8 Things to Do in NYC
Oh man. I had the best time in New York last week. I got out of the cab on West 86th Street and felt like a piece of me was coming home. I got to stay with one of my best friends (who just got engaged!!) and do all of my favorite New York things.
Since I had such a great time, I thought I would tell you guys what I was up to, just in case you find yourself in Manhattan, or even if you live there!
1. The Smith
One of my very dear friends, Graham, suggested that we go to this restaurant. They have a few locations, but we went to the one right across from Lincoln Center. I started with a Manhattan… very fitting for my first trip back in a while. I also ordered the Pot of Mussels and I was a very very happy lady.
*My other friend went to Flex Mussels that same night– a restaurant that has a menu full of mussels?! Make the reservation for my next visit!!
2. Walk up Columbus Ave
Do this on a beautiful evening.
I walked from Lincoln Center and didn’t stop until I got to my friends apartment. The warm air, all of the people sitting outside at the restaurants, the Natural History Museum… maybe it was just my nostalgia, but I think it’s pretty great.
3. Joe
When I remembered that I could get a cup of coffe from Joe, I got so excited!! This cash only coffee shop always has it’s doors open, a friendly staff, and outstanding coffee. I used to frequent the one on the Upper West Side, but they have a few throughout the city.
If you love the website, then you will LOVE the store! It’s right in Soho, so it fits perfectly into any already scheduled NYC shopping day. I also loved that they organize their store to reflect their website – there are “Splurge Worthy” and “Girl on a Budget” sections! It is also beautiful inside! An all around lovely shopping experience.
In honor of their high/low budgets, these were my favorite over $100 and under $100 picks of that day!
This Hollis Drape Dress by Milly fits like a glove. And isn’t the print so pretty? ($365) // This Floral MinkPink Dress made me feel like Betty Draper. Who doesn’t like that? ($98)
5. Westville
If you love vegetables, or really just delicious food in general, you MUST GO to Westville! They serve fresh, seasonal, and perfectly prepared dishes – my favorite being the Market Plate. You choose 4 vegetables from their Market Menu and they bring it out to you like this:
Holy Moly, right?!
This plate has Artichokes Hearts with Parmesan, Asian Style Bok Choy, Roasted Zucchini with Cherry Tomatoes, and Brussels Sprouts with Honey Dijon.
I am now re-motivated to figure out these recipes. I’m going to take another stab at my knockoff recipe for the Brussels Sprouts… I think I figured out the missing ingredient! I’ll let you know how it goes!
6. Sample Sales
Seriously, one of the biggest perks of living in New York is the sample sales. Great designer clothes for 70-90% off?! Ok! I used to go to them all the time when I lived there, so it was fate when the alice + olivia sample sale was scheduled for the same week that I was visiting. Don’t want to miss out? Check Racked to see what sales are going on. Score some awesome deals!
I can’t wait to show you the dress that I got at this sale!!
This Upper West Side favorite holds lots of lovely memories with friends. It quickly became our go-to breakfast spot in the city. It just moved from Amsterdam to Columbus Ave, and the new space is beautiful. Order a cup of coffee and anything that comes with their signature strawberry butter. I love the Country Scramble and the Good Enough to Eat Pancakes. Mmmm.
Ok ok, so this isn’t something that all of you can do… but it was the highlight of my trip, so I need to include it in this post! I stopped by the offices of one of my favorite designers, Amanda Uprichard. I got to say hi to the team, check out a few pieces from the fall collection, and even meet the Amanda – the face behind all of those gorgeous silk blouses and dresses hanging in my closet! You may not be able to make that happen, but you CAN shop their online sale that starts TODAY!!!
June 17 – June 30
Dresses $60 / Tops $35 / Bottoms $40
@autalking snapped this photo of me in my Pocket Top for their Instagram // So pumped about my new AU tote + some goodies that were inside that bag! Stay. Tuned.
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Where do you guys like to go when you are in New York?? Have you been to any of these places?
And most importantly… WHAT are you going to buy at this AU sale?!?
June 17, 2013 @ 4:20 pm
What an amazing trip! I can't wait to see what you got from Alice + Olivia – and the Milly and MinkPink dresses are perfect! I can't wait to visit nyc again and I will have to check out your recommendations – and maybe even Amanda Uprichard!
Zahra
December 4, 2013 @ 11:58 am
Something too perfect! I will surely keep this list on mind when I visit NYC. I am a big fan of food and will not miss the "Good Enough to Eat"