Bright Lights, Big City

Big adventures in the Big Apple. When we ventured to the Capital of the World, we went in search of a great vacation and get-away. We left with that and much more - and we're still in a New York state of mind. Murph, pictured above shooting the Empire State Building from a rooftop, gave the perfect description of Manhattan as a "movie set that's too big and endless to be real." With its fast-pace, diversity, and relentless energy and spirit, you quickly discover that you just don't get into New York, New York gets into you.


One of the comments we constantly received before our trip was, "You're taking a baby to New York City?!" What people fail to understand is that Aubrey Roberts, already a frequent traveler to Chicago and other high-end destinations is turning out to be the perfect traveler - an international jetsetter. Check out her relaxed demeanor - and her mom's - as we make our way toward Gotham at 35,000 feet.

Our home base for our five-day stay was in Midtown on 7th Avenue at 53rd, just south of Central Park and just north of Times Square, a surprisingly clean, vibrant and glitzy center of the city. All the energy of New York and the surrounding area seems to converge in this triangular area where Broadway meets 7th Avenue and legendary 42nd Street.




Stroll with Aubs (watch her wide-eyed expressions) and me as we check out the seemingly endless sea of humanity in the middle of Times Square.


Larger-than-life images surround you at every turn.


A quick jaunt just to the northwest of Times Square lands you at Rockefeller Center, home to NBC Studios and, of course, the legendary skating rink.

The day was windy and brisk - perfect for lacing up the skates.

Jackie and I cozy up for a photo opportunity. (It's great having a pro-caliber photographer in the family!)

Head with a couple blocks west of "The Rock" and you enter one of the most infamous shopping districts in the world - 5th Avenue. You'll find renowned boutiques and stores, plus . . .

the towering steeples of St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Light a candle, have a seat in a pew and show a little reverence.


Walk with us a few blocks north on 5th Avenue to witness another cathedral - to capitalism. Lean back and look up at the luxurious structure that is Trump Tower. You're fired!

Like Aubrey and Jackie, every girl dreams of breakfast - or least a closer look – at Tiffany's.

Jackie and I pose in Central Park with the Plaza Hotel as a backdrop. We are now in the edge of the Upper East Side.


Join us as we temporarily escape the hustle and bustle for a leisurely stroll through Central Park.

The city skyline forms a poetic border around the park.

Murph turns his Nikon around for a group portrait in the park.

Bethesda Fountain, featuring "The Angel Of The Waters", is one of the crowning jewels of Central Park.

Still much more to come, including Lower Manhattan, the Brooklyn Bridge, top of The Empire State Building, Soho, the charming Upper West Side, plus much more. Watch for the next post, coming Wednesday, only on Roberts On The Run™. And be sure to check out even more photos from our trip at Murph's web site: http://flickr.com/photos/murphyr

Talk to you soon. Until then, pick up the pace and run your own race.

- Jeff