Visit the city that never sleeps with the girls for a pre-wedding adventure. By Stephanie Gray
The best thing about New York City is that it never disappoints. How could it? From museums and parks to dining and theatre, plus arguably the best shopping in the world, everything you could possibly want is at your fingertips.
With endless options and little time, it may seem impossible to cram everything into one weekend, but I just did, and I’ll show you how you can, too!
Fly Porter
If you’re coming from Toronto consider Porter airline (flyporter.com). Check-in times are shorter, lineups smaller, and security faster. With daily flights from Toronto’s City Centre Airport, it doesn’t get more convenient than this. Minutes from downtown, their stylish and comfortable lounge has complimentary drinks and snacks to nibble on. While on-board, passengers experience a premium level of service that includes complimentary wine and beer, leather seats and a spacious cabin environment (extra legroom!). Arriving at New York’s Newark terminal, it’s about an hour by bus (the Newark Liberty Airport Express is $25 round trip and has 3 drop-off locations) or cab to the city.
Stay at Hotel Gansevoort
Located in the hip Meatpacking District, Hotel Gansevoort (18 Ninth Ave., hotelgansevoort.com) is guaranteed to exceed your expectations. The first luxury hotel in the area features a rooftop bar and pool, which at night is one of the “it” bars to drink at with a lineup down the street (easily avoidable for those lucky enough to have a room key). With panoramic views of the city (including a gaze onto the exclusive SoHo House), it’s clear why this roof is prime real estate.
The rooms and suites are spacious and chic with modern details like iPod docking stations and flat-screen TVs. After a long day of shopping or night of partying, you’ll melt into the plush feather bed dressed in Egyptian cotton sheets. There’s also a well-stocked mini-bar—where you’ll find a natural hangover spray remedy conveniently located by the premium liquor.
For those looking to take their R & R to the next level, consider booking a treatment at the spa. With three private treatment rooms, a spacious steam room, and hair salon, you’ll be ready for a night on the town in a breeze. Try their Hit the Spot Massage or Fiji Water Pedicure to really chill out.
Cool accommodation packages are also available, including Sex and the City and Ultimate Shopping Spree Escape options.
Dine at STK
Minutes away from Hotel Gansevoort, STK (26 Little West 12th St., stkhouse.com) is the place to go if you want a steak. It’s not your typical manly steak house, instead the lounge has a leather-lined bar, marble accents and zebra-print tables. Celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Kate Hudson have both dined here and with just cause—the food is fabulous. With the option of choosing three sizes of steaks (perfect for the waistline-conscious), there is an extensive wine list to accompany the creative menu. The deconstructed Caesar Salad is a perfect starter, while the Parmesan Truffle Fries are a mouth-watering must-have side. Finish with a Warm Chocolate S’more or assorted cookie platter if you have room!
*Not into steak? Right around the corner is the Italian restaurant Vento Trattoria (675 Hudson St., brguestrestaurants.com), with pizzas, pastas and salads, plus a large patio; it is a casual yet classy dining option.
Take the Sex and the City Hot Spots Tour
Calling all diehard fans! If you’ve never been to the Big Apple, this is a great way to get a preview of some of the trendiest neighbourhoods and follow in the footsteps of Carrie and the girls to spots featured on the show and in the movie. Run by On Location Tours, Inc. (screentours.com), your upbeat guide will share details from the show, give insider scoops, and happily answer any of your questions about the city. Halfway through the three-and-a-half-hour tour, you’ll get a chance to indulge in a cupcake from the Magnolia bakery (minus the lineup!). The last stop is at Steve’s bar (actually called O’Neal’s Speakeasy, 174 Grand St.), where you can finish off with a Cosmo.
Breakfast at Pastis
If the continental breakfast is not enough fuel to sustain you pre-shopping, head directly across the street from the Gansevoort to Pastis (Little West 12th St., pastisny.com) for some French bistro cuisine. Thick-cut French toast, a variety of eggs like Benedict and Florentine, and bottomless coffee will most definitely fill you, while the quick and efficient service will get you in and on your way to the shops in no time.
Shop in Soho
If you’re looking to splurge, enjoy the upscale boutiques scattered along the cobblestone streets of the Meatpacking District. Even if you can’t afford the price tags, I’ll admit it is fun to browse. Jeffrey (449 West 14th St.), Diane Von Furstenberg (440 West 14th St.), Theory (40 Gansevoort St.) and Scoop (430 West 14th St.) are all great places to take a peek.
For those looking for stylish gear minus an overworked credit card, check out the downtown Soho district. You’ll find all the basics like Banana Republic, J.Crew and Club Monaco, plus other trendy must-stop shops. Check out Nicole Keen’s N.Y.C. shopping picks here.
Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art
With a 9:30 a.m. opening, plus 9 p.m. closing times on Friday and Saturday, you can definitely find time to visit this New York landmark. Recently showcasing Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy, there is almost always a fashion-related exhibit inside (at no extra cost). With Central Park in its’ periphery, you’re seconds away from strolling through the city’s urban oasis complete with trails, ponds, and even a Zoo.
For further resources on what to do in NYC check out nycvisit.com.