Today was an absolutely beautiful spring day in NYC. The sun was shining, the temperature was in the high 60’s and it’s days like these that I live for. I had the quintessential day in Manhattan. Started out by hitting the Dunkin’ Donuts for an iced coffee then made my way to the subway. My first stop was to see my trusted stylist and friend at her new salon in Hell’s Kitchen. If you are looking for a new salon and a stylist that can make all of your hair dreams come true, go to Timothy John’s Salon in Hell’s Kitchen and ask for Jodi. I walked out of there a new woman, hair shining a beautiful shade of brunette with a touch of red velvet. I was ready to take on the world.
Next stop was Hudson Yards, which is the newest shopping mecca that spans from 30th-38th Street between 10th & 11th Ave. I was ready for some retail therapy for my upcoming trip of a lifetime to Croatia, and I also wanted to check out the architectural masterpiece called The Vessel, and it did not disappoint. Only in NYC can you turn a street corner (a bit tricky to find, you need to walk all the way down 30th and make a right on 11th) and find this incredible sight next to a skyscraper mall full of high-end stores like Fendi and Cartier, but also home to some of my more affordable favorites like Zara. Although it’s free to walk up The Vessel, they require you to have a ticket with a specific time to enter, so avoid the lines and reserve your ticket up to two weeks in advance.
I shopped til I dropped, then grabbed a light lunch at this fabulous gourmet market called Citarella and headed for the High Line. The entrance is conveniently located next to the Vessel. When you come out of the shops, go left and that’s where it begins. I absolutely love the High Line and how they transformed an old railroad line into a beautifully maintained park, all thanks to the community that rallied behind it and kept it from being demolished. It was extremely crowded due to the nice weather and it being a Saturday, so I recommend experiencing it early in the day or during the week when the crowds are much less and you can walk at your own pace and really enjoy the beauty that this walk has to offer. I found an empty bench in the shade and enjoyed my lunch, and there happened to be some lovely jazz music playing from afar. An older gentleman sat down next to me and made friendly conversation. He lived on the Upper East Side but was originally from Bushwick, and we talked about how much that neighborhood had changed and how Brooklyn has the best view of Manhattan. Then he told me about a free art gallery opening he had just went to that was just a few blocks away, so I decided to check it out on my way home. It was just how I imagined an art gallery opening in NYC would be – full of interesting people and beautiful paintings. I didn’t know anyone but felt like I belonged. I walked through each room and admired the works of art. My favorite collection was entitled ‘Subway People’ and will be on exhibition until June 10 at the Amsterdam Whitney International Fine Art Gallery on 25th Street and 10th Ave.
I finally made my way back to Brooklyn, hopping two different subway lines to get there, back to my quieter neighborhood streets. I am so grateful that I get to live in the best city in the world. As crazy and loud and chaotic as NYC can be, it’s also a place to be inspired. It’s full of life, art, energy and people. And there’s no place I would rather call home.
XoX,
Avril