WHAT TO DO IN NYC//

DUMBO waterfront// Brooklyn Bridge Park// This area boasts great views of several of New York's most famous bridges as well as lower Manhattan. It's a vibrant area that always seems to have a lot going on--weddings, performances and more. {official site}

Fort Tryon Park// Most people will write this off because it's so far north, but i believe it's hands-down-the-most-beautiful-part of Manhattan. I suggest making a day (or half-day) of it. Wander around the park, take in the Cloisters, and then have lunch or dinner at New Leaf. {official sites of Fort Tryon, The Cloisters, New Leaf}

Central Park// I suggest renting a bike and riding around for an hour or two. When on foot make sure to see the Jackie Kennedy Resevoir (great view) and the Conservatory Garden (most people miss this, but again, it's one of the most beautiful things you could hope to see in Manhattan). Also, in the park is a small (and quite fun) zoo--don't miss the penguins--and a good old-fashioned carousel. When the weather is nice grab some food from Whole Food's salad bar at Columbus Circle (at the southern entrance of the park) and picnic in the park. {official sites of Central Park, Conservatory Garden, and the Reservoir}.

Riverside Park// Located along the western edge of the island, this is where those famous last scenes of You've Got Mail were filmed. It's a lush with a great view of the water and a really nice stroll. My blurb doesn't really do it justice--it is in fact one of my very favorite parts of Manhattan. {official site}

Brooklyn Heights Promenade// In case my other suggestions haven't made it clear, I'm a big fan of parks. And New York boasts some pretty spectacular ones. This would be one of them--and the adjacent neighborhood is really lovely to walk around. {official site}

The Guggenheim// I know the MOMA is all the rage, but I'm a big fan of the Guggenheim--it's not tremendously large so it doesn't overwhelm. And their classics are among the most beautiful out there. Plus, the audio tour is great--and this from a gal who almost never picks up the free tour accessories. 

The Metropolitan Museum of Art// This is one of my favorite NYC staples. The building alone is worth  checking out. And then there's the stunning artwork (and really fun people-watching) inside. It's a suggested donation--if you can afford to pay that then by all means do, but if you can't don't be afraid to pay what you're able. {official site}

The Bowery Ballroom// This is my favorite concert venue in NYC. It is small (no real seating) and feels like the most beautiful 1950's gymnasium. Many times you can buy tickets to a show the day-of or right at the door. And even if you don't know the band, why not pay (on average) 15 dollars for live music and a chance to hang out at this gorgeous venue. {official site}

Sleep No More// If you're hankering to see a show, but not necessarily the traditional Broadway fare, you must, must, must see this. It is a site-specific dance piece which can go on for hours and loosely follows much of Shakespeare's Macbeth. Everyone in the audience wears masks and has to seek out the story by wandering (and sometimes running) through the four-story hotel. It is bizarre and beautiful and unlike anything else. {official site}





for other trip ideas: see what my mom and i did when she came to town!