NYC - Lower Manhattan
The city that never sleeps. The Big Apple. It’s so nice they named it twice. We’re talking about New York City, people! NYC is the cultural capital of the world and home to many tourist attractions. We mixed in a few of these tourist-y spots with our local Soho favorites for our first NYC series. There’s tons of concrete jungle ground to cover, so let’s get moving!
M|K|N
DAY 1
8:00 am | Gild Hall is a perfect hideaway in this busy city. Cozy corners are laced throughout each level of this hotel. We loved the different layers of the building that made us feel like we were finding a hidden gem every step! You won’t be spending much time in your room, but waking up to a view of battery park and late night room service is 100p assured.
15 Gold St, New York, NY 10038
9:00 am | Up and at ‘em! It’s time to hit the ground running (or punching!). Shadowbox is the perfect start to amp up your day. Combining boxing technique, guided rounds on the heavy bag, and head-to-toe conditioning, we sweat our way through this high intensity group class that benefited our body and our minds. Pro Tip: They welcome those without experience (whew!).
28 West 20TH St, New York, NY
9:30 am | We wen’t (coco)nuts for Broken Coconut. Vegan yogurt and poke?! Yes plz. Grab yourself a fresh young coconut from the fridge and have them crack that bad boy open and wait for your healthy goodness to arrive on the countertop.
15 E 4th St, New York, NY 10012
10:45 am | The most serene getaway in the heart of the city with matcha to boot! Chillhouse is your one stop shop for some dope nail art and a CBD latte to make your skin glow for a week straight. Pro Tip: Chillhouse also offers massage services if you really want to shut the world out for a bit.
149 Essex St, New York, NY 10002
11:30 am | Maman Cafe will make all of your home inspiration dreams come true. Part cafe part home goods shop, maman offers baked goods and a full menu for lunch and brunch. If oprah’s ‘favorite thing’ for 2017 was their famous nutty chocolate chip cookies, than so is ours.
239 Centre St, nyc
1:30 pm | Stepping into our nudie jeans for a night out in NYC feels right. Nudie’s green initiative of using non-toxic denim, 100% organic cotton, and no hazardous chemicals has us not only looking our best, but feeling it, too. Grab yourself a cool jacket and pair of jeans from the wall with your personal in-store shopper. Pro Tip: The Nudie soho store offers free repairs on all Nudie Jeans denim.
188 Bowery, New York, NY 10012
3:00 pm | You’ll be overwhelmed with the amount of unhealthy foods that are accessible in this crazy city, but trust us on this one, you’re going to want to indulge in the botanical gluten free goodness that is Le Botaniste. With items like veggie curry and cashew-aged milk cheese boards, you’ll find yourself saying “meat who?” by the end of your meal. Pro Tip: the entire restaurant is also gluten free!
127 Grand St.
4:00 pm | There truly is no better time to be shopping in the soho area. With designer names to fill an entire CVS receipt, you’ll be sure to find that perfect holiday gift for your loved one or splurge on something fabulous for yourself. Most of the stores could double as art galleries with their unique installations and designs, so even if the off-runway prices are out of your range of spending, it’s definitely still worth talking a stroll down these cobblestone streets.
5:00 pm | Take your treasures back to the hotel and get yourself ready for a night on the town! you’ll be dressed to impress in your new threads.
15 Gold St, New York, NY 10038
7:00 pm | American Cut deserves every award of “Best Steakhouse” they’ve won to date (which is a lot!). Everything was cooked to perfection and served in an elegant yet laid back setting. We hate a stuffy restaurant but we want the amazing food- this spot was a “cut” above the rest. Pro Tip: don’t pass up the incredible biscuits at the beginning of the meal and always get an order of the lobster chili to accompany your entree.
363 Greenwich St, New York, NY
8:30 pm | With a slogan like “south of stress” we knew we’d be able to unwind after a long day at The Garret. There are three locations in the city, all slightly hidden in some way (one is through the back of a five guys’ burger & fries). We opted for the newest location in Nolita and almost passed it as we were walking by. Pro Tip: Look for the street sign on the sidewalk that says “Tacos”. You’re welcome.
349 Broome St, NYC
9:00 pm | One of the chicest bars we’ve visited, it’s no wonder all of the hippest celebrities spend their evenings at the blond. Velvet couches and cool mysterious corners make this swanky lounge one you’ll want to hang in for a while. you’ll almost forget to keep an eye on who walks through the door once you’ve tried some of their signature cocktails- might we suggest the ‘dirty blond’ martini?
11 Howard St, New York, NY
10:30 pm | Little did you know walking the sidewalks of the city that there were endless rooftops waiting for you to sip mixed drinks out of copper cups lined along each block. Make Believe sits atop the Sixty LES Hotel- it’s pink couches and glass walls are the perfect setting to get down to the latest Drake track.
190 Allen St, Fl 7, New York, NY
11:30 pm | Feel like Spiderman as you make your way to the second skyscraper of the night- Public Hotel rooftop. The nighttime view of the city is sure to have you feeling some type of way as you finish off another round of champagne. Pro Tip: There are 3 other bars in this hotel if you’re feeling explorative, and no, we’re not counting the escalator light installation as one.
215 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002
12:30 pm | In the lobby of The Frederick you’ll find one Primo’s. It draws the inspiration for its comfort and menu items from the Italian Riviera and the Long Island social clubs of yesteryear. We came for the midnight pasta and stayed for the dance floor. We ended up staying longer than anticipated and were even more energized when we left- which may or may not be due to the 3 espresso martinis we inhaled.
129 Chambers St. New York, NY 10007
DAY 2
9:00 am | After a night like that you’ll need all of the NYC carbs you can get. It only makes sense to load up on a local favorite- bagels at Black Seed. Build your own or choose from the menu- We suggest the milk & honey, or smoked salmon, or both because why not. We can assure you’ll love their NY-style bagel made with baking techniques borrowed from Montreal. Pro Tip: Black Seed offers gluten free bagels, now!
170 Elizabeth St, New York, NY 10012
10:30 am | Bryant Park is located between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and between 40th and 42nd Streets in Midtown Manhattan. During the holiday season, a European inspired open-air market features over 170 boutiques from artisans from around the globe. Situated along Bryant Park’s terraces, the Holiday Shops are housed in custom-designed, “jewel box” kiosks. Enjoy local gifts, distinctive apparel and foods from around the world. Pro Tip: Make sure to skate a few laps in the ice rink before you take off- and don’t worry we won’t tell anyone if you fall.
11:30 am | This city is always illuminated at night, but it’s truly something special during the holiday season. Fifth avenue is a stop that cannot be missed during your visit this time of year. The window displays along the streets are some of the best sights to see. Grab a cup of hot cocoa and stroll like your in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. The displays are up right before thanksgiving until just after the New Year. Our personal favorites are the 3 B’s: Bloomingdale’s, Barney’s and Bergdorf Goodman. Along this route you’ll find Lord & Taylor, Saks and Macy’s, too.
Fifth Avenue, NYC
12:45 pm | You know you’ll be entering into an Instagram sanctuary with a concept by the founder of by CHLOE. However, the food speaks for itself at Dez. Offering Middle Eastern fare on a menu with a variety of vegetable mezes, salads, bowls and pita sandwiches. These contemporary classics are perfect for all-day dining and pair with the specially-curated house beers and wines on tap. Pro Tip: Don’t skip dessert- the soft serve is not one to be missed.
227 MULBERRY STREET
NEW YORK, NY 10012
2:00 pm | The largest art museum in the United States- The Metropolitan Museum of Art, is more commonly known as "the Met”. Book a private tour or wander around the endless halls exploring the interchanging modern and contemporary exhibitions for hours.
1000 5th Ave, New York, NY
3:00 pm | Don’t worry if you forgot your yoga gear, Alo Yoga’s soho store location not only has the trendiest attire for your workout, but a studio on the second level overlooking soho- definitely a tranquil environment to unwind and namaste for an hour or so. There are countless class options offered here. We signed up for a P.Volve Victoria’s Secret workout just in time for the fashion show launch. Pro Tip: Unlimited Monthly Members receive 10% OFF Alo Retail & Cafe and unlimited access to all Alo Yoga Studios!
96 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
5:00 pm | It’s already been a long day- but we have so much more ground to cover! Drop off any additional items you may have accumulated on your morning and freshen up for the remainder of your evening.
15 Gold St, New York, NY 10038
6:30 pm | abcV is attached to one of our favorite stores, ABC Home. If you haven’t made a reservation prior to your visit, check out some of the chic home interiors before you dine. Acclaimed chef Jean George curated this plant-based menu highlights seasonal favorites and brings out flavors that you didn’t know you could find in items like a whole roasted cauliflower and sautéed greens. The cocktail offerings are perfectly crafted to compliment each dish.
35 E 18th St, New York, NY 10003
8:00 pm | A sister hotel of the Gild, the Beekman will transport you into a medieval world you thought to be only in fairytales. Grab a cozy seat in the corner or one directly in the middle of the seemingly never-ending atrium to sip your cocktail. We won’t blame you for staring, but try not to look up for too long or your neck may start to hurt.
123 Nassau St, New York, NY 10038
10:00 pm | A pizza joint after our own Detroit-style hearts, we love the deep dish soho squares and Neapolitan style thin crusts at Prince Street. Grab a few of each for your late-night indulgences as you let the moon hit your eye like a big pizza pie before hitting the hay.
27 Prince St A, New York, NY 10012
4:00 am | Thankfully you can stumble into Veselka at any time of the day and still get served all of the Ukrainian goodness that are pierogi’s and potato pancakes. This East Village mainstay has been in business since 1954 and been given countless awards since. We suggest the Pierogi smorgasbord on the late night “you should be sleeping but since you’re not” menu, which is served from midnight until the sun rises. No, you’re not that drunk- the food really is that good. Ok. Maybe you’re a bit drunk.
144 SECOND AVENUE,
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10003
10:00 am | On a cozy corner of Broome and Mulburry street, you’ll find Seamore’s, a fisherman-founded sustainable seafood outpost. The airy environment is sure to bring you back to life after the long weekend and the breakfast and brunch dishes will keep you full until you’ve safely landed back home. Pro Tip: The fresh cucumber mint juice saved our lives and our livers after a weekend filled with drinking.
390 Broome St (at Mulberry St), New York, NY 10013
Thank you to the teams of: Gild Hall, Seamore’s, Shadowbox, Alo Yoga, P.Volve Fitness, Dez, Le Botaniste, Broken Coconut, Chillhouse, The Garret, the blond, Nudie Jeans, Black Seed Bagels, Maman Cafe, and American Cut for hosting us these past 48 hours.
on to the next city!
xx