Manhattan

Chelsea and The High Line

We left our hotel early one very windy and brisk April New York morning and headed down 9th Ave the 25 blocks to Chelsea.  My daughter’s main goal was to see some sights, eat all the Charcuterie Boards, drink funky cocktails and visit all the Barnes and Nobles.  So while in Chelsea our main two attractions to see were The High Line and Chelsea Market.

The High Line

Keeping in mind this particular morning was incredibly chilly with a high wind blowing through so this made venturing to The High Line a little less fun than had we visited later in the Spring/Summer when it is in full bloom.

If you don’t know about the High Line, it is basically an elevated park, 30 feet above the streets and sits on a historic freight train tracks. It’s approx. 1.5 km and offers some great views or the river and city. It is a hybrid public space where you can experience nature, art, design and laid back vibes, at any giving time you will encounter yoga classes, art events, picnic goers and many other happenings.

Chelsea Market

One of the most famous things about this neighborhood is Chelsea Market, a huge shopping venue with over 200 vendors and it’s an iconic culinary destination. It’s inside an old Nabisco boxing factory, although today you can find just about anything here, including a variety of food stalls.  If you have ever been to Granville Island Market in Vancouver…it is pretty much exactly like that.

The trains of the High Line once served the wholesale butchers who lined the streets beneath the tracks and cooled their provisions with blocks of Hudson River ice, and the National Biscuit Company established its factory—now reclaimed as the Chelsea Market.

History aside, shopping aside, the building itself is an incredible blend of mixed media, brick architecture, black iron accents, old and new.

Unfortunately we arrived a little too early and the shops weren’t opening up just yet. But even though this was the case, the building was beautiful to walk through anyway plus we were able to skip the crowds.

It’s trendy, but not pretentious. Totally worth the visit.

The Canuck

We didn’t go in but we of course had to pass by the infamous pub that Marshal introduced to Robin when she was feeling homesick in How I met Your Mother.  The Canuck is the one and only Canadian sports bar located in the vibrant Chelsea neighborhood in the heart of New York City. The Canuck embodies Canada in all aspects through its décor, menu, music selection and friendly, inviting attitude. 

Manhattan

Greenwich Village

Oh man, I loved roaming the streets here…it’s packed with food, history, culture, boutiques. It once was considered the hot spot for counterculture attracting artists of all kinds and free thinkers.  Some legendary artists, such as Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, and Edgar Allan Poe used to hang out in this neighbourhood. You can still feel that in the air as you explore there are so many alternative shops and independent cafes…it’s just a unique city in itself.

It’s also apparently one of the oldest hoods in New York City. Of course we had to go in search of the Friends Apartment and Carrie Bradshaws Apartment from Sex and the City.

Lunch: While We Were Young

Officially my MOST FAVOURITE place we ate at. It’s super tiny with only a few seats, the vibe is sophistication without the snobbery. I have no idea how my daughter found this place but I am so glad she did. 

We both had the Fixed Two Course meal that included a Starter and an Entrée. I can’t stress enough how much I loved everything about this place. The food was on point, the service was engaging, the cocktails were heavenly, the vibe was soft and warm and had such a high brow vibe without the exclusivity. 

I don’t remember how many cocktails we had, 3 each I think. We couldn’t stop because they were delicious for one, but also so unique in presentation.  If you don’t go here for lunch you missed out 100%. Go check out their Instagram channel and see these amazing libation creations.