I know I'm from the West Coast, but I think that was a mistake. Most days I feel like an East Coaster trapped in a West Coaster's state of mind. Welcome to my favorite city. In another time, I used to fly from LA to NYC about once a month for a long weekend and take in everything the city has to offer. Those days are long gone but my love for the city still remains and I still enjoy finding my way into new art exhibits, restaurants, bars, shops, broadway and of course Katz's. Come explore!
Ok so on my recent trip to NYC I did not take my children. And while I confess that New York has always been a city with no kids in my mind, in recent visits it seems that the city has become a lot more kid friendly. If you are staying with kids, I recommend the West village. It’s quaint, it’s cute, and you’ll feel like a real New Yorker strolling down the street with a slice of Bleeker St. pizza in your hand. I really like airbnb for the city. The primary reason is that you are not confined to staying in hotel/touristy areas and usually it will afford you a bit more room. I also prefer the neighborhoody feel you get in staying at a rental over a hotel. If I was going to stay at a hotel I recommend Grammercy Park Hotel, The Highline or The Bowery. None are cheap and average about $500 nightly. There are a lot of options and cost tiers in Manhattan so decide what kind of stay you want and then seek it out!
The Highline
The Highline - It might be my favorite walk in the city! Built above the city on a freight line, this is a walking path like no other. The highline has unparelled views of the city, places for quietly watching the hustle go by, art exhibits sprinkled throughout the walking path and small sitting areas to just be. The friends of the highline have done a wonderful job of preserving a space that was close to being demolished. With no support from the city, the highline is only run off of donations. Have breakfast at Amy’s in Chelsea Market and finish it off with a 1.45 Mile walk across the city. You can catch the Highline at the Chelsea Market Passage. A full map can be viewed here
On this trip I stayed in the East village and I fell in love with it. It’s a bit more gritty which I prefer. It’s teeming with trendy restaurants and bars. In one night we had pre-dinner drinks at Mother of Pearl, ate at Lady Bird (it’s vegan, I am not. It didn’t matter the food was exceptional, I’m in awe of what people are doing with cashews these days, you gotta try the fondue, it’ll blow your mind!), listened to music at the Wayland, and finished the evening at Death+Co.