prairie girl musings

Tag: New York City

  • Soho Weekend Guide

    Soho Weekend Guide

    Soho New York

    What hasn’t been said about New York City? I’ve even written about it on this blog before. What I find most impressive about this city is that there’s something new to discover with every visit; whether sticking to one neighbourhood or venturing to each of the five boroughs.

    Soho has received a lot of blogger attention due to its gorgeous storefronts, cobblestone streets, and abundant eateries. It will undoubtedly satisfy the most discerning travellers and denizens.

    Stay/

    There are many accommodation options in Soho and nearby. My sister and I decided to book boutique hotel, The James when we were last in New York City. The art hotel only has a few rooms and is perfectly situated for those who plan on spending significant time in Soho. The views from each room, but especially the rooftop gym, were incredible!

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    Eat/

    With eateries and cafés on every corner, this is where Soho shines. There’s an endless array of world-class brunch spots and cafés that will keep your tummy full throughout your stay.

    The Butcher’s Daughter: This juice bar and organic café uses seasonal ingredients to create delicious concoctions that will keep you going no matter what the day holds. The service is friendly and speedy, which is a necessity in Soho.

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    Egg Shop: My personal favourite, Egg Shop does wonderfully creative things with eggs. The interior is simple, bare bones, really, and the food is eggscellent!

    Café Select: A casual (gorgeous) European rail-station bistro, Café Select is a must-visit from morning to the wee hours.

    Jack’s Wife Freda: Brunch is very, very real at this understated all-day bistro. My sister and I decided to indulge in a late lunch because the lineup during breakfast was frightening.

    Black Seed Bagels: New York-style bagels with the freshest ingredients, need I say more?

    Lombardi’s Pizza: Choosing a pizza place in NYC is difficult, okay? Lombardi’s will surely delight

    Freemans Restaurant: Search #freemansalley on Instagram, and you’ll see why this is a prime spot for picture-taking. It’s also a delicious dinner option with an extensive food and drink menu.

    Morgenstern’s: You’ll need something sweet to wash down all that brunch and pizza, right? Morgenstern’s delivers excellent quality and a wide array of flavours!

    Coffee/

    Happy Bones: New York has an array of New Zealand and Australian-owned cafés and Happy Bones is a crowd favourite for its minimalist interior. Order a flat white and a doughnut from Dough.

    Gasoline Alley Coffee: This gem serves artisanal brews in the most lively environment.

    Two Hands: This is a go-to spot for açai bowls, avocado toast (with a fried egg on top), smoothies, and quality coffee. You’ll love the fairy lights that adorn this café.

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    Shop/

    Shopping in Soho, for me at least, is more about window shopping and gathering inspiration than actually spending. The stores are beautifully decorated and the cobblestone streets ooze elegance.

    McNally Jackson Bookstore: An independent bookstore with a café that hosts events and offers self-publishing.

    The Reformation: Did you know fashion is the third most polluting industry globally? This repurposed vintage boutique is all about recycling fabrics and tracking how much of an impact their garments have on the environment? Cool, right?

    Acne Studios: If you’re a fan of Stockholm brand, Acne, you’ll want to stop by their Soho studio. Mesmerizing!

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    What’s your favourite NYC neighbourhood?

  • Bright Lights, Big City!

    Bright Lights, Big City!

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    I initially fell in love with the Big Apple during my first visit in 2006. It was the summer prior to my last year of high school; the summer I decided I was going to be a Broadway star.

    After five days of intense dance classes at the Tremaine Dance Convention, evenings spent exploring Manhattan and catching the world’s best shows, I was convinced THIS was the place for me. Infatuated with the bright lights, the multitudes of tastes and sights, and its vast history, I felt compelled to return.

    Luckily, thanks to the upcoming nuptials of my friends, Kirsten and Steve, I had the opportunity to return to NYC for a second visit. Kirsten chose New York as the location for her bachelorette trip; a city she had always wanted to visit. The eight girls who comprised our group had all gone to the same elementary school, so you can imagine what a reunion it was! Our five-day trip was packed with sightseeing, gallery hopping, riding bicycles through Central Park, indulging in local cuisine, partying in Greenwich Village, and taking in all the sights and sounds of New York. I also had the opportunity to catch up with some of the friends I’ve had the pleasure of meeting during my travels.

    A lot has happened in the past seven years, but New York still holds infinite optimism and possibility. Not only is it the city that never sleeps, it is a city that anyone can enjoy. Regardless of age or gender, New York City will captivate you; it will dazzle your socks right off. There’s Manhattan that only runs 13 miles long, yet is packed to the brim with people, culture, and skyscrapers. We visited both MoMA (Modern Museum of Art) and the Met (The Metropolitan Museum of Art) where we caught the Punk: Chaos to Couture exhibit.

    Brooklyn, a hipster mecca, is perhaps my favourite borough. It is stocked with flea markets (Artists & Fleas is a must-see) carrying handmade, locally-designed goods, vintage shopping (Beacon’s Closet, anyone?), locavore food scene (you’re seriously missing out if you haven’t been to Smorgasburg), independent galleries (Brooklyn Art Library) and stores and trends that began right in Williamsburg (Catbird!)

    I can’t possibly list all the amazing spots we visited throughout Greenwich Village, SoHo, NoHo, Chelsea and the Meatpacking District, so instead here are some memorable photographs: