Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Thanksgiving in New York 2015

Thankful? Are we ever! 

Beyond Group Travel is still counting our blessings from our amazing annual Thanksgiving holiday trip to New York City, held this year November 25-29, 2015.  We were thrilled to share this holiday experience with over 120 travelers comprising of alumni and families from the Flying Longhorns, many folks who were 
Travelin’ with the Tide (University of Alabama), avid supporters of The Ohio State University Alumni Association, fun-loving friends from the Traveling Aggies and loyal clients of Beyond Group Travel
Linda and Cindy never tire of visiting NYC to share this holiday with family and friends and, this year, our newest staff member, Leigh Stubbs, joined in the festivities.  

Leigh, Cindy and Linda at Le Parker Meridien

This year we moved to a new hotel and were thrilled with our accommodations at Le Parker Meridien. The location at 56th Street between 6th and 7th Avenues put us in the ideal area to easily get to so many crowd favorites that NYC has to offer.  Without even leaving the premises, our travelers delighted in the tastes of The Burger Joint and Norma’s, two of NYC’s hottest and recognized restaurants.  They could be pampered from head to toe at the Drybar (hair blowouts), Tenoverten (mani/pedis), Moonshine (massages and facials), Blushington (makeup applications), Sharps Barber and Shop (old-school style barber services) or Skin Laundry (laser and light treatments). And the kids were thrilled to swim in the top floor glass enclosed pool with sweeping views of Central Park. 
Check out this view from the pool area:

 


In typical Beyond Group Travel style, we kicked off our events with a Welcome Reception just steps away from our hotel at Redeye Grill.  We cannot say enough nice things about the beautiful private rooms, the delicious food and the attentive service. The special touch to the evening was a visit from the singing and dancing Toy Soldiers.  They mesmerized the children and adults couldn’t help but tap their toes and sing along! 

Kids loved the Toy Soldiers entertainment!

Kicking off  birthday and anniversary celebrations with a little help from the Toy Soldiers!


What trip to NYC at Thanksgiving would be complete without the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade?  We loved taking in the fanfare with our private use of 
A Voce, located in the Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle.  No one left hungry as the food and drinks were plentiful and absolutely delicious.  And this location gave us spectacular views of the parade coming towards us on Central Park West and turning onto 59th street.  

Delicious food!















Great conversation!

Wonderful view!



Our group certainly had the opportunity to hit many of the city’s highlights. 
All were treated to the entertaining Radio City Christmas Spectacular
The high-kicking Rockettes brought smiles to the faces of all ages!



And New York without Broadway?  Of course not!  Everyone enjoyed one or two of some of the best that Broadway has to offer, choosing between The Lion King, Wicked, Jersey Boys, Aladdin and The King and I. 

As if that weren’t enough, our travelers had the option to venture out on a Circle Line Cruise to see the NYC skyline with closeup views of Lady Liberty and participate in a 
Downtown Manhattan tour led by our amazing private tour guide, culminating with a moving visit to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum.

Fulfilling dreams of seeing the Statue of Liberty!

Our exceptional tour guide giving personal background to the events of 9/11.


Enjoying the view on the Circle Line Cruise.


We hope you can tell how much fun we had – the compliments received from our travelers truly warm our hearts. We are thankful for each and every friendship that we made new or nurtured on this annual tradition bucket list trip.

Our wheels are already in motion preparing for Thanksgiving in New York 2016.  Whether you are interested in traveling yourself or with friends and family, this trip will leave you with lifelong memories of a very special way to celebrate Thanksgiving!