Enjoy a stroll down the The High Line, an elevated green space built on a former railway track. It runs along the western side of Manhattan, stretching from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to 34th Street, near Hudson Yards. The park features beautifully landscaped gardens, public art installations, seating areas, and walking paths
Chelsea Market is a perfect place to explore a variety of artisanal food and specialty shops offering everything from fresh tacos, hand pulled noodles and our personal favourite - fresh seafood and oysters! In addition to delicious food, Chelsea Market has unique boutiques and other specialty shops. Once you are done eating your way through the market, walk it off at Little Island on the Hudson River, one of NY's newest parks.
The location where Chris proposed and one of our most loved locations in the city! Washington Square Park is an iconic public park in the heart of the Village, with a rich history as a gathering place for communities throughout the years. It's a hub for students, artists, chess players and New Yorkers enjoying some green space. Enjoy the musicians and performers, often showcasing their talents by the fountain or under the famed arch. Once you have seen the park, be sure to spend time strolling among the beautiful brownstones of the West Village, one of our favorite areas of Manhattan, it is not only beautiful but is home to incredible restaurants, fun bars and shop - it is also the area where our wedding will be taking place at One if by Land, Two if by Sea!
The Edge is the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere and offers the most incredible panoramic views of Manhattan. If you are up for a walk it is also located at the top of the High Line. After you have taken in the city, head downstairs to grab a churro or any number of delicacies at Mercado Little Spain food market. Right next door you will also find the Vessel, a 16 story network of stairways and platforms creating a honeycomb-like structure.
Want to get out of Manhattan? One of our favorite adventures is hopping on a ferry for a day in Red Hook, Brooklyn. In Red Hook you can sample some NY wines at the Red Hook Winery, indulge in one of the best BBQ spots in the city at Hometown BBQ, or get stuck into a seafood boil at Brooklyn Crab. Don't forget to wash it all down with Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pie or maybe a beer at Strong Rope Brewery with views of Lady Liberty. And if that's not enough for you, there is one of the best burgers in the city at Red Hook Tavern... not to mention the Lobster Roll at Red Hook Lobster Pound.... you'll see why we like it there!
The constant debate of where to find the best slice in New York. Chris and Eleni's top 3: Rubirosa (Nolita) - You will need a booking for this one, they are released 7 days out and go FAST, expect a delicious "Staten Island" style pie in a cute restaurant in the heart of Nolita (the carbonara is good choice too!) Lucali's (Carroll Gardens) - Famous brick-oven pizzas and calzones in a rustic eatery. This place is worth the effort to secure a table. You will need to line up at 3pm to put your name down at 4pm for a reservation that evening. BYOB and delicious. Joe's Pizza (various locations) - This one is our more accessible go to! A classic NY pie! Honorable mentions: John's of Bleecker Street and Prince Street Pizza
Finding the best burgers in the city is Chris's passion project. So which are the best burgers in the city?... you heard it here first: Peter Luger Steak House (Williamsburg): This classic NY Steak house serves one of, if not, the best burgers in the city. The catch is that its only available for Lunch Monday to Friday. Hamburger America: Located in the heart of the village, this a relative new comer to the burger scene that has gone straight to the top of the list. Red Hook Tavern: This burger makes all the "best of" lists, check it out if you find yourself in Red Hook. Like your burgers smashed? Don't pass up a quick takeaway bite from 7th Street Burger, or the best deal in NYC at The York ($12 smash burger, fries and a beer)
If you know us, you know we LOVE to eat! Below are a few of our go tos! Hanoi House, East Village (Vietnamese): if you like Pho, you will love Hanoi House. Located in the heart of our neighborhood, the East Village, after dinner hop into a neighboring bar on Saint Marks and enjoy some people watching. Ugly Baby, Carroll Gardens (Thai): do you like spicy food and an adventure? Head out to Brooklyn and try one of our favorite restaurants in New York City. The spice levels are not for the faint hearted - you've been warned. Ramen Ishida, Lower East Side (Japanese): This hole in the wall, no frills spot in the LES serves up some of the most delicious Ramen in the city. Golden Diner, Chinatown (Breakfast): Do not skip the Pancakes at Golden Diner! Oyster Happy Hours!: Oyster Happy Hours are a staple of our summer activities, there are great deals all over the city, our favorites are Mermaid Inn (Greenwich Village), Goodnight Sonny (East Village) and Maison Premiere (Williamsburg).