“I love New York, even though it isn’t mine, the way something has to be, a tree or a street or a house, something, anyway, that belongs to me because I belong to it.” —Breakfast at Tiffany’s
New York. A place that stirs within dreams, that lies deep inside hearts, and one that many, many long to simply be a part of. Perhaps it is thanks to the sheer nature and unique diversity of this grand city; or maybe it is because New York is, simply put, a place where everything seems possible — everything seems to be heightened, everything seems to be present. A patchwork of culture, art, science, architecture, culinary arts, theatre, dance, literature, business, design — nearly everything imaginable — is New York.
If one is drawn to music, New York is a stage; if one is drawn to elegance and glamour, beautiful design, exquisite shops and captivating sights are not far off. For art, the pavement is a canvas of imagination, and a maze of museums and galleries are never far away. The city brims with life, passion, and and undeniable energy that is exciting and intoxicating — it is the life, the very soul, of New York.
Home to extraordinary talents — those who have composed shows for the theatre that captured rows upon rows, spellbound, with a story never to be forgotten; and others, who sung love songs to the city, New York New York, and those who have made iconic films — works of art, of passion, of dedication and life, flow from the city.
In 1698, New York City had a population of a mere 4,937 people, and today? Over 8.1 million people reside there, making it the single most populous city in all of the United States. But it is not only populous with residents alone — millions upon millions of visitors near and far travel to the city, and in 2007 alone, there 46 million visitors. And some leave their present lives behind — leave their friends, family and all that they have known, to chase the dream of living and being a part of the city. For New York bears an intoxicating energy that is everlasting, an energy that is impossible to deny, and impossible to forget . . .
{a few fun facts about the city} . . .
* the Brooklyn Bridge was the very first bridge created to be lit using electricity
* each year, more than 250 feature films are shot on location in New York City
* the Brooklyn Children’s Museum was the world’s premier museum for kids
* Hong Kong is the only city known to have more skyscrapers than New York City
* New York’s Central Park is remarkably larger than the principality of Monaco
* there are more than 18,600 restaurants and eating establishments within the city
* New York’s famous yellow cabs are coloured so thanks to John Hertz, the company’s founder, who learned from a study that yellow was the easiest color for the eye to spot
But for those who long to visit and hold a bit of the city in their hearts, a trip to New York is the perfect opportunity . . . the opportunity to wake up, put the agenda to the side for a day, and follow one’s senses alone; to pick up a cup of hot coffee and a croissant and head down the streets . . . to come across the most quaint boutique and stop in for a browse . . . then it’s off to the library, where volumes and volumes overwhelm, for an hour or two flipping though pages; and of course, a most grand park awaits, with carriage rides to take, and numerous perfect spots to settle in for a picnic, complete with refreshing palegrino, baguettes, cheese, and fruit; perhaps afterward, an afternoon of monuments, art, and pictures await, followed by an evening of dining, dancing and tickets to the theatre.
And as one sinks cozily between the sheets, the day’s activities replay — for each time you visit, the city is different, yet remarkably the same, constantly changing yet at once, familiar. As the sun casts its golden rays against the silhouette of layered buildings, a new day has opened and beckons you to be a part of it . . .
And so, we invite you to stop over to a brand new city guide created for New York City, and discover an array of Laily’s wonderful suggestions on places to dine, to see, to stay, and most importantly, to experience.
—Sarah
{what to pack: tips from laily}
Make sure to check the weather, NYC experiences all seasons!
* light cardigan, for fall or summer evenings
* ballet flats for daytime (lots of walking the city!)
* cocktail dresses and high heels for nights out
* sunglasses
* umbrella, rain boots and trenchcoat for unexpected downpours
Also, getting around NYC is super easy. You can hail a cab from virtually any street corner or you can buy a metro card…the metro is super fast and convenient!
— Laily
p r e v i o u s l y :
* take me away № 01 | perfectly packed
* take me away № 02 | luggage to last a lifetime
* take me away № 03 | tips for buying luggage
* take me away № 04 | vintage & antique luggage
* take me away № 05 | the travel file
* take me away № 06 | an equestrian escape
* take me away № 07 | la maison du chocolat
* take me away № 08 | holiday etiquette
* take me away № 09 | st. petersburg, russia
* take me away № 10 | holiday etiquette, part two
* take me away № 11 | travel by train
* take me away № 12 | venice, italy
* take me away № 13 | a wintry escape
* take me away № 14 | the magic of winter gardens
* take me away № 15 | bora bora
* take me away № 16 | valentine’s inspiration for a romantic getaway
* take me away № 17 | the most beautiful rose gardens around the world
* take me away № 18 | a glamorous guide to champagne
* take me away № 19 | barcelona, spain
* take me away № 20 | a tour of a few of the best millinery studios around the world
* take me away № 21 | city guides № 1 : paris
* take me away № 22 | what to pack for paris
* take me away № 23 | dublin, ireland
* take me away № 24 | hong kong, china
* take me away № 25 | the enchanting world of lace
* take me away № 26 | the cherry blossoms of tokyo
* take me away № 27 | mykonos, greece
* take me away № 28 | the lavender fields of provence
* take me away № 29 | city guides № 03 : london, england
* take me away № 30 | sail away with me
* take me away № 31 | gelato tasting in italy
* take me away № 32 | the best beach cottages to stay around the world
* take me away № 33 | lisbon, portugal
* take me away № 34 | city guides № 4 : new york
