FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS!

‘New York, New York

I want to wake up
in a city that never sleeps
And find I'm a number one, top of the list
King of the hill'

Frank Sinatra

Following Frank’s words I wanted to wake up in the city that never sleeps so I head off to NEW YORK and spent last 3 weeks enjoying Big Apple. I must admit I wasn't planning much but what I experienced and felt went much beyond any of my expectations. NEW York, with its vibrant and colorful  atmosphere will amaze you and give you great deal of inspiration. Plus if you are lucky enough to have sunny weather you are able to enjoy it even more by walking in parks and spaces around the city. I was looking for inspiration and oh yes ! I have found it. Mind that I wouldn't call myself a tourist per se with long agenda with all the ‘must- see ’places with ticking clock on my back. I’m rather a person who also appreciates tasting city life by observing people in the streets or simply having coffee over paper in the park...

Below you will find worth your time touristic spots and grand art spaces, small galleries, amazing vegan places, parks, vintage clothing shops and home furnishing stores!

Let's get started !

Get a week metro card – more convenient than one way tickets, without it you are lost in the City, with it you can be in half an hour everywhere you want. Another benefit of tube travelling is that you can meet hundreds of different people from around the world who can inspire you or simply put smile on your face (I'm talking of those bold crazy performance of different kind ;)). Many metro stations have its stories e.g. Michael Jackson recorded BAD at Hoyt.

Foremost remember to read all notices hanging underground with train timetable changes – just to avoid later frustration :)

‘Imagine all the people’ ...in the Central Park.

Enjoy lazy Sunday in Central Park. Designed in 19^th Century has it become the most famous and beloved urban park in the world. I must say bike ride in the park, was amazing! Bethesda Fountain – should be on your list. One the most famous fountains in the world. Know also from many movies... remember ‘One fine day’ with George Clooney and Michelle Pfeiffer??! oh! never mind...but watch out! Somebody can even propose to you ? :)

Visit Strawberry Fields which are living memorial to the world-famous singer, songwriter and peace activist, John Lennon. If you walk deeper in the park you notice some bands playing. I found cool one for myself… What a great combination of sunny weather, green grass and jazz music!

CAN YOU THINK OF ANYTHING BETTER ?

My Tip:  go and enjoy , don’t read , don’t plan. Just get yourself a comfy place on the blanket and relax !

Now time for ART! Located in Central Park MET Metropolitan Museum of Art. Be prepared for long hours in there. Not for ticket queues but due to numerous great pieces from ancient to modern time. I met my favorites:Gauguin, Matisse, Freud, Chalk Close & Hackney. You might be overwhelmed with the amount! Be careful since getting lost is easy. Check out Gallery of Photography and Roof top view on Central Park. MET is one of a few art place where admission is on recommendation what means you pay what you think. But com'on it is noble to support such institutions! And in NYC you will find plenty.

Keep along 5^th Ave and you will get to Whitney Museum of American Art. Good opportunity to get familiar with all the greatest. Retrospective exhibition of Jeff Koons is currently displayed till Oct 19. Check it out ! You will also find Edward Hooper, Jasper Jones and many many more.

If you are crazy Art fan as I do find myself, you definitely need to visit MOMA, Museum of Modern Art. My biggest Art Dream was to see Les Demoiselles d'Avignon by Pablo Picasso, 1907. What an ecstatic experience! 

Give yourself more time to explore current exhibitions: The Paris of Toulouse-Lautrec: Prints and Posters, Gustav Klimt and big number of famous artworks from around the world. For those who are soon to be in Big Apple- Matisse Cut- Outs are coming soon!

Apple Store close to Central Park is an interesting place even if you are not a huge fan!Looks amazing doesn't it ?

Keep direction to Upper Manhattan and stick to Broadway Ave. where lots of things going on ...cool coffee shops, fancy restaurants and bars. Brynat Park is the best place to take some rest and just enjoy doing nothing. And just around the corner beautiful architecture of National Library. Have a look inside especially if you happen to be SATC fan!

Grand Central Station is just a walking distance from Library. Built over hundred years ago building attracts tourist with number of shops and cafes. Are you familiar with this image?

If Manhattan, than SoHo is the next step, jump on a train!

SoHo is a neighborhood in Lower Manhattan that in recent history came to the public's attention for being the location of many artists' lofts and art galleries, but is now more noted for its variety of shops from trendy luxury boutiques to national and international chain store outlets. I knew I needed to be here ....just hanging around, get lost and then find myself again. Try it!

Worth dropping in on Isabelle Marant POP- UP store, Antrophologie, MOMA store, Helmut Lang, Fiorentini & Baker , All Saints ...

If you are a big FRIENDS' fan , go to 'Central Perk' - yes! Friends' favorite spot created for 20th anniversary (Can you even believe ?20 years ?) Anyway people are queuing for hours to get in...

New York is full of interesting initiatives & sustainable solutions. One caught my attention long time ago and I decided to explore. The High Line is a public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side. It is great idea itself. However I was more attracted to the industrial neighborhood with lots of art galleries. One of them Agora Gallery- presented Polish artist Marcin Ryczek.

Once you are in the neighborhood go straight to Chelsea Market. That is the place to be when you are hungry, want to get some veggies home or read a book over coffee. Amazing industrial space converted into food court, bookshop and arty shops. I will miss this place!

Now time for BROOKLYN ! The best place to be in NY. Brooklyn is New Manhattan, you know. Anyway it is cool, nonchalant, easygoing and enormously inspirational. 

Start with Williamsbourg! With a diverse demographic that includes Hasidic and Latino communities, semi-industrial Williamsburg, attracts young and cool hunters from all over the city. But it’s not just about hanging out in rustic bars and wearing vintage hats —it is gastro destination and arty enclave, mecca of Vintage clothing and furniture. If you are lucky enough you make a good bargain. Bedford is the right direction. Start with vegan breakfast at Bliss Cafe - my favourite spot down there. 

Start your vintage hunting at Artists and Fleas, cross the street you will find a bookstore with old and new. Head to Driggs Ave and just look around for vintage stores e.g. Brooklyn Reclamation.

If you are good bargain hunter, visit Brooklyn Flea Market with old furniture, vintage posters and second hand clothes. I myself hunted old kimono, Kennet Cole cool cross body bag and Ferragamo leather boots.

There are million options for a lovely evening. BLUE NOTE happily happened to be my choice. This legendary jazz club is located in Greenwich Village. It is more convenient to book on-line tickets ( get a table otherwise you will be squeezed at the bar ). ROY HARGROVE QUINTET Concert was amazing! Another big dream came true! IF you are jazz lover you have to be there!

Keep your eyes wide open to find cool staff in the streets!

Before I came to Big Apple I imagined NYC like on those photographs with breath taking views on the city, Manhattan skyline, Empire State Building top deck view of city. There was no other way than to let myslelf experience it ! Here are some super cool photos – I know, I know a bit tacky but aren't they beautiful ?

My favorite daylight view on Manhattan from Brooklyn Bridge Park – grab a coffee, sit and breath deeply!

Empire State Building view of the City – very touristic spot with museum and big gift shop – but worth your while! Immersive experience !

 Lovely! Favourite view on the City from Prospect Park.

New York bu night would look best from rooftop revolving restaurant at Marriott hotel at Times Square. Order Metropolitan- it tastes better with this incredible view!

Whatever way you will choose have fun , let go and follow your dreams !

LINKS:
littletownshoes.wordpress.com - fantastic blog about NYC 

metmuseum.org

agora-gallery.com

whitney.org
artistsandfleas.com
moma.org

ALL PHOTS BY LLD