Things to do in New York City

Yesterday an Insta-friend put out the call for things to do in New York, so I sent her my list for our trip this September. Suffice to say, it’s pretty damn long, so I thought I’d share just a few of things I’m hoping to do in 72 days time…

Image: charissekenion.com

Shoot at...

Eagle Street Rooftop Farm. Image via Eagle Street Rooftop Farm

Eagle Street Rooftop Farm
Based in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, Eagle Street Farm is a 6,000 square foot rooftop organic vegetable farm. As well as epic views of the Manhattan skyline, we're also headed there for some quality ingredients as we'll be cooking a lot during our three week trip.

The New York Library
After 10+ trips I still haven't been to the New York Library. I need this to change in 2018.

MADE Hotel
I just love the light at this hotel. Can't wait to shoot a sunset on the rooftop, and in the restaurant and this beautiful, lush green lobby. Might even book a last minute weekend there...

Made Hotel via studio-mai.com

Shop at...

Glossier, NYC. Image: charissekenion.com

Sephora – duh!
I'm also heading back to Glossier to see how the customer service experience has improved. So many good products, but if you read my first review of the NYC store, you'll know I was less than impressed. Hoping for good things.

Eat and drink at...
Cecconi’s, DUMBO
It's all about those waterfront views. We actually booked a table here for Christmas, but the weather was just too unfriendly to step out in a dress - thankfully, come September, it will be back on the cards. Cecconi's holds a special place in our hearts ever since we visited the West Hollywood location. The food was so memorable - I can still remember how it tasted two years later. Add to that the fact that Cecconi's in London is the most beautiful place to people-watch, and eat - again, the food is perfect - and you can see why the Dumbo site is a must.

Cecconi's, Dumbo. Image: Soho House

Butter & Scotch
We've become obsessed with Chef's Night Out on Munchies' YouTube channel, and Butter & Scotch, Brooklyn, popped up on one episode a while back. Basically, it offers cocktails and cake, an actual business idea I had around three years ago (true story). It calls itself the 'bar and bakery of your dreams'. What more do you need to know?

Momoya
Ever had a food memory so clear you could eat it over and over again? That's what Momoya means to me. If you love Japanese food you will feel totally spoilt here. Don't hold back - you will regret it. 
Several locations, but we went to the Chelsea site...

Seasoned Vegan
If it's good enough for the cast of Black Panther, it's good enough for me! Actually, this was on our list for our last trip. We headed to Harlem on our very last full day in New York and were seriously hangry by the time we arrived at Seasoned Vegan. Imagine our dismay to find it was CLOSED. Unfortunately it's one of those restaurants that has very specific opening hours (it doesn't open until 5pm Monday-Friday), but the fact that the food looks so damn good on their Instagram means we're ready to get our timings right come September. Think vegan soul food...  

Homecoming - one of our faves from the last NYC trip. Image: charissekenion.com

Coffee at…
On our last trip we were doing three or four coffee shops in a day. This time, as well as heading back to the amazing Homecoming and Sweatshop, we’re adding Blackstar Bakery and Café and Sweetleaf Café to the list. Blackstar is one of those super stylish spots - definitely Insta-worthy - but I'm mostly interested in their Nutella Croissant because it has Nutella inside and outside, and then some. To get that down I'll be going for the Hot Cocoa because it's basically chunks of chocolate blended into milk. When it comes to Sweetleaf, it's a little spot that I saw on someone's Skillshare video (sorry, I can't remember who, but it's bound to be a photographer, if that helps...) and the lighting was so beautiful. As I'm planning to take my camera out every day, I figure it makes sense to choose places for their creativity potential, as well as coffee quality. And yes, we're probably going to head to all three Sweetleaf locations.

What are your favourite things to do in New York City? Let me know - there's always more room!