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🗽 NYC in a Day: Trains, Broadway Magic & a Quick Getaway

 By Katelyn Mayer | PA & MD REALTOR® | Iron Valley Real Estate of Central PA

In November 2024, Brad and I took a quick weekend getaway to New York City. It was a much-needed change of pace with a scenic train ride, a Broadway show, good food, and some unexpected moments you just can’t make up.

Sometimes you don’t need a long vacation — just 48 hours, a good pair of shoes, and the willingness to wander.

🚆 Train Travel from Harrisburg to NYC

We boarded Amtrak’s Keystone Service at 7:20 AM on Saturday, November 30, and arrived at Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station around 10:49 AM. Parking near the Harrisburg station made the whole process simple and stress-free.

It was such a relaxing way to kick off the trip — no traffic, no TSA lines, just a quiet ride into the city.

🛏️ Hilton Club – Central at 5th

We stayed at the Hilton Club The Central at 5th New York — a sleek, modern hotel in a prime Midtown location. It was close to everything we needed, from Broadway theaters to restaurants and shopping.

The room was a bit small (as expected in NYC), but it was clean, comfortable, and exactly what we needed for a short trip.

🍗 Dinner at Dallas BBQ

Before the show, we grabbed a quick dinner at Dallas BBQ Times Square — super close to the Lyric Theatre, generous portions, and everything hit the spot. Highly recommend if you’re short on time before curtain!

🎭 Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

We caught the 1:00 PM performance of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and wow — what an experience. The special effects, the cast, the storyline… it completely transported us.

Whether you're a Potterhead or not, it’s a Broadway show that truly delivers on magic.

🏙️ Sunday Sights Before Heading Home

On Sunday, December 1st, we had the morning to explore the city before heading back to Harrisburg. We took our time walking back toward the train station and stopped at a few landmarks along the way:

  • 🧊 Bryant Park, where we watched ice skaters glide around the rink under twinkling holiday lights

  • 🎄 Times Square, buzzing as always with energy and lights

  • 🛍️ Macy’s, where our quick browse turned into a front-row seat to someone being chased out for shoplifting (NYC never disappoints when it comes to drama!)

  • 🍽️ And finally, Tick Tock Diner, right next to Penn Station — with a huge menu and the perfect spot to grab a bite before hopping back on the train.

🚆 Return Ride Home

We boarded our 1:05 PM Keystone Service train back to Harrisburg, arriving at 4:32 PM — just in time to unpack, unwind, and be home before the Sunday scaries kicked in.

🏡 Takeaway

This trip reminded me that little getaways can have big impact. Whether it’s catching a show, people-watching in Bryant Park, or grabbing late breakfast at a diner, it’s all about carving out space for joy.

As a REALTOR®, I love helping people find homes that give them access to that balance — a place to settle and a place to launch new memories.

Katelyn Mayer
📍 PA & MD REALTOR® | Iron Valley Real Estate of Central PA

Contact Me
📧 katelynm359@gmail.com
🌐 kmayer.ironvalleyrealestate.com
📱 Cell: 717-446-1640 | ☎️ Office: 717-563-0008
🏢 121 Towne Square Dr. Suite 203, Hershey, PA 17033

I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in this Commonwealth. I am not allowed to draft legal records, give advice on legal matters, including immigration, or charge a fee for those activities.

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