New York Easter

4/24/2025

Met a new seatmate on the Amtrak Capitol Limited during a stop in Harper's Ferry, WV, traveling from Washington, DC to Los Angeles

The first Good Friday I spent in New York was back in 2009, when I was living in San Francisco. Craving an adventure, I embarked on a four-day train journey from Emeryville, CA, to Chicago, and from there, transferred to another train bound for New York’s Penn Station. Aside from a memorable European train trip from Frankfurt, Germany, thru the breath-taking Swiss Alps and to Rome, Italy, this cross-country tour of the United States was equally magnificent, including a dozen others I have taken. The experience wasn’t just about the breathtaking landscapes—it was about the incredible Americans you meet on trains and in the small towns where we stopped for smoke breaks. This journey was also the first time I fell in love with places like Chicago, Utah, Iowa, Nevada, and countless others in between.

Amtrrak California Zephyr observatoin car passing through Nevada

Dinner aboard Amtrak California Zephyr.

The dinner car aboard Amtrak California Zephyr,

Nevada with snow-covered mountains.

The street and square outside of Denver's Union Station.

Colorado River and landscape as seen from Amtrak California Zephyr

Stairs at Chicago Union Station

Street scene at Chicago Union Station

California Zephyr-Amtak entering Chicago.

The crowded observation car overlooking the Pacific near Santa Barbara on Amtrak's Starlight Express from Los Angeles to Seattle.

Easter weekend in New York was magical that year. Sunday brunch at Rock Café in Rockefeller Center was a highlight: a delicious salmon dish paired with several glasses of Merlot, followed by a decadent cheesecake and coffee for dessert. That Easter in April, the ice rink at Rock Cafe in Rockefeller Center was still up, and I had the joy of watching fabulous skaters—like a talented young girl, a lively Russian team, and many others. Their grace and energy brought the rink to life.

In 2025 I experienced my first Easter Parade in New York. While I love people-watching, the sheer volume of the crowd was overwhelming, eventually forcing me to leave. “Overload” and “overwhelm” felt like the right words to describe it. Still, I was thoroughly impressed by the parade’s spirit—especially the hats! Both women and men wore them with flair, to the delight of the lively crowd spilling out from St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where I had attended Good Friday services. Unfortunately, I missed Sunday’s 10 a.m. Easter Mass—it was fully booked—but other services were available throughout the day. By 5:30 p.m., though, I had moved on, intentionally avoiding the ever-crowded Times Square.

While younger crowds of Gen X and Z's seem to gravitate toward Washington Square Park with its vibrant energy, I’ve always preferred the serene elegance of Bryant Park. Its fashionable visitors, many from Europe and Asia, and tranquil atmosphere resonate more with me.

That said, I love every corner of New York, no matter where I find myself.