Uptown Loving

I've mentioned previously how much of a fan I am of NYC and how periodically I act as a tourist in my own city. The thing about NYC (or the 5 boroughs) is that there is so much to explore. Just when you thought you've seen it all something new is built or some new trend has started. It's an ever evolving place with new things to always see.

Over the summer, I had one of those days. Didn't want to sit home, didn't want to stay in my neighborhood, so I got out with a few family members and took a ride Uptown. I love Uptown! It's full of culture, great food, art, and when compared to Midtown a lot more quiet and calm. Not all areas of Uptown are great (FYI) but if you know where you're going you'll be fine.

We headed to the Cloisters. The Cloisters is perfect if you're a fan of art, history, or are looking for a nice quiet spot to have lunch, take a walk or just relax with a bit of scenery. The Cloisters is actually a museum which contains artwork from the Medieval times. You can pay to see the museum and interior or you can just save your money and walk the surrounding area. The building's architecture looks like a fort and it overlooks the Hudson River. It's surrounded by gardens and is within the area of Fort Tryon Park which gives you plenty of areas to walk, sit, and/or relax. This time, I didn't go to see the art work but I have been there before. The interior of the museum is like a blast from the past, like walking right into history, it is amazing and definitely worth visiting if that interests you.

Entrance to the Cloisters

All Pictures Posted Taken By Miss_NYCity

When you get to the location you can continue walking and you'd be in the Fort Tryon Park area where there are benches for you to take in the scenery, grass areas for you to sit and have picnics, and there are views of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge. It's hard to imagine that in Manhattan you can get lost in areas that feel like you are NOT in the city but they exist you just have to find them.

Fort Tryon Park, Uptown Manhattan

All Pictures Posted Taken By Miss_NYCity

Subway Station  /  George Washington Bridge

All Pictures Posted Taken By Miss_NYCity

Enjoy,
Miss_NYCity <3 br="">

Top 6 Walks You Must Take This Fall!!

Happy Fall!

As the weather cools down and the leaves begin to fall, it is the perfect time to go walking. It's cool but not cold, warm but not hot. Walking is great exercise and nothing is better than being entertained with a gorgeous view. It's also free! So if you're new to NYC or just visiting we welcome you! If you've ran out of sights to see or can't think of a new date spot for your hunnie, try one of these. Get on your hoodies and sneakers, stop for a warm drink and GET THE WALKING!

1. The High Line: This was formerly an elevated railroad track on the West side of Manhattan which was converted into a park. I personally consider it more of a walkway then a park. It's overground and you have to enter it by walking up one of the many stairway entries. It starts on Gansevoort Street and stretches all the way to W34th Street (between 10th and 12th ave). It's a long walk and because it's overground the view is nice. What makes it even more interesting is that you can somewhat tell it was a former railroad. As you walk it, you are walking between buildings and apartments. They have it decorated with greenery and depending on where you start your walk, you will also get a view of the Empire State building. Check out www.thehighline.org for more information.

2. The Brooklyn Bridge: I've always been a fan of this bridge. I've walked it so many times and every time it's like I'm walking it for the first time. The Brooklyn Bridge was completed and opened in 1883 so it's officially a historical landmark of NYC. It's views of Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn, the NYC skyline and the Manhattan Bridge are gorgeous. You can even see the Statue of Liberty. The architecture on the bridge is absolutely amazing. If you are walking from Manhattan into Brooklyn you can stop at Grimaldi's (www.grimaldis.com)for amazing brick oven pizza. If you're walking from Brooklyn into Manhattan you're a short walk away from The Freedom Tower and Wall Street. There are plenty of restaurants and food trucks. Otherwise you can just enjoy walking and viewing the architecture and beauty of the city buildings.

3. Shore Park: This park runs along the Belt Parkway in Bayridge, Brooklyn. It is a long stretch for walking, biking, or just enjoying the scene, which gives you a breathtaking view of the Verrazano Bridge. I've been here before and I love it. If you are in the Brooklyn area, this is a must-see spot. Although this is a waterfront spot, it's right along the highway. I would consider this a park, so if you are looking for restaurants nearby you'd probably have to drive there. Nonetheless, it's definitely romantic and is a perfect after dinner walk!

4. Astoria Park: This park is in Astoria, Queens. It is similar to Shore Park in that it is a waterfront park that gives you a view of a bridge. It's a view of the RFK Bridge AKA the Triboro Bridge. Although similar, this park has a totally different vibe to it. It is also actually a real park. So you will find a jungle gym and a skateboard area and other park-like things. Astoria is also known for it's restaurants and social vibe so if your in the area definitely stop for food or drinks. Via Trenta is a nice Italian spot for dinner or wine. (www.viatrenta.com)  

Astoria Park, NYC

All pictures posted were taken by @Miss_NYCity

5. Long Island City Piers: I remember going to the "LIC Piers" since I was in high school and boy has it changed. When I was younger, we used to go as friends, sit on the large rocks and eat ice cream. At that time it was a secret location that few people knew about. There was one condominium building and everything else was desolate. Not anymore! This is definitely the new social spot. Plenty of restaurants, bars, rooftops, and snack spots. Located in Long Island City, Queens- Center Blvd,  it's just a few minutes away from the the 59th Street Bridge (AKA Queensboro Bridge). You could go out to eat before hand and then walk over to the piers and enjoy the view of the skyline. Try Spice for some delish Thai Food! (www.spicethainyc.com)

6. Williamsburg Park: Williamsburg has been a fairly famous social spot for people living in the city for quite some time. It's known for it's very trendy hipster style. It's fun and the environment is so alive. Whether you like to dress up, dress down, mis-match, or whatever you will fit in. Plenty of restaurants/bars to enjoy along with retro stores, boutiques, nail salons, ice cream shops, and thrift stores. It really has everything. Anyway, a short walk away is Williamsburg park. Located between N 10th and N 11th Street in Williamsburg, BK you will enjoy a gorgeous view of the Empire State Building, NYC skyline, and the Williamsburg Bridge. Feeling hungry? Try the Meatball Shop! (www.themeatballshop.com) 

Can you tell I love my city?! By the way, skyline and bridge views are my favorite!

Get out there! Take a beautiful walk, enjoy the view and tell me what you think!

xoxo,

Miss_NYCity
Follow me on twitter @Miss_NYCity

NYC Summer Memories

Heyyyyy!

I've been M.I.A! For real though, but I'm back not to worry.

Summer, summer, summertime. What's better then warm weather, BBQs, tan skin, bikinis, and drinks by the beach? NOTHING of course! I can't seem to find one complaint about this summer! Everything was perfect. The weather in NYC was so much cooler than usual. It was in the 80s by day and cool and breezy by night. Very little rain and very few humid days.

Williamsburg, NYC

All pictures posted were taken by @Miss_NYCity

I did my usual sightseeing and exploration and I stumbled upon a few new spots that I really enjoyed.

Catskills, NY: I spent a long weekend here to get away from the traffic and noisy Fourth of July in the boroughs. I'm not a fan of fireworks at all (personal story), so for me nothing is more annoying than listening to people scare the crap out of you with the fireworks they bought from other states. By the way it's illegal in NYC to have, purchase, or use fireworks. My dog hates it, I hate it, and this year we spent the weekend Upstate away from the noise. Even my dog came along. We rented a house up there, had a real bonfire, roasted marshmallows for smores. I loved the view of the mountains and the quiet sound of nature. It was so amazing. I even saw stars!!!

Brunch: Pranna & Punch. OMG! The reason why I have to workout consistently is because I love food too much! These two places are great.

• Pranna is located in the Gramercy area of Manhattan. I went to Pranna twice for a Sunday birthday gathering and it's just an amazing experience. It's brunch, so it's a fixed rate for food and unlimited drinks, like Mimosas, Bellinis, Screwdrivers, and Bloody Mary's. You eat first and then there is a live DJ. So there you are drinking and dancing at about 4pm and you are totally tipsy by 6pm, and once you get home your ready for bed! LOL! A great time. If you haven't done it go for it. It's perfect for birthdays and social events. Website: www.prannarestaurant.com

• Punch is a small low key restaurant located in the Flatiron district. The food is delicious and the drinks I had were perfect. I went with a friend and she enjoyed everything as well. Please if you are hungry or in the mood for brunch check this place out!!! Website: www.punchrestaurant.com

Snacks: As a lover of food, I have to say that it's surprising that I'm not overweight.

• Wafels&Dinges: For quite some time I've been interested in trying one of the food trucks and the one on my mental list was wafels&dinges. It had a belgium waffle with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzled with chocolate syrup and topped with sugar powder. OMG! My mouth is watering all over again. It was seriously amazing. You can add any toppings you want and they have a variety of desserts, lunches, etc. Just please try it, you won't regret it. You can follow them on twitter @waffletruck to get an update on their locations around NYC. Website: www.wafelsanddinges.com

• Eataly: Also in the Flatiron District. There is no wondering why it's called Eataly! It's like hopping on a jet and landing in Italy. I intially went for their gelato but there was so much other things there as well. The best way I can describe it is it's like an Ikea for Italian food. The same way Ikea is separated by section is the way Eataly is organized. There is a wine/beer section, a meat section, a Nutella bar, a gelato bar, and then an area where you can eat and more. It was much bigger than I expected and everything looked, smelled, and tasted amazing. So if  you love Italy, Italian food or products definitely make a stop there. Website: www.eataly.com

Rooftop Bar/Lounges: I clearly love NYC! So I am always looking for new areas to take in the scene of the New York Skyline. Rooftop lounges have really gotten popular over the past couple of years.

• VistaSky Lounge [LIC, Queens]. It's a relatively new location in Long Island City, Queens. It's a rooftop and is actually located inside the Four Points Sheraton Hotel. It's a very small location compared to other places. We went on a Saturday to celebrate a birthday and it was really calm. The overall mood was chill and even though it was small it was never insanely crowded. People kind of drifted in and out for drinks. Some people stayed, some people left. It was a nice night and the view was definitely breathtaking. Website: www.vistany.com

Classes:

• Joe's Pro Shop [Flatiron District, NYC] It's a small coffee shop located in the Flatiron District. I took a coffee tasting class. I know, who knew they had coffee tasting classes? But really, in NYC they have everything! This class basically teaches you how to smell, taste, and identify different kinds of coffee. I am a big coffee fanatic. I can't go a day without a cup or two of coffee and I thought I should learn more so that I can talk about what I love so much. It was a basic class that cost $25 but I learned how to identify the kind of coffee that I prefer by smell, taste, etc. It was definitely an experience. If you like coffee or are looking for a new date idea with that special someone you should definitely try it. Then go have brunch or dinner in the area afterwards. Check out www.joenewyork.com for more information on classes. 

If you want to see pics or talk NYC, follow me on twitter @Miss_NyCity !

Love,

Miss_NYCity
Follow me on twitter @Miss_NyCity

A NYC Christmas

I love everything about the Holiday Season in New York. You can feel the spirit in the way the people walk with shopping bags weighing down their arms. The way the stores are decorated with lights, trees, candy canes and more. The cold air makes you want to grab something warm to drink while the smell of warm roasted peanuts reaches your nose. The warm air that escapes the sewers down below is a visible sign that it is cold outside. Nothing will make you more in the mood for the Holidays than walking the streets of Manhattan during this holiday season.

I know many New Yorkers who don't go out and experience the city at any time of the year. People who've never seen the Empire State Building or gone to the South Street Seaport. Sometimes they even say it's not a New York thing to do. Well I disagree, since I was younger, my parents have always taken me out sightseeing. It's tradition and how else can you talk about being a New Yorker if you know nothing about it.

If you take a walk down Madison Avenue you will see all the shops decorated for the Holidays. By the first week of December, Rockefeller Center has had it's tree lighting ceremony so you are able to see the large Christmas tree beautifully decorated with lights. Across the Street, you can take a look at the Saks Fifth Ave window display which is usually a different theme every year. Something the whole family would enjoy. Across the street from Rockefeller Center is St. Patrick's Cathedral which is also always beautiful to visit. Down 5th Avenue, you can see the large Swarovski snowflake hung in the middle of the street. A few blocks away Radio City Music Hall is where many people go and see the Christmas Spectacular a Holiday show. I went once as a child but haven't been back since.

Whether you are a New Yorker or not, Christmas here is something you have to experience at some point in your life time. Dress warm and just walk. It will put you in the perfect mood to begin celebrating the Holidays.

With Love & Holiday Cheer,
Miss_NYCity

Shop NYC

New York City.
The Fashion Capital.
Also Known for NYC Fashion Week.

NYC is definitely known for fashion. Whether you're into the high end or the low end you can find it here. Oddly enough we aren't really big on malls. Of course we have them (at least 2 in each borough) but if you're looking to be unique and stylish you won't find it at the mall where everyone else can find it.

So where do we shop?

Avenues! Streets! Boutiques!

I definitely like to keep up with the fashion styles but I'm also not going to act like I'm Miss. Fashionista or some exclusive stylist. I just like to look trendy and in style. With the holidays just around the corner people are beginning to shop or think about shopping. Around this time of year, I start doing my Xmas shopping- mostly for others but I'm not gonna lie I include myself in the mix if I find something cute!!

So here are some places to shop if you are in Brooklyn, Queens, or Manhattan.

If you're in Manhattan:

Malls include:
The Manhattan Mall on W 33rd Street and Columbus Circle (AKA Time Warner Center)

Street Shopping:
Madison Ave (High End Shops)
7th Ave AKA Fashion Ave (Trendy with some mall stores)
Soho (Trendy & High End)
China Town (Bargain Shopping)
Delancey Street (Bargain Shopping)

If you're in Queens:

Malls include:
Queens Center Mall and Shops at Atlas Park

Street Shopping:
Steinway Street (Trendy with some mall stores)
Myrtle Ave (Trendy with some mall stores)
Main Street (Bargain Shopping)
Austin Street (Trendy & High End)

If you're in Brooklyn:

Malls include:
Kings Plaza Mall and Gateway Center

Street Shopping:
Graham Avenue (Bargain Shopping, some mall stores, some trendy)
Knickerbocker Avenue (Bargain Shopping, some mall stores, some trendy)
Fulton Street (Bargain Shopping, some mall stores, some trendy)
Williamsburg (Trendy & Bargain Shopping)
Court Street (Trendy & High End)

So put on some comfy shoes because it's going to be a lot of walking. Grab a cup of coffee or anything warm and shop til you drop! Happy Shopping!

Love,
Miss_NYCity