tried and true.

i can always count on my bff: JH to come visit me wherever i live (i'm just lucky to have a friend like that). and because i know wherever i am he'll come visit, i'm always determined to provide the most "un-tourist" but "classic" experience for him (and for all those that follow)!

but hosting him this week in NYC was a completely different monster from hosting him in SF… i mean where do you even start in this city?! well i thought it'd be good to provide my insight into the best ways to see everything as a tourist WITHOUT a big backpack, fanny pack and tennis shoes. because heavens knows, in this city, you might want some pictures where you look NYC fabulous, not like "just another tourist".

i like to attack a city by region/neighborhood. the first day JH spent here, we took a little skip out to the hamptons and montauk. although there was nothing too exciting to see in march, come july… that island will be hoppin'!!!!  there will be so many tan-middle-aged-men-wearing-white-linen-pants you'll want to get a pair. (these are my favorite: hamptons pants) so put it on your list.

but i will say, montauk (also known as: the end, because it's at the end of long island) is quite charming at sunset.

next we tackled midtown. there's a lot going on in that area! you've got the empire state building, grand central station, new york public library, times square…. and much more! because visiting NYC is such a treat for anyone, i would suggest becoming okay with spending some $$ on "seeing the sights".

empire state building cost: $27, but comes with an audio tour and is worth every dollar.

grand central station: free:)

new york public library: freeee:)

times square: freeeeeeee:)

another great area to hit up in a day (and it will take a day): "downtown area": i'm combining multiple neighborhoods into one day.

highlights: brooklyn bridge

                 wall street: golden bull

                 walk along the hudson river

                 battery park ----> staten island 

** statue of liberty ferry/entrance and ellis island ticket costs $18, unless you pre-reserve tickets to go up into her crown, then it cost $27.

* take note: the "services" on staten island are not impressive. expensive food and chaotic cafeteria/seating area. eat something before hand (suggestions to follow) so when you get to the island you can just enjoy the view and relax:)

when you get back from staten island, i highly recommend the 9/11 memorial. the actual memorial visit is free (they suggest a small donation), but a visit to the 9/11 museum costs $12 and gets you into both attractions. we did both and it was worth it! the museum was a very special experience and i would go again. it's easy to forget the emotions of that day, and this museum has many stories from those closely involved and items found in the wreckage. it's very touching.

my new favorite neighborhood is SoHo!! we took a walking tour of SoHo & Chinatown (bleh, chinatown) and i personally enjoyed everything about soho. cobble stone streets, boutiques, small/unique cafes, street vendors. i loved every moment of it! it does not feel like the rest of NYC, which is why i like it:)

i won't suggest places to go see. but i will suggest places to eat:)

Chobani - yes, it's the same yogurt you'll find in the grocery store, but even better! this small, hipster place takes greek yogurt and adds delicious sweet and/or savory ingredients to create a charming experience in a glass bowl. the PB&J yogurt & pomegranate & chocolate are divine.

Once Upon a Tart - great place for little… tarts… and other brunch like foods. and oh, so cute!

Jane - very, very popular brunch place!! haven't been there myself, mostly because it's just too crowded when i've been down there (make reservations!!!), BUT it's been recommended to me by more than one person. so i'm betting it's worth your time.

Georgetown Cupcake - i'm slightly embarrassed to say that ever since my lemon cupcake from here, i haven't been the same. i never was a big dessert person until that cupcake (AND i don't even LIKE cupcakes). on monday my itinerary looks like this: go to the gym, spend an extra 15 min doing squats, head to georgetown cupcake to pick up a cupcake (i wouldn't do extra squats for no reason…. let's get real here…). 

well my fine friends… we could go on forever! but alas, for some it's interesting, for others it's mind numbing (we don't take offense:). i hope some find this helpful/makes you want to come visit! if i might suggest one last thing of importance:

 * no matter where you decide to eat: there will always be a "grade __" sign somewhere on the front- take it seriously! only eat at grade A places! it means they take sanitation seriously. FORGET eating at a B or below. you'll regret it when… well we all know you'll regret it….