Where You Can be Saucy, Hip, Brilliant, Impossibly Sexy
Sightsee: It’s the hit of the skyline and a constant star on TV and in the movies, but have you seen New York from the top of the Empire State Building? Relive Sleepless in Seattle the next time you’re there and you won’t regret it. Whether you choose to view from the 86th floor observatory or go all the way up to the deck on the 102nd floor, the view is out-of-this-world. Bring your quarters for the high-powered binoculars. Date night? Make a pre-dinner visit, head up at dusk and watch night evolve from this most romantic spot. Empire State Building, 350 Fifth Ave, Ste. 300, 212.736.3100, www.esbnyc.com.
Stay: The Jumeirah Essex house located on prestigious Central Park South is one of New York’s best hotels. The Essex house is home to a prestigious art collection with commissioned pieces by Korean photographer Atta Kim and American landscape painter Mark Innerst. This extraordinary hotel has an artist-in-residence program developed by the hotel’s curator, Katherine Gass. The rooms and suites are luxurious, offering an array of fabulous amenities. Travelgirls will love the rooms overlooking Central Park. This hotel has been voted North America’s leading hotel; it holds the Michelin Guide’s 2007 “Five Pavilions Award” and AAA’s Four-Diamond distinction. A chat with the concierge can get you a seat at the best table in town or lead you to an array of audio tours including a walking tour of Central Park. www.jumeirahessexhouse.com or 888.645.5697 for reservations.
Live Like a Local: Welcome to NYC’s favorite playground: Central Park, where you could literally spend a week (or more!) sightseeing, exercising, people-watching and simply soaking up the spirit of New York. There’s a castle, a zoo, a bridle path, a skating rink, a carousel… the list is seriously endless. Free seasonal walking tours happen on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays from the Central Park Conservancy www.centralparknyc.org, and stop by one of the park’s three visitor centers to find out details on music and theater performances. www.nycgovparks.org
New Standout: The Buddha Bar – New York’s hottest new chow down is located in the heart of the Meat Packing District. The Big Apple version of the famous Parisian namesake is a supreme delight. Your taste buds travel the world as you are treated to an array of Asian delights, French tantalizers, Indian curries and grilled Colorado lamb chops. Start your experience with a cocktail aptly named Cote d’Azure, a stunning mix of lychee and grapes combined with vodka and pinot grigio or perhaps you might try a Spa, sipping a concoction of fresh cucumbers with citrus, a hint of vanilla and vodka. The bar provides sheer bliss with a background of mesmerizing music. Call way ahead for a weekend reservation. Be prepared, a line forms after 11pm, when the celebs come to dream the night away. Buddha Bar, 25 Little West 12th Street, 212.647.7314, www.buddhabarnyc.com
Savor: Of course you’ll visit Times Square, so be sure to plan for time at Carmine’s where you’ll never be able to clean your plate (the portions are family-style in a big way) but you’ll wish you could, since everything’s delicious. There are two mouthwatering locations. The Upper West Side spot has outdoor seating and is usually slightly less crowded. If your group is smaller than six, you can’t make reservations after 7PM, but it’s so worth the wait. Carmine’s: Theater District, 200 West 44th St, 212.221.3800, Upper West Side, 2450 Broadway, 212.362.2200, www.carminesnyc.com
Shop: Lord & Taylor was founded in 1826, but this isn’t just your mother’s store anymore; it’s a shopping mecca for today’s successful women. Browse the landmark store located on 37th and Fifth and you will find a wealth of trendy fashions, designer couture and everything from fine jewelry to the latest in cosmetics. The shoe salon is a must-visit — and bring the guys — Lord & Taylor offers an abundance of upscale men’s clothing and footwear. If you happen to be in New York anytime from mid-November until the end of the year, don’t miss the Christmas windows on Fifth Avenue. They are always spectacular, helping bring the spirit of the holidays to New York City. www.lordandtaylor.com
