All Around the World: Travel Notes on New York City

All photos taken by Tiffany Jones

As I mentioned last week, I never tire of visiting New York City.  My first trip to The Big Apple was when I was 15 years old…I was hooked.  As a young girl from a small town in west Texas, it  was the greatest place I had ever been.  The energy of the people, the museums, the plays, the amazing lights, the fabulous hotels and places to eat… I couldn't get enough.  From the moment I graduated from college… I was New York bound.  I loved the years I lived in the city….they were amazing… not always easy... but amazing.  (I like to fondly call those years  "Earning my MBA in Life").

While many of the restaurants and stores have changed over the years, many things have not…. Here are a few of my all-time stylish mid-town favorites.

HOTEL:

The New York Palace

This landmark architectural gem has just recently undergone a $140-million renovation.  At the corner of 50th and Madison… it just doesn't get any better in terms of location. Be sure to ask for a room overlooking St. Patrick's Cathedral…It is completely magical.

Photo courtesy of The New York Palace Hotel

RESTAURANT: 

21 club

21 club officially opened on January 1, 1930 and is one of America's most famous speakeasies from the Prohibition Era… (It still has the original disappearing bar and secret wine cellars that hid illegal liquor more than 80 years ago).  I have been dining here since I lived in the city…and it never disappoints!

21 West 52nd Street

SHOP: 

Rizzoli Bookstore

Established in 1964, this 6-story townhouse houses THE BEST collection of books.  In addition to offering general interest and best sellers, Rizzoli specializes in illustrated subjects…Fashion, Interior Design, Art, Architecture, Photography, Design and Literature (Italian, French, Spanish, and English). They also carry an amazing selection of European magazines and newspapers.  When I was in my 20's, I used to spend hours in this store just admiring all the beautiful pages and wishing I could afford just one of their Interior Design books.  Now, their books are some of the favorites in my collection.

Photo Courtesy of Rizzoli
31 West 57th Street

Museum:

The Frick Collection

There are so many wonderful museums in New York where I could spend hours but my hands-down favorite is The Frick Collection. It is internationally recognized for its outstanding examples of European sculptures and decorative arts…(right up my alley!)  Housed in one of New York City's few remaining Gilded Age mansions, this museum is just the right size to add a dose of culture to your weekend without feeling overwhelming… And if you happen to be there on a day where they are offering one of their lectures or educational seminars, you have really hit the jackpot!

Photo courtesy of The Frick Collection
1 East 70th Street

They say you are either an East Coast Girl or a West Coast Girl… I am definitely East Coast.  What about you?

xx,   

P.S.  Be sure to join us tomorrow for another exciting interview!