I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER: NEW YORK CITY
3.5. MIN READ
HOMECOMING
I've been living overseas for nearly 20 years, and every opportunity to return home to see friends and family in New York City, is always a privilege. Being away for so long turns you into a cross between a tourist and a townie. It's still amusing to me when people ask for recommendations. As you may know New York City is forever evolving and shifting at maximum speed. So that's why I always add a disclaimer, that my tips are my own guilty pleasures. Let me fill you in on what I do when I visit. New places I've found as well as my favorite go-to spots that will never run their course. Come with me!
LOWER EASTSIDE & SOHO
This time, I chose to stay in the Lower Eastside, popularly known as the LES, an area that has changed since I was a child and has experienced a dramatic gentrification since the mid-2000s. Historically it is an immigrant and working-class neighborhood. I reserved a stay at the ultra-hip Ludlow Hotel. Also well-known for their luxurious bathrooms, which have served as a backdrop for incredible content creation by many an influencer. Most rooms offer a balcony with beautiful city views.
What's nice about this neighborhood is there are so many places to eat, like Sweet Chic for fried chicken and waffles, and the night life is on point if you like bar hopping. I always squeeze in a Pilates sesh at New York Pilatesin the morning then hit up Miss Lily’s in Soho for a Jamaican breakfast. Or head uptown to Rose Bakery , Japanese fashion designer Rei Kawakubo’s multi-level concept store Dover Street Market where when I was there a few years ago I snagged my coveted Telfar bag.
BROOKLYN
When I'm in town, I normally go to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, to see my long-time friend Lynda. If I'm lucky, she'll carve out some time from her work schedule, running her own photography and digital video agency Eiger. We usually meet at our fav coffee shop, Depanneur, for croissants and coffee in the sun while catching up. It's a great spot for people watching! Never missing a chance to walk around taking in the ambiance, street art and Manhattan skyline views at Grand Ferry Park. I’ve seen this neighborhood really transform in the past decade, but it still holds its charm with tones of local vintage shops, dive bars and food trucks.
These are just a few of the things I like to do and places I go when I am back home. Stay tuned for more posts about my spots if you love New York as much as I do. I’ll be sure to take notes and share more of my gems with you
WHAT I WORE
Black tank top - CELINEBlack tube skirt - WARDROBE.NYCSnake print silk dress - ZIMMERMANNBlue floral dress - IRO PARISSunglasses - NATHALIE BLANC PARISAll other jewelry - Family keepsakesWHERE I WENT
GRAND FERRY PARKNEW YORK PILATESWHERE I STAYED
LUDLOW HOTEL, 180 Ludlow Street (btwn Houston + Stanton), NY, NY, 10002WHERE I ATE
MISS LILY'S, Avenue A, NY, NY 10009SWEET CHIC, 178 Ludlow Street, NY, NY 10002ROSE CAFE, Dover Street Market, 160 Lexington Avenue, NY, NY 10016DÉPANNEUR, 242 Wythe Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11249Tell us where you like to go and do when you’re in NYC or better yet your own hometown. Share in the comments!You might also like this related article: I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER: PARIS