explore

Watson Adventures Scavenger Hunts

Josie Girl Leave a Comment

I had lots of different ideas for my son’s 14th birthday party, but due to last minute planning and bad weather, we ended up with an organized scavenger hunt in Grand Central. Although thrown together last minute — it was a hit and I highly recommend for adults and kids alike. It was a private event, created by Watson Adventures, and it was sooooo much fun. The questions were quite difficult and we ran all around Grand Central trying to figure out each clue.

 

We met with our guide at a meeting spot, downloaded the information we needed on our phones, and took off. Since there were only 6 boys (and myself), we were one team, but I created prizes for everyone. It was highly competitive, everyone was very engaged, and we all had so much fun.

Continue Reading →

Long Island City

Josie Girl Leave a Comment

This past weekend, we were in the city with no plans on Saturday night. Although I love nothing more than a night in, we decided to go on a field trip to Long Island City, where I had not been in years. And HOLY COW — it is SOOOOOOOOOOO different and a city in itself (hence the name). It was super easy to get to in the car (just over the 59th street bridge) and fun to explore a new part of our backyard. I can’t wait to go back there and eat at different restaurants, see the sights, and experience a different part of our eclectic city.

 

Trip over the bridge with the iconic sign “Silver Cup”

Continue Reading →

Ivan Ramen

Josie Girl 2 Comments

Due to the many holidays last week (Passover and Good Friday), we had two days off from school. That meant, a lot of exploring in the city to occupy us. One adventure that the kids ALWAYS like is finding a new ramen restaurant. So after some research, we headed down to the East Village, to Ivan Ramen. There are many locations in Tokyo, but this one is the only one in NYC (and has been here since 2013). It was delicious, fast, easy, inexpensive, and fun to try. We will definitely go back again.

 

We sat outside in our own little courtyard which was perfect because it was Spring-ish, and nice to be in the fresh air.

Continue Reading →

Pier 57

Josie Girl Leave a Comment

New York City’s newest largest rooftop park! This past weekend, we explored new outdoor space and loved seeing the city from a different perspective. Pier 57 is located on W 15 St. & Hudson River Park — a mixture of office space (Google), public park, and soon a Food Hall by James Beard Foundation (JBF).

 

It is hidden and a little more discreet to get to. It is located just north of Little Island, so you can hit them both up at the same time.

Walking along the pier to get to the entrance of the park.

Great views, even more you go to the roof.

The elevator to get to the park. YES, AN ELEVATOR!!! I found that part so amazing. And I love the colors in this photo — Ukraine Flag colors.

This made me laugh — a button for the park.

The rules — you *CAN* bring dogs, which I didn’t know, but they need to be nice dogs.

Great views of Little Island and southern Manhattan.

The city up high.

Grassy area.

Views to the North.

A wedding was happening! A very small wedding, but we loved seeing the bride and groom.

You could rent this out for an event!

Then we crossed the street and went to Chelsea Market and had doughnuts and tacos for lunch.

 

Definitely worth doing on a beautiful Fall day — incredible views, great use of space, and something different!

Anika Yael Natori, aka, The Josie Girl

Blog Home Page

Summer in Oregon

Josie Girl 1 Comment

As Summer comes to a close and we get ready to go back to NYC (in just a little less than a week), I can’t help but look at all the thousands of photos from picturesque Oregon. Although we do the same thing everyday — run, hike, bike, explore, repeat, I am ever so thankful that we get to do it in such a beautiful state. If you have never visited Oregon before, put it on your states of places to visit. It is truly beautiful — lush forests, vibrant greens, rivers, creeks, Ocean, dunes, sand, hills, mountains. ExplOREGON and adOREGON. Truly. Here are some pictures:

 

Fall Creek. A little slice of heaven that the kids like to explore, and never anyone there.

Continue Reading →

Winter To Do List 2020

Josie Girl 2 Comments

I know Winter is almost over (or is that wishful thinking?) but here is a list of activities that I want to do in NYC in the next couple weeks (doesn’t winter feel like eternity?)

 

1. Groove (in my seat) at Hip Hop Dance Performance Off Broadway, Beyond Babel

 

Read about this performance in the NYTImes and I canNOT wait to go. I am buying tickets STAT.

Continue Reading →

Storm King 2019

Josie Girl 2 Comments

Every year, I like to make a trip up to Storm King Art Center. A 500 acre open air museum in the Hudson Valley, it is beautifully landscaped with large-scale incredible sculptures. Everything about the property is breathtaking and it is truly a fun adventure with family and friends. This year, we were lucky enough to be invited to an intimate Harvest Party which included a private tour, blue grass band, picturesque snacks and cocktails (thanks to a college friend I was reacquainted with this summer who just happens to be the Senior Curator for Storm King). It was an incredible way to learn more about the museum and its works of art. Thank you, Nora!

 

The foliage! The leaves! The colors! It was the *perfect* day

Continue Reading →

Pier 17 Winterland

Josie Girl 3 Comments

This past weekend, we went with our biffle squad to discover a new ice skating rink in the city, Pier 17 Winterland, which opened up in December. AND HOLY COW it was oh so fun and amazing. At first glance, it is tiny, but the surrounding views of the city and Brooklyn Bridge are amazing. There is also a restaurant which is cozy, beautiful, and extremely friendly.  Even on a super cold day, the kids had so much fun and before we knew it, we were there for three hours.

 

I run by this location ALL the time, and yet I had no idea there was a secret skating rink in there. In the summer, it will be a concert summer stage — can’t wait to check it out. And then this Spring, new restaurants are opening up by David Chang and by Jean-George. Definitely will be checking those out…..

Continue Reading →

Glimpse Guides – Travel with Kids

Josie Girl 3 Comments

Introduced by a good friend, I had the privilege of meeting Jordan Rhodes, the creator of the website Glimpse Guides. The website shares Jordan’s travel finds, reports on current fashion for children and adults, and provides a wide variety of travel tips for families. It is a great resource when booking trips with kids. (She also featured my tips on traveling in Paris… take a look here). As a mother of two (with the third on the way!), Jordan manages to visit, write, and post inspirational and helpful content — thank you so much!

 

Jordan (pregnant with her third child) and her husband this past Fall in Scotland.

Jordan (pregnant with her third child) and her husband this past Fall in Skibo Castle in Scotland. Her family loves Scotland as there are so many outdoor activities for all ages, and the beautiful, remote landscape is unrivaled.

 

Continue Reading →

Storm King

Josie Girl 2 Comments

FIIIINNNNALLLLLLY, after ten years of putting it on my to-do-list for Fall, we made a trip to Storm King! And it was absolutely picturesque, glorious, beautiful, and enjoyable. Yes yes yes, our kids whined a little too much, and there are things we could have done differently, but overall, it was the perfect weekend activity….and we can’t wait to go back again!

 

Like person, like sculpture.

Like person, like sculpture.

Continue Reading →