Welcome to a glimpse into my NYC Summer 2021. As an avid traveler, a plane is usually required for my travels but, as we all know, 2020 and 2021 required a bit of a pivot when it came to our travel plans. I am fortunate enough to live in one of, if not, THE best cities in the world. New York allows you to walk out of your front door and engulf yourself in a getaway that many must travel miles to experience. This post is all about taking advantage of your feet, trains, and cars to cure your travel bug. Playing tourist in your own backyard is what it is called these days!
First stop on this journey, I allow my feet to take me to my destination. A quick walk over the Pulaski Bridge from Long Island City, Queens into Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Greenpoint offers enough great restaurants and shops to fill up your day. Pictured below…. city skyline views from the Pulaski Bridge, brunch at Le FanFare, an afternoon tiki cocktail at Yakitiki, and a Napoletana-style Pizza at Salsa for an early dinner. All offering that perfect outdoor dining we love to take advantage of these days.
More of beer drinker? Then check out the rooftop of Greenpoint Beer & Ale Co., pictured below.
Once you work your way through Greenpoint, you can actually keep walking into Williamsburg. There are plenty of cool hotels in this neighborhood to book for your stay or just visit for a memorable meal.
Also pictured below, the Hoxton Hotel has an inviting indoor/outdoor situation.
Walking a little further into Williamsburg, we arrive at Michelin star restaurant Meadowsweet for a delicious meal. I usually pass on the bread basket at restaurants but when they are freshly baked in-house… that’s a different story. Do not pass on the rolls here!
Afterward, walk to Maison Premiere for an after-dinner cocktail and, if you can fit it in, order some oysters while you are at it. This is a cool bar with an atmosphere that can transport you back into time.
Before we leave Williamsburg, if you are up for some fine-dining housed in an old bank with a brasserie vibe, check out Francie. Worth the trip!
Of course, there is the very popular Dumbo neighborhood in Brooklyn that shouldn’t be overlooked. Aside from the great photo ops you can also find some great restaurants and shopping here as well. My favorite is a trip to the weekly Brooklyn Flea Market which takes place here every Sunday.
Traveling with someone that is more into fitness than shopping? No problem, drop them off at the famous Gleason’s Gym, the oldest running boxing gym in the U.S. for an afternoon sweat session. It’s located on the corner where the flea market takes place.
If you haven’t figured it out by now, Flea Markets are my thing. If you find yourself in Manhattan, be sure to check out the Chelsea Flea Market which is open year-round - Sat & Sun - rain or shine. You can definitely work up an appetite here after hours of treasure hunting. Take advantage of a delicious meal within walking distance. The city started to look like the streets of Paris this year with all of the outdoor table seating. I love it!
Now that we have walked off all of the calories from our many restaurant jaunts, it’s time to hop in a car (or Jitney Bus) and check out all that New York has to offer in a simple 2-3 hour car drive. First on the list is the Hamptons. Whether you are fortunate enough to have friends that invite you for a stay OR you rent a home for a week or two, the Hamptons is its own little oasis away from the bustling streets of NYC.
One of my favorite areas is Sag Harbor. Can you guess what I am going to say?? That’s right, plenty of great shops and restaurants:-) Yes, there is a theme here. Dining al fresco at our friend’s home is definitely a highlight of our time spent here. Along with trips to the farmer’s markets, local beaches, vineyard visits, and much much more.
Coming soon, Part II of my NYC Summer 2021 - Road Trip getaways!