We have some new gems to tell you about…
So this post is a little late, but I figured it’s better late than never! Last November we went back to New York and had an absolutely wonderful time. Not only was it the best weather I’ve ever had there – not a cloud in the sky and unseasonably warm leaving us in light jackets! – we got the chance to revisit some of our favorite places that we haven’t been to in years, and discover new gems. So it’s time to share!! If you are new to my New York guides, it would be best to start with mine original post (although it’s from 2017 and is now outdated!), My post is updated from 2020 The most current, but the best way to browse all my recommendations with this map that has been viewed 140,000 times! How crazy is that?! It’s very useful if I do say so myself and contains colorful guides for hotels, brunches, dinners, coffees, shopping, nightlife, sightseeing and more…
TAKE AWAY FROM THE TRIP:
Jet lag kills – especially if your child has rescheduled you to start every day at 6am. The latest was that we managed to sleep until five in the morning on the last day!! Reverse this by leaning in, booking an early breakfast and dinner and being in bed by 9pm. Not glamorous, especially in a city that never sleeps – but we weren’t really there for too long when we got home.
You don’t need a metrocard for the subway anymore! They accept Apple Pay – you just click when you start the journey. The subway is still the best, cheapest and fastest way to get around.
I think I’m converted to living in Williamsburg. I really like the vibe of the place and the restaurants there are amazing – I never felt like we were missing out by not being in Manhattan. It suits our current stage of life (although if I was visiting with my girlfriends I would want to be somewhere in the middle – it depends on what you want!).
Leave extra space in your suitcase – shopping is great (and yes I ended up paying for extra luggage on the way home!).
OUR FOUR DAY SCHEDULE:
I always think it’s helpful to include our itineraries here – just in case you’re looking for a good place to start and build your journey around. Remember that we are smart parents. HA! There was SO MUCH to pack in, but ultimately we wanted to have a slower pace of travel than we usually do. And again, we’ve been a few times before so we haven’t done any of the old tourist stuff because we’re lucky that we’ve done it. My two previous New York posts have itineraries geared towards that.
FIRST DAY
3 PM – Arrive at JFK.
5 PM – Log in to the hotel and drop off the bags. We explored the area and did a lot of Christmas shopping Smoochie Baby.
7 PM – We had dinner at Mogador Restaurantand was able to fit into the starting piece Joe’s after that again. I was still hungry, we caught you ice cream he again deviated from the area Trader Joe’s because I like supermarkets abroad.
9 PM – Go back to the hotel and go back to bed.
DAY TWO
9AM – Breakfast at Sunday in Brooklyn – will always recommend here.
10:30 AM – Shopping in Williamsburg – find all my recommendations here. Definitely come out The Credo. Return to the hotel to drop off bags and grab a snack.
2 PM – Walk over the Williamsburg Bridge again Vintage Twin (big, but expensive, Levi’s 501), then it comes FAO Schwarz to pick up something for the little boy.
7 PM – Dinner at ABC Kitchenthen I go back to the hotel.
THIRD DAY
9AM – Breakfast at the hotel and leave Peloton Studios doing the class live!!
12 PM – Return to Williamsburg for lunch This is Frankel’s placehe stopped at a few shops on the way back to the hotel.
3 PM – Time to relax back at the hotel – we were tired from the start!
7 PM – Dinner at Rule Threethen I go back to the hotel.
DAY FOUR
9AM – Breakfast at Russian and daughters to meet him Lizzy!
10:30 PM – Built in Vintage woke up, Whole Foods and take the subway to Sephora.
12 PM – Take a sandwich from it Misson Sandwich Social. I recommend ordering online for pickup if it’s a busy time – this place fills up!
3 PM – Exit the hotel and return to JFK.
Photos by Mark Newton