I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER: NEW YORK CITY

May 20, 2022 Redley Exantus

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Listen to audio narration Redley Exantus - Into/Outro Music by HolinzaCCO

3.5. MIN READ

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.

Ludlow Hotel: The Skybox

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 Pilates in 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

Ludlow Hotel: The Skybox