After a couple of weeks back home and a hectic mix of driving, dining, and exploring, it’s finally time to launch our East Coast USA road trip in earnest. Though I had hoped to blog on the go, time slipped away — so today, we begin properly. This is Day 1 in NYC, and I’m excited to share how our journey unfolded.
Early Morning Departure from Derbyshire
Our adventure began in the pre-dawn stillness. At 3:00 AM. We were collected by the number one chauffeur company in Derby, riding in a luxurious Mercedes V-Class. The drive to Heathrow Airport was smooth, and I got into the American spirit by catching a live NFL game on the way.
Check-in and security at Terminal 5 were seamless. We skipped the lounge — recent experiences there hadn’t impressed — and instead treated ourselves to breakfast at one of the terminal restaurants, always a good start to a long-haul flight
Flight to JFK — Smooth but Subdued Service
Boarding our British Airways flight to JFK, the journey was comfortable. However, we noticed the premium economy service wasn’t quite what it used to be. While the flight attendants were friendly, outside of meal times, only water was offered, and snacks were scarce. First-world problems, perhaps, but noticeable nonetheless.
Landing in New York: Fast Immigration & Arrival in Manhattan
Despite the horror stories about US immigration, especially regarding social media scrutiny, our entry into New York was surprisingly smooth. Within an hour, we were in a Yellow Cab heading to our first hotel, The Edison, Times Square.
We arrived too early to check in, but for a small fee, the porters stored our luggage. This gave us the chance to head straight into Times Square, soak up the September sunshine, and enjoy a coffee and cake
Checking In at The Edison
Our room at The Edison Hotel wasn’t massive but perfectly suited our needs. While the hotel showed signs of age, its location was ideal for exploring Manhattan. After unpacking and freshening up, we were ready for our first proper wander through New York City.
Lower East Side Adventures
Our first stop was Economy Candy on Rivington Street, a must-visit on Deb’s list. The shop was a treasure trove of chocolate, candy, and quirky souvenirs. Walking the 3.5 miles there was worth every step—especially for Deb! We left with bags full of American sweets, T-shirts, and stickers.
Soho Shopping and a BAPE Stop
Next, we ventured to BAPE Soho on Mercer Street. As a fan of Ian Brown’s iconic camo jacket, I was thrilled to finally explore this elusive brand. A little overspending later, we made our way back up Broadway, stopping for coffee and more window shopping along the route.
Dinner in Madison Square Park
By evening, our feet were tired, but we had one last stop: Shake Shack in Madison Square Park. Enjoying burgers and milkshakes while the sun set was a perfect NYC experience.
After dinner, we made a brief detour to Carlo’s Bakery for cannoli and contemplated grabbing a beer. In the end, the lure of bed won, and we grabbed a Starbucks on the way back to the hotel.
Day 1 Recap — 12 Miles and 29,000 Steps
By the end of our first day, we had walked 12 miles and taken 29,000 steps. It was a full introduction to the energy and charm of New York City—walking aimlessly, shopping, people-watching, and enjoying the city’s food scene.
Day 1 confirmed what we’ve always known: New York is our favorite city, and we couldn’t wait to do it all again tomorrow.
Next Up: Day 2 in New York City
Day 2 brings more exploring, hidden gems, rooftop views, and a few surprises. Stay tuned — our East Coast USA adventure is just getting started.
