Sarah-Louise and Christopher take in the sights, sounds and tastes of New York City in their latest adventure.
There is something magical about New York City, something visceral that captures our imaginations every time we visit. Everything feels bigger, time seems to move a little faster and the abundance of energy, sound and scale all come together to create an inimitable and inspiring atmosphere.
Every few years or so, we get the urge to dip our toes back in to this vibrant place, and remind ourselves of why it’s one of the greatest cities in the world. We planned a long weekend getaway, packed our bags and mapped out a few essential activities and places of interest.
Autumn in New York, why does it feel so inviting? One of the main considerations when visiting New York is the time of year. It’s renowned for harsh winters and blisteringly hot summers, so we find it key to try and meet somewhere in the middle. What better time than in the fall, when the leaves turn a golden auburn shade, the weather is calm and the doorsteps of the city are adorned with pumpkins and decorations.
A feast for the eyes and more
As we began our decent into the United States, a brief glance down at our favourite travel companion the IWC Ingenieur Chronograph (IW380801), and a swift time change, five hours back, we had arrived. Our hotel was located in Midtown Manhattan on Madison Avenue, the beautiful New York Edition. The perfect launch-pad to get around the various different boroughs of the city and home to the iconic IWC boutique.
The Big Apple is renowned for trendy bars and eateries, creative boutiques and views to die for, each area offering something completely different from the next. Our first stop was classic and traditionally New York, the iconic Tiffany & Co. Blue Box Cafe uptown. Surrounded by towering buildings and views out across Central Park, we settled into a delicious lunch of yellowfin tuna tartar and Maine lobster salad.
Somewhere between living and dreaming, there’s New York
After lunch we wandered a few blocks to the iconic Central Park to soak up the awe-inspiring Autumn atmosphere. If you have the time, we recommend popping into the Guggenheim and Met museums.
One of the essential activities on our agenda is shopping. Everything from interior complexes in Midtown, vintage fashion boutiques in the Lower East Side and Williamsburg, the luxury outlets of SoHo, and a quick pit stop to one of our favourite IWC boutiques.
For us the best mode of transport in the city is the iconic yellow taxi, glancing out the window at the buildings and people walking the streets, you truly feel the rhythm and soul of the city. We headed southwest for a spot of lunch at Italian eatery Locande Verde, located inside the Robert De Niro owned Greenwich Hotel. A favourite in this part of town, the food was delicious and the atmosphere electric, Grandma’s Ravioli is a must.
As the sun fades, the city lights come alive. The restaurant scene is prolific, so we recommend making reservations early so you don’t miss out. Our favourite spot for dinner on this trip was Chinese Tuxedo, a new and popular haunt located in the heart of Chinatown. The brainchild of Jeff Lamb and Eddy Buckingham, the buzzing atmosphere is accompanied by brick walls, candlelight and sleek contemporary interiors. For evening cocktails, nothing beats stepping back to the roaring 1920’s at Williamsburg’s Maison Premiere, a local institution for oysters, cocktails, absinth on tap and a guaranteed great evening by candlelight.
For Sunday brunch we suggest heading over the Williamsburg Bridge and relaxing at Dumbo House, the new stylish members’ space from the Soho House Group. Another unique and magical view of Manhattan and the perfect place to take some time, read a paper and relax.
Want to know where we’ll head to next year? Follow the @IWCjournal to find out. #AdventureswithIWC
Sarah-Louise Marks and Christopher Phelps run the popular travel blog “The Adventures of Us”. The London-based couple are sharing their breathtaking escapes on The Journal in a special travel series.
The Empire State Building
New York City school buses
Central Park Skating Rink
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