VISTOR’S GUIDE TO NYC MUSEUMS

The Steele Maiden: Visitor's Guide to NYC MuseumsOne of the things I love most about living in New York is that access to some of the world’s best art and culture is just a subway ride away. But for those who live here – it’s often taken for granted. And for those from out of town – it can often be overwhelming. So to help, I’m sharing my tips for visiting the best of NYC Museums.  Bookmark it for your next visit and feel free to ask me any questions I may not have answered!  Continue reading “VISTOR’S GUIDE TO NYC MUSEUMS”

THE EDIT: WITH SKIRT THE RULES

The Edit with Jen of Skirt the Rules NYC Fashion Blog

Last week I introduced my newest series The Edit as a way to spotlight some of my favorite bloggers and let them share with you first-hand the best of their own cities. Today we’re back (and closer to home) with fellow New Yorker Jen of fashion blog, Skirt the Rules.

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5 MINUTE ESCAPE

5minescape_cordoba

Ahh.. Friday.  Now that the new site is up (hurrah!) and I’m settled into my half marathon training, I’m looking forward to relaxing this weekend and enjoying the first bit of Spring weather. Maybe it’s the change of the season but I’ve got a major travel itch lately. How dreamy are the streets of Cordoba, Spain – pictured above? And if I were to be taking a trip, I’ve got my eye on some pretty new wardrobe additions. Continue reading “5 MINUTE ESCAPE”

THE EDIT: WITH PURSUIT OF SHOES

TheEDIT_Ashley_PursuitofShoes_LosAngeles

I’m excited to share with you the first post in a brand new series called ‘The EDIT’ – which will spotlight some of my favorite bloggers and the people, places, shoes things they love in their city and beyond. Kicking things off is LA babe Ashley of ‘Pursuit of Shoes‘.

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best of new york city at the holidays

The Steele Maiden: Best of NYC at Holidays
There is nowhere quite as magical as New York City during the holiday season. Whether you live here and are trying to make the most of it or are one of the thousands that plan trips to visit in the month of December – it can be overwhelming trying to navigate everything there is to see and do.  Below, I’ve done the leg work and rounded up all of the can’t miss sights, sounds and sips you should add to your list. And if you want more recommendations feel free to drop me a line here or on twitter/instagram @thesteelemaiden. See you in Central Park!
1. Look at the lights – Famous for good reason, you can’t come to NYC during the holidays and miss the tree at Rockefeller.  Go early in the morning before 5th avenue shopping or late at night after ice skating to miss the most major crowds.  But don’t forget, Madison Square, Gramercy and Washington Square Parks all have their own big trees to see! Feeling even more adventurous? Head to Brooklyn’s Dyker Heights to see an entire neighborhood out-do itself with Christmas lights.
2. Lace up your skates – There are 4 major spots to ice skate in Manhattan (Rockefeller Center, Bryant Park, Wollman Rink in Central Park and the Standard Hotel). If you’re an out of towner – skip the lines (and prices) at Rockefeller and head to Wollman Rink for more room to spin and most picturesque experience. If you’re a local, try the Standard on a weeknight or weekend morning for even less crowds and a downtown take on this favorite winter tradition.
2. Window Shop – Okay, you’ll probably be tempted to go into stores and do some real shopping too – but a walk along Fifth Avenue to see the impressive holiday window displays is a must. Director Baz Luhrmann is behind the magic in the Barneys windows and Bergdorf Goodman always puts on a show.
3. Warm up with a drink (or pop some bubbly) – After all the walking and sightseeing, you’re going to need a drink. For those with a sweet tooth, go for an over the top concoction at Serendipity 3 (the frozen hot chocolate is worth the wait – hint, go put your name on the list, grab a quick dinner nearby and by the time you’re done you’ll have your dessert table).  But if a smart cocktail is more your style – try a bar with a roaring fire and old New York vibes. My favorites are The Dove Parlour in the West Village and Flatiron Room just below midtown.
5. Find the MistletoeChelsea Market is a year-round favorite, but at the holidays it really shines. Visit local food vendors (Doughnuttery.. enough said), pick up a gift or too (Brooklyn’s Artists and Fleas has joined the mix), and grab a sprig of fresh mistletoe from the florist inside. Afterwards, if it’s not too cold – walk the nearby High Line. You might be lucky enough to catch a free Christmas choir performance singing carols!
6. Kick up your heels – Make like a Rockette and kick up your heels at one of New York’s great shows. From the famous Radio City Christmas Spectacular (hint: there’s lots of discounted tickets to be had on sites like Groupon) to an awe-inspiring trip to the NYC Ballet’s The Nutcracker to a Broadway play (Matlida and Jersey Boys are current crowd-pleasers), the live performances in this city are one of the most celebrated parts of the season.