In New York there are still a few department stores that can afford to revel in the glory of their past, having remained superficially unchanged since the 1960s. One is Bergdorf Goodman at which, I’ve read, the cost of clothes from a shopping spree might exceed your market-rate rent.
The ‘museum’ experience can be had with a breezy walk-through to the escalator stack, then up to the Seventh Floor where there is, on the uptown side of the building, the catchily named Seventh Floor Restaurant with its Madeline (Bemelmans) and Eloise (Thompson and Knight) charm, further rent gouging prices and spectacular view through wood sash windows over Sherman Square (recently restored), Pulitzer Fountain (now undergoing restoration) and the corner of Central Park usually used for major art installations. It's also almost within view of the ‘time capsule’ zoo---yes, there is a fine zoo in New York City, and it’s right there, slightly farther uptown within easy walking distance.
I sometimes bring visiting friends to either this café or the one at the Park’s other downtown corner at Columbus Circle --- ‘Robert’ in the Museum of Arts & Design.
I was once walking by Paris’ Le Printemps when I remembered reading about the 1920s Brasserie Printemps café on its sixth floor; I popped inside to take a look. Never had I seen such indulgent glory! This is not that, but it is similar, being also a time capsule, and very much a refuge from its chaotic surround.
Find your way with 301 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Games of Professional Baseball in New York doesn't just mean watching the Yankees play and paying 100s of dollars: watch a Class A game for much cheaper!
by
"Rubenstein Atrium" in New York's Lincoln Center has a free performance every Thursday night. I recommend you try to arrive around 18:30 to catch a seat.
by
"Revson Fountain" at the Lincoln Center in NYC is one of the results of the renovation that started in 2006. It's spectacular and a must-see!
by
"Gray's Papaya" in New York equals classic hot dogs. This place has been here at least 45 years, and it's easy to see why. Great people-watching spot too.
by
"Paris Cinema", est. 1948, is the last single screen cinema in NYC today; what irony that it was saved from closing by Netflix itself...
by
The White Clam Sauce linguine is classic. So much is served that what can’t be eaten on the spot can be taken home and easily reheated the next day,
by
At the "American Legion Post 398" in New York City I get to hear jazz played the old fashioned way, Harlem in the '30s, '40s and '50s...
by
"A Great Day in Harlem" is an important photo of 58 jazz greats taken in 1958 in NYC. The building on 126th Street where it was taken is still there...
by
The 13-mile Hudson River Greenway in NYC, which begins at the George Washington Bridge, is the most heavily used bike trail in the USA...
by
"New Plaza Cinema" in NYC has one mission: to show independent, foreign and classic films. It is run by a grassroots group; how long will it survive?
by
"Manny's Bistro" is a French bistro in my neighborhood in New York. Susan & I prefer to sit at the bar, which makes us belong & contribute to the scene...
by
"The Elevated Acre" is in the middle of the Financial District in NYC, but you would never see it when passing by - this park is hidden above street level!
by
301 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 301 Insider Tips