Last month, my best girlfriends from home came for a visit to NYC. And it just so happened that they brought the sunshine with them! It was our first peek at 60-70 degrees here and we went FULL. OUT. We celebrated a birthday and got around to some of my favorite spots...I'd have to say we pretty much nailed #odetochelsea. The girls had been to the city several times before and crossed all the touristy things off of their lists, thus they had their eyes set on the good eats, drinks, and hangs. Sign me up! Sounds like a hostess's dream. There's nothing like having the girls who have known you for such a large chunk of your life close to you. Looking up from my kitchen and seeing them sitting on my couch was such a relief for my soul. In a city where we're constantly having to pitch and audition ourselves, we just want to be known. Like truly, authentically known.
It may have been a getaway weekend for them, but it was a staycation for me. And it rocked! Often times it's exhausting to have visitors in NYC, but this time we happened to do all of my favorite things (making me soooooo excited for summer). Check out the spots we hopped around to below.
day 1: birthday celebrations. My friends arrived, settled in, walked around the neighborhood, and then we headed down for our first order of business: guacamole and margaritas. Birthday Girl's request. We had another friend from home SURPRISE us as we sat down at Benny's and all was right in the world. Naturally, our next order of business was to migrate to Magnolia's for all the cupcakes and banana pudding and take them to eat along the Hudson. Then even more was right in the world. #favoritethings
After recovering from our sugar coma, we popped over for a sunset drink at the Press Lounge. Rooftop rose? Yes, please. (There were even comfy blankets and a fire for when the wind picked up!) I can't wait to go back here.
We may have also slipped up to Harlem to crash my man's #ParlourNight and steal a few #ParlourPortraits of our own. And have some of the best burgers and fries at Harlem Shake. (I warned you there would be lots of eating and drinking...) After grabbing a nightcap at the Ace Hotel, we called it a night.
day 2: living your best life. We established that we all needed to focus on making choices to live our best lives. We did a lot of practicing of that on this day. Starting off at Blackseed Bagel.
It was the most perfect day to stroll through Nolita. So lovely in fact that we strolled all the way downtown and across the Brooklyn Bridge. Yup, blue skies and BK baby. Not so bad checking out the city from the other side (and let's be honest, having some ice cream).
We continued living our best life by heading to one of my favorite local spots on it's opening day of the season: the LOBSTER BOAT. It's true. A boat that you just stroll onto, order some drinks and deliciousness, and take a little ride up and down the Hudson River. It's a dream. And I will live my best life on it weekly for the next few months.
We took on the East Village on a Friday Night because ramen. We were lucky enough to slip into Momofuku, which was worth the hype. We were even luckier to get a reservation at PDT, which I may have had to call 26 times for. (#persistence) So, we made our way through the crowd at Crif Dogs and slipped into a phone booth door that lead us to the popular speakeasy. From then on it was bourbon-induced stories from high school and dreams of what are lives might look like next year or 10 years from now.
day 3: brooklyn day! Because everyone was telling them how cool it was. And all of the cool kids were at Smorgasburg (opening day of the season!). It seemed like every stand had a 30 min line, but I got a $6 coconut and dealt with it. But really, how can you get upset when you're eating good food on the first sunny Saturday you've seen in months? (tip: SPF50)
We strolled around Williamsburg, hopping in and out of stores and coffee shops. And then got quickly into more important hopping: rooftops. May I suggest ESH and the Whyte Hotel? Also strolling over to Greenpoint for some quality craft beer at Torst? Rooftop season is my favorite. It is also essential to living your best life. If you need an accomplice, I'm here.
day 4: quintessential sunday . You'd think we'd be full by now, but not too full for BRUNCH. We headed to the Upper Westside, which was in full bloom and just showing off all of its pretty brownstones. We opted out of unlimited sangria brunch at Calle Ocho (good times though) and snuck into Good Enough to Eat before the crowds started swarming. It really is good enough to eat. Good enough to scarf, actually. When we were able to mosey our way out, we took our satisfied bellies and full hearts to get lost for a few hours in Central Park. The only thing that sucked is that this felt so comfortable and normal. I had my people in my city, and I only wish we could casually go to brunch and the park without it having to involve plane tickets. Don't you wish you could teleport your loves from home to come hang out with you for just an evening? To have that comfort and intimacy accessible? I guess until technology grants my wish, I'll have to savor the time that we do get together. I tried to get my fix until the next reunion. (Don't worry, I also made them get their fix of Levain cookies for the trip home!)
notes:
- wear sunscreen & drink water when participating in a rooftop bar hopping marathon.
- rooftops can get douchey as the season progresses, so be aware, find some secret spots and off-peak times.
- it's not cheesy to be tourist in your own town. a staycation may surprise you!
- love and invest in your friends. value your time. live your best life! (best by the water)