Ana Rebeca 2/23/16 Ana Rebeca 2/23/16

Brooklyn Food Crawl: Eat Your Way Through Williamsburg

Food is one of the universal keys to understanding any culture, so it's time to dive "fork first" into the trendy Brooklyn neighborhood of Williamsburg. Come hungry and spend the day eating and drinking your way around Williamsburg with this food crawl itinerary!

Brooklyn Food Crawl: Eat Your Way Through Williamsburg

I think we can all agree that food is one of the universal keys to understanding any culture, right? So what better way to get to know a new place than by eating your way around it? I mean...all you have to do is say "there will be food" and I will be there.

My recent explorations brought me to the trendy Brooklyn neighborhood of Williamsburg, a place that has been calling my name for years. Williamsburg has this relaxed, home-y, but-still-city vibe that reminds me so much of Chicago. The bf and I decided combine our loves for travel and food and do a little food crawl through Williamsburg to see what it was all about.

Thanks to many local recommendations, we made a list of our favorite places to eat your way through Williamsburg. We stopped at each of these places for a drink, an appetizer/small plate, or a full meal (and there's a few spots that we just stopped in to see the vibe). Check out our itinerary below for ideas on crafting your own personal food crawl! You can pick and choose from each category, or try to go to all of them!

Early Morning: Breakfast, Coffee, & Walk through the park

Blind Barber, 524 Lorimer St

Start your morning off at Blind Barber in Williamsburg. We got a later start and headed here around 11:45am, which was right when they were about to start cooking their Grilled Cheese offerings on their menu. GO HERE FOR THIS. Literally one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches I've had in my life. It was a daily special with veggie sausage, fried egg, tomato chutney, jalapeno, sharp cheddar, and pesto...*mouth watering*. Definitely a cute spot, and you'll start to notice a trend of cafes + barber shops after this one.

Variety Coffee, 368 Graham Ave

Cute cafe to stop in on Graham when you're walking up towards the McCarren Park. We already had a coffee at the previous spot, but would definitely come back here to grab a cup or sit near the window to work (aka people watch).

McCarren Park, 776 Lorimer St

After hitting up Variety Coffee, you can walk north on Graham, turn left on Driggs Ave, and then walk through McCarren Park. It is a nice spot to walk off the morning food and take in some urban nature. Once you're walking south on Driggs, you'll eventually hit N 12th St, which is where you can decide where to go next! We chose to walk all between Driggs and Kent Ave.

Late Morning: Snacks, Treats, & Walk to the shore

Cafe Colette, 79 Berry St

I can't get over how much I'm obsessed with Cafe Colette. The decor, the food, the neighborhood charm, the walk up coffee stand... It's amazing! Since it was a cold winter day, we opted for having a Hot Toddy and a small plate to share. Food and drinks were both phenomenal, and we got hooked up with recommendations on other places to go from the sweet bartender!

Bakeri, 150 Wythe Ave

We stopped in at Bakeri after our late morning snacks for a sweet treat to have while we were walking. This adorable, little, French style bakery has lots of wonderful sweets to enjoy--and even some gluten free and health conscious choices! There was even a cute patio out back that looks like it's open when it's nicer out. Even though I wanted to stay longer, we grabbed our snacks and headed out for a walk. *This place is cash only, so bring your $$!

East River State Park

If you walk out of Bakeri and head east towards the river down N 8th St, you're going to hit the State of New York - East River State Park, which was a lovely spot to enjoy our cookies and take in the view of Manhattan. It was a quiet Monday morning, which made for a peaceful view of the city. Definitely a nice spot to see a different view of NYC.

Early Afternoon: Appetizers & Snacks

Surf Bar Restaurant, 139 N 6th St

After heading to the park, go back west and walk around a little bit until you find yourself near Bedford Avenue. We spotted Surf Bar out of the corners of our eyes and immediately headed right in. When you walk into this restaurant you basically forget that you are in the middle of New York City and imagine that you're in a surfing town somewhere in California. There is literally sand on the floor! It was definitely a great place to come and cheer up the winter blues! Get the shrimp tacos and thank me later.

Juliette Restaurant, 135 N 5th St

Juliette is another spot that is sure to put you in a good mood. Think French brasserie meets NYC. The interior decor transports you to Paris, where you'll feel like you're lost somewhere deep in the heart of Saint Germain. Lots of greenery hanging from the ceilings, a lovely bar to sit at, and even a rooftop area to enjoy when it's nice out! I just absolutely loved being here because it felt so cozy and charming.

Bedford Cheese Shop, 229 Bedford Ave

At the very least, you have to stop by this Brooklyn institution to get a picture of the facade. The Bedford Cheese Shop is a great place to grab something small to snack on and go. Tons of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie to choose from, which makes for great pre-lunch snacks.

Afternoon: Lunch

Allswell, 124 Bedford Ave

If you feel like sticking around Bedford after your early afternoon snacks, try out Allswell. It is a rustic pub with a seasonal and daily changing menu that they write up on a chalkboard. Food is tasty and ambience is cozy.

Café de la Esquina, 225 Wythe Ave

If you're feeling like Mexican for lunch (maybe after you had those killer shrimp tacos at Surf Bar?!), head to Café de la Esquina for a bite to eat in their retro diner or outdoor patio. Imagine stepping into a dive-like taqueria/diner that serves good food and portions. That's what you will get here!

Radegast Hall & Biergarten, 113 N 3rd St

If you're looking to kick back with a few beers at lunch, stop in at Radegast Hall & Biergarten. It will give you the chance to get a few blocks away from Bedford, but still have a unique Williamsburg experience. You can expect some classic and delicious German food at this authentic beergarden in the middle of Brooklyn.

Late afternoon: Snacks, Coffee, & Sweets

Sweethaus, 135 Metropolitan Ave

If you're at Radegast or Café de la Esquina (or just looking to head south for a bit), come to Sweethaus right after lunch. I'm obsessed with everything about this cute bakery from the bright colorful facade to the delicious cupcakes and sweet treats they serve. Definitely stop in here for a post-lunch dessert!

Diner, 85 Broadway

From Sweethaus, head south on Berry until you're between S 6th St and Broadway. On your right hand side will be the super funky spot, Diner. When you step in here, you'll feel like you're in an old vintage diner on a retro railcar. Grab some late afternoon snacks here if you can, or go around the corner to Marlow & Sons, which is owned by the same people. Menus are updated daily!

Black Brick Coffee, 300 Bedford Ave

After exploring some of the "downtown" Williamsburg area near Broadway, we headed back north on Bedford up towards Black Brick Coffee. At this spot, we were able to get a little work done and grab some coffee before dinner. It was a cute local spot, and the vintage decor was darling. Great spot to come to before heading out to drinks!

Early Evening: Pre-dinner Drinks

Maison Premiere, 298 Bedford Ave

Finally time for some pre-dinner drinks and oh my goodness... How can I properly describe Maison Premiere (which is conveniently located next door to Black Brick)? The Great Gatsby + New Orleans + Oyster Bar + Absinthe + Secret Garden = Maison Premiere. I think that sums it up. Just go. And make sure you have one of their signature absinthe drinks while you're there.

St. Mazie, 345 Grand St

St. Mazie is another great alternative for pre-dinner drinks. It is also located near a lot of the spots that I listed for dinner locations below; so if that's important to you, then take this place into consideration. St. Mazie is a funky cocktail bar that has live music, beautiful antique decor, amazing drinks, and a garden and basement room to enjoy other alternatives to the upstairs lounge.

Evening: Dinner

Bozu, 296 Grand St

Once you have your pre-dinner drinks, head over to Bozu for dinner if you're feeling like having some Japanese style tapas or sushi. Decor is cute and cozy and the food is incredible. We ordered about 6 or 7 (or maybe more...that's when I lost count) small plates and spent less than $100. For those of you who know New York dining, you know that that's an incredible price for great food at a chic dinner spot.

St. Anselm, 355 Metropolitan Ave

St. Anselm is one of the tastiest places to grab some steak or seafood in Brooklyn. It's located in the same area as these other spots, so come here if you're feeling like splurging a bit on a steak dinner. Decor is chic and rustic, and you won't be disappointed about the food. They don't take reservations, so be prepared to wait on busy nights!

Caracas Arepa Bar, 291 Grand St

Caracas is a really tasty Venezuelan restaurant that offers creative renditions of the traditional arepa dish. It's a good place if you're craving Latin food and are interested in getting multiple dishes to try out their different styles.

Late Evening: Post-Dinner Drinks

Larry Lawrence, 295 Grand St

Larry Lawrence is an amazing, unassuming, and unpretentious speakeasy located right next to 2 of the dinner spots that I recommended, and around the corner from the other, making it ideal for walkability. I absolutely love Larry Lawrence as a first stop for post-dinner drinks. We came here after Bozu and wouldn't have even noticed the secret entrance if we hadn't searched for it on the internet ahead of time. The decor inside is extremely minimalist, but somehow very intimate. The cocktail list is really great too!

Hotel Delmano, 82 Berry St

To say that we saved the best for last might be a bold statement, but I mightttt be willing to take that risk with Hotel Delmano. Regardless of that, it was fabulous to end our long day of eating and drinking at this quaint Williamsburg spot. The decor is opulent and gorgeous, making you feel like you've stepped back in time into Old New York, and the cocktail list is incredible. This is a really wonderful spot if you're looking to share a romantic end to the day over some specialty cocktails.

After post-dinner drinks, you'll probably be ready to head straight home after eating and drinking your way around Williamsburg. But hopefully, with this itinerary, you were able to walk around all day, become more acquainted with the neighborhood, and fill your stomach with delicious food! Comment below with some of your favorite spots to eat or drink in Williamsburg!

PS - See my favorite travel things that I can't live without here!

Locals Only: 6 Reasons Why Locals Are the Best Travel Guides

Wouldn't it be great to be a local everywhere you went? Now it's possible to connect with locals wherever you travel to get the best advice. After all, locals know best and here are 6 reasons why.

Locals Only: 6 Reasons Why Locals Are The Best Travel Guides

Wouldn't it be so great if you could be a local everywhere you traveled? You would know the best burger in town, which bartender serves the stiffest drinks, the best thrift shop to score vintage designer duds, or even the prettiest spot in the park... It would be amazing (and not to mention save a ton of time on trip planning)!

Well, even though that's not possible...what if you had a local friend in every city? Someone who shares or understands your interests. Someone you could trust to give you the best advice on where to go and what to see. Someone you could text and get second-by-second updates on what to do next. After all, everyone knows that locals know best! Here are 6 reasons why locals are the best travel guides.

1. You connect with a human being, not automated suggestions

Sure, Yelp and TripAdvisor are great sources to use for traveling; but consulting a local about what the 'real' great things to do are is priceless. How else are you supposed to find that obscure, seedy dive bar in the middle of a *probably* questionable neighborhood if you don't ask a local?!

Using a local as your tour guide is the best option because you get a personalized connection and the opportunity to chat in real-time about suggestions. The world we live in is so driven by technology that it's nice to get back to connecting one-on-one with another person to discover information. It's easy to get overwhelmed with so many automated messages constantly coming at us--especially for travel recommendations.

2. They understand how to match your interests with their recommendations

*Juliette Restaurant, Brooklyn, 135 N 5th St*

Have you ever been in the mood for something while traveling and can't seem to find exactly what you're looking for? Like, maybe you're trying to find cheap-but-awesome Korean BBQ shrimp tacos at a chill restaurant that serves craft beer...or maybe a cocktail lounge that makes you feel like you've escaped into Alice and Wonderland. If you typed those things into a search engine, you probably wouldn't find what you're looking for.

Locals know these kinds of things. They know exactly the kinds of places that match your interests and will deliver to the best of their knowledge. "I want to walk into a speakeasy that feels like I stepped back in time into The Great Gatsby." "Done." "I want a restaurant/bar that feels like I just got done surfing with my friends in Hawaii." "Got it." "I want a coffee so strong that will keep me up until tomorrow." "Strange, but ok!" Locals will always share the best of what you're looking for.

3. They are flexible with your time and money

Another great thing about connecting with a local one-on-one is that you can be honest with them about your time frame or budget. Whether you only have 2 hours to explore and an unlimited budget or the entire day and you want to only do free things, locals will always give you the top suggestions based on your parameters.

Since they know the lay of the land, they can give you personalized suggestions on what to do or what to skip based on your time and money situation. They can also tell you when to visit certain spots based on their knowledge of the city. Maybe you want to beat rush hour or wait until everyone is busy with lunch. Locals always know these secret little details.

4. They give you the best of the best

*Blind Barber, Brooklyn, 524 Lorimer St*

When you're visiting somewhere new and getting advice from a local, they typically want to make sure that you walk away from that trip raving about how amazing XYZ location is. It's that hometown pride! They would never want you going around the world bashing the city the live in. You're going to be 'in the know' with a local's tips.

Locals will always give you the best of the best recommendations. You'll get the real inside scoop on where the best burger is, where the best bars are, where the trendiest speakeasy is, etc. It's much more exciting to feel like an insider and get exclusive advice from someone who actually lives there versus finding something with high or decent Yelp reviews.

5. You get a personalized itinerary

Not only are locals great at recommending places to go, see, and eat, but they could also give you a personalized itinerary based on your needs and desires. Whether you prefer specific instructions, loose suggestions, or comprehensive lists to select from, locals will know what to provide you with to really customize your visit.

Maybe you want to spend the entire day exploring their neighborhood and want an exact minute-by-minute itinerary; or maybe you want casual suggestions to pick and choose from throughout the weekend. Either way, locals have that inside knowledge to make sure you're getting everything you want out of the experience.

6. It saves you time from planning

*Woops Bakeshop, Brooklyn, 548 Driggs Ave*

Probably the best part of consulting a local about what to do in their city is the amount of time it saves you from all the planning. Forget spending hours on TripAdvisor, Pinterest, or travel forums. Save all of that time for something better and just have a local do all the planning for you! After all, they've already experienced it first-hand and know what's best. That aspect alone is priceless.

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Thankfully, this experience actually is possible! You CAN have a local friend in every city. With the innovative travel app Lokely, you can easily connect with like-minded locals around the world to get real-time advice on what to do wherever you're traveling. Imagine it: You'll instantly know the best bakery, the corner with the coolest street art, the clubs with the best music, or that speakeasy that is hidden behind the dumpster.

I used Lokely for the first time earlier this week when I explored the trendy Brooklyn neighborhood of Williamsburg for a day. I had an awesome experience and could not have been happier with all of the unique local spots I was able to see because of my personalized itinerary from a local! I was even able to text them through the app and pick who I wanted to partner with based on our common interests.

You can download Lokely for free on the app store or click here. Set up your profile and start connecting with locals who share your interests today. Remember: Locals know best!

This post was sponsored by Lokely App. All opinions are my own.

Free Things to Do in New York City

NYC is expensive, but there are plenty of things to do around here that prove "free" doesn't have to mean "shitty." Check out these free things to do in New York City that help you stay active and explore culture.

Free Things to Do in New York City: 5 Ways to Be Active & 5 Ways to Explore Culture

New York City is expensive. Like, really expensive. A great cocktail starts at $15, dinner for two can easily be $100, taxis are almost $4 before you even move the car, and I'm not even going to get started on the cost of real estate...

It's easy to see your hard-earned money go quickly down the drain in New York City, so finding things to do for free (or on the reallll cheap) is so helpful to make sure this city doesn't suck you dry. Luckily I've been able to find some amazing things to do here that prove "free" doesn't have to mean "shitty." Here are some tips for free things to do in New York City in order to be active and explore culture.

5 Ways to Be Active:

1. Yoga To The People

This is hands down my favorite thing on this post. Yoga To The People is an amazing yoga studio (with multiple locations throughout the city) that offers free/affordable yoga classes to the masses. It is donation based, so you can pay what you are comfortable paying. And if you don't have a yoga mat, you can rent one for just $2. The classes are really, really good and very popular amongst New Yorkers. Go channel your inner yogi now!

2. Walk the High Line

The High Line is a beautiful, old, elevated railroad track that has been turned into an outdoor park/walkway for pedestrians. It connects the Meatpacking District, Chelsea, and bits of Hell's Kitchen all by this one stretch of track. You'll get amazing views of the city, the river, and even New Jersey by walking through the High Line. It's really great to come when it's nice and sunny out too.

3. Walk, bike, or skate across the Brooklyn Bridge

There's no better way to get stunning cityscape views of Manhattan and Brooklyn than by crossing the iconic Brooklyn Bridge. Marvel at this architectural beauty while walking, biking, or skating 1.134 miles to cross it one-way. You'll definitely want to stop for pictures if you haven't already because it's too pretty not to oogle at the views from here.

4. Pick a neighborhood and walk around

Picking a neighborhood to get lost in and explore is a wonderful way to stay active and get to know the city better. My boyfriend and I love doing this on our days off together. We just pick a place that we want to get a deeper look at and spend the day wandering the streets. It's a fun way to walk a few miles on any afternoon.

5. Go Kayaking on the Hudson

If you're into kayaking, try out the free tours that you can take at the Downtown Boathouse. This company offers free tours and classes throughout the week when the weather is warmer. Services usually open up around April of every year.

Also try: Free ice skating or yoga in Bryant Park, biking around the city, or free yoga in Times Square in the summer.

5 Way to Explore Culture:

1. Visit Museums, Zoos, or Gardens

Many tourists aren't privy to the fact that NYC museums can actually be free to get into. There are tons of wonderful places that are either donation based or offer free nights to visit. Here are some great spots to check out:

African Burial Ground: Free all the time
American Museum of Natural History: Free the last hour it's open and admission price is "suggested"
Brooklyn Botanic Gardens: Free on Tuesdays and from 10am-12pm on Saturdays
Brooklyn Museum: Free first Saturday of the month
Bronx Museum: Free all the time
Bronx Zoo: Free on Wednesdays
El Museo del Barrio: Free the third Saturday of the month
Fashion Institute of Technology Museum: Free all the time
Guggenheim Museum: Free from 5:45-7:45pm on Saturdays
Hispanic Society of America Museum & Library: Free all the time
Japan Society: Free from 6-9pm on Fridays
Metropolitan Museum of Art: Admission price is "suggested"
MoMA: Free from 4-8pm on Fridays
National Museum of the American Indian: Free all the time
New York Botanical Garden: Free all day Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9-10am
New York Earth Room: Free all the time
New York Historical Society: Free from 6-8pm on Fridays
New York Aquarium: Free 3pm Fridays and 4pm in the summer
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture: Free all the time
Socrates Sculpture Park: Free all the time (light shows & movies on Wednesdays in the summer)
Whitney Museum of American Art: Free from 7-9:30 on Fridays
9/11 Memorial Museum: Free from 5-8pm on Tuesdays

2. Hang in Parks

New York has plenty of parks to love throughout the city. Central Park, Bryant Park, Riverside Park, Battery Park, Madison Square Park, Washington Square Park, and the list goes on and on. Take a picnic and hang out in one of the many parks, see Shakespeare in the Park in Central Park, or catch a movie on the Astoria Park Great Lawn. All for free, and all for your enjoyment!

3. Take a Brooklyn Brewery Tour

The Brooklyn Brewery has been gaining more and more notoriety over the last few years, and hosting free tours every week has been a vital role in growing their presence in the community. Stop by the Brooklyn Brewery for a free tour every weekend to see how your favorite NYC beer is made. Tours are free from 1-5pm on Saturdays and 1-4pm on Sundays.

4. Sightsee in Midtown

There are so many modern and iconic beauties to love in Midtown. You can do any of the following things for free around this neighborhood:

Visit the New York Public Library
Walk through Grand Central Station to see the architecture
See Rockefeller Center (and the Christmas tree/lights on 5th Avenue during the holidays)
Take in the energy at Times Square
Visit St. Patrick's Cathedral
See the Empire State Building
See the Chrysler Building

5. Go to TV show tapings

Did you know that a lot of your favorite TV show tapings are actually free to attend? Yep! Jimmy Fallon, Kelly & Michael, The Today Show, and so many more! All you have to do is either show up or reserve your tickets ahead of time and get there early. Here is a list of shows that are currently offering free tickets to studio audiences.

Also try: Seeing the art in the Chelsea galleries, visiting Governor's Island, taking a tour at the Federal Reserve, or calling ahead at Juilliard to score free tickets to performances.

What are other free things you like to do around NYC? List any recommendations below!

PS - See my favorite travel things that I can't live without here!

How to Blend in as a New Yorker

Never look like a tourist in New York again. Here are 12 tips to blend in like a local when visiting NYC!

How to Blend in as a New Yorker: 12 Tips to Look Like a Local

They say that after living in New York for 10 years, you can officially call yourself a New Yorker.

But what if you don't have that kind of time?! What if you're just stopping in for a quick trip and you just want to look and feel like a New Yorker? No worries--we've got you covered!

With a little help from some fellow travel bloggers, we've uncovered a few ways for you to look like a local in no time. Here are 12 tips on how to blend in as a New Yorker!

1. When in doubt, wear black

Black is the universal uniform in New York. It goes with everything and it instantly makes you look put together. Plus, it looks chic as hell when it's pulled off correctly. Opt for head-to-toe black (i.e. shirt, bottoms, AND shoes) for the optimal NY-er look.

2. Don't get on an empty subway car

"A crowded subway train pulls into the station, but one car is empty...No matter how tempting it is. Don't get in an empty subway car...unless you're interested in breathing in the foulest stench in creation. Trust me, it's empty for a reason. We're all not smushed into the other cars just so new passengers can grab a seat." -- Jackie from The Globetrotting Teacher

3. Get out of the way

"To blend in, one must basically get out of the way. None of the standing in the middle of the street staring at the fab buildings. Get out of the way. Bit brutal maybe." -- Sarah from The Sarah Story

4. Weekends are for Brunch

Brunch is a New York institution. No calendar week is complete without brunch. From boozy, to classy, to al fresco, to kid-friendly, NYC does brunch right and you cannot miss it. If you can make reservations somewhere, that's great; but be warned that you will probably have to wait on line for the best of the best places. Just don't go to a chain restaurant...

5. Master the art of ordering a bagel

"Learn to master the art of ordering a bagel. Know what you want beforehand, order with confidence, and then get the hell out of the way. Bagels are a very sacred thing in New York and they must be respected (and then appropriately devoured, of course!)" -- Stacy from Adventure Stacy

6. Don't wait for the crosswalk signal

"It is okay to cross the street when there are no cars coming, no need to wait for the signal to change to walk." -- Chanel from Cultural Xplorer

7. Walk with purpose

It is easy to spot the tourists in the city because of how slow and aimlessly they walk. They often walk side-by-side (crowding up the sidewalks) and think the streets of NYC are for leisurely strolls. Nope--not here. Leisurely strolls are for the park, not the sidewalks of this city. Look straight ahead and walk with intention if you want to blend in.

8. Know your food order ASAP

"Always know your order (sandwiches, pizza, bagels, coffee) before you get to the front of the line. And don't order ranch dressing." -- Brittany from Travel Write Away

9. Try not to touch the subway pole with bare hands

"You don't touch the pole in in subways with your bare hands. Instead, wear gloves, or just lean on the doors like a local. ...It's a vector of disease." -- Lance from Travel Addicts

10. Attend free leisure and fitness activities

Despite what most people think, not everything in New York is always expensive. There are actually a ton of amazing *free* things to do throughout the year. Weather permitting, there are free concerts, fitness lessons, and shows in many of the parks around the city. Check out Shakespeare in the Park or do free yoga with Solstice in Times Square. **I'm also a HUGE fan of classes with Yoga to the People. It is a donation based studio, and the classes are fantastic.

11. Use apps to plan ahead

"Know where you're going before you leave. Get Google Maps on your phone and use the transit directions. Even if you have to look at your phone to get directions while walking, do not stop!" -- Eva from Eva Explores

12. Stand here, walk there

"Stand to the right, walk on the left on escalators. No lollygagging." -- Kristin from Souvenir Finder

What are ways that you blend in while you're traveling? Comment below with your travel tips to look like a local!

PS - See my favorite travel things that I can't live without here!

How To Spend A Holiday Weekend In New York City

In NYC for the holiday? Here are 10 things to do to get you in the holiday spirit!

How To Spend A Holiday Weekend in New York City: 10 Things To Do To Get You in the Holiday Spirit

I still have yet to see another city that does the holidays better than New York City. I mean...it’s practically iconic to be in NYC during the Christmas and New Years season. Isn’t it?

If you find yourself lucky enough to be in the Big Apple during the holidays, here is how you can spend your weekend to make sure you’re seeing the best holiday goodness NYC has to offer.

Christmas Themed Bars

Almost every bar in New York City will throw up a few decorations for the holiday season and call it a day. THEY ARE AMATEURS.

If you want a real holiday experience, head straight to a Christmas themed bar and see what real Christmas bar decor looks like.

MY FAVORITE: Rolf’s German Restaurant (281 3rd Ave.). Try the boozy eggnog! Be aware that it gets very crowded during the holidays; so either make a reservation or just know that you’ll be standing shoulder to shoulder at the bar.

GREAT SPOTS: Pete’s Tavern (129 E. 18th St.), Lillie’s Victorian Establishment (13 E. 17th St.), Molly’s (287 3rd Ave.), and Colicchio and Sons (85 10th Ave.).

Rockefeller Center

The ambiance around Rockefeller Center is spectacular during the holidays. You can see the gorgeous tree, head up to the Top of the Rock, Ice Skate, see St. Patrick’s Cathedral, shop around the area, and see the Saks Fifth Avenue music and light show (this is a must see)!

A FEW TIPS:

1. If you can manage to go to the tree late at night or when it is raining, GO! Seriously, you will beat the crowds, get better pictures, and get around easier.

2. The tree is lit up until 11:35pm; so plan your trip accordingly. Go late, but not too late!

3. You can ice skate in the plaza, which is a wonderful experience...But there are other spots in the city that ice skating is free and the lines are shorter... Just sayin’!

4. Another perk of going at night: Turn around and look at the music and light show that Saks Fifth Avenue puts on. It is so cute!

Holiday Markets

I don’t know if it gets any cuter than the little holiday kiosks at the markets around town. Around the holiday season, small pop-up shops begin to open up around the city at these holiday markets. You can find anything from local goods, to food, to drinks, to art, to clothing, and so much more! It is really amazing to see, even if you don’t buy anything.

MY FAVORITE: The Holiday Market in Union Square. They have really done this place up and it is so amazing to walk through. Be prepared to see local vendors with fabulous things, hear live music, and smell delicious goodies. *For an amazing view, head to the southeast corner of the market and look north. You will catch an amazing view of the Empire State Building!*

GREAT SPOTS: Bryant Park Holiday Market, Columbus Circle Holiday Market, Chelsea Market, and Grand Central Station.

Go Ice Skating

Ice skating in NYC during the holiday is just as iconic as anything else in the city. There are multiple places around the city to enjoy this activity, but I prefer the places that don’t cost an arm and a leg to get in.

MY FAVORITE: Winter Village at Bryant Park. General admission is FREE! If you need to rent skates, it costs $19 during the peak season ($15 otherwise). You can rent a locker for free, purchase a lock for $9 if you need (bring your own if you can), or you can check your bag for $8-10 as well. FASTPASS is available for purchase both online and on-site (around $22-28) so you can skip the lines.

GREAT SPOTS: The Rink at Rockefeller Center ($32/ ticket + $12 skate rental) and Wollman Rink at Central Park ($11.25/ticket + $8 skate rental + $11 lock rental—cash only!). Ticket prices will vary depending on peak seasons and if you have children or seniors with you.

Window Shopping

No one does holiday windows like New York City. There are so many great places in the city to see festive holiday decor. The hardest part is looking without wanting to buy everything!

MY FAVORITE: The windows at Bergdorf Goodman. Hands Down. If I had to crown a winner of all the windows, it would probably be Bergdorf’s (although the music/light show at Saks is definitely amazing...). Their window displays never cease to amaze and you will not be disappointed.

GREAT SPOTS: Anywhere along 5th Avenue (Saks, Tiffany’s, etc.), Macy’s in Herald Square, and anywhere down in SoHo (start around Broadway and Houston and work your way around).

See the Christmas Trees Around NYC

There are tons of beautifully decorated (and giant) trees around the city. If you want to skip out on the crowds at Rockefeller Center, consider going to some of the other ones to catch the view.

MY FAVORITE: The Madison Square Park tree. It is right next to the Flatiron Building, so if you hit the right angle, you can get both beauties in a photo. I love to grab goodies at Eataly across the street and eat them in the park here!

GREAT SPOTS: The tree at Washington Square Park, the tree inside The Met, the tree in front of The Palace Hotel, and obviously the tree at Rockefeller Center

Step Inside The Plaza Hotel

Channel your inner Kevin McCallister and hang out at The Plaza Hotel (768 5th Ave.). You can “oooh” and “awww” at the beautiful lobby, or make a reservation to eat at one of the dining establishments there.

If you’re really brave and you have deep pockets, try booking a stay there. Rooms usually start around $550+ per night, but it’s luxury all the way! One day I’ll get there...

See a Show

A holiday visit to New York isn’t complete without catching a spectacular show. There are so many options in the Big Apple, so just find one that fits your budget!

MY FAVORITE: The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. The Rockettes just totally embody the holidays and the shows are consistently amazing. You have to see it at least once in your life!

GREAT SPOTS: The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center, Broadway shows near Times Square, Off Broadway shows around the city, Sleep No More at The McKittrick Hotel (ok, not fully holiday-ish...but it is so amazing & there is a cute Ski Chalet style bar on the roof in the winter!), and the taping of any talk show (Good Morning America, The Tonight Show with Fallon, The Late Show with Colbert, Today Show, Kelly & Michael, etc.)

Check Out the Giant Decor Around NYC

There is gorgeous holiday decor all over the city, so you really can’t go wrong with whatever you choose. Most places have lovely lights, displays, and music to put you in the holiday mood.

MY FAVORITE: The giant red Christmas ornaments outside of Radio City Music Hall. Go late at night for less people and better pictures!

GREAT SPOTS: The huge trees around the city, window displays through 5th avenue, the giant snowflake above Tiffany’s & Co., and the Macy’s displays.

See the Ball Drop in Times Square on New Year’s Eve

Ok, so I know this is incredibly touristy, but really...isn’t it secretly on all of our bucket lists?! So I’m ending my NYC holiday list with this final thing.

Seeing the ball drop in Times Square is just about as iconic as the location itself. It is something to try out at least once in your lifetime. The energy, the lights, and the spirit in the air! Why not?!

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As long as you are with people you love and care about this holiday season, whatever you do (especially in New York City) is bound to be a blast!

Have a wonderful holiday season! xoxo-Ana

Sleep No More

“Sleep No More”

This weekend in New York, my friends took me to a unique NYC spot that I had never been to, but had seen in the hit show Gossip Girl. We spent an evening at The McKittrick Hotel, had dinner and drinks, and saw “Sleep No More.” The entire aesthetic of The McKittrick Hotel pretty much transports you to another world in itself, which is half of the experience. For those of you who have never heard of Sleep No More, it is an interactive play that basically breaks through another wall in the theatre realm and allows you to become part of the experience. Read on for an overview of my night there...

Arrival

When we arrived at 7PM sharp, we were directed into a seemingly creepy elevator off of the street in Chelsea, where the The McKittrick Hotel is located. This elevator took us up to the main floor, where we were directed down a corridor that had a distinct 1920s/1930s feel to it. Even all of the interior decor and hotel staff was complementing that 1920s/1930s look and feel. When you looked to the left while standing in the corridor, you would see a massive dining room complete with a dance area and stage, where the live band was playing. On the right of the hallway, there were little, private rooms that were you could eat dinner. All of those private rooms linked together to look like an old train’s dining car. We explored this floor, as well as the rooftop garden and bar, which was absolutely stunning (looked like a magical, secret garden).

Dinner

The three of us sat down for dinner and cocktails before the event in the main dining room, which turned out to be a pleasant surprise. The food was delicious (I would totally go back just for the food!) and the service staff was amazing. Not only were they dressed to the nines, but they also had actors walking around and interacting with guests as if they were really part of this hotel experience. All of it was leading up to the point where you “check in” to the hotel. I highly recommend doing dinner there before or after the play if you have the chance!

The Play

When it came time to start the play, we were required to check all of our belongings to their coat check, where you’re also given a playing card with a number or face on it. This is your ticket into the show. An actor comes and calls a series of numbers to follow them into the stairwell so you can begin your journey. Inside the stairwell, everyone is given a mask that you are required to wear for the remainder of the show. You are also directed to no longer speak for the duration of the show and encouraged to split up from your party in order to have your own unique experience. From there, they turn you loose and your journey begins.

There are 5 floors of the hotel for you to freely roam and explore. Each floor has different rooms and sets that collectively tell a story. The overall theme to this experience is a unique rendition of the famous play, “Macbeth.” You’re encouraged to roam from room to room, open drawers, read letters, and really immerse yourself in the experience. While you’re exploring, actors roam in and out of all the rooms while simultaneously performing these beautiful, interpretive moves that help tell the story. You can follow the actors from room to room, or explore other rooms and find other scenes that are taking place. The point is to have your own experience of the show and almost feel as if you’re a fly on the wall of this story that is being told. It is such a fun and exciting experience that left me feeling invigorated, vulnerable, and a bunch of other crazy emotions. *I definitely recommend wearing comfy shoes to this because of all the exploring (and maybe running around) you will do!

End

At the end, my friends and I reconvened back in the cocktail lounge and shared stories of what we saw, felt, and experienced. It was so cool to see and hear that the three of us each saw and did totally different things while we were inside. It made me want to go back to be able to see all of the things that I missed! The McKittrick Hotel/“Sleep No More” was easily one of the coolest things I’ve done while traveling and I highly recommend it if you’re in New York.

Check out Sleep No More