Sunday, March 31, 2013

Spring Break Round-up

I love visiting other cities whenever I get a chance, and being on the East Coast means that I have so many choices to choose from. This spring break, I went to Washington, D.C. and New York City.  Here are some my favorite places.

WASHINGTON, D.C.
Food:
Founding Farmers: we were in the area on a Sunday night, when the streets were all empty.  you wouldn't have realized it from the restaurant, however; both floors were completely packed.  good food and quality ingredients that are made in-house or carefully sourced.
Standard: great barbecue. 'nuff said.

Shopping:
GoodWood: they have a shop puppy that makes a visit worth it.  They mostly carry 19th and 20th century antiques, other vintage finds, and some locally-made products.
Tabletop: a wonderful collection of modern accessories.
Proper Topper: runs the gamut from hats, dresses, baby toys and clothes, books, and more.  good for treating yourself with something beautiful or for gifting a friend.
Trohv DC: huge place chock full of home goods, furniture, party accessories, and more.

Other:
Museums (obviously).  Most of the Smithsonian museums are free, which just makes it all better.  The most popular are the Air and Space Museum and the Museum of Natural History, but some other gems include
National Gallery of Art: beautiful art in a beautiful building.
Freer/Sackler Gallery of Art: Asian art plus a random gallery of American Art.
Museum of American History: I learned so many new things about this country.  Made me proud to be an American, even with all the hiccups we've had (and are still having).
Botanic Garden: and many other gardens dotted between the museums are beautiful.

NEW YORK CITY
Food:
Doughnut Plant: huge donuts with innovative flavors.
Russ and Daughters: cream cheese and cured salmon all made in-house.  lines are long, but worth the wait.
Patisserie Claude: best croissants ever.
Pearl Oyster Bar: lobster rolls and shoestring fries
City Bakery: pretzel croissant.  better than it sounds.
Eataly: Mario Batali's food extravaganza.  a mix between grocery store, deli, cafe, and restaurant.
Momofuku Milk Bar: crack pie is a must-have.  cereal milk ice cream as well.  heck, just try everything.
il laboratorio del gelato: wonderful flavors.
Mast Brothers Chocolate: handcrafted dark chocolate with beautiful packaging.
The Cinnamon Snail: vegan food truck bursting with flavor.  the pastries are wonderful too.

Shopping:
Brooklyn Flea: better in the spring/summer, but still great in the winter.  fantastic collection of clothes, craft, antiques, and food.
Papel New York: cute shop featuring cards and paper goods
Moon River Chattel: kind of like a thrift store, but classier and higher quality and wonderfully curated.
Brook Farm General Store: possibly my favorite store ever.
Purl Soho: quality yarn and fabric shop.  their website also has free patterns for a variety of projects.

Other:
High Line Park: built on abandoned railroad tracks above the city, with great views of the Hudson and surrounding streets