i recently sent my friend an email with my recommendations for places to go and things to do in NYC. this is a city that we try to go to at least 2x a year. i thrive off the energy and creative vibes that seemingly ooze from the sidewalks and radiate from people there. we were just there a couple of weeks ago and ate here – YUM-O!
we’re headed back in december for my birthday and to spend christmas with relatives and we are staying here (the benefits of traveling for work and collecting points all year) and having dinner with 3 other couples here. also, i’m totally into the “secret” restaurant scene and are currently trying to get the password/reservation to this place. CAN’T WAIT!
so here was my advice to my friend who was headed there for the first time recently. please leave your favorite places in the comments below!
********
i’m so excited to hear about NYC through your eyes. promise me you’ll have fun! don’t worry about ANYTHING – just take it all in. There is NO MORE BEAUTIFUL CITY IN THE COUNTRY! here are a couple of places/ideas. Take it or leave it, you won’t be able to see it all! .
for me, i’m all about experiencing what a city has to offer – no chain restaurants/stores – goes without saying, but i said it anyway. these are totally random ideas. my biggest advice about NYC is this… it is an anything goes city! do not be afraid to walk into places, say hello, leave – whatever. this city is more casual and friendly than you think – they have SEEN IT ALL.
FRIDAY DINNER SUGGESTIONS:
MARY’S FISH CAMP: http://marysfishcamp.com/home.php
nestled deep in the Greenwich Village neighborhood, you won’t believe you’re in a big city. every time i’m here, i think, i could totally live here. OMG. The brownstones etc… this place doesn’t take reservations so we have put our name in and walked across the street to Greek place and grabbed a drink at the bar. NOTE: you could even eat here – just as good! When I was there with my niece, nice boys next to us said they had the best sangria and they asked if we wanted to try it so we did. later, we were like, we didn’t even know them!
MERCER KITCHEN: http://www.themercerkitchen.com/
Ok, not sure you can get in here. But I LOVE THIS PLACE! It’s in SOHO (south of Houston pronounced HOW-ston, not like the city) and this hotel is awesome. They have a great restaurant in basement – make reservations now, if you want.
this area is my favorite in the world and you could walk to the bar at the SOHO GRAND http://www.sohogrand.com/dining-nightlife/ upstairs (saw Reese Witherspoon here) and it is so happening and great people watching. ROF and I played gin rummy for hours in the afternoon here. Walk up the funky stairs and order a drink at bar. I’ve been here like 28.5x. (maybe not that much) This would be a fun night.
TAO: Downtown: https://taodowntown.com/
meatpacking district – this place is wild! Very fun and another area to go to.
Saturday – before show
OK, so before your show, you gotta go to Central Park! You may want to have brunch here. I think I ate here https://www.yelp.com/biz/sarabeths-new-york-10
have a great brunch/breakfast and just cruise Central Park! Whoop! Take a horse carriage through there! No doubt – !! You will be like – No way am I in NYC!
Other favorite places:
washington square park – can’t beat it. i have spent hours here with ROF. Just grab a coffee, grab a bench and hang out!
Ok – here is some “only in NYC” experiences:
- we’re taking a cooking class here on my birthday in brooklyn
- made my own lipstick at BYTE – http://www.bitebeauty.com/lip-lab/
- walk the HIGH LINE – so awesome!!
- my mom and i did a great scavenger hunt that was a blast
- this seems cheesy but best way to get acquainted with the city – hands down!
i’ve also blogged about my other NYC trips here and here.
where are some of your favorite places in the city?
