I had a weekend without children and needed to recharge my batteries, like many mothers who work full time and lead a family life, as if a daydream had more than 24 hours. I got in my car and drove to New York. Without plans, without a schedule with the only desire to take a break from my everyday life and my life routine, which I still love passionately.
Here is the list of my 48 hours in New York with no plans.
- I’m going to New York to walk all weekend and listen to myself think.
- Hotel Arlo Midtown: I go there because it’s centrally located in Manhattan and I can walk south and north at my leisure. Good to know: Some rooms with two double beds have a terrace. A terrace in your room in New York is the dream for going out and reading.
Arlo Midtown, Alex’s hotel for the weekend. Photo from the website arlohotels.com
- My favorite tacos: Tacombi in Nolita is my favorite because of the atmosphere. Birria are made from brisket (breast of beef). The idea to keep in mind is to serve a side of beef broth to lightly wash down the tacos. A pleasure. I will also put this in my sandwiches.
- The classic bistro: Pastis is open again, we rush there. I also go for the atmosphere in the very cool West Village, the fries and the champagne. It’s always been a celebrity spot. The furnishings are timelessly beautiful.
Fries and champagne at Pastis. Photo provided by Alexandra Diaz
- A coffee in the Prêt-à-Manger: It’s almost like a Van Houtte. I’m in love with the branch’s only small table in front of Bryant Park. When it rains, I sit and read and look out the window at life in this park that I love.
- Whole Foods Market: My favorite grocery store. Every time I go there I bring back lots of new products to eat and try. And beauty treatments thanks to their beautiful selection of health products. Our shampoos and conditioners come from there. There is one in front of Bryant Park and therefore only a few minutes walk from my desired hotel.
Whole Foods Market, where Alex brings souvenirs for the table. Photo provided by Alexandra Diaz
- A drink at Ace Hotel: It is still a place where I enjoy meeting people and can feel the pulse of a particular culture in the hotel bar. Last weekend, a New York director invited us to a free performance artist exhibition at the MET (The Metropolitan Museum of Art) that same evening. I beamed with joy at having experienced this opportunity.
- Highline: The essential linear city park. I never turn on a dial on Sunday mornings, except when I’m in New York to walk the High Line. I came home and dreamed of this walk in urban nature.
Walk through Manhattan and look at the sky. Photo provided by Alexandra Diaz
- Small island: I took it to the bank and walked down to this flower park on stilts. I discovered the hiking route on the banks of the Hudson River while participating in the New York Half Marathon. I picked it up and assumed it would take me to Little Island.
- Eataly: The chain of fine and fresh Italian products is probably the most well-known among tourists, but still gives me the impression of being in Italy. Two slices of ultra-cheesy bocconcini and fresh mozzarella pizza and then we cross the street for a picnic break at Madison Parc.
The chain of fine and fresh Italian products Eataly. Photo provided by Alexandra Diaz
Picnic in Madison Square Park in front of Eataly. Photo provided by Alexandra Diaz
As I sat at my kitchen island, I finally managed to hear myself think. And my thoughts told me to return for another eat-think-walk pilgrimage, but next time “in and around Central Park.” I will listen to them.