My mom and sister wanted to visit me for my birthday. My mom was flying from India and my sister was visiting from Australia, so what better place to meet (for them!) than in NYC!
I always enjoy visiting New York City, and had a few work meetings, so I was thrilled that I could combine work and family time. I was able to take in a Broadway show, try new foods, and see historic landmarks, like the Brooklyn Bridge and Rockefeller Center.
Views of Manhattan From Brooklyn Bridge Park
Some travelers prefer to stay away from touristy destinations like Manhattan, but I had a blast. Perhaps because it was my first time being a tourist in NYC! New York City is filled with an energy unique to anywhere else I’ve been.
That said, I now want to discover Queens and eat in every ethnic restaurant there! 
Trip to New York City Index
Part 1 – Airbnb & Rockefeller Center
Part 2 – Review of 4 Veggie Restaurants
Part 3 – Prospect Park & Brooklyn Bridge
The last couple days we spent exploring Brooklyn, particularly its charming parks.
New York City has plenty of parks, and I recommend them all! Each has its own appealing qualities, but I’ll tell you about the two we visited.
Prospect Park Smorgasburg
Every Sunday, Prospect Park hosts a huge food market in its Breeze Hill district. This was an absolute must during my visit!
The Giant Foodie Flea Market Features 100 Different Vendors!
Smorgasburg is also held on the Williamsburg waterfront on Saturday, but my family already had plans. Plus, I had read on TripAdvisor that Prospect Park was a better location for the event.
Seitan Is a Gluten-Based Substitution for Meat
One of the reviews on the Smorgasburg website labeled it “the Woodstock of eating.” I knew there would be plenty of vegetarian options, because there was anything you could think of!
One of my favorite dishes was Bulgogi Seitan from Monk’s Vegan Smoke House.
My Gourmet Lunch From Monk’s Vegan Smoke House
The biggest struggle of the day was pacing my eating! A few booths were even dedicated to tantalizing sweets.
Lots of Folks Came Out to Sample Great Food at Smorgasburg
I also recommend Goa Taco, which specializes in paratha tacos. I was expecting a taste similar to Kati Roll, but even though this was fusion food, I found it tasty.
Goa Taco is not a vegetarian restaurant though, so my selection was limited.
Indian Taco Stuffed With Veggies
Brooklyn Bridge Park
On the bank of the East River opposite Manhattan is a gorgeous park with beautiful city views. Brooklyn Bridge Park is 85 acres of relief from a stressful city day.
A Narrow River Separates the Hectic Yin and Tranquil Yang of New York City
We walked down by the piers, and watched various boats drift by. The Staten Island Ferry is free to ride, and cruises right past the Statue of Liberty for great photo opportunities! But we didn’t feel like crossing the river to catch it.
Ferries Heading Toward Liberty Island. The Statue of Liberty Is Beckoning to Us in the Distance
I made some of my fondest memories in Brooklyn Bridge Park. My mom and sister and I were able to stroll around, rest on park benches, survey the city, and just talk. We hadn’t given ourselves time for a remedial heart to heart since we’d arrived in New York!
I Also Recommend Walking the Brooklyn Bridge (Right)
Earlier in the day, I walked to a restaurant on Smith Street called Bar Tabac.
Despite the so-so comments I had read on TripAdvisor, I found the restaurant to be absolutely delicious, and the servers attentive. I had Chou Chou for my appetizer, which was avocado, cucumber, oranges, and a mint sauce! It was one of the most offbeat tastes I had the entire trip!
My main course was Vegan Couscous, which tasted very Middle Eastern. It had squash, zucchini, chickpeas, sweet potato, and raisins!
My family and I had a great time sampling all that New York City has to offer. We were sad to leave the city, and sad to leave each other. But we’re lucky to see each other more than most long distance families.
And it’s all thanks to miles & points!
* If you liked this post, why don’t you join the 20,000+ readers who have signed-up to receive free blog posts via email (only 1 email per day!) or in an RSS reader …because then you’ll never miss another update!
