New York at Christmas

It's almost Christmas!

Can you believe how fast time has gone by? Obviously, I have no sense of time right now, because I have not posted in weeks! Life has gotten in the way, as usual. Luckily, the fall semester is over and I am on a two week break from my internship so I have a little time to get my life together. To start my Christmas break, I took a little trip... to New York City! And let me tell you, it was unbelievable. The lights were brighter, the air crisper, and the crowds more abundant. After multiple NYC trips in the last few months, I wanted to share here a little guide to the city, in case you're planning a trip anytime soon! Now it would be impossible to list every great restaurant or store here, so please check out all of the tourist attractions that you want- Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, etc- but these are the hidden treasures of the city that you need to see, too. 

Happy travels! 

STELLA DALLAS

218 Thompson Street 

Greenwich Village

If you're on a hunt for an authentic vintage store, with furs and all, this is your haven. The store is small, but the walls are covered in 60's bell bottoms, 80's cheetah print pants, and fringe. Lots of fringe. I have to say, I was in love. 

(I was wayyyy to busy shopping for the pictures, sorry guys)

THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

Central Park West & 79th Street 

Upper West Side

An oldie, but a goodie. Let it be known, you will not be able to see every exhibit. You just cannot. The place is massive. But, what we were able to see before our legs quit working was beautiful. This is a pretty full afternoon activity, so don't make dinner reservations afterward. You will be late, and you will be exhausted. Totally worth it. 

DUET BRASSERIE

37 Barrow Street

West Village 

This was not my first choice. I came down to the West Village on an early Sunday morning, looking for a good breakfast, and absolutely nothing was open. It was ghost town material. I saw a movie being filmed outside of Duet, and so I walked in simply to be able to watch through the windows and be nosy. I knew from the first cup of coffee I was in love, because the cups they serve are big enough for a pint of coffee. Since many things on the menu were in French, I pointed to what looked to be an omelet, and it was incredible. I even ordered a danish after, just so I could hang out in the beautiful place and watch the photographers outside. Of course, the danish was delicious too. 

GREENFLEA

100 West 77th Street 

Upper West Side

Oh, the Greenflea. You did not do NYC without the Greenflea. Called "Manhattan's best flea market" (by themselves) it does not disappoint. The market is on Sundays, starting at 10 a.m. but the vendors typically get there early. My last visit to the Greenflea ended with 2 Persian rugs, 2 rings, 1 Beatles and 1 Springsteen record, and a homemade donut. I mean, what else does one need?

ISABELLA'S

359 Columbus Avenue

Upper West Side

After the Greenflea, you will be hungry and you will want to call everyone you know to tell them about the bartering you just did. The cafe across the street, Isabella's, is perfect for that and more. Their brunch is the best I've ever had in the city, and you get the first mimosa free. Same goes for coffee, tea, and orange juice. You're welcome.