Spotlight On: Flatiron District

The Flatiron District is one of my absolute favorite areas of the city. There is so much to see (and eat!) in this area that it is definitely worth checking out.

This small area in Midtown got its name from the iconic Flatiron building. It is located at the intersection of 23rd, Broadway, and Fifth. You literally can't miss it due to the unique triangle shape of the building. There is also a large area in front of the building with tables and chairs which is amazing for people watching.

As cool as the building is, my favorite part of this area is across the street. Madison Square Park is just steps away from the iconic building and it is gorgeous. I love the parks in NYC because they provide such a necessary feeling of suburbia to the concrete jungle. Madison Square Park in particular isn't huge, but it is still beautiful and a perfect place to relax. A small section of the park is even used as a "dog run" space.

What Madison Square Park is probably best known for though is the original Shake Shack and its infamously long lines! Seriously, if you come at lunch, plan to wait for a looooooong time! But, if you've never experienced the little bit of heaven that is a Shake Shack burger, fries, and shake, then it is totally worth it.

If burgers aren't really your thing, you HAVE to go into Eataly. Eataly is basically an amazing slice of Italy smack in the middle of NYC. You can shop in the market for amazing Italian ingredients, eat a meal in one of the many restaurant areas, take a cooking class, or even grab a drink at their rooftop beer garden, Birreria. In other words, you need to go here ASAP!

Lastly, if you're looking for a unique shopping experience, check out Fishs Eddy. This store is located at Broadway and 19th and has really cool housewares items.

The Flatiron District is a really cool area to explore whether you're just visiting or a lifelong New Yorker and is absolutely worth checking out!

Spotlight On: New York for the Holidays

There truly is no place like New York during the holiday season. I feel so lucky to have grown up near such an amazing city. Some of my favorite holiday memories have been going to visit the tree in Rockefeller Center and seeing festive shows like the Radio City Christmas Spectacular or The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center. NYC is featured in so many holiday movies and it is just such an iconic place to be during this time of year. So, I decided to list some of my favorite New York holiday hotspots that really get me in the Christmas spirit!

The Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree is definitely touristy and overcrowded, but it's obviously a must-see. Even if you see it every year, the tree is always iconic and spectacular. There is nothing like the feeling you get when you turn the corner and see this thing lit up in all it's glory just a few days before Christmas. (@Christmas30Rock)

Bryant Park is another one of my favorites. There is so much to see and do here around the holiday season including another fabulous Christmas tree, ice skating at the Citi Pond at Bryant Park, and shopping at The Holiday Shops. My favorite pop up shop is the Ooh La La boutique - definitely check it out!(@BryantParkNYC & @TheHolidayShops & @OohlalaNY)

Take a walk down 6th Avenue. In addition to seeing Radio City looking its finest for the holidays, there are a number of other festive decorations including giant ornaments, huge Christmas lights, and colossal toy soldiers. Nothing like getting in the Christmas spirit through continuous photo ops.

Saks

Barneys

Bergdorfs

Do some serious window shopping! It is very necessary to hit up all of the classics like Saks, Bloomingdales, Barney's, Bergdorf's, Bendel's, Tiffany, Cartier, etc. I love to compare them all and pick my favorite every year. Even though it's so hard to choose, I think for 2011, Bergdorf's is the winner!
(@Bergdorfs & @Saks & @Bloomingdales & @BarneysNY & @BendelGirls & @TiffanyAndCo  @Cartier)

The Plaza is always such a gorgeous, iconic place to visit, but this holiday season it's even better! This year, Betsey Johnson designed a Christmas tree that is inspired by Eloise! Personally, I can't think of a better collaboration. In addition to an amazing super-pink tree, Betsey Johnson also has a pop-up shop at The Plaza for the holidays. There's always room for new holiday traditions in my book! (@xoBetseyJohnson & @ThePlazaHotel & @ThePlazaEloise)

What are some of your favorite holiday spots in New York City?

Spotlight On: Buddakan & Chelsea Market

Last month my boyfriend and I wanted to go out to dinner in NYC to celebrate our year and a half anniversary. It was so hard to choose where to go because there are so many amazing dining options in New York. We ended up using my OpenTable app to make a reservation at Buddakan and I'm so happy we did!

First of all, Buddakan is technically in the Chelsea Market, even though the entrance to the restaurant is outside of it. If you've never been to the Chelsea Market, I highly recommend it! It's such a cute indoor shopping center that is filled with great shops and restaurants. There's classic favorites like Anthropologie and Hale and Hearty Soups in addition to places like Bar Suzette creperie, Fat Witch bakery, and One Lucky Duck organic restaurant. There is so much do to (and eat!) in the Chelsea Market and it has so much character that it's definitely worth a visit.

Buddakan itself is part of the Chelsea Market, but the entrance is outside. They call themselves "modern asian cuisine" but it is essentially an asian fusion restaurant. Regarless, it was awesome. When you first walk in, you are greeted at a front desk that almost resembles that of a hotel. When you turn around there is a huge bar/waiting area that is absolutely gorgeous. The actual seating area Buddakan is just as nice. The dim lighting along with the rich colors and festive decor make for a great ambiance and vibe throughout the restaurant.

The food was hands down the best part. To start, we ordered the sesame shrimp toast, tuna tartare spring rolls, and the pork potstickers. All of them were ridiculously good! Just thinking back on it is making my mouth water. As far as the main course goes, it's best to order a few entrees and sides and then split everything instead of getting individual meals. We ordered shacha chicken, charred filet of beef, and lobster fried rice on the side (a must!). For dessert, you absolutely CANNOT leave unless you order the crying chocolate. You seriously will regret it forever; it's that good!

In addition to the Buddakan here in NYC, there are also locations in Philly and Atlantic City. If you ever are looking for a delicious, trendy place to eat, I highly recommend stopping into Buddakan!

Spotlight On: High Line Park and City Winery

Last weekend, I explored a fantastic part of NYC that I had never been to before, the High Line.

The High Line is a New York City Park that is built on an elevated section of track from the former West Side Line freight railroad. The park runs through the West Side all the way from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th & 11th Avenues.

As anyone who has been to New York knows, parks in the city are like little slices of heaven, and the High Line is no exception. Up just a few flights of stairs from the taxi filled asphalt is gorgeous greenery stocked with little surprises.

One of my favorite areas of the High Line is the 23rd Street Lawn. Grassy areas are hard to come by in NYC and it is a great spot to rest, have a picnic, and enjoy the gorgeous views. I also really enjoyed the Sundeck Preserve area between 14th and 15th Streets. Here, there are tons of wodden lounge chairs installed which was a great, unexpected feature. Also, around this area, there is a magnificent view of the Diane von Furstenburg offices.

After spending much of my day exploring all that the High Line has to offer, I headed over to City Winery at 155 Varick Street for dinner and a concert.

Before we made it down to the show, we stumbled upon the cutest little garden in SoHo. Some of my favorite things in life are unanticipated, like this one.

City Winery itself was amazing. The ivy coated building and the massive wooden doors immediately set the tone for the entire night. The inside of the venue was just as charming and the food was to die for. City Winery is the perfect place to watch a laidback summer concert while enjoying some delicious wine and food.

In my opinion, both the High Line and City Winery and must-see attractions in New York!