New York Travel Edit
Hi friend! I hope this finds you well as you explore the idea of visiting the best city America has to offer. I've had the opportunity to travel to New York for work the past few months and I have spent quite a bit of time exploring and finding some of the gems that the city has to offer!
Traveling to New York from Nashville is a quick trip but no matter where you are traveling from, I recommend flying into LGA. It's a super nice airport and easy to navigate for a newcomer (and someone who stays directionally challenged, this is a huge plus lol). Plus the flights in and out are always cheaper. ;) We always grab an uber from the airport to our airbnb and it's a scenic 20 minute drive that gets you soooo excited. I always have the biggest rush of adrenaline driving around the city that literally never sleeps (you’ll quickly find this out!)
Where to Stay —
Untitled at Freeman Alley is without a doubt our go-to! it's a quaint boutique airbnb spot that we discovered on our first visit and we loved it so much we have never stayed anywhere else. You cannot miss it because its actually tucked in an alleyway, which is known for its graffiti and art murals that are *constantly changing.* There is a complimentary cafe in the lobby with fresh pastries and delicious coffee (says my husband, i don't drink coffee). It's centrally located between Soho and the lower east side. Walking distance to so many hot spots (that I will cover for you later in this post), a subway station is a quick three minute walk, taking you to wherever your heart desires! (trust me, if I can learn the subway system, you can too!)
Shopping —
If you love to shop, you've come to the right place! NYC is the BEST for all things shopping. My favorite neighborhood is SoHo for all NY’s the best! Walk down any street and your favorites are there! That being said, here are some of my *happy* places! Mango, Zara, Everlane, Mejuri, Aritzia…—ya know, the best places ever. Brooklyn is also a perfect neighborhood for shopping but particularly vintage shopping. So many good ones, Jordan (my husband) spent an entire day exploring all the unique shops the neighborhood has to offer while I worked at the Blonde Co.
What to Eat —
This is a hard topic to cover because food is pretty much the heart of NYC. If you eat at a new restaurant every night here, there is enough to give you 77 years worth of options. So, with that being said, here are my recs, so far! ;) One thing is for sure…the food is 10/10 no matter where you go. I've never had a bad meal in New York!
I am beginning to think I should take this by each meal category. Let's do the top 3 for each meal (lol!)
for breakfast -
So, I'm a savory over sweets gal when it comes to my first meal of the day. So keep that in mind when it comes to my recs. Sweets have their place and please note it is not exempt from my pallet LOL. Here are my favorite breakfast spots…
Sadelles - I get the eggs any style and Jordan drools over the blueberry pancakes lol
Black seed bagel THE best bagel in nyc, FYI
for lunch -
Let me get on my soapbox real fast, I'm a light lunch gal because I love dinner so much. So here are my lunch spots but keep in mind I eat prettyyy light. (ya know, to save room for dessert, as always.)
Maman Soho - This is the cutest little parisian cafe! I recommend getting grilled cheese and tomato soup. It is truly best i’ve ever had
Prince Street Pizza - My favorite pizza in NYC! You stop right in and order at the cashier. Kim K has been there before, as seen on the gallery wall ;)
for dinner -
Eataly - The best variety IMO, however, there is usually a 2+ hour wait, so come ready to browse around the fresh market!
Lure - High end sushi, need I say more? Maybe you will run into The Biebers while you visit ;)
Zia Maria Little Italy - New York’s Little Italy has some of the best italian to offer (hence the name!) This is my husband and I’s go-to…plus the greeter outside the restaurant isn't someone you can miss lol
for dessert -
Quite possibly the most important *meal* of the day. You’ll learn this about me…I need ice cream at least 10 minutes after dinner (it’s true…)
Catch’n ice cream - So, they literally throw it at you and you have to *catch* it. Come prepared!
Cafe roma - This is a gelato, cannoli, hot chocolate, heaven!!!! Plus it will make you feel like you just walked into a fall scene of Gilmore Girls.
Eataly - If you waited 2+ hours and browsed the market, you probably learned that they had the entire sweets section. Some of the best in the city!
What to do —
Moma - $25 admission and you can probably spend all day and still not see it all. It’s a great rainy day activity!
Central Park - It's a given but it's so iconic. I loved walking around and recognizing different spots from my favorite movies and shows!!!
Chelsea Market - It's like an indoor mall/farmers market. Great food and great shopping!
Chinatown - it's a must. If you're looking for a designer dupe it's the spot (be careful, though, lol)
Museum of Ice Cream - Yeah, it’s just as magical as it sounds
Little Paris - *honorable mention* if you know me, you know Paris is my dream. There is a street near the shopping in SoHo that makes you feel like you are Emily in (little) Paris walking around in puff sleeves + a croissant.