Later this year, Tony and I are going to New York! It is our first holiday abroad since our honeymoon. Sure, we’ve visited my family in Denmark a bunch of times since, but it doesn’t quite count as ‘abroad’. ;-)
We are of course really excited; neither of us has been there before. Lots of research is going on! Although, I’ve had to ban myself from spending too much time (yet) on that, because I can get a wee bit obsessed. And there is still time to make lists and draw/print maps etc. It’s half the fun of going somewhere!
But I would be grateful for some tips about what to see and where to eat. We will be staying in Bushwick in Brooklyn.
Are there any little known gems we shouldn’t miss? In Brooklyn or Manhattan. Is it worth it to go on a day trip to New Jersey?
I can hear Tony groaning already, but I am going to drag him to craft/fabric shops (or park him outside with a book) – do you have any recommendations?
I would especially be grateful for tips about places to eat, because we have a bit of a challenge when it comes to that. As you have probably gathered from reading this blog, I am vegan. But Tony is pretty much as far away from vegan as you can get, he barely likes any vegetables! ;-)
So I’d be very interested in info about places where we can both eat. Inexpensive mainstream places that also have decent vegan options would probably be best.
And, randomly, what’s your favourite thing to do in New York?
xo C
I worked in New York for over a decade, so I may be able to provide some insight! You shouldn't have trouble finding vegan spots in Manhattan or Brooklyn, where vegans abound! In terms of restaurants you and your husband may both enjoy, I recommend Kashkaval Garden in Hell's Kitchen; The Breslin, Ayza, and Wine:30 in Murray Hill, Belgian Beer Cafe across from Madison Square Park, The Cinnamon Snail (vegan bakery food trucks), Shanghai Cafe in Chinatown, and Il Cortile in Little Italy. Rosa Mexicano and Dos Caminos are both good for Mexican food and have several locations. If you're willing to spend more for a fancy night out, check out Riverpark in Kips Bay, Eleven Madison on Madison Square Park, and Per Se in Columbus Circle.
For things to do, you can't miss the Met! Also take the trip up to Cloisters, which is part of the Met. Catch a baseball game: Yankees or Mets for Major League Baseball (you can reach both stadiums by subway), or for a cheaper minor league alternative, the Brooklyn Cyclones (and visit Coney Island while you're there). See a Broadway show. (Download the TodayTix app for last minute tickets, or visit the TKTS booth — same as in London!) There are the typical tourist things, like the Statue of Liberty and Empire State Building. And you MUST visit Purl Soho for crafty supplies!
You don't need to go to New Jersey unless you would like to visit the beach. Long Beach Island, Point Pleasant, and Cape May are my go-to spots, but they will be kind of a haul from the city. Give Atlantic City a miss. Best to stick to NY, as there is plenty to do. It may be worth heading to upstate New York if you're interested in visiting any wineries or doing hiking/kayaking/outdoorsy things. The Hudson River countryside is lovely.
Have a great trip and let me know if you have any questions!
Thank you so much for all these great tips, I appreciate it!! xx
Oh, and you must visit The Strand! It's my all-time favorite bookstore. :)
Yesss! It's on my list of must-visit places! :-)
The Brooklyn General Store was lovely, Gotham Quilts, Mood Fabrics (both in the garment district) were fabulous fabric stops. Although there are so many and VFW has a shop.
Thank you, Ruth!! :-)
One of my favourite things there was the Dyckman Farmhouse Museum – among all the modernity it's such a surprise. National Museum of the American Indian for history and textiles!
Oh cool, I'd not heard of the Dyckman Farmhouse Museum, must look it up. Thank you! :-)
One of the things I always try to do is to visit the Japanese bookstore (Kinokuniya) across from Barrett Park. They have a great selection of Japanese craft books that I can't get where I live. I also like to pop into Purl Soho, or M & J Trimming (I felt like I died and went to fabric trim heaven the first time I walked in).
My mom, sister and I are going in a few weeks, and we tend to seek out craft and art themed things to do. If we do anything new, I'll let you know!
Ohh yes, Purl Soho is definitely on my list of places to visit – whether Tony wants to or not! ;-) Thank you for your other suggestions! I hope you had a nice trip. :-)
The Chelsea Market is a great place to visit. So many wonderful shops, bookstores and a great variety of restaurants.
Thank you for the tip! :-)