At the start of October I flew to NYC to visit my friend Adia who had just moved there to attend the Manhattan School of Music. I love this city and was so thrilled to have someone close to visit! Adia was turning 25 so our friend Sydney flew in from Chicago to celebrate as well.
After I landed, we took the subway to Central Park, grabbed some coffees and strolled around. It was unseasonably warm for October and I made a mental note to visit later in the year on my next fall trip so I could see the fall foliage in the park.
We did some shopping in preparation for Adia’s birthday party the following day then headed back up north of the park for dinner.
On Friday night we got ready to go out and headed down to the NoMad district to The Ivory Peacock, the second largest gin bar in the world. And let me tell you, the prices matched the title. I think I paid $32 for a single dirty martini. NYC prices are no joke!
After a few drinks we walked over to The Fleur Room where we luckily had a promoter hookup and were able to skip the line and get a great table with drinks and a clear view of the Empire State Building! This bar is on the 35th floor and the view is truly incredible.
This was one of my favorite memories I’ve ever made in New York. Being able to celebrate with friends and continue making memories despite the distance is always such a special experience. I’ll definitely be coming back for this view next time I visit.
The rest of my visit was spent eating and exploring around the Upper East Side. We found a wonderful hole in the wall Italian restaurant called Italianissimo Ristorante. Although the menu has some great choices the chef will also make anything off menu you request. Everything we ordered was incredible!
My final day we spent the afternoon exploring the Met. I’ve been here several times and still feel there’s so much to see. Currently there is a Costume Exhibit going on which is my favorite exhibit I’ve seen here to date. Plus, if you have proof of local residency, the entry fee is pay what you will!
The costume exhibit began with the ancient Greek and Roman sculptures and art and showcased fashions in these times. The exhibit moved through Tudor, Elizabethan, Victorian, and the 1900’s all the way to modern times. Some pieces were based on specific art within the museum, others highlighted the different types of dress across the ages.
This was my favorite piece in the exhibit. This area was dedicated to fashion based on the body. In the dress you can see the silvery outlines of the ribs and spine of the skeleton, complimented beautifully by the intricate black lace and transparent fabric. I need this for my next Halloween party in a haunted mansion.
This was a short but very memorable trip. To be able to combine a visit to one of my favorite cities and also visit a friend in her new home was just what I needed. I predict many more visits in the upcoming years!
