Moving back to New York I’ve had the wonderful remembrance that there are endless things to do in NYC! The temperature has miraculously stalled out around 90 80-ish degrees, and a breeze has materialized that is actual cool wind, not just the wafting smell of hot garbage floating through the air. I’ve been having the time of my life wandering through the neighborhoods of my childhood, happily fighting discussing with my mother where the grocery store/movie theater/David’s Cookies/pizza shop on our block used to be.
The Upper East Side gets a bad rap. ‘Boring’ they say.
‘They’ are idiots! (Aren’t they always?)
Here are five things to do in NYC on the Upper East Side:
1. Go to the park! Central Park is the obvious choice, and it should be. If you have never been to Central Park-go! Bring a picnic. Buy a pretzel. Spend the day. Central Park is amazing:
But if you are looking for another park-y hang-out try Carl Schultz on East End Avenue (entrance on 84th or 86th).
Disclaimer: I’m a little biased about how great this park is, because I went to school across the street for 10 years.
But it’s so great! There’s views of the East River. There’s TWO dog parks. Lately there have even been hipster-y looking young people there. So I think that means it’s cool now? Also, the mayor lives there, if you’re into that sort of thing.
Carl Shultz Park:
2. Micro-fitness. I’m going to make a bold statement here: The single-use, $35-a-class exercise trend that is sweeping the world? It was born on the Upper East Side. Everybody knows about Soul Cycle, and I love Soul Cycle (see related post here) but in this cradle of exercise oasis, that is far from your only option. Check out Refine Method, CITYROW, or even a day pass to Manhattan’s (and possible New York’s–I used to swim a lot) nicest lap pool at the Asphalt Green. All $35, all the time.
Refine Method:
3. Eat everything. It’s New York. There are approximately 7,000 restaurants within a 10 block radius of any location. I’m doing subcategories.
Quick eats: Bagels from Pick-a-Bagel (2nd between 77 and 78). Go to Lenny’s, they say. Don’t go to Lenny’s! Go to Pick-a-Bagel. Pizza from Bella Blu (Lex between 70 and 71. Yes, it’s Italian-style pizza. It’s better. Deal with it.) Sandwiches from…Citarella (3rd between 75 and 76)/Marche Madison (74 and Madison)/Grace’s (68 and 2nd)…basically if you wander around long enough waving $9-$23 dollars , you will find a sandwich. With the Second Avenue Subway (some people call it “the Q train” apparently) there has also been a moderate proliferation of breakfast carts, if you want the authentic egg-and-cheese-on-a-roll experience.
World class eats: Daniel. (65 between Park and Madison). I’m sure I’m wrong, but to my knowledge it’s the only Michelin star in the neighborhood?
Institutions: Beach Cafe. Bottega. Ko Sushi. (All on 2nd between 70 and 71. Good block for institutions.)
Drinks: Eastfields (78 and 1st). East Pole relative that is braving the wilds of York Avenue. Penrose (2nd between 82 and 83). There is a section of the menu titled “Day Drinks”. Enough said.
4. Go to a diner. Yes, I know this is another eating thing. But diners are special. And they’re dying. Humor me. Try: Trend Diner (2nd between 71 and 72) or Three-Star Diner (76 and 1st)
5. Walk Madison Avenue. Start at 64th (Chanel, east side of the street, they are very friendly about letting you pet ogle inquire about the bags! Wear nice shoes.) end at 72nd (Ralph Lauren, west side of street, they are very nice about being so. well. airconditioned.).
One more picture of the UES below….okay two.
Banner Photo Credit: Pipe A.