Another New York Fashion Week has begun and it’s another season where sadly I’m glued to the livestream and the social media commentary rather than being there in person. I’m lucky I get to experience London Fashion Week and I’ve even done Paris, although not as much as I would like, but NYFW always feels like the one that keeps getting away. I came close last February, but with the wedding planning it just wasn’t the right timing, I just keep hoping that the opportunity comes around again as it always seems so much bigger than LFW, not just in-scale, it has a lot more shows, but also the labels that present, and the characters that go just for the street-style.
So to cheer myself up I thought I would revisit my snaps from November, when I got my married, which led me to this post sharing my love of New York and the 7 things I adore doing when I visit, which fingers crossed will happen next year during fashion week, well a girl can dream.
Of course, I enjoy doing a lot more than 7 things when I am in New York, to be honest, the list is so long I decided for both my sanity in editing and yours in reading that I would just pick my fun things to do:
#1 Top of the Rock
I normally like to stay clear of tourist traps, they are generally expensive, and not normally worth the trip, however, Top of the Rock is one of my favourite things to do in New York. This city is like no other, the skyline is so memorable and the view from the Rockefeller Plaza is incredible. Don’t get me wrong, a trip up the Empire State Building is still an experience everyone should do, but Top of the Rock is less crowded as they do timed slots and it is bigger, and it gives you a new view of the Empire State building and Manhattan.
I suggest that you go on the cusp of the sun setting, then you get to see the cities lights go on, as well as get some incredible snaps of the city in the day, plus you might also be treated to a stunning sunset.
Top of the Rock, 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
#2 Empire Diner
Brunch is fast become my favourite meal to eat out, well after afternoon tea of course, and New York has some amazing spots, one of my favourites has to be the Empire Diner. They only do brunch at the weekends from 11am until 4pm so be prepared to queue, it is worth the wait but I would totally suggest getting there for when it opens as then you don’t need to worry.
I love everything about this place from its Art Moderne exterior and monochrome decor to the food and service, and the brunch menu is delicious, especially the fluffy buttermilk pancakes, which taste even nicer washed down with a Pimm’s cocktail.
Empire Diner, 210 10th Avenue, New York, NY 10011
#3 Central Park
Granted not original, but if you go to New York without taking in the beauty of Central Park, you really have missed out. I go each time I visit, it is so big you can always pick out something new to see, as well as revisit memorable spots, and just sit back and take in the sights and watch New Yorkers going about their days.
There are a lot of spots I recommend from the Bethesda Fountain to the gorgeous Minton Tile Ceiling at the Bethesda Terrace, to a walk down The Mall and Literary Walk, which brings a Parisian vibe to NY, as well watching the model boats on Conservatory Water.
After a spot of lunch or drink, check out Tavern on the Green, which after a multi-million dollar renovation reopened last year and it is super. You can either relax in the gorgeous bar area with a cocktail or have a spot of lunch in the light and airy restaurant and in the summer, you can even seat out on the garden terrace and look out into the park. The food here is amazing, I can’t wait to go back.
Central Park, 59th and 110th Street between Central Park West and Fifth Avenue // Tavern on the Green, 76th Street and Central Park West, New York, NY 10023
#4 Champagne Bar at The Plaza
If you are after someone to celebrate a special occasion or to just toast an amazing trip in New York the Champagne Bar at The Plaza is a must. This place is pure luxury, I love the gorgeous chandeliers, the cosy seating, the vibrant atmosphere, and the views over Fifth Avenue. The menu is incredible from the various champagnes on offer to its signature cocktails, wines and if you want you can also get beer.
It’s the little touches that I adore at The Plaza from the impeccable service to the never-ending cheese, popcorn and pretzel nibbles, trust me these really add to the champagne flavour, and the fact that you never know who you might bump into, I ran into the lovely Serena Williams.
The Plaza, Fifth Avenue at Central Park South, New York, NY 10019
#5 Sephora
When will Sephora make the jump to the UK? I love this beauty emporium, it basically stocks everything you can possible want, things you have never heard of that now you need, and most importantly things you didn’t think you needed. Its make-up counters are huge, plus I love that they give away samples a lot easier than here, but for me I always head straight to its perfume collection, especially its range of rollerballs, as I love handbag size versions of my favourite fragrances.
I also love that they do nearly everything in miniature, another addiction of mine – I love mini versions of everything, and it comes in handy when you want to test out a new product or looking for travel size versions of your favourites. There are lots of stores dotted around New York and I find myself popping into any I go by.
Sephora all over the city – check out the store listings on its website
#6 The High Line
After some peace away from the bustle of the city then the High Line is a great place to recharge and see the concrete jungle from a new perspective. The elevated freight rail line has been transformed into a beautiful walkway, running from the Meatpacking District to the northern edge of Chelsea, and I love that it is sandwiched between buildings, sometimes so close you can spy into people’s apartments, and that it has gorgeous pieces of public art installations dotted about from sculptures to giant graffiti street-art and bleacher-like seating to view traffic, buildings and pedestrians.
I would recommend grabbing a hot drink before you go up on the High Line in winter as it can be a little nippy, also keep you eyes peeled near the Chelsea Market for a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty in the distance, I don’t know why but I get giddy each and every time I see it.
The High Line, Gansevoort Street to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues
#7 Jack’s Wife Freda
Coffee is huge in New York there are tons of places to go but one of my picks has to be Jack’s Wife Freda purely because it is an instagramers dream, which can also mean that it is very busy and you might have to wait to get a table. If you go here and don’t snap your coffee, your pastry and the cute slogan sugar I don’t think we can be friends anymore!!!
As well as coffee, this place also does a great breakfast, the waffles are a favourite of mine, it also has a lovely dinner menu, I really wanted to try the vegetable curry bowl last time I visited New York but I didn’t have time.
Jack’s Wife Freda, 224 Lafayette Street, SoHo, and 50 Carmine Street, West Village, New York