The New York Escape: Good Food, Jazz, and Cozy Vibes in the City

On October 16, I took a much‑needed getaway to New York — a short trip that blended affordable luxury, comfort food, culture, and a little nightlife. It was exactly the kind of reset I didn’t know I needed.

If you’re planning your own trip, you can explore booking options through my travel site: roslynjones.inteletravel.com.

Where I Stayed: LY New York Hotel, College Point

For this trip, I checked into the LY New York Hotel, located at 15‑61 127th Street, College Point, NY 11356. At just $380 for two nights, this hotel was a gem — modern, clean, and giving full luxury vibes without the luxury price tag. Free parking was a huge bonus, especially after the drive in.

My room had obstructed views of the city, but honestly, for the price and comfort, I didn’t mind at all. I grabbed chicken lo mein from the onsite restaurant — not the best I’ve ever had, but perfect for those moments when you’re tired and don’t feel like going anywhere. Overall, I’d absolutely recommend this hotel for anyone looking for comfort and convenience on a budget.

After settling in and getting some rest, I headed out to visit one of my best friends in the Bronx — the perfect low‑key first night in the city.

Soul Food Heaven at Amy Ruth’s

The next day, we made our way to Amy Ruth’s, located at 113 West 116th Street, Harlem, New York, NY 10026. I ordered the Reggie Harris — their southern honey‑dipped fried chicken — with mac and cheese and sweet potatoes. When I say it was soooooo good, I mean every word. The flavors were rich, comforting, and exactly what you want from Harlem soul food.

A Cultural Stop: The National Jazz Museum

After eating, we walked over to the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. It’s a small space, but it’s packed with history, stories, and sounds that shaped not just Harlem, but American music as a whole. Learning about the roots of jazz — and how deeply it’s woven into the neighborhood — was truly eye‑opening.

A Stroll to the Apollo

From there, we took a stroll through Harlem to the iconic Apollo Theater. It was closed for construction, but I still got to see the stars on the pavement — including Smokey Robinson and Mary J. Blige — which felt like a little moment of Black music history right under my feet.

Nightlife Vibes at the Record Room

To wrap up the night, we headed to the Record Room, a cozy vinyl‑listening lounge located at 4709 Center Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11109. The space felt like someone’s stylish living room — dim lighting, plush seating, and a crowd that clearly came for the music. It was packed, but the energy was good, the DJ was spinning real vinyl, and it was the perfect way to end the trip.

If you’re ready to plan your own getaway, check out travel options through my site: roslynjones.inteletravel.com.