NYC Weekend Getaway: Where to go, What to eat, How to slow down

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NYC Weekend Getaway: Where to go, What to eat, How to slow down

Taking it slow in New York City: 

  • Walk when you want to, otherwise - take the metro
  • Choose meals at local restaurants
  • Drink locally roasted coffee
  • Visit markets and talk to makers and vendors about their wares
  • Keep your head up and eyes keen for murals
  • Shop at local stores - this may be the best place in the world to do so
  • Start in Central Park

In this post, I detail how I made the most of a slow weekend in NYC, sharing my favorite places and some photos along the way.

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From Stone Barns to the Cement Jungle

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From Stone Barns to the Cement Jungle

Arriving at Stone Barns, the clouds looming overhead threatened to burst. We debated umbrellas, decided on only one and layered up against the wind. The tour was set for 90 minutes, the longest and most in-depth they offered, and would cover the entire grounds.

It promptly began to pour.

Our group started closer to ten, and without spoiling the ending for you, we finished with four. Our fearless leader Rene, the Director of Education, wore a rain jacket, no gloves, and braced herself to take the brunt of the storm to her front while we huddled with our backs to the wind. Her voice never wavered and her smile never diminished. I couldn't help but shiver, being a lowly Floridian so far out of her element wearing another man's boots and already soaked in her skinny jeans to the bone. Mari leans over to me,

Just keep telling yourself, mind over matter. 
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From NYC to The New Paris

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From NYC to The New Paris

After I booked my trip to NYC, Lindsey posted a graphic to her superb Instagram: @lostincheeseland the dates of her upcoming book signings. One happened to be at the famed Rizzoli Bookstore the weekend I'd be in NYC! Mari, being an even more avid literary-lover than myself, agreed to accompany me (and happened to be a great paparazzi for the whole event!). 

Lindsey was spectacular. 

The event was moderated by Esquire Food & Wine Editor Jeff Gordinier and the main discussion topics of the night were on the first section of the book, the new and developing food scene in Paris. Lindsey talks about how young entrepreneurs, fresh chefs, and individuals with mixed backgrounds are remixing the Parisian food scene, which had devolved to some degree in the past couple decades. 

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The Quaintness of Northern New Jersey

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The Quaintness of Northern New Jersey

Before venturing into Maplewood, NJ for to meet a friend for breakfast, we briefly explored downtown Morristown, about 15 minutes from where I was staying with Mari. There, we found stunning blossoming trees, neighborhoods fully rebuilt since the hurricane, and a few hidden gems I photographed below. 

The Artist Baker & Colly Flowers were connected, both micro-small but seemingly full with tables and communal space I could've enjoyed all day if we didn't have plans. Mari and I mused over how the multiple-concepts business idea is a dream of each of ours. A cafe - florist - bookstore or a coffee shop - stationary - local goods compendium were among our favorite ideas. 

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The Road to Waitress

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The Road to Waitress

When I learned that Sara Bareilles would be starring Waitress, her broadway musical writing debut, I booked my ticket to NYC. The culmination of being a musical theatre nerd circa my teen-hood, a Sara Bareilles fan as long as iPods have been around, and having never seen a Broadway show before set the stage (ha) for my best trip to New York yet. 

In this post, I also share details about my arrival to my friend Mari's lovely home, our journey into NYC, and the slow evening that awaited me at home.

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How I Plan for a Trip (Especially to NYC)

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How I Plan for a Trip (Especially to NYC)

New York is my favorite place to go alone. To be completely anonymous, not just in a foreign place but among so many strangers who respect your space in response to you respecting theirs. Moving fluidly from metro stop to destination, one neighborhood to the next, a new world opening up before me as I climb the stairs from underground. 

In this post, I detail how I plan for my trip, the details I've arranged, and some special events I'm excited about. 

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