The Nerdy Side of New York

Having lived on the East Coast for nearly a decade, I have had my fair share of trips to New York City, - The Big Apple, The Capital of the World, whatever you want to call it - though most trips were spent either checking out the typical tourist traps, or with me dozing off in a stroller at the age of 3.

This time, however, I decided to ditch the Statue of Liberty and the Flatiron Building in favor of a nerdier, and perhaps for some people, more ‘boring’ side of New York.

While crowded, Statue of Liberty ferry boats provide great views of the city, as well as Lady Liberty herself

The City Doesn’t Sleep and Neither Will I

It’s 5am, and my jet lagged brain has decided that now is the time to wake in the City That Never Sleeps. Although, now is probably the closest the city will get to sleeping: the normally packed streets are instead lined with a smattering of early commuters; the blaring of sirens that provide the constant soundtrack of the city have now been reduced to an intermittent disturbance in the otherwise quiet streets; the energetic parties that never fail to rage on until the early hours have finally wound down, as shop owners begin preparations to open up for the day.

I take a peek at my phone clock and sigh, deciding that 5 hours of sleep is as good as I’m going to get for today. As I get ready, I can’t help but continue to marvel at the relative serenity of Manhattan at this hour.

I get my daily steps in early as I trek over to 30 Rockefeller Center, home to NBC Studios, and, more importantly for me, The Shop at NBC Studios. I spend a long while browsing through merch as well as relics from the studios such as old microphones and props. I end up spending a lot of time and money there, but in the end I think my shopping trip is more than worth it as I leave clad in a yellow Stefon t-shirt.

On the way back my eyes can’t help but wander towards the flickering sign of the globally revered Junior’s Cheesecake Restaurant. My feet move of their own accord as my nostrils are suddenly assaulted by the smell of fresh pastries and brewing coffee that awaits me inside the tiny shop. Immediately I’m blown away by the myriad of cakes and pastries laid in front of me. A multi-layer chocolate cheesecake sits next to a ginormous coconut contraption. Above them are several swirling pastries with blueberry, raspberry, and, more surprisingly, pineapple jams on them. I scan through my options before landing on a tri-flavor cheesecake that is equally covered in blueberry, raspberry, and pineapple. I quickly order a small cheesecake before I can regret my decision, making a point to avoid the price tag. After tasting a small piece of the cake, I decide that maybe touristy spots aren’t all that bad...

Junior's is world famous for their imaginative and high-quality cheesecakes, and is a must-try for any visitor in NYC

I finally trudge through the hotel lobby ten minutes later, still perplexed by the tipping system in this country. (Do you tip the doorman when they open the door for you? If so, how much? Do you tip them every time? I need answers!!!!)

It’s… a… Musical!

A trip to New York is never complete until you’ve taken a walk around the Theater District, which is the area between West 40th Street, West 54th Street, Sixth Avenue, and Eighth Avenue. Luckily for me, my hotel is situated right inside The Great White Way. Less luckily for me, due to the pandemic, all Broadway and Off-Broadway theaters are currently closed, so seeing a show is out of the question (but fear not thespians, if all goes well, Broadway will be back on September 14 for fully vaccinated audiences).

The Brooks Atkinson theater is the former home of the Tony-nominated musical Waitress, and now houses the phenomenal show, Six the Musical

As a major musical theater geek, I spend more time than is probably healthy gawking at theaters and ignoring the mildly concerned glances from the people next to me at the crosswalk as I bounce in badly concealed joy. On my way to 30 Rock I caught a glance of the Brooks Atkinson theater, but after a brief rest and breakfast (that may or may not have consisted solely of cheesecake) at the hotel I’m ready to take a closer look at the historic theaters scattered throughout the district. 

Another iconic New York theater, the tiny New World Stages theater was home to the original Off-Broadway production of Heathers the Musical in 2014

 

I audibly squeak as I catch sight of the August Wilson (former home to Jersey Boys and Mean Girls the Musical), and nearly faint when I approach New World Stages. As much as I enjoy the experience, I can’t ignore the slight ache in my heart that forms from seeing the theaters so devoid of life.

 

Although my stay in The Big Apple is brief, I’m glad to have taken this day to explore the nerdy side of New York as I recharge for tomorrow’s adventure: Fourth of July fireworks down at the Hudson River!