Our Annual September Trip to the Big Apple

Our Annual September Trip to the Big Apple: 24 Hours of Food, Views, and Family Moments

Every September, we kick off the U.S. Figure Skating National Qualifying Series (NQS) at Big Apple. This year’s getaway was especially fast—barely 24 hours in New York City—but as always, even the shortest trips can leave the biggest impressions. The competition we traveled for didn’t turn out quite as we hoped, but thankfully the food and sightseeing more than made up for it!

Staying in Bayonne, New Jersey

For this whirlwind adventure, we booked an Airbnb in Bayonne, NJ. If you’ve never stayed there, it’s a surprisingly convenient home base for NYC trips—quiet, comfortable, and just a short drive from Lower Manhattan. For families who want easy access to the city without the chaos (or price tag) of staying in Manhattan, Bayonne continues to be one of our favorite options.

A Somber and Meaningful Stop at Harbor View 9/11 Park

Before the competition began, we visited Harbor View 9/11 Memorial Park in Bayonne. If you’re old enough to remember that day, you remember exactly where you were and how you felt when the news spread across the world. You didn’t have to be from New York to feel its impact.

The park is peaceful and beautifully maintained, with a clear line of sight toward where the towers once stood. It’s a space that invites you to pause—something that’s rare on a NYC trip.

Exploring Liberty State Park: History, Views & Space to Breathe

From there, we drove to Liberty State Park, which instantly became one of the highlights of our trip. It’s sprawling, scenic, and full of history. The views of the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline are incredible, but what surprised me most was how much there is to walk around and explore.

We loved wandering through old structures, reading plaques, and learning more about the area. For families like ours, this is the perfect “breather” destination—tons of space for kids to explore, plenty of history for adults to appreciate, and unforgettable views for everyone.

Post‑Competition Dinner at Friedman’s in Hudson Yards

After the competition wrapped up, it was time for my real sport: eating good food.

We headed to Friedman’s in Hudson Yards, and like always, it did not disappoint. This is our second time visiting a Friedman’s location, and now it’s official—we’re big fans.

Here’s what we ordered:

• Gluten‑free fried chicken sandwich for Cristian and me

• Gluten‑free chicken and waffles for Jon

And all I can say is: WOW.
Crispy, flavorful, safe for gluten‑free diners, and absolutely satisfying after a long day. Friedman’s continues to be the spot for reliably delicious gluten‑free comfort food in NYC. We’re already excited to return on our next trip.

Wrapping Up Our 24-Hour NYC Adventure

Even though this year’s competition didn’t go exactly how we hoped, the trip reminded us why we love these quick annual escapes—great food, meaningful stops, and exploring places that spark curiosity.

New York City is always changing, always buzzing, and yet somehow always comforting. And even on the fastest trips, it finds a way to make memories that stick.