Ultimate NYC Trip Preparation: Amp Up Your Excitement

As we approach our 3^rd trip to New York City in just the last year, you can probably tell NYC is one of my favorites!  To extend the joy of our New York City travels, I am following a ‘Travel Appetizer’ NYC trip preparation approach.  Just like an appetizer is something that ‘increases anticipation for what is to follow’ in a meal, the travel appetizers in my NYC trip preparation will be all things that give us a taste of the upcoming adventure. These ideas are great for armchair travel as well!

The Best NYC Food to Try at Home

Bringing the flavors of New York City into your own kitchen can be a delightful way to experience the city’s diverse culinary scene. Here are some popular NYC food ideas to plan at home that are not very difficult to pull off and are sure to build excitement with your travel crew!

Bagels with Lox and Cream Cheese

Enjoy a classic New York breakfast by toasting a fresh bagel, spreading cream cheese, and layering it with smoked salmon, capers, onions, and tomatoes.

Black and White Cookie

Make the iconic black and white cookie by baking soft, cake-like cookies and icing half of each cookie with chocolate and the other half with vanilla glaze.

Cheesecake

Whip up a New York-style cheesecake with a rich and creamy filling on a graham cracker crust. Top with fruit compote or whipped cream.

Hot Dog

Prepare a classic New York hot dog by grilling or boiling frankfurters and serving them in a soft bun with sauerkraut and mustard.

Soft Pretzels

Bake or boil pretzel dough and sprinkle with coarse salt to make soft pretzels like those sold on New York streets. Check your grocery frozen section for bake at home options as well.

Reuben Sandwich

Create a Reuben sandwich by layering pastrami or corned beef, Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing between slices of rye bread. Grill until warm and melty.

Pretzel Dogs

Combine the love for pretzels and hot dogs by wrapping pretzel dough around hot dog sausages and baking.

Movies & Shows to Include in your NYC Trip Preparation

You can’t visit New York City, and especially Central Park, without hearing about the movies and shows that took place there.   The list below is extensive so a countdown viewing schedule is a great way to build excitement and incorporate your ‘Travel Appetizer’ approach to your NYC trip preparation!

Movies & Shows with a NYC Theme  – Family Friendly  

• Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
  • In one of the most recognizable NYC movies, Kevin McCallister gets separated from his family again, this time in New York City.  Of course, hilarious adventures ensue as he outsmarts the same criminals from the first movie.
• Enchanted (2007)
  • A fairy tale princess is transported to modern-day New York City.
• Stuart Little (1999)
  • A mouse named Stuart embarks on adventures in New York City.
• Stuart Little 2 (2002)
  • In this sequel, Stuart Little embarks on a journey through Central Park to rescue a new friend, a canary named Margalo.
• Night at the Museum (2006)
  • The American Museum of Natural History comes to life after dark with comic chaos in this movie starring Ben Stiller as the security guard.
• The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984)
  • The Muppets try to take their Broadway show to New York City which leads to a series of misadventures and funny moments.
• Bolt (2008)
  • While Central Park isn’t the main movie location, the park is featured as one location in this animated film, where the dog main character, Bolt, searches for his owner.
• Mr. Popper’s Penguins (2011)
  • This family comedy includes scenes set in Central Park, where Mr. Popper and the penguins explore.
• The Little Rascals (1994)
  • In this classic, Central Park serves as a location for some of the (mis)adventures of the beloved group of kids.

Movies & Shows with a NYC Theme – Adults

• Taxi Driver (1976)
  • Martin Scorsese’s classic follows a mentally unstable Vietnam War veteran as he navigates the gritty streets of New York City.
• The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
  • My personal favorite from the list!  A young woman lands a job at a prestigious fashion magazine in New York City and must navigate the challenges of the fashion world under a formidable boss.
• Birdman (2014)
  • This unique film is set in and around a Broadway theater in New York City, exploring the complexities of the entertainment industry.
• Sex and the City (TV Series, 1998-2004)
  • Central Park appears in various episodes of this iconic series, often serving as a place for the characters to gather and reflect.
• Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
  • While not entirely set in NYC, the film features significant scenes in the city and explores the complexities of love and memory.
• Manhattan (1979)
  • Directed by Woody Allen, this film explores the romantic and intellectual entanglements of a television writer in New York City.
• When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
  • This romantic comedy features Central Park as a significant location in the lives of the main characters over the years.
• Serendipity (2001)
  • Central Park is a backdrop for the serendipitous encounters between the film’s protagonists, who reunite years after a chance meeting.
• August Rush (2007)
  • Central Park plays a role in this drama about a musical prodigy’s search for his parents.
• Sweetbitter (TV Series, 2018-2019)
  • This drama series is set in the restaurant scene of New York City.

And many more….  New York City is the backdrop to so many movies and shows!  You can even find tours in NYC specific to some of the most popular from Friends and Gossip Girl to the Marvel movies.

NYC Music to Add to your Playlist

Including destination themed music in your day to day leading up to your trip is one of my favorite ‘Travel Appetizer’ tips.   My NYC trip preparation playlist includes: 

• Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys
• New York, New York by Frank Sinatra
• Welcome to New York by Taylor Swift
• New York State of Mind by Billy Joel
• Englishman in New York by Sting
• No Sleep Till Brooklyn by Beastie Boys
• The Only Living Boy in New York by Simon & Garfunkel
• Back to Manhattan by Norah Jones
• New York by The Chainsmokers
• New York at Night by Old Dominion
• New York by Ed Sheeran
• Manhattan by Sara Bareilles

NYC Culture to Check Out for your NYC Trip Preparation

Take a Virtual Museum Tour

Discover NYC’s renowned museums through virtual tours. Explore The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the American Museum of Natural History online. Check out the Met here.

Read Books Taking Place in NYC

 Immerse yourself in NYC’s literary scene by reading books set in the city, like “The Great Gatsby” and “Catcher in the Rye” capture the city’s essence.

Follow NYC Influencers

Follow NYC-based influencers, bloggers, and photographers on socials to get real-time updates on the city’s culture, events, and trends.

Go for Virtual Central Park Walks

Explore Central Park’s beauty through virtual walking tours where you can learn about park history, landmarks, and activities. Check out a virtual walk here.