A Locals Guide; New York Edition
With each collection we explore a new destination inspired by our travels - places we've been and the ones we dream of going. Our first stop was New York. Let's go back...
A Dream Day in Manhattan
with Claire of Worth Mentioning
Morning Coffee and a Stroll
They say New York’s the city that never sleeps, but experiencing early mornings in Manhattan as the city wakes up is pretty magical.
Start your day with a stroll across downtown from the East Village to the West Village. If, like me, it takes a morning brew to get you going, I’d recommend grabbing a coffee and pastry from either La Cabra or Smor Bakery.
If a bagel is what you’re craving, Apollo Bagels is your place. They’re open-faced style, which I love and makes them easier to share. Go early, as the line can get long.
Once caffeinated, stroll along tree-lined 10th St towards the West Village. Admire the beautiful old brownstones and quaint corner stores. Make a stop at Big Night shop for all things dinner parties & hosting.
Places to Be, Things to See
From here, you’ve got a lot of options. If you’re keen to hit the shops, wander over to Soho. You’ll find all the boutiques like Ganni, Baggu, and The Frankie Shop. My favorite pocket of shops is around Elizabeth St. Find your perfect scent at D.S. & Durga and pop into Everlane, Sezane, and American Vintage for some new threads.
Another option is to walk the High Line, a 2 km stretch of elevated garden running along a set of old railway tracks. It does get busy, so it’s best done in the morning. To give those legs a rest, stop into Chelsea Market. I love heading to Lobster Place for freshly shucked oysters and paper cup prosecco. Or grab some of the best tacos in the city from Los Tacos and their sister spot, Los Mariscos.
If you’re in the mood for a museum, head uptown and visit The Met. This place is huge and never ceases to inspire. I usually go straight to the art wing to spot Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, and more.
An Afternoon Drink
It’s always cocktail hour in New York, but pre-dinner is the perfect time for a martini or glass of vino. Head to Nat’s on Bank or St Jardim for a drink with street-side people watching. Another alfresco favorite is Le Dive in the Lower East Side. For something a little cozier, there’s the Spanish wine bar, Bar Jamon, in Gramercy.
Dinner Time
No matter what you’re craving, there’s a dinner spot for you. For modern American share-plates in a chic setting, I love Claud in the East Village. For a cool vibe with a coastal-inspired menu in the Lower East Side, my pick would be Cervo’s. For a fun and relaxed atmosphere with authentic Italian, head to Fiaschetteria Pistoia.
After Dinner
For a night out in New York, catch a comedy show at the famous Comedy Cellar on Bleecker St, a jazz show at Smalls Jazz Club, or an off-Broadway show at one of the many independent theaters like The Public Theatre.
About Claire
Claire is a Melbourne-born Creative Strategist and founder of Worth Mentioning, a brand marketing studio supporting small businesses with content, trends, design and digital. Claire has been based in New York City for the past two years and loves sharing her local discoveries and recommendations.
