three days in New York City

As much as I love traveling myself, I love hearing about other peoples travels and what inspires them to go…Two weeks ago, while walking Aspen, I bumped into my dear friend Dori Christie…a delight, she’s fun, gorgeous & interesting…we are rarely in town at the same time…she divides her time between Toronto, Florence and Ft Lauderdale…no time for lunch, she was off to New York…a quick 3 day trip inspired by a book she had just read…”You should write a guest blog post” I said. “Sure” she said…so here it is… I’m hoping she’ll write more…Julie

What started out as and proved to be a good read turned into 3 days in New York City.

“All The Beauty In The World” by Patrick Bringley is about the Authors 10-year Security Guard post at The Metropolitan Museum Of Art.

This read got the better of me and soon enough there I was in NY to follow in Patrick’s footsteps. First, check in at The Mark Hotel, very chic and conveniently right around the corner from The Met. All is fabulous including the Hotdog Cart for hungry traveller’s complete with probiotic toppings Furry guests are welcome with in suite designer beds and “Spoiled Dogs Menu”.

I was out the door as fast as NY likes to move for a walk on Fifth Avenue along Central Park. It’s spring and in full bloom, beyond beautiful.

Bergdorf Goodman was directly on my path so of course a tour of the Temple of Fashion is a must. Whether your window shopping, the windows are spectacular, or are on a mission for a special piece, you’re in the right place.

I gave into temptation, buying a lovely Dries Van Noten cropped jacket. Quite special. Something to cherish forever and will be a great memory.

A quick lunch time nosh at the BG Restaurant – my fav on the menu is the Gotham salad.

Back to The Mark where it was all a buzz at cocktail hour in the lobby bar. You can be inside or out on the street facing terrace for some great people watching.

The Gramercy tavern is always a good idea for dinner with an award wining menu and a nod to the 100 km rule in support of local farming. Locals and tourists alike gather and it quickly becomes like your favourite comfortable chair in a room peppered with lively conversation.

Next morning breakfast at Ralph Lauren’s Flag ship store at Ralph’s Coffee. Perfectly quick and delicious.

Now for my raison d’ etre – The Met!

My map of the museum tour was laid out as per Patrick Bringley’s memoir.

Medieval Art, European Paintings, Contemporary Art, The Egyptian Wing, The Islam Galleries, The Mezzanine……it goes on and all of it magnificent.

I was introduced to an art movement I had not previously known. The Hudson River School 1825 – 1870. Stunning landscapes with magical light. My favourite was by Sanford R. Grifford – A Gorge in the Mountains 1862. Found in the American Wing.

Patrick and I share a love for Renaissance Artist, Fra Angelico and his extraordinary painting Crucifixion 1420-1423. You’ll find it in the Old Masters Galleries along with the likes of Raphael, Michelangelo and Vermeer to mention a few.

Three hours of exploring and I’d only scratched to surface of my quest. What a way to explore the Met!

Hungry, I headed back to The Mark for dinner at Jean–Georges another hot spot with hotel guests and after work crowd gathered for great elixirs to kick off the evening followed by exquisite International Cuisine. FYI – also available is the NYC famous ABCV menu for Vegan delishisness.

Day three starts with a workout in the very well equipped hotel gym and breakfast at Pick a Bagel – a bit of an institution… if they don’t have your topping, it doesn’t exist.

More art at the Gagosian Gallery. A must see…the Frank Gehry Exhibit – Ruminations. Gehry’s works on paper and larger than life Fish Sculptures.

Saks Fifth Avenue is just 20 blocks away and New York is all about walking… I’m on my way along Madison Avenue where it’s a Mecca for designer boutiques. Saks Fifth Avenue is another fashion institution where you can treat yourself or simply peruse and take in all the wonder. Either way, it’s so enjoyable.

Times up, a quick check out and I’m back to LaGuardia. Honestly, 3 days in New York is very doable. I highly recommend it.