There’s a saying that you can take the girl out of New York, but you can’t take New York out of the girl. And as someone born and raised on Long Island, New York, who now calls Dallas, Texas home, I can attest to the truth of that statement. For years after moving to Texas in middle school, I held onto my New Yorker pride, convinced my stay in the Lone Star State would be temporary. Yet, life has a funny way of unfolding. I attended college here, fell in love with and married a Texan, and eventually bought a house, firmly planting roots. Add to that the eye-opening realization of the vast difference in the cost of living between New York City and Dallas, and here I am, happily settled in Dallas, TX.
Despite embracing my Texan life, my heart still holds a deep affection for New York. So, when the opportunity arose to plan a family trip with my parents and my husband to see my brother perform in a play in NYC, I was beyond thrilled. My brother, a dedicated actor in the vibrant New York theatre scene, provided the perfect excuse not only to revisit the city that shaped me but also to introduce my husband to the place where I spent my formative years. This wasn’t just a trip; it was a journey back to my roots, a chance to rekindle old memories, and an opportunity to create new ones with my cherished family.
I am absolutely delighted to share this comprehensive travel recap, highlighting the best restaurants, exciting things to do, and unique shopping experiences I discovered (or rediscovered) during my unforgettable visit to New York City. Get ready to dive into the pulse of the Big Apple, seen through the eyes of a former New Yorker, now with a new perspective on healthy eating and travel!
Let’s kick off this trip recap with what many consider the heart and soul of any great city: its food scene. And for me, that meant exploring the burgeoning world of paleo-friendly dining options in a city renowned for its culinary diversity.
Navigating New York City: A Paleo Foodie’s Dream
New York City is a metropolis of wonders, celebrated globally for its iconic sights, unparalleled cultural richness, and, of course, its extraordinary culinary landscape. Growing up, I was a self-proclaimed gluten and sugar enthusiast, indulging in all the city’s delicious, albeit less-than-healthy, offerings. This recent trip marked a significant milestone: it was my very first time experiencing NYC as a truly “Paleo” individual, keenly aware of my food intolerances and committed to real, nourishing food. What I discovered was nothing short of incredible. New York, with its progressive food scene and endless innovation, boasts a surprising abundance of options for real food enthusiasts. Even in my brief two-day visit, I only managed to scratch the surface of what’s available, but what I found left a lasting impression.
Springbone Kitchen: A Health-Conscious Haven
Springbone Kitchen was unequivocally at the top of my must-visit list, and I’m thrilled to report that it exceeded every expectation. For anyone familiar with Austin’s health food scene, Springbone is essentially the NYC equivalent of Picnik Austin – a true gem for conscious eaters. Their dedication to quality is evident in their house-made bone broths, nutrient-packed smoothies, and an extensive menu featuring clearly marked allergen-friendly options. It’s a place where you can dine with confidence, knowing that your dietary needs are not just accommodated, but celebrated.
What truly sets Springbone Kitchen apart for me is their unwavering commitment to cooking with high-quality, healthy fats. They primarily use coconut oil and beef tallow, a detail that might seem minor but makes an enormous difference to someone dedicated to a paleo lifestyle. Seed oils like canola and soybean oil are ubiquitous in restaurant cooking and are among the hardest ingredients to avoid when eating out. These oils are highly inflammatory and invariably leave me feeling sluggish and unwell. At Springbone, I had no such concerns, allowing me to fully enjoy my meal without a hint of worry.
On both occasions I visited, I indulged in their phenomenal grass-fed burger. It came perfectly nestled in a paleo bun from Know Foods, generously topped with nightshade-free guacamole, onions caramelized to perfection in rich beef tallow, and a side of crispy carrot fries, also fried in tallow. This was more than just a meal; it was an experience. Without exaggeration, this burger was easily one of the best meals I’ve had in a very long time – a testament to Springbone’s quality ingredients and expert preparation. It’s a culinary experience I highly recommend to anyone seeking delicious and genuinely healthy food in NYC.
Dig Inn: Farm-to-Table Fast Casual
Dig Inn has been aptly described as “Chipotle for yuppies,” a moniker that, while playful, accurately captures its essence. It’s a fast-casual dining experience that prioritizes fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients, making healthy eating both accessible and convenient across its numerous locations throughout the city. What truly elevates Dig Inn beyond typical fast food is their commitment to using higher quality cooking oils, such as coconut and olive oil, ensuring a cleaner and more nourishing meal.
During my visit, I opted for a customized bowl, starting with a generous bed of fresh greens, complemented by crisp apples, sweet roasted carrots, and perfectly cooked salmon. The beauty of Dig Inn lies in its build-your-own-bowl concept, allowing for endless permutations to suit any dietary preference. My husband and I both enjoyed these wholesome and satisfying bowls for a total of just $25 – an absolute steal for a nourishing meal in New York City! It’s an ideal spot for a quick, healthy, and affordable lunch or dinner when exploring the city.
Pressed Juicery: A Guilt-Free Sweet Treat
For those moments when a sweet craving strikes but you want to stay true to your healthy eating principles, Pressed Juicery offers an incredible solution. This popular juice shop features their innovative “Pressed Freeze,” a dairy-free froyo alternative that I had been longing to try for what felt like an eternity! It’s crafted from frozen juices, creamy almond milk, and naturally sweetened with dates, making it a truly guilt-free indulgence.
I chose the chocolate freeze, adorned with a vibrant medley of fresh berries, shredded coconut, and a rich almond butter drizzle. The combination was divine – a perfect balance of sweetness and healthy fats. Every spoonful was a delight, and it immediately sparked a fervent wish: “Can they please open one of these in Texas?!” For anyone seeking a refreshing, delicious, and healthy dessert option in NYC, Pressed Juicery’s Freeze is an absolute must-try. It’s a testament to how creative and satisfying healthy treats can be.
Paleo-Friendly Restaurants Still on My NYC Wishlist
Even with my dedicated research and planning, a short trip to New York means inevitably missing out on some incredible dining opportunities. Here are a couple of highly-rated paleo-friendly establishments that remain on my list for future visits, and which I recommend you consider for your own NYC culinary adventures:
Hu Kitchen: A Paleo Pioneer
I still can’t quite believe I missed the chance to visit Hu Kitchen! This establishment is a celebrated pioneer in the paleo and ancestral health community and is incredibly popular for good reason. Known for its extensive menu of grain-free, dairy-free, and refined sugar-free options, Hu Kitchen offers everything from wholesome breakfasts and hearty lunches to delicious dinners and satisfying snacks. Their philosophy of “Get Back to Human” resonates deeply with the paleo lifestyle, making it a must-try for anyone committed to clean eating. It’s certainly a top priority for my next trip.
The Little Beet: Fresh and Flavorful Fast Casual
The Little Beet was another restaurant that came highly recommended by numerous friends and fellow health enthusiasts. This fast-casual eatery focuses on providing wholesome, gluten-free, and often dairy-free meals that are both delicious and nutritious. They pride themselves on using seasonal ingredients and offering customizable bowls and plates, similar to Dig Inn but with their own unique flavor profiles. While I didn’t make it there this time, the consistent positive feedback suggests it’s another excellent choice for healthy dining in the city that never sleeps.
Experiencing the Big Apple: Our NYC Itinerary Highlights
New York City offers an endless array of experiences, from world-class entertainment to historical landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods. During our family trip, we curated an itinerary that balanced iconic attractions with personal sentiment, ensuring a memorable visit for everyone.
The Magic of Broadway Theatre
Visiting New York City without experiencing a Broadway show felt unthinkable to me. Having never seen the iconic musical Wicked, it was an immediate priority for our trip. The Gershwin Theatre, with its grand architecture and excellent acoustics, provided the perfect setting for this spectacular production. We secured seats in the Mezzanine, and even from that vantage point, the view was fantastic, offering a comprehensive perspective of the stage without feeling too distant. The energy of a live Broadway performance is simply incomparable; the talent, the sets, the music – it all combines to create an utterly captivating experience. I wholeheartedly recommend splurging on a Broadway show if your travels take you to New York. It’s not just entertainment; it’s a quintessential NYC cultural immersion that creates lasting memories.
Exploring Beyond Manhattan: Brooklyn and Williamsburg
As much as I love the energy of New York, the constant hustle and bustle of Manhattan can be overwhelming for me now – perhaps a true sign I’ve fully embraced my Texan calm! Consequently, we dedicated a significant portion of our sightseeing efforts to exploring the vibrant boroughs of Brooklyn and Williamsburg, and it was time exceptionally well spent. Brooklyn has undergone an incredible transformation over the years, evolving into a veritable “Hipster dreamland” brimming with character and charm. The streets are alive with fantastic independent restaurants, unique vintage shops offering hidden treasures, and stunning street art around every corner. Taking the time to stroll through these neighborhoods, soak in the bohemian atmosphere, and discover their hidden gems will undoubtedly leave you enchanted and craving more.
A Journey Through History: The 9/11 Memorial & Museum
Having recently visited Washington D.C. with a friend, I felt a slight “museum fatigue” and opted to skip some of the larger, more traditional New York museums this time around. However, there was one museum that felt imperative to visit: the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. As someone who was in New York on that fateful day, the experience was profoundly powerful, deeply moving, and incredibly heartbreaking. The museum thoughtfully curates the events of September 11th, honoring the victims and survivors while conveying the immense human impact of the tragedy. Walking through the exhibits brought back a flood of emotions, and there were countless moments of tears throughout the solemn and respectful space. It is a vital institution that serves as a poignant reminder of resilience and loss, and I believe it’s an important visit for anyone wanting to understand a significant piece of modern American history.
A Nostalgic Drive: Revisiting Long Island
Our accommodation in Kew Gardens, near Jamaica, placed us conveniently just about an hour’s drive from my hometown, Hauppauge, on Long Island. My husband had never seen where I grew up, and it was incredibly important for me to show him my childhood home and take him to all my favorite places from adolescence. So, we rented a car for a day, embarking on a nostalgic road trip to Hauppauge. We made a special stop at Jones Beach, a place filled with countless summer memories. Though it was a short day trip, the joy of sharing my old stomping grounds and the history of my youth with my husband was immeasurable. It offered a wonderful contrast to the bustling city and provided a deeply personal connection to my past.
Precious Family Time
With virtually all of my extended family residing in New York, a trip back home wouldn’t be complete without dedicated time to reconnect with them. I hadn’t seen many of my relatives since my wedding two years prior, making these reunions incredibly special. Catching up, sharing stories, and simply being in the presence of loved ones reinforced the enduring importance of family bonds, adding another layer of warmth and meaning to our New York adventure.
Treasures from the Past: Vintage Shopping in NYC
If you follow me on Instagram, you’re likely aware of my somewhat unique sartorial preference: a penchant for dressing as if it’s 1962 (when I’m not, of course, in my typical “nutrition nerd” sweatshirt and yoga pants!). My love for authentic vintage clothing runs deep, and I naturally assumed New York City, with its reputation for style and eccentricity, would be a paradise for vintage shopping. I conducted extensive research, poring over blogs and guides, but to be entirely honest, I wasn’t completely blown away by all my finds. New York is notoriously expensive, and many of the vintage shops I visited leaned heavily towards 80s and 90s fashion, whereas my heart truly belongs to the elegant silhouettes and vibrant patterns of the 60s and 70s.
Awoke Vintage: A Curated Collection
Despite some initial challenges, my absolute favorite discovery was unequivocally Awoke Vintage in Williamsburg. While not *every* piece was strictly authentic vintage, the shop boasted an incredibly well-curated collection of truly unique and distinctive items, alongside some genuinely fantastic vintage finds. The atmosphere was inviting, and the selection felt thoughtful and inspiring, catering to a broader range of styles while still satisfying my craving for timeless pieces. They also maintain an active online presence and frequently update their Instagram with new arrivals, so it’s definitely worth giving them a follow to catch their latest treasures!
Feng Sway: Where Fashion Meets Flora
Walking into Feng Sway was like stepping into a dream. Imagine this: a vintage clothing boutique seamlessly integrated with an exotic plant shop. Ummm, pinch me! This unique concept is truly one-of-a-kind and epitomizes the creative spirit of New York. You simply can’t find anything quite like this in Dallas! The combination of beautiful, hand-picked vintage garments nestled among lush, vibrant greenery creates an intoxicating and inspiring shopping experience. It’s a place where you can browse for a unique fashion statement while simultaneously contemplating adding a rare botanical specimen to your home collection. Feng Sway is more than a store; it’s an immersive aesthetic journey.
Our recent family trip to New York was an absolute triumph – a perfect blend of nostalgia, culinary discovery, cultural immersion, and precious family moments. From savoring delicious paleo meals to experiencing the magic of Broadway, exploring the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, and reconnecting with my roots on Long Island, every moment was cherished. The city truly comes alive with boundless energy and endless possibilities, and I am already eagerly anticipating my next visit.
Do you have any personal NYC favorites, hidden gems, or essential travel tips you’d like to share? Whether it’s a must-try restaurant, a unique shop, or an unforgettable experience, we’d love to hear your recommendations. Please feel free to share your insights in the comments below – let’s inspire each other’s future New York adventures!