NYC 1 Day Adventure: DUMBO by Ferry, South Street Seaport, Tribeca, Soho

The goal here was: DUMBO (down under the Manhattan/ Brooklyn Bridges). And again—the ferry I fell in love with! We first went to South Street Seaport again, and from there, took the ferry to DUMBO. The cost is only the price of a NYC transit ticket--$2.75, via the NYC Waterway app, or tickets at the dock. The NYC Waterway ferries take you to Williamsburg, DUMBO, Wall Street—etc. In this case the ride to DUMBO provides magnificent views of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan. Getting off in DUMBO, we walked through he courtyard of St. Ann’s Warehouse, down to the water and discovered the Time Out NY Food Court—a multi-level haven for foodies. We explored that a bit , and then walked the cobblestone streets and took the obligatory photo on the Insta favorite street crossing at  Washington and Water Streets.

There are several cute cafes here—such as _______-- but we wound up getting an iced coffee and the Brooklyn Roasting Company—a larger café, and a great place to unwind. Then, back to the Time Out NYC food court where we had a most delicious margarita pizza. This has an outdoor sitting area --though hard to get a seat. So we took our pizza to the park by the water, then walked back to the ferry—past the Water Club, which is fun to look at if too expensive to eat at. You can also walk back to Manhattan via the Brooklyn Bridge instead of taking the ferry. Or leisurely walk the streets and look at the historic buildings in Brooklyn Heights, visit the lovely stores and restaurants around Clark Streeet, and take the train back to Manhattan. But I recommend the ferry or walking across the Bridge for the most fulfilling NYC experience. (There is also a great—if crowded! —ice cream place on the Brooklyn side of the bridge!)

Back at South Street Seaport, we stopped in at the Paris Café/ Bar and had a soda.

FURTHER ADVENTURES WALKING THROUGH TRIBECA, SOHO, AND GREENWICH VILLAGE

Then we walked up from there through the Courthouse area and up via West Broadway towards Tribeca and Soho then Greenwich Village. It really is not a long walk and a great way to take in all the lower neighborhoods of Manhattan.

First, we ran by accident into the charming Roxy Hotel, on Sixth Ave. between White and Walker Streets, a couple blocks below Canal Street-—we went in and it has a lovely spacious bar area with a piano player, and a coffee/ café (Jacks’ Coffee) area for the mornings. They also have a most unexpected treasure—a tiny cinema downstairs that shows rotating films, both indies and oldies.

We then walked up through Soho and passed some of our favorite places—the Greek café Pi Bakerie at 512 Broome St.,  and the French Lauduree, at 398 West Broadway, with Its outdoor garden. It was nicely quiet because it was late afternoon. I investigated the Soho Hotel , with another interesting bar area. Then up to Greenwich Village/ Washington Square –where you can go to Café Reggio or any of a dozen other cafes (the first café I ever went to when I came to NYC, Lanterna, still exists, and has a nice outdoor garden café on MacDougal).

Then there is the famous Washington Square Park with it’s arch and fountain. Around here are a number of magnificent historic homes and areas, such as Washington Mews, and the home where Louis May Alcott lived.

You can always end with an indie film at Film Forum or the Quad for a relaxing end to a busy day. Or if you have a lot of energy—walk east to the East Village (ca 8^th St and 2^nd Avenue) to explore there—or walk further uptown and catch a subway to the Upper West Side  along the way.

NYC 1 Day Adventure: South Street Seaport, IKEA and Red Hook

Haunting brick warehouses from the 19^th century, empty streets with wooden houses, charming little cafes, biker rallies…in my 36 years in NYC I never thought I would visit Red Hook, until I discovered this is ALSO where IKEA is and then, well…consider me sold! Not only that—the IKEA ferry from the South Street Seaport is FREE!

We first took the #1 to Fulton Street and walked to South Street Seaport, which, since Hurricane Sandy, has been renovated and upgraded with interesting restaurants, cafes, bars, and even a rooftop concert venue and pier-parks where you can hang on near the water and sun. (We also saw a lot of people sitting along the pier-parks with their laptops). We walked around and I got an iced coffee from Starbucks—then we checked the ferry times to IKEA online and took the next ferry there. It was in short—for a water lover like me – divine. The sun, the wind, the water—the last time I felt that exhilaration was on a ferry in Greece. Funny to say a trip to IKEA opened my heart but—it did.

Once we docked in Red Hook, we spent a lot of time at IKEA people-watching and checking out the furnished rooms, then walked a few blocks west to the main “downtown” area of Red Hook—which is Van Brunt St. There were a couple cute cafes, but we didn’t go in. We ran into a biker rally and I took in the vast edifices of the brick warehouses and I couldn’t help but imagine some of the tragedy these places had seen in the past, but they were still hauntingly beautiful—a mystery that is comforting simply because it is a mystery. Nostalgic, without any reference.

You can have a lovely lunch at IKEA believe it or not—their food is fresh and clean, and we had meatless meatballs and two delicious pastries—a traditional Swedish marzipan cream cake and a Dajm cake (based on Dajm bars which are like Heath bars).

Then, the trip back on the Ikea ferry—check the schedule but it runs about every 45 minutes.

At South Street Seaport, you can have a drink at the Paris Cafe, which has been there since 1873--and do what we did: We went to a movie at the iPic cinema, which offers full meals served waiter style at your little table. You can also opt for the cheap seats and buy your own popcorn. Upstairs at the IPIC is a beautiful bar as well.

On this adventure we took the train home then. I was tired but happy. I had discovered the magic of NYC ferries and how it took me back to the place that makes my heart soar—the water.

NYC 1 Day Adventure: Walk along the Hudson River; Hudson Yards; Highline; Greenwich Village

We first went to the magnificent outdoor café on Pier I  which you can reach from Riverside Drive – Riverside Park and walking down the steep steps towards the river. The café is on about 70^th—right next to the pier. Then we walked down the Hudson River, aiming ultimately for Hudson Yards—the new shopping/ residential/ business development below 34^th Street on the West side. It’s a beautiful walk even if you’re generally next to the West Side Highway most of the time. There are a lot of things to do along the walk—there is free kayaking (on Saturday and..Sunday?); and ferries to New Jersey (Adventure to come—Hobokon!).

Once you’re in sight on Hudson Yards ca. 34^th Street, you can cross the West Side Highway. This area is on 34^th Street, next to the Javits conference center, is where the Megabus loads for DC, Boston, etc. Next to the lines of people is a chain link fence with an entrance to the Highline, which is the elevated train track “park” developed about 10 years ago, and which will take you to Hudson Yards.

Hudson Yards was just opened in 2019 and has some magnificent buildings, and has an area called the Shed which has cultural events, and the APEX sculpture, which you need tickets to climb (but which are free). So, reserve these ahead of time. One of the buildings has a shopping center of high-end shops and H&M, and cafes to sit down in. We sat upstairs in a small café and split a delicious sandwich and iced herbal tea.

We then walked down the High Line until the end—which ends in Greenwich Village. You can stop anywhere along the way –eg visit Chelsea (18-24^th Streets)—with cute bar and cafes. We got off and visited the Jane Hotel on the West Side Highway –this is a great taste of Greenwich Village and has a cute café for brunch. You can then walk east to any of the various Village cafes around there…or walk towards the Washington Square Park area and the NYC campus area. Some favorite cafes around there are Café Reggio, La Lanterna, and further east, Grey Dog Café. We spent our time in a park with scones and an iced coffee and eventually took the 1 train home. But there’s so much to do in the Village, you can spend all night here.

OPTIONAL-Walk all the way down the Hudson to Battery Park (about 1 hour 45 min.)

Optionally—you can do what I did this August—walk the length of the Hudson River Park all the way down to Battery Park. From 72^nd Street, it’s about a 2 hour walk at most. Each pier along the way has its own specific activities, and some have restaurants and cafes). The Intrepid Museum is a favorite with kids and military buffs—crowded, though; at Chelsea Pier, you can find the schooner company that offers magnificent rides in their sailboat to the Statue of Liberty (my #1 NYC tourist experience to this day), bowling, and golf. Pier 40 has the trapeze experience (made famous by the Sex and the City episode where Carrie “lets go”). Pier 26 has the City Vineyard restaurant on a boat and free kayaking and then, eventually, you are in Battery Park, which is where you can see One WTC and around the boat pier area, and the new-ish Brookfield Place in the old Winter Garden, which has a wonderful food hall filled with sweet and savory choices; take your lunch/dinner/ice cream and sit outside and enjoy the view of the yachts and Statue of Liberty.

And if you are SUPER energetic—you can walk east, take in the WTC memorial (beautiful but sad), walk through the Wall Street Area, stop for a drink at Fraunces Tavern (the oldest restaurant in NYC, where George Washington once stayed, and where, if you’re lucky, you’ll hear some live Irish music);  take in the NYSE building, and head east to the South Street Seaport.  Or—walk to the Staten Island Ferry Terminal, a bit further down, and take the FREE ferry to Staten Island, depart, and come back (nothing to see in SI).

NYC 1 Day Adventure: Riverside Park, Grant's Tomb, Columbia University

The adventure will take you from Pier I near 72^nd Street, up along the Hudson River, through Riverside Park to the Columbia University area.

First, get a coffee or drink at the Pier I café by the river—enter through Riverside Park around 72^nd and walk west, down the stairs to towards the river. The café is there by the pier. Then, if you can bear to leave (and it will be hard!)—begin your walk uptown. You’ll walk along the Hudson for awhile, then can enter Riverside Park around 79^th Street (walking all the way up along the river is not recommended—there is a lot of bike traffic and it is next to the West Side Highway and not very pleasant). With its spacious paths and large, gentle shading trees, it has something in common with Central Park --but is also quite different. On 88^th Street you’ll find the Soldiers and Sailors Monument..

Then you can get out on 120^th- 122^nd St.--the exit here is Grant’s Tomb, which actually has a great gift shop underneath with stuffed eagles and historic items. On  120^th Street, you’ll find Riverside Church, which is worth a quick visit. You may be able to climb to the bell tower-if it’s open. Then, walk up 120^th then down Broadway to Columbia University on 116^th Street (this is also a subway stop). With its spacious green campus and lively student life, and imposing but somehow gentle stone buildings, you’ll experience a piece of history while at the same time surrounded by the energy of youth. There’s a great bookshop with gifts here, as well as a Joe’s Coffee, where you can sit with a view of the historic Butler Library.

A walk down Broadway will show you a seedier side of NYC…but once you pass 96^th Street, things clean up and you’re back on the more serene Upper West Side of 79^th Street on down.

NYC 1 Day Adventure: East Side--Sutton Place, Beekman Place, Turtle Bay, Tudor City

We love one day adventures in the city! This summer we decided to venture out of our comfort zone and become tourists--and rediscover areas, and in many cases, DISCOVER, new places that were lovely and thrilling.

Our first 2019 summer adventure was to the east side of Manhattan, to the beautiful, stately and serene Sutton Place area, and down to Tudor City. We first walked through Central Park to the French bookstore on Fifth Avenue, with its elegant silent interior, and starry gold and blue painted ceiling upstairs. It’s in the French Consulate, so you must pass through a metal detector. Then we went to Corrado café on Lexington Avenue, where we sat outside with a coffee and croissant and wound up having an hour long discourse with Jerry the optical surgeon, who is retired and married to an Argentinian woman (who was with him but talking to her sister the entire time—I expected she was used to Jerry talking to strangers). Jerry runs a radio show about relationships in Aspen and has a pied a terre in NYC. This by the way, is the typical NYC encounter: Always someone interesting, always someone with a story—high end or low end, you’ll always learn something new about life by talking to the person next to you.

Jerry grilled S. on quantum mechanics, and we grilled him on macular degeneration, which is his specialty. In the end he convinced me to start taking AREDS, and S.  got his email to send him his book-- we parted as friends, likely to never see each other again.

We then walked east to First Ave. and East End to the lower 50s to Sutton Place and Beekman Place, walking down past the UN, to Tudor City. There is not much to do per se in Sutton Place, but the stately brick and stone buildings and the serenity of the area are unique to NYC, and I felt like I was in another country. It reminded me a bit of the Gold Coast of Chicago. Very much a neighborhood of people with money.  Beekman Place is also in this area, and if you are there after 5PM the ideal place to go is to the bar ______________ with a spectacular view of the city.

We then walked down past the UN—which you can tour at specific times—and then to Tudor City, another elegant, quiet area of the east side. 

We also discovered ferries at the ferry stop  here that not only take you to Brooklyn and lower Manhattan ( the NYC Waterway)—but you can also book rides through another ferry service to the Sandy Hook, NJ beach—and Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket!! That ride is about 5 hours and ca. $250 each way. We didn’t take a ferry this time but did on another adventure.

NYC By Water: Water Taxi and NYC Ferry and other options

The Water Taxi and NYC Ferry both take you around Manhattan and to Brooklyn—but they really have 2 different functions.

The NYC Ferry (www.ferry.nyc-- and get the app to buy tickets and skip the line) is less expensive for the trips to Brooklyn, etc. It costs just $2.75 each trip. And it can cut back significantly on travel time to some of the more interesting places in Brooklyn. There are different lines -the ones I most am interested in are the East River line that takes you to DUMBO (Down Under Manhattan Bridge—sort of the Soho of Brooklyn); and Williamsburg in Brooklyn (kind of the East Village of Brookyln, mixed with Orthodox Jews); the SB line that takes you to DUMBO and Brooklyn Bridge Park; the  Rockaway line (with bus transit shuttle to beaches --pilot program this summer only and weekdays only for now) which is about a 57 minute ride from the Wall Street/ Pier 11. Looking ahead, The NYC Ferry plans to have a Coney Island line in 2021 which will be very popular—far better than the near 2 hour ride to CI on the subway.

The Water Taxi (www.nywatertaxi.com) – has 4 stops and you can ride as much – hop on hop off as you want in a single day for $37—or for 2 days for $42 (20% of on the website as of summer 2019). The Water Taxi has guides and is more for sightseeing as opposed tothe NYC Ferry.  These are the stops on the Water taxi: 42^nd Street / East River; Battery Park; South Street Seaport; DUMBO Brooklyn; then from DUMBO, the taxi goes back around the tip on Manhattan, past the Statue of Liberty—close enough for some great photos--- and back up to 42^nd Street. Basically as a hop- on hop- off tour, you have the advantage of visiting Brooklyn without battling subways; it is more constricting (and expensive ) than the NYC Ferry, though. But it also has the advantage of betting you close to the Statue of liberty, which the NYC Ferry will not. Also—on that ride past the Statue, you need to get on at the DUMBO stop--the route is circular.

One great adventure it to take the FREE Water Taxi to Ikea in Brooklyn, where you can explore Red Hook and get the experience of being on a ferry. That said, on a short trip to NYC this would NOT be a priority. You’re better off take the NYC Ferry to some of the more populated areas like DUMBO if you really want  a taste of Brooklyn.

 Alternatively, there are other water tours that are more Manhattan oriented. There are various Circle Line Cruises (don’t do the all-around Manhattan ones—they are long and the top area of Manahttan is not really that interesting; the Schooner cruises (pick up at Chelsea Piers) near the SOL (www.sail-nyc.com)-=- which are more expensive but highly worth it on a beautiful day-it was an unforgettable experience for me when I took this a number of years ago. Or you can take the ferry directly to the SOL from Battery Park if you want to actually visit the Island (this includes and Ellis Island stop that you can get off on…or not. It does add a lot of time to the tour); the FREE and iconic Staten Island Ferry; and from the South Street Seaport, the Pioneer Schooner (www.southstreetseaportmuseum.org) , an 1885 large schooner that will take you out into the harbor and back. This is on a larger schooner than the one from Chelsea Piers—I took this with my mother and it was a spectacular trip.

Donuts and Bubble Tea and Hotel Bars--Oh My!

I've been following on Instagram a few accounts that have opened my eyes to some cool things in NYC that I didn't know about but certainly want to visit at some point. Below is a compilation of some of these places:

COOL FOOD 

TAIYAKI NYC : https://taiyakinyc.com/ 119 Baxter St. NYC Exciting Japanese Ice cream concoctions, and "jiggly pancakes".

STUFFED ICE CREAM https://stuffedicecreamnyc.com/  139 First Avenue/ East Village
Just what is sounds like...very cool Japanese ice cream creations (dragon eggs!).

SUPERMOON BAKEHOUSE https://www.supermoonbakehouse.com/  120 Rivington

SMORGASBURG https://www.smorgasburg.com/ NYC's giant all-food market in Williamsburg Sat 11-6 and Prospect Park Sundays 11-6

FIATNYC  https://fiatcafenyc.com/ C 203 Mott St. Cozy Italian cafe . Looks pink and cute.

SOUVLAKI GR : https://www.souvlakigr.com/ 116 Stanton and 164 W. 56

DRUNKEN DUMPLING http://www.drunkendumplingny.com/  137 First Avenue

MILK AND CREAM CEREAL BAR https://www.milkandcreambar.com/  159 Mott St.
"Milk & Cream Cereal Bar is a modern spin on a timeless favorite. A place where the old reconnects with the new and we strive to bring back your fondest memories and to help create new ones. We serve nostalgia in every bite with an endless combination of your favorite cereals! "

DUCHESS COOKIES NYC https://duchesscookies.com/  Ganesevoort Market 353 W 14th

BEN'S COOKIES www.benscookies.com 12th and University PLace

CAFE PATORO  http://www.cafepatoro.com/#intro  123 Front St. South Street Seaport bakery Brazlian

CITY CAKES https://citycakes.com/ t 251 West 18th Street Half pound cookies?!?!?

DOMINQUE ANSEL BAKERY https://dominiqueanselny.com/  189 Spring St.

DIU TEA https://diu-tea.business.site/ 116 Orchard. Selfie bubble tea!

THE CABIN NYC https://thecabinnyc.com/  205 East 4th Brunch etc.

MARCHE MARMAN: https://www.mamannyc.com/  Cute French cafe
239 centre- SOHO;  2111 W Broadway TRIBECA  837 Washington (inside Samsung)- MEATPACKING

LAUDEREE SOHO  https://www.laduree.fr/en/laduree-new-york-soho.html a bit precious but cute and typcial Soho outdoor cafe.

HOTEL BARS/ COOL BARS

THE BOWERY LOBBY https://www.theboweryhotel.com/dining/bowery-lobby/  335 Bowery Very cool looking hotel bar and Gemma restaurant,  which looks cute.

MCKITTRICK HOTEL GALLOW GREEN  https://mckittrickhotel.com/gallow-green/

FLEUR ROOM NY  http://moxy-hotels.marriott.com/nyc/chelsea/the-fleur-room/ 105 West 28th St.
"The glass-encased lounge on Moxy Chelsea’s 35th floor has showstopping, 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline, from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building."

HUDSON HOTEL  https://www.morganshotelgroup.com/hudson/hudson-new-york/eat-drink/library-bar Library Bar, Sky Terrace

HAVEN ROOFTOP http://www.havenrooftop.com/ 132 W 47 St.

THE BELFRY NYC http://belfrynyc.com/ Music/ blues and cool look

THE BROKEN SHAKER NY https://freehandhotels.com/new-york/broken-shaker/  23 Lexington Avenue

THE JAMES HOTEL - NOMAD Madison and 29th  https://www.magellanluxuryhotels.com/new-york-city/the-james-new-york-nomad/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw19DlBRCSARIsAOnfRege27o5WXlOq_n7nicNobEUNv3DzC3Nml05T3l1LiWiIuWIu2V12NIaAsOoEALw_wcB#hotel-details

ART

THE SHED IN HUDSON YARDS: https://theshed.org/  Art/ music etc  in a puffy / expandable "shed". Reich Richter Part in summer 2019--more to come on a constant basis.

THE VESSEL HUDSON YARDS; https://www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com/discover/vessel You need reservations to climb this!


PIZZA

Joes Pizza http://www.joespizzanyc.com/  7 Carmine St-- Quintessential by the slice hole in the wall.

Lombardis: 32 Spring Street, New York, NY, 10012 (and one other location) 

290 Eighth Avenue New York, NY 10001 212-256-1973 25th and Eighth 

Motorino:  510 Columbus Ave, New York, NY, 10024 (and two other locations)

Pizzeria Serinetta 568 Amsterdam Avenue (86th), New York, NY, 10024 

Arturos  Houston and Thomson

101 Things to Do in NYC

An inspiring list from Time Out New York: 101 Things to Do in New York City.

Right now I want to go to Gallow Green! I have never heard of this place-- and this is why I love lists. Invariably there is something new on them that even as a jaded New Yorker intrigues me.

Classy Rooftop Hotel Bars

Hudson Hotel- 58th and 9th. 356 W. 58th St.  Sky Terrace Sat- Sun-2PM-9PM Mon- Fri 3-11PM . Also Library Bar and Hudson Bar

Ganesvoort Hotel -13th St and Ninth Avenue -Zezura at Plunge- Nightclub and bar Mon-Sun 11-14PM

Standard Hotel High Line- 13th and Washington: Top of the Standard  also Le Bain Nightclub   and the Standard Biergarten

Dine Around Downtown at 28 Liberty Plaza- June 8 2016

NYC has no shortage of food festivals in the summer, and they're a fantastic way to sample restaurant fare--some quite high-end--without having to spring for an entire meal. Our particular favorite from this comprehensive list for the week at  Gothamist.com is Dine Around Downtown  --held Wednesday, 11-3 at 28 Liberty Plaza (Between Liberty & Pine and Nassau and William),  and hosted by the Food Network's ubiquitous Alex Guarnaschelli. Over 40 local restaurants will be serving small plates and the event couldn't be in a more scenic venue.