This episode of weekend escapes takes us to one of my favorite places – New York City. A weekend escape to New York City is fun solo, with girlfriends or with family. It has something for everyone. You just need to know where to look. For this episode, I share everything from where to stay, what to wear and where to go. This three night itinerary discusses food, fashion, and art around Central Park/Midtown. I could write for days and still not touch upon all my favorites.
Where to Stay:
My favorite area to stay in New York City is around Central Park South. You can walk to museums, Central Park, Times Square, Rockefeller Center, and other iconic sites (like my favorite…Bergdorf Goodman).
The Park Hyatt is currently my luxury hotel of choice. It is intimate with a second-floor lobby and lounge. The rooms are sleek and well appointed as is the gym and pool. 1 Hotel Central Park is my favorite boutique hotel with a hip vibe, sustainable practices and farm to table dining. They have a state-of-the-art gym, great fitness classes and personal trainers. There are many other great hotels in the area with various price ranges, so pick the one that works for you.
What to Wear:
Dress to make an entrance. You are escaping your cave for a few days so ditch the athleisure wear and slip into something special. Add make-up and a blow-out (do your own or drop into a blow-out bar like DryBar @ThompsonHotel).
Let’s talk shoes. If you love to walk everywhere like I do, you may have a shoe challenge – fashion vs comfort. My suggestion is during the day, choose shoes both comfortable for walking and fashionable. Gucci loafers are great for warm weather and flat boots such as the Hermes Jumping Boots work for colder weather. You could also carry your heels in a small Goyard tote and switch shoes when you are near your venue or like Carrie Bradshaw just catch a taxi.
ITINERARY
Day 1:
6:00 pm: Arrive and change for dinner. Walk north on Madison Avenue. This route allows you to enjoy the fashionably curated store windows. If you are early for dinner, you can pop into the Ritz lounge and have a glass of bubbly, people watch and occasionally spot a star (Selena Gomez was there last time I stopped in for a drink).
8:00pm: Dinner at Bar Italia on Madison. It is a local favorite serving authentic Italian cuisine like Osso Bucco, Black Truffle Tagliolini (my choice) or Veal Milanese. It is one of my personal favorites because the staff is warm and friendly and the atmosphere cozy and elegant.
Day 2:
9:00am: Breakfast – Stop by Zeppettos Espresso Bar (very tiny café) for a handcrafted latte and fresh baguette with prosciutto mozzarella. If you need something sweet, add Michael’s favorite – a cannoli.
10:00am: Visit the Metropolitan Museum. It is challenging to see everything at the MET in one visit so pick the exhibits you are most interested in viewing or sign up for a tour. In addition to the regular collection, the MET hosts special exhibits (like the current Fashion Exhibit or the Walt Disney Exhibit). Entry tickets for the MET and a separate entry time for the exhibits are required. I recommend securing these ahead of time.
Avery tip: Make sure you check out the roof. The view is outstanding and there is always a featured artist.
2:00pm: Have a late lunch at Sant Ambrous on Madison Avenue. Their beautiful handmade creations leverage fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables. Might I suggest trying the Sant Ambrous Eggs Benedict and the Carciofi e Rucolaand (sliced artichokes and hearts of palm)?
Of course, the real reason to visit Sant Ambrous is they have the best cioccolata calda (hot chocolate) in the city. It more like a dessert – rich and dense – somewhere between a pudding and a drink.
4:00pm: Visit the modern art museum the Guggenheim. A few blocks from Sant Ambrous, the building itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important example of Frank Loyd Wright’s late work. Whimsically, if you have watched Jim Carey in Mr Popper’s Penguins, you will be entertained by the thought of sliding down the spiraling ramp as you view important contemporary art.
Alternatively, you can walk down Madison from Sant Ambrous and pop into your favorite designer stores.
7:30pm: Dinner at the Grand Salon in the Baccarat Hotel – The Grand Salon glitters with crystal chandeliers, sculptures and vases. Not only is it beautiful but the handcrafted hamburger is yummy and the sommelier makes fabulous recommendations.
Day 3:
5:30am: Take the Sunrise Tour of the Empire State Building. Yes – I said 5:30am. Trust me, dragging yourself out of bed this early once is worth it. The view is amazing, the tour is interesting and the group small. To keep you awake, the tour comes with coffee. Remember wear something warm because at that time of the day and at that height, it is cold no matter the time of year.
11:00am: Explore Central Park. Take the “Heart of the Park” Walking Tour of Central Park (note that tours are not offered everyday). Visit the Loeb Boat House. You can take out a paddle boat and/or have a drink or snack. Alternatively, you could rent a bike or jog around park loops as the park is closed to traffic on the weekends.
2:00pm: Change into something the makes you feel special and head over to the Bergdorf Goodman restaurant (BG Café). I like the Gotham salad and a glass of champagne and Michael likes the Croque Monsieur (grilled ham sandwich) and the chocolate mousse cake. Follow lunch with shopping. Based on your interests from newest brands to shoes…I always start with shoes.
7:00pm: Attend a broadway show or the theater. Lincoln Center has an amazing line-up including ballet, opera and musical performances or look up that musical you have been longing to see. Often in the City you will get to see a famous star in the performance.
Day 4:
9:30 am: Grab a coffee from Zeppettos and take the 8 minute walk along the park to Doris C. Freedman Plaza by 5th and East Drive. The art changes out often and is worth checking out.
10:00am: Enjoy the Central Park Zoo. It is 5 minutes from the Doris C. Freedman Park. Located in Central Park, it is an intimate, lush experience certainly worth a 30-60 minute visit.
Alternatively (or in addition), if it is your first time to The City, walk down 6th Avenue to Times Square because everyone should see the bright billboards and crazy scene of Times Square. At 10am, it will be less crowded.
Noon: Depart for home.
Avery Tip: Consider becoming a member of the museum you are visiting as it can give you this special access during your visit and it is often tax deductible.
