The best things we did in NYC.

Whenever I go to New York City, I feel like I’m missing out if I dare to sleep…and when it’s time to leave, I always feel like I’m just getting started. That’s why I find it important to plan like a crazy woman before I get to the city, and hit the ground running once I’m there.

In case you find yourself in a similar situation, here are the best things we did on this trip (in no particular order):

1. Dinner at La Sirene.

We made reservations here on a rainy evening, and enjoyed a cozy dinner that ended up being super affordable as well as delicious. Highly recommend. It’s five minutes away from a bunch of cute Soho boutiques, as well – great for window shopping before your meal.

2. A visit to the Cloisters.

Have you been here before? The Clositers is a branch of the Met located in Fort Tyron Park in northern Manhattan (take the A train to 190th Street).

It’s like a different world.

 

The Cloisters is both a museum and gardens. It was assembled from architectural elements, both domestic and religious, that largely date from the twelfth through the fifteenth century.

Check out this container for the precious remains of a saint:

From the museum description:

the container adopts the form of the relics it once held-fragments of a saint’s arm. When the reliquary was set on an altar, the sacred bones could be perceived in the two windows, once covered with crystal, that are cut into the silver. When carried in procession, the imposing image of the saint’s arm raised in blessing could be easily seen by the faithful even from a distance.

Wow.

3. A walk through Chinatown.

Unfortunately, I had a super bad stomach ache for a couple of days on the trip. I have no idea why. One of my friends suggested that I go to Lin Sister Herbs to see if they could recommend a tea or something to help me.

The woman behind the counter didn’t hesitate. She grabbed a box of tea and rang it up before I could even deliberate. My kind of place for sure. While the tea didn’t noticeably help my malady, it was worth the trip.

We wanted to go to Jing Fong Dim Sum (thanks again, Henry!), but the line was too long (over an hour). Still, worth trying.

Pop into Pearl River for souvenirs and fun.

 

4. A trip into Brooklyn.

We took the L train to Bedford Avenue. We window shopped and walked through the neighborhood for awhile, and then went to Primp and Polish, the best nail salon ever.

They do gel manis and pedis with nail art! I have never seen this before. (And I admit, it’s the little things that make me happy).

My daughter got Nyan cat.

5. Snow Days Shavery.

Shaved snow. For real. Yeti tracks. Just try it. (Thanks Henry and Ang!)

6. Angels and Fleas, the Chelsea Market, and the Highline.

For great peoplewatching and shopping. Check out my new necklace (photo courtesy of my 11-year-old friend).

7. The free Fashion Tour.

This tour is really, really good. And it’s free.

If you need a nosh beforehand, check out UrbanSpace, a pop-up food market. Not sure how long it’s going to be there, so go now, while you can! I got a delicious lobster roll, but you could also get about fifty other delicious things (duck dumplings, Dutch pancakes, Belgian waffles, Japanese curry, Brazilian bonbons, whoopie pies, paella, wood-fired pizzas…)

8. So much more.

Of course we walked miles. We went to Central Park. We shopped in Soho. We saw a Broadway show and popped into a little Thai restaurant on 46th street afterward. All of the usual things that we love about NYC.

And now we’re heading home. Tired but so happy. And already planning our return…

What are you favorite things to do in New York City? I want to add them to my already-started list for next time. 🙂