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

15 FREE THINGS TO DO IN NYC

Photography by: Lauren Lucile Creative

If you’ve ever visited New York City or lived here, chances are you’ve experienced just how expensive the city can be. Although New York City gets a bad rap for being costly, I think it’s important to note that here are in fact a ton of FREE things to do! I often remind friends/family that a trip to the Big Apple, doesn’t have to break the bank. So I decided to do a round up of my favorite things to do in the city that don’t cost a thing. And wether you live here or plan to visit one day, this list will help you save some money while enjoying all that the city has to offer.

1. Staten Island Ferry - Hop on for a quick roundtrip across the Hudson River to see Lady Liberty. Make sure to grab a beer at the concession stand to take with you for the ride.

2. Yoga class in Bryant Park (May-Aug)- No better way to de stress than Yoga with a view.

3. Washington Square Park - Located in Greenwich Village, the perfect place to sit and people watch. Don’t forget to capture a photo in front of the infamous Square Arch and Fountain.

4. Brooklyn Botanic Garden - FREE admission every Friday before Noon (March-November) and Winter Weekdays (December-February)

5. Brooklyn Bridge - Some of the best views of the city can be seen walking across the bridge. Best times to go are early in the morning or at sunset.

6. Dumbo, Brooklyn - You can easily spend a day exploring Dumbo, seeing the sights and capturing photos with amazing waterfront skyline views.

7. The Plaza Hotel- This ICONIC hotel is a must to see in person. You can typically walk through the ground level and take in the beauty that is, The Plaza. The flower arrangements located right inside the entrance are worth the trip alone (they change per season).

8. Central Park - Stroll through the park on your own or book a FREE guided tour of the park. Make sure to stop by these famed spots. (Bethesda Fountain, The Mall, Gapstow Bridge, Wollman Rink, The Pond, The Bow Bridge and Strawberry Fields just to name a few).

9. New York Public Library - Located in the heart of Midtown, this historic landmark is a must see. Make sure to stop by the newly renovated Rose Reading Room.

10. Grand Central Station - Explore the hustle and bustle of this NYC transportation hub. You’ll likely recognize many spots inside from scenes of movies. And don’t forget to find the Whisper Gallery.

11. Movie Nights Under the Stars - During Summer months, you can pack a picnic and see a movie from several parks and rooftops in the city.

12. Museums - Lots of museums in the city are FREE all year long. And several have specific days/times that offer FREE admission.

13. The Highline - An old railroad track turned elevated park which runs from Hudson Yards to Chelsea. Wake along the park, take in the city views and enjoy the landscape and outdoor art installations.

14. Explore a New Neighborhood - The best way to see the city is simply to walk the streets and take in the sites. You never know what hidden gems you might discover or the people you may meet along the way.

15. 9/11 Memorial - Open to the public daily from 7:30am-9pm. Visit ground zero, view the memorial fountains and see the Survivor Tree.

What are your favorite cost friendly things to do in NYC?! Any other places or attractions I should add to the list?

XO, Rae

15 THINGS TO DO IN NEW YORK CITY IN SPRING

Hello April! Who else is excited for warmer weather months?! Spring in New York City is pretty euphoric. New Yorkers slowly start to come out of hibernation from Winter once we get that first glimpse of warmer weather. Think days spent at Central Park, bike rides, rooftops, dining on patios and more. And just like any season, there is always a ton of things to do around the city. I’ve rounded up the best ‘15 Things to do This Spring in NYC’. So whether you live here or you’re planning to visit in the coming months, I hope you find this list helpful!

1. Macy’s Flower Show - FREE and open to the public from March 24th-April 7th

2. Stroll through Central Park - The park comes to life during Spring months and there’s nothing better than seeing the blooms up close in person. You can even take a walking tour to see the Cherry Blossoms.

3. Hudson Yards - This newly developed area recently opened to the public. High end shops, restaurants, public garden and a NEW landmark called the Vessel. You can climb all 154 flights of stairs to see unique city views from each landing. It’s FREE to access, however you do have to reserve tickets to enter the Vessel.

4. Cherry Blossom Festival - April 27th-28th at the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens. This event is known to sell out, make sure to reserve tickets ASAP.

5. Bryant Park - Stroll the park, grab coffee and find a seat amongst all the tulips in bloom.

6. Yankees Game - Spring baseball season is underway. Go Uptown to the Bronx to see the Yankees in action.

7. Dine from a rooftop - Eataly in Flatiron has a new Spring inspired rooftop garden including a new seasonal menu and cocktails.

8. Drink from a rooftop - Rooftop Season is one of the best perks of living in the city. Grab a cocktail with a view at one of these popular spots: Refinery, 230 Fifth, The Roof, Cantina & PHD Terrace

9. Smorgasbug - The infamous outdoor food market is expanding into the Financial District this Spring. It opens to the public on April 12th and every Friday thereafter through October. Hours: 11:30am-7pm

10. Brooklyn Bridge - Walking the Brooklyn Bridge is a MUST during warmer months. Best way to see the Manhattan skyline. And makes for the perfect Instagram photo.

11. Food Truck Fest - Saturday April 13th. Located at Grand Bazaar Market on the Upper Westside. There will be 15 gourmet food truck vendors along with other local vendors.

12. Frida Kahlo Exhibit - A new exhibit located at the Brooklyn Museum. It’s the largest US exhibit of her personal items, clothing and art. Definitely recommend purchasing tickets in advance, several dates are SOLD OUT already. Exhibit runs through May 12th.

13. Dine al fresco - Many restaurants in the city open their cafe for dining outside in April/May. A few of my favorite spots include The Mermaid Inn, Cookshop, Boat Basin Cafe and Tavern on the Green.

14. NY Beer Fest - The 2nd annual Beer fest will be located at Citi Field in Queens and feature dozens of craft breweries.

15. Explore a new neighborhood. There’s nothing better than walking amongst the tree lined streets of the city and seeing the Spring blooms everywhere.
    
    

Central Park UWS

Macy's Flower Show 2019

Bryant Park

Battery Park

What are you looking forward to doing this Spring? Comment below.

XO, 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

TRAVEL GUIDE: 24 HOURS IN BOSTON

Earlier this Summer I made a quick overnight trip to Boston. And I’m finally sharing my guide on things to do + where to eat + where to stay. This was my first time visiting Boston and I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I can say this, Boston was a place I could definitely see myself visiting again soon. It had the appeal of big city living but feels very quaint and easy going. Everyone I came in contact with was very friendly. And I kept finding myself saying the words: “I could live here.” I think that says a lot about a city that I’ve only spent 24 hours in. I probably should visit during Winter months before I make any plans on moving there, lol.

Where to Stay:

Airbnb - This ended up being the best option for a last minute trip. I was really shocked at how pricey hotels are in Boston. Maybe it was due to the time of year?! But we got really lucky and found a nice Airbnb in the South End area to stay for the one night.

South End is such a quaint and charming area. The streets are tree lined with beautiful Brownstones on each side. It’s an easily walkable area and there are lots of shops and restaurants nearby. I highly recommend staying in South End.

Where to Eat & Drink:

Barking Crab- This lively outdoor restaurant is a MUST! It’s casual dining with picnic table seating and views of the Boston Harbor. Order the hot crab dip and raw oysters. And the Frose to cool off!

Barcelona Wine Bar- Perfect spot for Dinner with friends or a Date Night Out! This tapas style restaurant is located in the South End. They have an extensive wine & cocktail menu. I recommend reservations, they are typically on a wait even on a weeknight. Order all the tapas (seriously) But definitely the mussels and charcuterie board.

Temazcal Cantina- Great spot to grab drinks in the Seaport District area. The restaurant is gorgeous on the inside and has amazing waterfront views of the Seaport.

Cafe Nero- Best coffee shop with even better coffee. Cafe Nero is a chain coffee shop with locations all over the city. I loved the coffee so much, I purchased 2 bags to bring home with me. Order the cold brew!

Barking Crab

Barking Crab & View of the Boston Harbor

Temazcal Cantina

What to Do: 

China Town- Although it’s not the size of the one in New York City, it’s still a fun area to explore.

Downtown/Theatre District- Home of the Paramount Theatre and host of many Broadway Shows. A must see in person.

Copley Square- This area is where the Boston Public Library, Trinity Church and several other landmarks are located right in the heart of the city. Definitely one of the most picturesque parts of the city.

Seaport District- This is an new up and coming area with lost of restaurants, shops, art and where a lot of local events take place. You can also walk along the waterfront and see all the boats along the harbor.

Boston Public Gardens- A beautiful public park adjacent to Boston Common. And home to the famous Swan Boats.

China Town

Paramount Theatre

Copley Square

Boston Public Library

Seaport District / Boston Harbor

Seaport District / Boston Harbor

Boston Public Gardens

So that’s my quick travel guide for Boston. I loved my stay there and would definitely go back and explore more of city. There is so much to see & do!

I’d love to hear from you if you’ve ever been to Boston! What would you recommend for my next visit there?! Comment below.

XO, Rae