Manhattan bound . . . .

If my flight's on time, I'll be in New York for happy hour! This is one city that inspires and energizes me to no end. There is inspiration on every corner, and I'm planning on bringing plenty of it home with me. I always go with my eyes and my mind wide open. You'll miss out if you don't!

As soon as I drop off my bags, I'm heading straight to Acme, a new restaurant on Great Jones Street that replaces a Southern and Cajun restaurant of the same name. My son is a bartender here (second from left), and I'm hearing they are turning out some seriously impressive Scandinavian food. Can't wait to check it out.

Photo by Matt Dutile

And I'm so exited to be staying at 

The Standard, East Village. 

Sister to The Standard on the Highline, this new Standard offers big city views in a cozy, residential setting. It comes with complimentary bikes that I'll definitely be using to ride to The Standard Grill on the West side for a delicious breakfast. Honestly, I don't mean to make it sound like this trip is all about the food, but I'd be lying if I told you that it's not a big part of it. 

I am going without much of plan, and I love it that way. Being spontaneous in a city like New York is the best. I wander. And wandering is when I find the most inspiration. I choose to roam through the city of ooh's and ahh's without an agenda. I'll let you know what I find this time. 

New York City bound . . . .

I am off to Manhattan, and should arrive just about the time the sun sets. I am really looking forward to a fun weekend! I always try to hit all my favorite spots, and add a few new ones while I'm there. A couple of my stops include Ralph Lauren on Madison Avenue.

"To me, it's the most beautiful store in the world: the details, the world it creates, the mix, the textures. It's a store that has an emotional impact. I've watch so many people come into it and be dazzled when they enter."

- Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren - Madison Ave.

Another stop for me is the Apple Store in which I try to pop in for a class or two. The Fifth Avenue store is stunning. It is an underground store, which is marked by a 32-foot street-level glass cube, and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Apple Store exterior - 5th Avenue

Apple Store interior - 5th Avenue

I have so many favorite places in SoHo and The West Village. They are two of my favorite neighborhoods, and it's a perfect way to spend an afternoon wandering around, taking in the coffee shops, wine bars, restaurants & boutiques. A few of my favorites are Po' on Cornelia St., a tiny quaint pastisserie called Ceci Cela on Spring Street, i tre merli on 10th Street, and in Union Square, I will always order the Pad Thai at Spice.

Po' restaurant - Cornelia Street in The West Village

Ceci-Cela Patisserie - Spring Street in SoHo

i tre Merli - 10th Street in The West Village

Spice - 13th Street in Union Square