Insider’s Guide to NYC

I first met Ava McEnroe when I was just four years old. We were both riding our tricycles down the street in Malibu, and before we knew it, we had become instant friends. At the time, I was living in San Francisco and Ava in New York, but both of our families loved (and still love!) to spend summers by the beach. Ava is one of the kindest, smartest, funniest, stylish and in-the-know people I have ever met– the adjectives could go on and on! Since New York happens to be one of my favorite places in the world, I wanted to write a post about the best spots in the city from an insider’s perspective, and it was only natural to ask Ava to be a travel guest editor. In her recommendations, Ava discusses everything from her favorite vintage shop to whether or not Instagram food trends are worth the money. Welcome to New York! Be sure to check out Ava’s Instagram here!

EAT:

1) Sundaes and Cones 

Although Ample Hills ice cream won Zagat’s “Best Ice Cream in NY,” having been to both (and an infinite amount of other ice cream places – you could call me a fanatic,) I have got to say that Sundaes and Cones is the best ice cream I have ever had. Sweet, simple, smooth, and delicious!

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2) Dominique Ansel Bakery 

Not to be basic, but hey! You have got to try the OG cronut once in your life, right? They also have pretty good savory food for those who don’t like sweets! WARNING: cronuts sell out early so get there as soon as it opens!!

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3) Smorgasborg 

Smorgasborg is the BEST. Held in Williamsburg on Saturdays and Prospect Park on Sundays, this food market offers a wide variety of delicious treats, both savory and sweet. WARNING: Although the Ramen Burger may look good on Instagram, it is definitely not worth the line or the money!

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SHOP:

1) Screaming Mimi’s 

Screaming Mimi’s is a rad vintage store in downtown Manhattan. The racks are sorted by decade (awesome), everything is pretty cheap, and you know the person walking by you on the street won’t be wearing the same thing. If you are trying to find a halloween costume or just everyday, unique clothes, this is the place to go.

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2) Zara 

I know Zara is everywhere but hey, it’s Zara! How could I not include it?

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3) Bloomingdales 

Bloomingdales is a little on the expensive side but who said you had to buy anything? It is a great New York experience just being there, plus there is an amazing frozen yogurt place called Forty Carrots inside.

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SEE:

1) A show on Broadway 

I’m sure you have probably heard of Hamilton by now, and yes it was AMAZING, and I am literally obsessed, but it is not the only great musical out there! If you can’t get tickets to Hamilton head on to basically any other show on Broadway, even off-Broadway, they are almost all great!

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2) Shakespeare in the Park 

Shakespeare in the Park is only available in the summer, but if you happen to be in New York during that time, tickets are free, and the production is always great. Why not?

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3) The sunset while walking on the Brooklyn Bridge

It is fun to walk along the Brooklyn Bridge at any time, but it is definitely most beautiful at sunset. You can lose yourself in the beautiful view and find yourself standing there for hours!

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DO:

1) Bronx Zoo

I absolutely LOVE the Bronx Zoo. While I also love the Central Park Zoo, the Bronx Zoo is much bigger and has more animals to view – you can spend all day at this zoo and still not see everything!

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2) Brooklyn or New York Botanical Gardens

The flower exhibits change with the seasons but all of them are absolutely beautiful. It is the perfect mixture of nature and the city. Who said you can’t have everything?

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3) A Comedy Show

Comedy shows are super fun and a great way to spend the night. Check it out some of the best comedy clubs in New York here! 

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Photos courtesy of Ava McEnroe, TimeOut, Serious Eats, Odyssey Online, Guest of a Guest, Racked, NY Mag, and NYC Go.

Featured images were done in collaboration with Little Drill Creative.