A New York Fall: Friendship, Art, and Empowerment with Amy Boyle

In this episode, Amy and the BAAD girls—Barbara, Alessandra, and Debby—reconnect for a long-overdue getaway to New York City. Join them as they explore iconic spots like Central Park, The Met, and the New York Public Library. From a rooftop view over Manhattan to an inspiring Broadway performance of SUFFS, their three-day adventure is filled with laughter, reflection, and timeless memories. Tune in for travel tips and inspiration for your next NYC escape!

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Transcript

Welcome to the Speaking of Phenomenal Podcast. I’m your host, Amy Boyle. 

Today, I’m doing something a little different—a reflection on a recent trip to New York City, but it is also a mini guide for anyone planning a getaway of their own. Three days in this incredible city with my dear friends Barbara, Alessandra, and Debby. We call ourselves the BAAD girls, and this trip was packed with all the things that make New York so special—history, art, culture, and connection.

Our last trip together was back in 2019 to Martha’s Vineyard, so this getaway to New York was long overdue and absolutely perfect.

Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned New Yorker, there’s always something new to discover. So, let’s take a walk through our three-day adventure and share some tips for your next trip to the Big Apple.

We started our first day with a quintessential New York experience—a stroll through Central Park. If you’ve been, you know there’s no better way to kick off a trip to the city than with a walk under those towering trees, especially as the leaves begin to change in early October. The day was perfect—low 70s, not quite sweater weather but close enough. The trees weren’t fully turned yet, but there was a promise of color in the air. Walking through the park with my friends, catching up on life, felt like the perfect way to slow down and really arrive in the city.

Our next stop was lunch at the iconic Central Park Boathouse. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re in the middle of a classic New York moment, this is the place. Sitting by the water, watching the rowboats, hearing the gentle hum of conversations around us—it’s like being in a movie or maybe an episode of Sex in the City. We spent a long lunch there, soaking it all in, because in New York, you can rush... or you can slow down and let the city come to you.

After lunch, we made our way to The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Met is massive, almost intimidating, but we had one thing in mind: the rooftop. We breezed through some of the galleries, stopping to admire a few pieces along the way, but the real highlight was waiting for us at the top. When you step onto that rooftop and look out over Central Park and the Manhattan skyline, it just stops you in your tracks. We found a bench, had a drink, and just sat there—soaking in the view, the sunshine, and the moment. If you’re planning a visit, make sure the rooftop is on your list. Trust me, it’s one of those ‘wow’ moments you don’t want to miss.

Day two started with a quiet morning at the New York Public Library. Barbara had booked us a special behind-the-scenes tour, and it did not disappoint. This library is more than just a building—it’s a tribute to history, to stories, and to the enduring power of knowledge. Walking through its grand marble halls with our guide was incredible. It gave us a deeper appreciation for the library’s vast collections. And, of course, we couldn’t help but love the library’s mascots—Patience and Fortitude. Those majestic lions at the entrance are not only iconic, but their names are so fitting for what this building represents. For anyone who loves history or literature, I can’t recommend this tour enough—it’s an experience that gives you a whole new perspective on the library and the city itself.

But in my opinion, the  real highlight of the second day? That evening, we saw SUFFS, the Tony award winning musical about the women’s suffrage movement. Now, as we’re all heading into another critical election season, watching this powerful story unfold on stage felt more timely and necessary than ever. It wasn’t just a musical—it was a reminder of how hard women have fought, and continue to fight, for their voices to be heard. Sitting in that theater with Barbara, Alessandra, and Debby, I felt the weight of it all. The fight for women’s rights, for equality, is far from over. Watching those women on stage—who were fierce, flawed, and so determined—was a powerful moment for all of us. It was inspiring, yes, but also a call to action. The upcoming election matters, and so do our voices.

On our final day, we wrapped up our trip with coffee at a little café near our hotel in Midtown. It was a chance to reflect on the last few days, to talk about how much we had experienced, and how grateful we were for this time together. After we said our goodbyes, I took one last walk through Central Park. For me, a visit to the park isn’t complete without stopping at Strawberry Fields—the memorial dedicated to John Lennon. And on this day, it felt especially significant. It was October 9th, what would have been Lennon’s 84th birthday.

As I approached, I could hear music. There was a pop-up jam session—over 100 people gathered, from babies to elders, all singing Lennon’s songs. The energy in the air was something I’ll never forget. For that brief moment, we didn’t have to imagine peace—it was there, real and palpable. It was the perfect way to end our trip—surrounded by music, community, and a feeling of connection that I still carry with me.

New York City has a way of bringing people together, and whether you’re visiting for the first time or the hundredth, there’s always something new to experience. For me, this trip was more than just a getaway—it was a reminder of the importance of friendship, reflection, and making time for the things that truly matter.

Friendships like these—the ones that last through years and distance—are truly priceless. They’re the relationships that keep us grounded, that remind us who we are, and who we want to become. And it’s up to us to make the time for them, to step away from the everyday, and reconnect with the people who matter most.

So, if you haven’t already, reach out to your friends. Make that plan, take that trip. The memories you create together will carry you through whatever comes next. And, if you’re planning a trip to New York, take this as your mini guide—while remembering to leave space for the moments that surprise you, the ones that leave you in awe.

Thank you for joining me today. I’d love to hear your own stories of reconnecting with friends—share them with us on Instagram @SpeakingofPhenomenal.

Until next time.