Travel Notes: New york, new york
ENTRY XVII · XI.XXX.MMXXIII
I had the honor of traveling to New York City to watch a good friend run in the New York Marathon (so cool, I know). Being my first trip to the big apple, I knew I wanted to make the most of the trip and hit all of the iconic spots I’ve seen time and time again in Gossip Girl and my favorite rom-coms. As our plane neared Manhattan, my midwest roots were immediately mind-blown by the sheer vastness of the great city. From the fashion and street style to the charming coffee shops that offer a respite from the hustling streets, New York has my heart.
WHAT I WORE:
WHERE TO STAY:
The trip began with making our way to our hotel, The Freehand, which is located in the Flatiron District. This area ended up being a perfect place to stay since we had plans to hit all the areas of Manhattan. This boutique hotel matches the surrounding artistic and historic community with walls of vintage art, transitional elements, and eclectic hotel restaurant, cafe, and speakeasy.
WHERE TO EAT:
When it comes to dining or indulging in a happy hour in New York, the choices are just about foolproof. Starting at Ralph’s Coffee—this iconic spot lived up to its reputation with both its stunning ambiance and exceptional espresso. A date night led us to The Smith, where we savored steak and salad before indulging in a delightful Anita gelato for a nightcap. Among the array of iconic places that left a lasting impression were Cafe Leon Dore in the heart of SoHo and the various locations of Ruby’s.
WHAT TO DO:
Being a first-timer in New York, I felt a bit daunted by the idea of planning our trip in advance. The city's immense size and the myriad of activities in every neighborhood, all easily reachable by subway, was a lot to take in. Our initial day involved immersing ourselves in Central Park, glimpsing the iconic Plaza Hotel, and visiting the Museum of Natural History (can you believe everything comes alive at night?). The following day was a girls' day out, dedicated entirely to shopping in SoHo, punctuated by coffee breaks and mimosas. The remainder of our time revolved around witnessing the marathon and exploring other iconic spots. Get your walking shoes ready!
