MY NYC BUCKET LIST (EVERYTHING I DID BEFORE I MOVED)

Before I left New York City and started a new chapter in Atlanta, I had a few things on my #NYCBucketList. Some are things that I hadn’t had the opportunity to do in the city, and others are places I wanted to revisit one last time. But mostly my list included making a final lap around Manhattan to soak up as many New York moments as I could. Obviously with the current circumstances due to covid, I had to keep in mind what’s actually open and accessible. But I’m happy with what I was able to see/do and have those memories added to so many more over the past 6 years.

Everything I did before I moved:

• Make a final loop around Central Park (86th street down to the South entrance near The Plaza Hotel)

• Visit Bryant Park

• Have cocktails at Dante

• Grab coffee at my favorite coffee shops (Bluestone Lane, Irving Farm)

• Walk around the West Village

• Visit Levain Bakery for one last chocolate chip cookie

• Enjoy a day in Central Park

• See a Flower Flash in person

• Walk around the Upper Westside (my favorite neighborhood)

• Take a photo in front of Carrie Bradshaw’s apartment

• Buy some NYC street art to take with me to hang up in my new apartment

• Walk around Little Italy & have dinner at random restaurant (Eat pasta & drink wine)

• Visit Madison Square Park

• Grab one last NYC slice of pizza from Bleecker Street Pizza

• Walk through Times Square and sit on the Red Steps

• Visit Bite Beaty Lip Lab in SoHo (create custom lipstick)

• Go Apple Picking

• Host a final dinner with friends

• Watch the sunset from a rooftop

• Take a weekend trip Upstate with friends

• Dine al fresco a few favorite restaurants * Boqueria, Dante, Boucherie

• Walk the Brooklyn Bridge at Sunrise

  **(Unfortunately, I ran out of time and didn’t get to do this) But I have walked the Brooklyn Bridge many times, including sunset. So I’m holding onto those memories for now.)
  

And on one of my very last night’s in the city I was surprised by friends with a Farewell Dinner Party. We drank lots of champagne, consumed copious amounts of charcuterie and I cried lots of tears!! It was the best night and possibly the best way to end my New York City chapter.

See photos below of all my last moments in the city

It was definitely bittersweet to leave this incredible city behind. But when I look back, I will have such fond memories of every place I went, every person I came into contact with, every restaurant I sat with friends at, every New York moment I was so fortunate to experience. The memories are what I will take with me and forever carry with me throughout my lifetime. Thank you for letting me share these past 6 years with you in New York. I can’t wait to share more, in the next chapter!

XO, Dana Rae

5 THINGS TO DO IN NYC THIS FALL

Hello, November! We are post Halloween festivities which means we are on countdown till Thanksgiving. Anyone else excited for the Holidays?! The leaves are in peak foliage all around the city, which means there is still plenty of Fall to enjoy in New York. And like other seasons, there is no shortage of things to do. Here’s a round up of places to go, things to see and events happening around the city.

CENTRAL PARK FALL FOILAGE

Fall wouldn’t be complete without a walk through Central Park to peep the leaves. There are so many areas to see the leaves change during peak season. A few of my favorite spots are 86th & Central Park West, 72nd & Central Park West near Strawberry Fields, The Bow Bridge and of course the iconic Bethesda Fountain & Terrace and The Mall. And if you don’t feel like walking, you can rent Citi bikes or even take a carriage ride through the park. Here is a map of NYC Fall Foliage.

CIDER WEEK

From November 2nd-11th, several events take place all over the city bringing you classes, cider tastings and more in celebration of New York’s orchard based cider. You can click here to find events near you. Cheers!

Arlo Hotel Orchard

Located in the Arlo SoHo hotel’s courtyard. A pop-up complete with apple picking, pumpkins and photo ops galore. Stop by for an Instagram worthy photo or sip Fall inspired cocktails every Thursday at their “Happle Hour” from 4pm-7pm.

MACY’S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE

November 22, 2018, the 92nd annual parade will start at Central Park West and West 77th Street and head down Central Park West and travel east along Central Park South to Sixth Avenue. From there the procession will travel south on Sixth Avenue from West 59th Street to West 34th Street, ending in front of the Macy's in Herald Square. And if you would rather avoid the crowds the day of Thanksgiving, you can opt to see the floats being inflated the night before. Located at the Natural History Museum on the Upper West Side. Public access is at the entrance on West 79th Street and Columbus Avenue. Both events are FREE and open to the public.

West Village/Grove Courtyard

The West Village is known for it’s charming streets. And it’s no exception during the Fall months. You can usually spot several Fall inspired decorated stoops while walking around the neighborhood. There is also a hidden gem known as the The Grove Courtyard, which is unfortunately not open to the pubic. However, you can see the well landscaped courtyard through the iron gates just on the other side. The tree lined streets of the West Village with it’s picturesque brownstones makes for the perfect area to take an afternoon stroll on a crisp Fall day.

What are your favorite things to do in the city during Fall months?

XO, Rae

5 OUTDOOR THINGS TO DO IN NYC THIS SUMMER

Now that Memorial Day has come and gone, it's the unofficial start to Summer. And that means it's time to soak up some SUN and take advantage of these long Summer days. Although New York City is known for being a concrete jungle, the city has a lot to offer when it comes to life outdoors. So, I'm sharing five things to do outdoors this Summer in NYC.

1. Bryant Park

There are an array of parks all over Manhattan, but this one is worth braving the crowds for. Bryant Park hosts a ton of events during the Summer months. You can take a FREE Yoga class in the park, watch a movie on the lawn, preview a Broadway Show & even attend an all you can eat ice cream festival. This is the perfect place to gather with friends and enjoy all that Summer has to offer.

Located: between 40th and 42nd Streets & Fifth and Sixth Avenues., New York, NY 10018

2. Grand Bazaar Market

This outdoor market is located on the Upper Westside and is OPEN every Sunday from 10am-5:30pm. Being NYC's largest curated flea market with 100+ vendors, you can expect to find everything from clothing, jewelry, antiques to local food vendors. It’s a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon and support local artists. 

Located: 100 West 77th St., NY, NY 10024 (at Columbus Avenue)

3. Rooftop Bars

Summer wouldn't be complete without a visit to a rooftop bar. Whether you're going for the breathtaking skyline views, the Instagramable cocktails or just to cool off from the heat, there is something for everyone. Click here for a list of some of the best rooftops in the city. Cheers to Summer!

Pictured: Loopy Doopy Rooftop / Prosecco & Ice Pop Cocktails

Located: 102 North End Avenue, New York, NY 10282

4. Boat Basin Cafe

This is one of the best kept secrets (in my opinion) on the Upper Westside. In a somewhat hidden location, Boat Basin Cafe sits right on the edge of Riverside Park overlooking the Hudson River. It's laid back atmosphere is accompanied by casual dining, frozen drinks, beer on tap and waterfront views. This is one of my favorite places to bring my Georgia friends when they come to visit, because they never expect to see a place like this in the middle of the city.

Located: W 79th St, New York, NY 10024 

5. Madison Square Eats

One of the best parts of Summer is dining al fresco. And Urbanspace has several pop-up food markets all around the city including Madison Square Eats that hosts 20+ vendors of local NYC restaurants. It's the perfect place to grab lunch on the go or meet friends after work. Seasonal ONLY May/JUNE. Open Daily 11am-9pm

Located: Worth Square, Flatiron District New York, NY 10010

ALSO RECOMMENDED:  THINGS TO DO IN THE SUMMER IN NEW YORK 

XO, Rae 

SPRING HAS ARRIVED IN NEW YORK

After months of a snow covered New York, Spring has FINALLY arrived in full force. Thank goodness!! Winter here is best described as hibernation. It's cold, gloomy and requires multiple layers of clothing just to leave your apartment.

New Yorkers are ditching their winter coats and snow boots for shorts and iced lattes. And slowly coming out of their apartments to enjoy the Spring air & blooms. That also means cafe season is upon us. And happy hours are commencing all over the city. Mermaid Inn is one of my favorite places for happy hour. They have a great wine list and offer $1 oysters. 

I think SPRING is quickly becoming one of my favorite seasons in the city.

XO, Rae