did when spotting Chris Noth and Frank Langella on previous visits. Of course, they pretended not to know who I was either . . .

Do you have any favorite celebrity sightings in NYC, Wanderboomers?
What other Must Sees & Do’s are on your list when visiting The City That Never Sleeps?