Unique Spots in NYC

(Helpful hint: pin the image above for future reference!)

After traveling to New York City four times in the past 4 months, I thought I’d write up a little post about cute things to do in the city if you’re planning a weekend getaway any time soon. Obviously all the touristy things are great and you must do them if you’ve never been (Central Park, Top of the Rock, Empire State Building, etc.), but this is a list of a few hidden gems in NYC that are charming and unique.

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Shopping..

Soho Shopping 

Light fluffy snow was falling when I was shopping the cobblestone streets of Soho last week and it felt like a dream. 5th Avenue shopping is obviously amazing, but this little area is a must when it comes to getting the full shopping experience in New York. Chloé, Cole Haan, Alice & Olivia, Balenciaga, Burberry, David Yurman, Stuart Weitzman, Jonathan Adler… get my point?

The Club Monaco Flagship Store

This is quite the experience. When you walk in you feel like you’re in the chicest, cleanest, most expensive home you’ve ever seen. The feminine aesthetic, blooming trees, scent of Diptyque candles make it hard to leave. The cozy library with bookshelves on one side the coffee shop on the other give you a reason to hang out and stay longer.

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Hotels..

If it’s your first time in NY, I’d recommend staying in a central location like Midtown – it’s close to everything. But if you’re looking to branch out a little bit here are my suggestions..

The Nomo Soho (stayed here for NYFW and loved it), The Standard Hotel (great bar, young crowd, cool building), The Cosmopolitan (chic and comfortable).

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Where to Eat..

Not your average dinner date.. (Prohibition)

This is such a fun date spot on the Upper West Side if you want to mix things up. Free nightly music performances while you dine + drink! The cover band that played when we were there was incredible, the cocktail list was long, and the jumbo pretzel was as big as my torso.. the perfect dinner date if ya ask me.

A Romantic Dinner.. (The Polo Bar)

I know I raved about the Polo bar in Chicago, but this one is a must as well! It feels very exclusive (you definitely need reservations!), the rich leather seating, emerald walls, equestrian inspired art, and candle lit ambiance sets the scene for a perfectly romantic night! PS – get the burger.

A Fun Dinner with a Big Group..(ABC Kitchen)

A cool spot in the city right in the middle of the town with organic food, a great ambience, and really great decor.

Intimate Girl’s Night Dinner… (The Mermaid Inn)

A great place to eat a lobster roll, talk about men, and drink a glass of wine with your girlfriends in the East Village.

An intimate low-key dinner..(Tiny’s in TriBeCa)

It’s really tiny.. and cozy. This little place has great authentic NYC atmosphere and good food.

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Drinks..

A hidden 1920s inspired speakeasy.. (Bathtub Gin)

I went here a couple years ago when I was working as bridal consultant and in town for Bridal Fashion Week. I went with my boss and a close friend – this place is wild. To find it – go to the Stone Street Coffee Company on 9th Avenue, tucked behind it is Bathtub Gin. And yes, there’s actually a bath tub in the middle of the bar (that we may or may not have gotten pictures that night, lol). 

An intimate hidden gem with live jazz..(The Django in the Roxy Basement)

Hidden in the basement of the Roxy Hotel is, is a magical little spot called The Django. It’s a subterranean jazz club with vaulted ceilings, vintage lighting, with a romantic Parisian vibe. Order their manhattan and small plates as you enjoy live jazz.

A classy cup of joe.. (Ralph’s Coffee)

Ralph Lauren’s Fifth Avenue coffee shop is the cutest coffee shop I’ve ever seen. It’s located on the second floor of the Polo flagship store at 711 Fifth Avenue. Order the Ralph’s Roast and enjoy the pretty decor – mosaic-tiled floors, marble-top tables, white weathered bead-board walls, an aged oak 18-foot ceiling.

A bubbly flute.. (The Champagne Bar at The Plaza Hotel)

Maybe someday I’ll be living a life where I can stay at The Plaza Hotel for a weekend, but for now, a flute of champagne at the bar will do! With views overlooking Fifth Avenue and the Pulitzer Fountain, this elegant spot is beautiful, classic, and perfect for a celebration.

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I hope this helps you find some of your favorite spots in NYC! I’ll be back in a few weeks for NYFW so hopefully I can add a few more places to the list! Also, if you haven’t seen it yet, the 911 memorial & museum should without a doubt be one of the first things on your list to see. It’s completely breathtaking – you’ll leave with tears in your eyes and a heavy heart after paying tribute to the lives lost.

Hope you’re having a good Wednesday night, thanks for stopping by, – xo liv