what to do in nyc | the metropolitan museum of art + cafe sabarsky

For the most part I'm really okay that I didn't end up in Paris this long weekend (that post and explanation coming tomorrow).

But for my eyes.

But for the feast my eyes would've beheld.

And the weight of the camera in my hands as I beheld it.

Does that make sense?

There are so many ways we feed ourselves, I believe that. And just as our bodies are primed (and need) to eat a variety of things...I think the eyes need the same. The architecture, the paintings, the small neighborhoods and cobble stone streets, my eyes were hungry for Paris. My body was craving the experience of the city.

But Paris will wait; it has to.

When it became clear the trip was not happening, or rather, that it would happen without me, I called my very best friends here in the city and asked them to play tourist with me. I wanted to do something in New York that would in some way mimic my derailed Parisian adventure.

The Met came to mind.

It's one of the most visited tourist attraction, and while I--yes--tend to shy away from visiting such places (or even suggesting them), on this front I absolutely concede: the Met is worth the visit.

The building itself is a stunner. The galleries are well curated and the artwork is, of course, tremendous. So go. Really, go.

And after, turn the corner on 86th and grab a delicious meal or snack at Cafe Sabarsky (inspired by turn of the century Viennese cafes) in the Neue Galerie. There is an upstairs and downstairs to this establishment--the upstairs while admittedly more aesthetically appealing has the wait time to go along with it. It's not inexpensive, but it's a fun and interesting New York experience.

what to do in nyc | fort tryon + the cloisters

There's a place high up north on the island of Manhattan that hardly anyone speaks of. And yet. And yet and yet. It is beautiful and quiet and the air is cooler and cleaner and the view! Fort Tryon Park is, in my not so humble opinion, one of the most beautiful things you might hope to see in Manhattan--in large part because it so very much a departure from what you expect of this city. It is lush and hilly and the bluffs on the other side of the Hudson part to reveal what surely inspired so much art of the American romantic and transcendentalist movement.

It is an always welcome pause.

It is also home to The Cloisters (the branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art devoted to Medieval artwork). Yesterday was just my second time visiting this museum and I had forgotten how lovely it. It is too small to be overwhelming and wonderfully mixes indoor and outdoor space.

It is my suggestion that if you're visiting New York it's worth riding the A train to 190th and taking the elevator up (follow the signs to The Cloisters). It will empty you at the entrance of Fort Tryon. Walk through the park to the museum, enjoy your fill of Medieval architecture and relics, and then have lunch or brunch or dinner at New Leaf Cafe--one of my very favorite restaurants in New York because it feels nearly out of place, nestled as it is in so much vegetation. These three things (as well as the time for the commute) will fill a full morning or afternoon.

{As I research what to do + where to go in Paris--with absolutely no prior knowledge of the city, it has got me rethinking how to advise people visiting New York. There is so much information I take for granted and I think when I return from my sojourn I'm going to work to revamp any tips/tricks/ideas for really getting the New York city experience when you've only got a little bit of time}.

Happy Monday, I have a feeling it's going to be a good week!

xo

what to do in nyc | jazz age lawn party on governors island

For as many years as I've lived in New York, I can't believe this is the first time I've been to the Jazz Age Lawn Party on Governors Island. Food, booze, dancing, big bands, and enough red lipstick and suspenders to keep a girl going for months...I'll be going back again and again.

And just a ferry ride away.

WHAT TO DO IN NYC | stumptown coffee @ the ace hotel

if i were ever to leave new york and visit i would stay at the ace. the hotel is cool to the point that it's almost disconcerting--they leave sheet music by the side of the bed. you know, in case you wake up in the middle of the night and feel inclined to jot down a tune. and the men who work there are impeccably dressed in that portland-imported-way that tends to buckles a lady's knees.

oh yes, and the coffee is damn fine, too.

all photos by sam shorey

taken with laura meyers

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WHAT TO DO IN NYC and WHERE TO EAT IN NYC

WHAT TO DO IN NYC//

DUMBO waterfront// Brooklyn Bridge Park// This area boasts great views of several of New York's most famous bridges as well as lower Manhattan. It's a vibrant area that always seems to have a lot going on--weddings, performances and more. {official site}

Fort Tryon Park// Most people will write this off because it's so far north, but i believe it's hands-down-the-most-beautiful-part of Manhattan. I suggest making a day (or half-day) of it. Wander around the park, take in the Cloisters, and then have lunch or dinner at New Leaf. {official sites of Fort Tryon, The Cloisters, New Leaf}

Central Park// I suggest renting a bike and riding around for an hour or two. When on foot make sure to see the Jackie Kennedy Resevoir (great view) and the Conservatory Garden (most people miss this, but again, it's one of the most beautiful things you could hope to see in Manhattan). Also, in the park is a small (and quite fun) zoo--don't miss the penguins--and a good old-fashioned carousel. When the weather is nice grab some food from Whole Food's salad bar at Columbus Circle (at the southern entrance of the park) and picnic in the park. {official sites of Central Park, Conservatory Garden, and the Reservoir}.

Riverside Park// Located along the western edge of the island, this is where those famous last scenes of You've Got Mail were filmed. It's a lush with a great view of the water and a really nice stroll. My blurb doesn't really do it justice--it is in fact one of my very favorite parts of Manhattan. {official site}

Brooklyn Heights Promenade// In case my other suggestions haven't made it clear, I'm a big fan of parks. And New York boasts some pretty spectacular ones. This would be one of them--and the adjacent neighborhood is really lovely to walk around. {official site}

The Guggenheim// I know the MOMA is all the rage, but I'm a big fan of the Guggenheim--it's not tremendously large so it doesn't overwhelm. And their classics are among the most beautiful out there. Plus, the audio tour is great--and this from a gal who almost never picks up the free tour accessories. 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art// This is one of my favorite NYC staples. The building alone is worth  checking out. And then there's the stunning artwork (and really fun people-watching) inside. It's a suggested donation--if you can afford to pay that then by all means do, but if you can't don't be afraid to pay what you're able. {official site}

The Bowery Ballroom// This is my favorite concert venue in NYC. It is small (no real seating) and feels like the most beautiful 1950's gymnasium. Many times you can buy tickets to a show the day-of or right at the door. And even if you don't know the band, why not pay (on average) 15 dollars for live music and a chance to hang out at this gorgeous venue. {official site}

Sleep No More// If you're hankering to see a show, but not necessarily the traditional Broadway fare, you must, must, must see this. It is a site-specific dance piece which can go on for hours and loosely follows much of Shakespeare's Macbeth. Everyone in the audience wears masks and has to seek out the story by wandering (and sometimes running) through the four-story hotel. It is bizarre and beautiful and unlike anything else. {official site}





for other trip ideas: see what my mom and i did when she came to town!