Published in the Summer 2019 issue of Westwind Magazine
In New York City, people live by a few unique truths: Subways are necessary, walking shoes are mandatory, and crowds are avoidable.
Home to more than 8 million people spread across five boroughs, the city has plenty beyond flashing lights and celebrity sightings. It’s a vast cultural hub where rising chefs bring innovation to the table and talented artists dissect their crafts. Here, historic buildings live in harmony with modern architecture, and both demand appreciation.
To take it all in, you’ll have to move around a bit; the real New York can’t be found in Times Square. So lace up your sneakers and fill a MetroCard—you’ve got a busy day ahead.
9 AM • Flatiron District
Start the morning a few blocks shy of the Flatiron Building with light treats from Devoción, a new Colombian wake-up spot that looks as if it were lifted from a page in a design magazine. You can’t go wrong with the guava Gruyere croissant, best enjoyed beneath the shop’s ceiling-strung garden or up the street at Madison Square Park.
10 AM • Midtown East
Head toward Grand Central to the American Kennel Club’s easily overlooked and highly underrated Museum of the Dog. Explore two recently opened floors of paintings, artifacts, and interactive digital displays, all centered around one of the nation’s favorite household animals.
NOON • Nolita
Ride the train directly to Rubirosa for an Italian-American lunch with locals’ stamp of approval. Situated just north of Little Italy, the mislocated pizza and pasta spot holds its own, with seating options and portion sizes suited for large groups and notable pies that put a classy twist on the “New York slice.”
1:30 PM
Dumbo
Dip into Dumbo, an industrial riverside neighborhood in Brooklyn. For photo ops below the Manhattan Bridge, walk down Washington Street; for shopping, roam the historic warehouse-turned-marketplace, Empire Stores; for skyline views and vitamin D, claim a plot of grass at Brooklyn Bridge Park.
3 PM
Dumbo/Financial District
Take the scenic route back to Manhattan—above ground and by foot. The Brooklyn Bridge spans 1.1 miles over the East River, connecting Brooklyn to the main island. Hit the walking path and enjoy the view as you cross to the other side.
4 PM • Chinatown
Ten Ren’s Tea Time or Möge Tee
Give your feet a rest and rehydrate at one of Chinatown’s many bubble tea shops. If you’re indecisive, Ten Ren’s Tea Time and Möge Tee are among the best with seating.
5 PM
Greenwich Village
Hop back in time to one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods and admire quaint homes at Grove Court, Minetta Street, and MacDougal Alley. End the self-guided Village tour under the grandiose marble arch at Washington Square Park.
7:30 PM • Midtown
Find Bengal Tiger perched atop a staircase in an unassuming building on the outskirts of Times Square. The small Indian nook dishes delicious flavors at shockingly reasonable prices.
9 PM • Upper West Side
Made famous by You’ve Got Mail, Cafe Lalo captures the old-school charm of the Upper West Side. It’s far from NYC’s premier dessert destination but offers the perfect haven to linger for a while and debrief the day over a shared wedge of cheesecake.
Kyler graduated from WWU with a bachelor’s degree in communication in 2018. He currently lives in New York City and writes for digital media brand Thrillist.