Our Most Recent Trip to NYC
📍 Madison Square Park, NYC

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A quick disclaimer: These pictures are from my December trip to NYC. I know that the city is much snowier, but I realized that I hadn’t shared any of the details yet! The leaves are long gone, but this neutral outfit is here to stay! It was perfect for strolling through Manhattan and enjoying a jam-packed couple of days. With each mile we walked, my Sarah Flint Perfect Zip Boots were incredibly comfortable and reminded me why there my favorite pick for winter. Here’s a look at our most recent Winter trip to NYC.

Check-In at the Ace Hotel

We’ve stayed in a few different hotels during this past year of NYC trips. Each time has been in the NoMad because of its central location and number of options. We picked the Ace Hotel on this particular visit, and I think we’ve finally found a favorite! It perfectly suited our style, and the room had plenty of space to do some remote work. I give double points for the incredible lobby bar and connection to a Black Seed Bagel plus Stumptown Coffee. It’s safe to say that we’ve found our home away from home. 

Coffee from Devoción Coffee

After a surprisingly early check-in, we took a stroll through the neighborhood and Madison Square Park. Just a few weeks blocks away is one of my favorite coffee shops in the city, Devoción. It was often a starting point for running errands in Union Square when we lived in the city. The reason for the frequent visits? They serve some of the best nitro coffee and a delicious parmesan-leek croissant. We took our goodies to go and continued the walk through NoMad.

Ramen Lunch at Momosan

A true highlight of the trip was getting together with co-workers for lunch. Since we all work remotely, and everyone lives in New York, I rarely get to see them. Mamosan was a favorite when there was a company office, and I’ve heard only, but wonderful things! It’s from Iron Chef Morimoto, so you know it’s going to be good. Besides, where in the US will you find better ramen than in NYC? 

Cocktails at Grand Central Oyster Bar

After a very filling lunch, we miraculously had room for one more cocktail. Since Grand Central Station was just a quick walk away, we opted for drinks at the famed Oyster Bar. It’s such an iconic location, and I only regret not having gone sooner. A word to the wise, I found these drinks to be quite strong, so you may want to pace yourself!

Live Music at the Roxy

After an incredible diner at Dante on MacDougal, we wandered our way into Tribeca for such a night of live music. Go into the Roxy Hotel, a marvel unto itself, and make your way to the basement level for The Django. This jazz club is modeled after the boîtes in Paris and certainly feels like you’re being transported into the days of Hemingway. In fact, order a Hemingway Daiquiri at the bar and listen to the lineup, seeing where the evening takes you. 

Window Shopping in SOHO

Is it really a trip to New York without some heavy window shopping? Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t exactly in our favor on this day. So, we bundled up and shopped through the streets of SOHO. Even though the crowds were intense, the buzz of the city was just absolutely infectious. A quick drink at Balthazar is an absolute must while in the neighborhood. 

Romantic Dinner at Vin Sur Vingt

Our hotel is just a few blocks from the original Shake Shack. Unfortunately, it was closed for the season, and we needed to find a last-minute spot for dinner. We are so happy to have stumbled upon Vin Sur Vingt. This French Wine Bar caught my eye several times, and it’s even better in person. We were here for hours chatting with the other patrons and servers. I know this would easily become our ‘regular’ spot if we still lived in the city. It’s absolutely worth the trip from the Upper East Side. 

Karaoke Night at RPM Underground

It only took me 30 years, but I finally participated in karaoke. We got together with some of David’s former co-workers and belted our hearts out until very early in the morning. RPM Underground is just around the corner from the Ed Sullivan and Times Square. It’s a favorite with our dear friends. After lots of singing, we walked the thirty blocks back to the hotel. I had absolutely no voice, but having Times Square all to ourselves is a memory I’ll always cherish. 

Every time we revisit NYC, it’s a busy few days, but I’m reminded of how much I love the energy. Although we don’t have any new trips scheduled for 2022, I know we’ll be back several times. What can I say? I just can’t stay away!

Love from NYC,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

Visiting In America at the MET
📍 Upper East Side, NYC

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When living in the Upper East Side, I always looked forward to Met Gala night. Obviously, I have yet to earn an invite, but my corner of the neighborhood would be positively brimming with excitement! The brightest stars would just be a few blocks away. The celebration is behind the unveiling of a new Costume Institute exhibit. This year, the theme is In America: A Lexicon of Fashion and is a dedication to American fashion. Last month, while in NYC, I made a return to the old neighborhood to see the exhibit in person. I promise you, it doesn’t disappoint!

Where To Look

If you’ve never visited before, New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art is an absolute maze! I’ve gotten uncomfortably lost inside on several occasions. To see the Costume Institute without the crowds, it’s good to know exactly where to look. This portion of the museum is located in the middle of the Egyptian collection, on the right side when you enter from 5th Avenue. Wander through the thousands of years of ancient art, and make your way down the stairs to the Anna Wintour Costume Center. If you get there right when they open at 10 am, like I did, you may end up having the exhibit to yourself for a few minutes.

What to Expect

In America is the first step of a two-part collection that will span the following year. With stark white walls behind the 104 different designs, each can stand out in the spotlight. Accompanied with each model is an adjective to describe America and the designer’s work. Some words, like Unity, are incredibly straightforward but such a pure representation of what it means to be American. Others, like Wonder, may mean different things to different people. These are the designs that you may reflect on for a little bit longer to let it set in. Whatever your perspective, it’s a feast for the eyes! 

Why It’s Important

The past few years have been particularly grueling. There’s so much divisiveness, and I’m pessimistic that it will get better any time soon. This collection is a reminder that there is no one American experience or story. The American dream can look and feel like an infinite number of possibilities. This exhibit is a reminder to love and celebrate those differences. From the costumes included to the individual designers themselves, all are unique. The other thing this exhibit attempts to incorporate is inclusivity. There are different representations of models and a wide variety of backgrounds for the designers. Just like this beautiful country we call home. It was such a treat to see in person and something I wish more people could stop and appreciate.

Other Important Details

If you’re visiting NYC, the MET is always my top recommendation. This particular exhibit will be on display until September 5, 2022, allowing for plenty of time to book your tickets! On May 7th, the second portion of this exhibit will open with the Anthology of Fashion. It will be located in the American Wing of the museum and will look more into the American history of tailoring and styling. While I currently don’t have trips planned to the city, this will be high on my list of priorities! Hopefully, they’ll release their catalog in the MET bookstore soon, and I can enjoy the exhibit for years to come. 

What Else to See

If you’re in the MET, don’t let In America be the only thing you visit. There’s just so much to see that a lifetime wouldn’t be enough to appreciate all of its 2 million pieces. The last time we visited in June, the Arms and Armor Collection was briefly closed and getting a touchup. Now open, it was fascinating to read about medieval Europe and the samurais of ancient Japan. Honestly, every time I visit, I see something new that speaks to my heart. A case in point is this beautiful portrait of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. It’s something that I needed to see and meant so much to me! 

After a late lunch at Sant Ambroeus, my afternoon in the Upper East Side was complete. There’s so much about NYC that makes me happy, but the MET is probably at the top of the list! Each day I look back on our time in NYC with such love and will cherish it forever! Yes, book your trip and see why it’s the greatest city!

Love from NYC,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.