// my new york
// my heart belongs to this city.
// it all began on my first trip in may of 2005 for a fashion course through a local community college. a friend of mine told me about the opportunity to get college credits AND take a weeklong trip to nyc, all centered around fashion and the industry. i couldn’t resist! i’d always wanted to go!
// i couldn't wait to get back to the city so one of my dear friends and i planned our next trip in may of 2006. little did i know what was in store for me on that trip. we had plans for shopping, eating and seeing Wicked. we decided to make reservations at Tavern on the Green in Central Park for a fun opportunity to get all dolled up and have a memorable dinner at a New York City institution. when it came time for our dessert, much to my surprise, my then boyfriend brought it out to me… got down on one knee and proposed! i was in utter shock – i was under the impression that he was on a shoot in LA for the weekend. needless to say, i said YES and burst into tears; this was the most romantic gesture i had ever been shown and i couldn’t wait a moment longer to give him an answer. he then told me that he would be staying with us for the duration of our trip and would get to experience the city with me, which i had been saying i wanted to do for over a year!
// that was the second time i was in nyc - how could that trip be topped you ask? oh it was - my hubby surprised me with a trip to nyc for our 1 year anniversary in september of 2007 - i mean literally packed for me and drove me to the airport without me having a clue what was going on. what. a. man...but i digress...
// since then i have had the privilege to travel back at least once a year, and for a few years 3 or 4 times a year (truly blessed if you ask me) including once during a blizzard and another at thanksgiving.
When you go:
1. Rent an apartment - it is the best way to truly experience life as a new yorker, plus you have a kitchen so you don’t have to eat out for every meal! we have used the homeaway.com site as well as airbnb.com for rentals.
2. Take the subway - if you are going to be in the city for more than 5 days then get the 7 day unlimited pass, for $30/pass you can ride the subway as often as you'd like instead of paying for each fare. go to mta.info for more information.
3. Get lost in central park - plan to spend a day walking around the park, there are so many great places to see and spots to grab food to picnic in the park if the weather is nice.
4. Do the tour bus - it may seem like such a touristy thing to do BUT it will give you a great overview of manhattan and you can get off and back on at any stop. once you know an area you like, go back another day and really take your time there. check out www.newyorksightseeing.com for more info.
Shopping:
1. Century 21 - located in the financial district - i am a girl who loves a good bargain and this place is the jackpot. Think of every designer who you love from the runways as well as all the top brands you love to wear and then think about them all being under one roof and DEEPLY discounted.... yeah. it's amazing. be sure to give yourself at least 2 hours as they have multiple floors including home goods, men’s and women's fashions, designer, accessories and shoes.
2. Henri Bendel - located on fifth avenue just south of 56th - truly a fashionista's paradise and a new york institution!
3. The Market NYC - located in Greenwich Village at 159 bleeker street - this spot is one of my favorites because you can find one of a kind and hand made pieces from local designers in new york.
4. Catbird - brooklyn on bedford ave. - worth the trip to brooklyn. eclectic boutique with jewelry and gifts from local artist as well as mainstream designers.
Dining:
1. Bergdorf Goodman Restaurant - on fifth avenue just south of central park - go for afternoon tea. it is on the 7th floor of the store and has an incredible view of central park. for $35/person (or $50, if you opt for a glass of Veuve Clicquot) includes: your choice of one Dammann Freres teas, freshly-baked scones (fruit preserves & Devonshire cream), a variety of petit fours, and an assortment of tea sandwiches and savory tartlets.
2. Room Service - located in Chelsea - the first place i tried thai food and my favorite thai place. the food is incredible and the atmosphere and decor make you feel like you are actually dining in a chic hotel room.
3. Serendipity 3 - upper west side - go for the peanut butter frozen hot chocolate.
5. ABC Kitchen - flatiron/union square - you can't go wrong here!!
6. Eataly - flatiron - go on a weekday and you can beat the dinner rush!
7. Matisse - midtown east - amazing little french bistro!
8. Crepes Du Nord - financial district - sweet and savory crepes, each more delicious than the last.
9. Empanada Mama - hell's kitchen - open 24 hours, every day, for when you are craving tapas. be sure to get the guacamole and plantain chips as well as any and every empanada!
10. Mee Noodle Shop - hell's kitchen - great hole in the wall chinese spot with delicious noodle bowls, scallion pancakes and steam roast pork buns.
// i hope you fall in love with this city just as i have. writing this post has given me the itch to get back to manhattan - i think it's high time!
// xxoo
alexa
// well, i have four more days left in NY and i am having the time of my life.
i may not get back on the plane... hope you are all doing amazing!
What a couple of cuties!
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