A Fall Adventure: Exploring New York City and New England
Recently, we had the opportunity to visit our eldest son, who’s currently a student-athlete at a university in Connecticut. It was the perfect excuse to experience the stunning Fall colors of New England, as well as enjoy an unforgettable few days in the vibrant heart of New York City.
For our flights, we chose Asiana Airlines, flying via Seoul. While the route was slightly longer, the extra space offered by their “Smartium Economy” seats was well worth it. For about $230 AUD extra per sector, the additional legroom made those long-haul flights much more comfortable.
In New York, we stayed at the Intercontinental New York Barclay, a luxurious and historic hotel located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan. The hotel’s central location made it easy to explore the city, and having access to the Club Lounge took our stay to the next level. The lounge offered a range of complimentary amenities, including
With all of this included, it turned out to be fantastic value and made the experience even more enjoyable.
We were fortunate enough to secure tickets to see Adam Lambert’s first leading role on Broadway in Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club. It was an unforgettable experience, especially for fans of his unique style and voice.
We also attended a preseason NBA game between the New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves at Madison Square Garden—an iconic venue that lives up to its reputation.
For a cultural fix, we booked an express tour of the Metropolitan Museum of Art with Walks of New York. It was an efficient and insightful way to explore the highlights of the museum, perfect for those who are short on time but still want to take in the best the Met has to offer.
Our next stop was Fairfield, Connecticut, a charming town of around 61,000 people, where our son is based. The train ride from New York’s Grand Central Station was a treat, offering us some gorgeous views of the countryside as we traveled along.
Fairfield is home to two universities, and it’s known for its picturesque coastline. In their final year, many students enjoy their senior year living near the beach, making the most of the living in
this beautiful part of Connecticut.
Exploring New England by Car
During our visit, we rented a car to explore some of the surrounding towns in Connecticut. We checked out Danbury, West Haven, Black Rock, and Bridgeport, each offering its own slice of New England charm. One of the highlights was a trip to the Clinton Premium Outlets, where we indulged in some retail therapy.
A Whirlwind but Memorable Trip
Although it was a whirlwind visit, it was so rewarding to reconnect with our son and experience New England during one of its most beautiful seasons. If you’re planning a trip to New York or New England, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’d be happy to share more tips or suggestions!