One 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”
PRINTED PANTS AND BABY BLUE
Like any sensible, shoe-loving person – I tend to get dressed from the soles up. So yesterday’s trip to TriBeCa began with these blue suede tasseled numbers, and took a fairly preppy route from there.
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DISTRESSED DENIM AND LEATHER
The weather was pretty gloomy in New York this past weekend and I took the chance to disconnect. Aside from battling a long run in the rain along the East River on Saturday morning, I mainly stayed tucked away in my apartment, reading, binge watching Netflix and hanging out with Adam. In a life of go, go, go.. it was pretty wonderful.
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best of new york city at the 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 Mistletoe – Chelsea 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.
passing through: lower east side
I realized recently that I hadn’t shared any of my favorite New York neighborhoods with you since I’d moved back and with dozens of neighborhoods and hundreds of streets (and we’re just talking Manhattan) to get through – I figured I’d better start. The Lower East Side has always been one of my favorite places to indulge in this city. A decidedly young crowd, the neighborhood maintains its grit while still managing to offer some of my can’t miss spots. Below, the best of the best from the heart of the area. Have your own LES favorites or planning a trip of your own and want some more recommendations? Feel free to share or ask away!
1. Schiller’s Liquor Bar: A long standing favorite, Schiller’s rustic meets modern decor and perpetually cool crowd stand alongside a finely edited menu of cocktails and oysters. I’ve never been before roughly 5 pm but if you are an early riser I hear they serve Stumptown coffee and dollar donuts.
2. Economy Candy: Not much larger than a closet but totally worth the crowds. If you can squeeze in – you’ve entered candy heaven. From international varieties you otherwise can’t find in the US to every forgotten candy of your youth – you’ll be hard pressed to leave this place empty handed.
3. Pixie Market: My guide wouldn’t be complete without a little bit of shopping, right? Pixie Market is one of those places you say you’ll just stop in to browse, but inevitably end up leaving armed with an entirely new outfit – often for less than $100. My favorites are their killer selection of matching sets. (If you’re not in NYC shop them here)
4. Little Muenster: I distinctly remember my pilgrim voyage when this nothing-but-grilled-cheese shop opened a few years back. Between its no frills menu of delicious cheesy creations, cheap beer and cheese grater chandelier – this is your spot if you’re looking for a quick stop in before hitting the bars.
5. Arlene’s Grocery: Just across the way from Little Muenster, this longstanding bar could fool tourists into assuming it’s nothing more than a (somewhat rundown) supermarket – mainly because it actually used to be a bodega before they transformed it. Now, its a often crowded, always fun live music mainstay in the area. Extra points if you manage to get yourself on stage for their high stakes karaoke.
6. The Derby: The newest to join the LES pack, recently opened The Derby boasts ‘biscuits and bourbon’ – what’s not to love? Equally suited for brunch as it is a night cap – come if you want to try chicken and waffles, stay if you’re in a whiskey on the rocks kinda mood.
7. The Meatball Shop: The epitome of ‘do one thing and do it well’ – The Meatball Shop takes on a home cooked favorite and nails it. Its a choose your own adventure sort of menu with plentiful options for sauces and sides. Trust the endless crowds outside (and the fact that they’ve now expanded to 3 locations straddling 2 boroughs) – you won’t regret it.