new york city
my feelings about (and recs for) nyc are no secret.
at least they’re now formally organized.
i left my heart in new york city.
I’m hesitant to attempt to describe the euphoria I experience when I’m in New York. Partially because it’s intense yet intangible, and partially because I know that once I start, my tabs will be littered with StreetEasy listings as I lust over two-bedroom rentals in Brooklyn, daydreaming about a sliding doors life that could have been.
New York City and I have been in an intoxicating game of will-they or won’t-they for decades. Both of my parents hail from New York, and I was born in Manhattan, only to move across the country to California shortly after. My family spent a few weeks a year in the city throughout my childhood, allowing a long distance love affair to blossom as I became intoxicated by the heightened pace of life and the promise of unlimited possibilities (...and yes, the musical theater). That longing endured, so the day after our college graduation, Justin and I packed up and drove 14 hours to find our place in the concrete jungle. We spent five fulfilling and jam-packed years there, but all good things must come to an end. In full transparency, I sought therapy to provide the closure I needed to emotionally untangle from New York’s allure…and I’m actively still working on it.
Thanks to the sheer number of loved ones who remain in the city and an ungodly number of weddings, we’ve returned over a dozen times since I made my second New-York-to-LA move in 27 years. There’s no hiding how in my element and inspired I feel when I'm power walking (and likely sweating) up 3rd Ave., on the Q headed to an epic meal in Brooklyn, or wide-eyed and bushy-tailed in a cozy theater, curtains just moments from being drawn. When I receive the common question, ”any plans to ever come back on a more permanent basis?” I’m tempted to say yes, but know that dipping a toe into a bicoastal lifestyle is the logical answer. We may have relocated five years ago, but I'm on an endless pursuit to keep up with the ever-changing landscape, and protect the feeling that no matter how long you’ve been gone, New York will always welcome you home.
the arrondissements
familiarize yourself with the city.
three reasons to book your trip…
broadway, baby
broadway, baby
at this very moment, it’s more likely than not that i’m listening to a musical soundtrack – theatrical storytelling is my favorite medium, it’s the way I feel most alive. so broadway is probably the biggest appeal about new york to me, and I aim to see at least one show per visit.
boutiques galore
boutiques galore
The concentration of well-stocked, highly curated shops is unlike anywhere else. this is a great breakdown for first-timers – and with each visit, you’ll discover hidden gems and new pop-ups. Even if my suitcase is filled to the brim upon arrival, I still manage to make room for a vintage find or a candle I can’t live without on the way home.
pizza, duh
pizza, duh
slices and pies and squares, oh my! If you’re looking for a thorough breakdown, this is worth the read, and I’d recommend replacing one lunch meal with stops to two members of the nyc pizza royal family – JOe’s and L’industrie in Williamsburg would be my vote.
faqs
what’s the best time of year to visit new york?
I’ve can confidently say there are pros and cons for visiting every month of the year. Most would recommend late spring (april, may) or early fall (September, October) – The days are longer (the sun sets later, giving you extended time outside) and the weather is far less humid/extreme. just know the city will be more crowded, lodging will be more expensive, and dining/attraction reservations will be tougher.
anything specific i should pack?
lots of layers, a crossbody bag with secure closures, and comfortable shoes if you plan on walking as your primary mode of transportation. It’s a good time to whip out the outfits you’re most proud of, since New Yorkers are undeniably chic…but they also embrace the need for athleisure, so you really can’t go wrong.
any airport or general transportation advice?
There are three major airports in the New York metropolitan area: JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. Proximity, price, and airline availability determine which I’ll fly in and out of. Your preference will likely take those into account as well – but bottom line, none are very easily accessible. This is a more robust breakdown of the prices of transportation to and from each.
which borough or area should i stay in?
everyone has their own opinion on this – if it’s your first time traveling to New York and you have plans to hit up the main attractions, stay in Manhattan (and I would suggest either Greenwich Village, the Upper East Side, soho, or Central Park South). If you’ve crossed the touristy stuff off your bucket list, stay in Brooklyn (Williamsburg or boerum Hill). Just make sure you have lots of accessible train lines!
how should i efficiently get around the city?
first choice? walking (when the weather is mild). but the subway is a game-changer – right now, the trains and buses are $2.75 per ride, and all stations are equipped with scanners for contactless payment. you can also purchase a Metrocard pass for 7- or 30-days of unlimited rides, for $33 and $127, respectively. ride shares are also widely available.
I want to shop – what’s the deal with sales tax?
the good news? Any Clothing and footwear under $110 that you purchase are exempt from New York City and NY State Sales Tax. I’ll often hold off on an online purchase and instead go to the store and buy it in person while on a trip to New York to keep the price down.
is nyc as expensive as I’ve heard?
Flights, hotels, and many of the businesses I’ve suggested are pricey. In my opinion there’s no better way to spend my money than on experiences…while finding opportunities to get more bang for my buck. TodayTix and NYArts help keep prices on attractions down, and for more affordable restaurants (where you won’t have to sacrifice flavor) beyond bagels and slices of pizza, this is a great resource.
any tourist attractions to avoid?
I personally think the statue of liberty, 5th Avenue, and the empire state building are overrated (ellis Island, Soho, and the Top of the Rock are better alternatives!). while I do recommend seeing a Broadway show, it will inevitably and unfortunately land you in Times Square, which is an absolute shitshow but worth seeing at least once.
Is it true that New Yorkers are rude?
Any answer to this is subjective, but I don’t believe they are! I also happen to love the blunt and no-nonsense attitude that many New Yorkers pride themselves on. They’ll power walk past you on the street, shove their way into a subway car, and don’t waste time with pleasantries – nyc is fast-paced and chaotic, but the people, at their core, are incredibly kind.
land acknowledgment
i would like to personally acknowledge that new york, like the rest of the u.s., exists on the traditional stolen lands of various indigenous nations and peoples. i benefit from their care for and contributions to the land, and new york city specifically resides on Lenape (Lenapehoking) territory. my first exposure to the culture, practices, and commitment of indigenous people was on a school tour of the chumash museum. to honor indigenous people and support their programming, i will be making a donation to the museum in hopes that they continue their education and exhibits for the next generation of students. if you have the means, i encourage you to donate to native-led organizations like the american indian college fund. you can learn more about the indigenous land you live on or are traveling to here.
tastemakers in nyc to follow…
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Alexis Barber
multi-hyphenate bicoastal gal who shares snippets of her inspiring life
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Landmarks of NY
Exploring the stories and people behind the 36,000 landmarks in New York
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Shelcy & Christy
Sisters with a knack for telling stories and building community with impeccable style
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allie provost
talented photographer and world traveler with joy-inducing personal style
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Alyssa Clough
pal from college! brooklynite, plant lady, covetable interior design inspo, restaurant guru
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Tanya Sichynsky
senior staff editor at nyt cooking who always has save-worthy restaurant recs
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Rebekah Lowin
home & kitchen editor at forbes whose New York moments make me want to move back
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Nicolette Mason
Creative consultant and brand strategist living a beautiful and elevated nyc life
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Ariel Oz
marketing gal and agency founder focusing on style, beauty, and travel
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Mallory Fletchall
content creator and cat mom whose home in brooklyn is the stuff of dyi and design dream
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Caleb Thill
world traveler (and bud!) whose tiktok provides great alternatives to overhyped nyc hotspots
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Minnie Kim
my friend with a talent for romanticizing every element of nyc life, from tabletops to hotels
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Nikita Richardson
editor at nytimes cooking and writer of the the Where to Eat: NYC newsletter
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Carly Hill
blogger and social-savvy gal highlighting nyc’s best places to drink, eat, and shop
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Elena Besser
dear friend, trained cook/TV host/recipe developer, and One of my favorite people to eat with
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Juliet Izon
Food and travel journalist who generously shares the subjects of her pieces on social
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Dan Pelosi
a delightful follow – brooklynite and recipe developer with guides to various nyc neighborhoods
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Kendra Vaculin
dear friend and food editor at Bon Appétit whose recipes and restaurant recs are top notch
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Holly Liss
bicoastal tastemaker, creative consultant, and one of my fave follows for food/travel content
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Chinae Alexander
all-around badass in brooklyn…life advice, body confidence, and wellness content
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Joy Laforme
Illustrator that creates the most colorful, joyful snapshots of the vibrant city
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carl nard
photographer, creative, and friend sharing gorgeous snapshots of nyc.
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Tammie Teclemariam
Freelance food writer whose feed will leave you drooling over nyc food
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Becky Hughes
If you’re looking for the hippest spots (or best martinis), she’s your gal
