The High Line is a new park in New York City that runs along an railroad line.  Currently, it is located along 10th Ave between Gansevoort Street and 20th Street, but work is already underway to lengthen the park to 34th Street. Information about its hours of operation and an updated listing of access points are available on The High Line website; there is even a map of the park and its features.

Only a few blocks away is Chelsea Market, 75 9th Avenue (Between 15th and 16th Streets).  If The High Line  is a fusion of nature and modern design, then Chelsea Market is a combination of rustic design and modern shopping.  Though there are a few shops here, the market is mainly composed of a variety of restaurants and eateries.  A friend suggested we try Jacques Torres Chocolates‘ Hot Chocolate, it comes in plain and wicked (with a bit a chili pepper).  If you like thick chocolate, this is the place to come, and don’t be scared to try the wicked hot chocolate (it’s not too spicy and has a cooler name).

Both The High Line and Chelsea Market are accessible by A,C,E,L lines, and for more information check out their websites.

Located on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, the Doughnut Plant is currently open from 6:30am -- 6:30pm, and has a line curling around its small lobby throughout the day.  Don’t let the crowd scare you, the line moves faster than you would think, and, unbelievably, the staff is inviting and friendly.  I have been to many of these crowded trendy eateries and expected the women behind the counter to be jaded and surley, but they were two of the nicest people I met in New York.

Priced between $2-$3 each and accepting only CASH, this isn’t the typical doughnut cafe.  Here, doughnuts come in two styles Yeast and Cake, and there is a rotations selections of flavors for both.  I would recommend trying one of each; the yeast doughnut is where Mark got his start but he spent five years creating the cake doughnut.

If you don’t have time to make the trek down to the Lower East Side location, Doughnut Plant doughnuts are sold at a number of shops around the city (a full list is available on their site, under the tab ‘contact us’).  For me, the doughnuts were unique and delicious, but the excitement of finding the shop and waiting in line for ten minutes with other eager eaters made the Doughnut Plant an experience.

Figuring out where to stay and what sights to see can be the easiest part of planning a trip.  Finding a great restaurant or cool, casual bar can be a bit trickier.  It strikes you when you least expect it, but when you’re hungry— you’re usually starving and can’t wait until you hop a subway, hail a cab or walk ten blocks to get to that “great Italian place that is on such and such street”.  My advice— coordinate these types of places on your phone with the neighborhood they are in, that way where ever you are— pull out the list and you’ll have a great place to go. Here’s our friend’s picks of the best of the best to fill you up.

Continue Reading