Today I woke up with legs that were far more sore than I expected. While the 20 miler went wonderfully, spending most of Sunday on my feet in comfortable but poorly padded boots wasn’t the smartest idea! While Bo was spending the day under water for a technical scuba diving certification, I I spent the day uptown with Meg and Spencer exploring Central Park. But, before we could explore we needed to enjoy brunch, a New York City tradition that I rarely enjoy. I donned a new dress that my brother and I found at the outlets in Vermont and headed uptown for a day of fun.
Meg and Spencer had plans to go to church on the Upper West Side as they’ve wanted to hear Tim Keller preach forever. Therefore, I did my best to find a brunch spot that was not only relatively close to Redeemer Presbyterian, but also took reservations. After sending them a list from which to choose we settled on Elizabeth’s Neighborhood Table.
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I kid you not. This picket fence and sweet yellow house complete with gables truly exists at the corner of 93rd and Columbus Avenue. The menu looked like it’d offer something for everyone without breaking the bank and the location was perfect. The egg white omelet was fluffy and it was filled with vegetables and delicious cheese. I was surprised to find cauliflower was one of the vegetables inside the omelet but it was a fun addition. I’m not sure why this place gets a bad wrap on Yelp because for the price we paid it delivered upon expectations. I paid $11.50 for the entrée, not $20-$25 and therefore didn’t expect complex flavors or fancy plating.
We were greeted with sunshine and warmer temperatures when we left the restaurant, therefore choosing to meander down to Central Park. We proceeded to spend the next 3 hours wandering through the park and Central Park Zoo. It is so different to walk through the park versus run. I love sharing the nooks of Central Park with friends without worrying that I’ll get lost. I’ve learned so much about the park during this marathon training. Spencer, Meg’s husband, asked that I never take Central Park for granted as even in Atlanta there is nothing like it that is as beautiful and accessible.
Trust me Spencer, enjoying scenery like this multiple times a week will never get old!
After 3 years living in the city Bo and I have walked through the Central Park Zoo many times but never have we stopped to buy tickets and go through the zoo in its entirety! For $12 it was a great deal and the perfect way to enjoy the afternoon together. We all loved checking out the exhibits and feeling like a child again. The afternoon feeding worked in our favor and allowed us to see most of the animals active, enjoying their lunches. We could have sat watching the penguins play for hours! They were so full of energy and such characters!
By the time exited the zoo at 3:00 I was absolutely exhausted. My legs were screaming and my swollen feet wanted nothing other than an Epsom salt bath and the couch.
How about you? Are you a fan of the zoo? What is your favorite animal to check out?
I could go to the zoo every dayyyy. Love you lady!
p.s. I would totally occupy that house. Love the picket fence.
I can’t wait to someday visit NYC and Central Park! I have always loved every zoo that I’ve been too. It’s always a bonus when the animals are out and about and active. Looks like a great day out!
I love the zoo!… especially if the animals are active and playing (but I must admit, sometimes a few animals will look depressed).
My favorite to see were these two beautiful snow leopards that were playing with each other and running around. Big cats are such beautiful creatures!
I have been wanting to go to Elizabeth’s FOREVER!! I live right by it always end up in Brooklyn on Sunday mornings and have brunch there! I am so jealous of your brunch experience at Elizabeth’s! I love going to the Central Park Zoo!
I have been to Central Park hundreds of times and I have absolutely no idea where the zoo is. I am a terrible New Yorker!
Redeemer is our church too – I hope you guys loved Tim’s sermon, he’s amazing! If you ever go again, let me know and let’s meet up for a quick “hi!”
LOVE Elizabeth’s! It’s only 3 blocks from my apartment so it’s such a perfect place to casually grab brunch on the weekends. I really don’t go there enough given how cheap and convenient it is…
My firm had a party in Central Park Zoo but the animals were all hiding because it was one of the 100 degree days this summer. I clearly need to go back since I love penguins and didn’t get to see them!
I was at the 11:15 Redeemer service. I too wanted Tim Keller to be a part of my NYC weekend. So great!
I love your outfit! Also, I just wanted to say that I read your NYCM recap from last year and loved it! As someone who is trying to break 5 hours during this NYCM, it’s refreshing to read an athlete’s blog who isn’t gunning for a BQ. While those blogs are equally inspiring, sometimes I just can’t relate. So kudos! And good luck!
If you don’t mind me asking, where are your boots from? I’m tall and have very muscular calves, and have a hard time finding boots that are wide enough and tall enough. Thanks!
Same here! I get like seasonal boot depression thanks to my big ol’ cankles and calves.
Also, Ashley–I’m obsessed with that dress/look. I saw another girl with a similar look the other day, too. Where did you find it?
Cute weekend outfit!