Recently, some friends told me they would be going to NYC for the first time ever. They asked me to jot down some places to recommend. Below are some of my favorite foods, places and museums... in no real particular order due to the excitement of reveling in it all!!
1. Start with waking up in the Plaza Hotel. First things first. Room service, then a hello to Eloise (because after all the Plaza is her home and every Friday she has fancy tea!; then a massage at Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa. Having a leisurely morning is smart and an Afternoon Tea in the Palm Court even smarter.
While you can spend your entire time in this mecca of hotel grandeur the real purpose is to explore the city itself. That requires a lot of walking. So pampering first is definitely a must!
2. A walk through Central Park with all the intentions of winding up at the doors of Bergdorf Goodman, then the Apple Store, Zara, H&M, Top Shop. These are just a few of my favorite things on one of my very favorite Avenues of all time. While there are so many fabulous places to visit here alone , I will not name them all because some blocks are meant to be discovered on ones accord. That being said, for pure luxury be sure to stop at the Louis Vuitton Maison to pick up their NYC City Guide. It is by far one of my absolute favorite guide books for great tidbits on places to eat, shop and explore.
3. NYC food ...a salt bagel with cream cheese and lox , check out Russ and Daughters (179 E. Houston St. New York, NY 10002). Later on grab a hot dog or two with a papaya juice from where else but Gray's Papaya, and don't forget dessert...such as a frozen hot chocolate at Serendipity 3. For the more serious side of food...there is the Palm restaurant on 2nd Ave. or the
5. When it comes to Musems-this is my happy place. Whether it's The Met, MoMa, the Frick or the Guggenheim they take me away to different worlds. Pick a museum any museum in NYC and you will never be disappointed. If you can't get enough of the Art world, there is always Chelsea for the art galleries. Here is where you are going to see the up and coming and the not-so household names of the Art world. While you are there, be sure to check out the famous Peter Luger steakhouse.
6. Shopping- after exploring Fifth Ave. stroll down Avenue of the Americas where you can venture in to Tribeca, the Village, Soho, Flatiron District and passes through the Garment District. (Mood fabrics is a must for anyone who loves to sew and design. Here you will find a plethora of fabrics and trimmings unlike anywhere else on the East Coast.)
7. Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and Ground Zero all hold a special place for many. They remind us of our freedom and the privilege of being an American and living in this country. These are vital reminders of our history and our future.
8. Let's not forget about Broadway... I love the Arts and Theater. I have never seen a show I haven't liked. This is where it happens people!! Pick a show any show...Whether its the more known shows like Les Miserables or something a bit more contemporary like Kinky Boots- the performances are Amazing!
9. Time Square-a bit crazy and hectic but there is nothing like the city's energy....365 days a year!
10. Empire State Building at Night! The Empire State Building is open everyday and that means even holidays!! Rain or shine from 8am to 2am. (Keep in mind the last elevator ride up is 1:15am and while I type this I can't help but think of my favorite scene in Sleepless in Seattle) Sigh...
Sweet dreams...in a city that never sleeps!!