A Perfect Day is just that – the perfect day, on your terms.
It’s also a perfect way to share those local gems – under-the-radar restaurants, shops, and haunts that only you (and a few others) know about. Since sharing is caring, I’ll be kicking things off by featuring my neighborhood – the Upper West Side in NYC – if I was having a solo girl’s day.
Mommy/kid-friendly version coming soon, of course.
Hitha’s (Solo) Perfect Day
Upper West Side, NYC
MORNING
I wake up at 8 a.m, after nine hours of blissful sleep. I throw on a pair of leggings, a sports bra and tank, and a light jacket. I lace up my sneakers, and walk the few blocks to Birch Coffee. With a hemp milk latte in hand, I walk over to Central Park and over to the Reservoir Path. With my headphones snugly in my ears, I fire up an Aaptiv running workout and hit the trail. After a few laps, I exit the trail on the southwestern entrance and make my way out of the park. Pure Yoga is my destination, for a hot vinyasa class. Ooooommmmm.
AFTERNOON
After yoga and a much-needed shower at home, I throw on a sweater dress and boots and head over to Drybar for a bit more pampering – and then to brunch. Le Pif is just around the corner, and I tuck into the brie truffle honey sandwich, a glass of champagne, and finish with a 3 piece cheese/charceuterie combination. Mmmmmm.
After brunch, I head south over to Lincoln Center to watch the New York City Ballet perform. What better way to escape winter gloom than escaping in the world of Balanchine, Tchaikovsky, and Peck? None that I could think of.
EVENING
After filling up on the arts, I’m hungry again. I head back to Broadway, turning north towards Barbico Enoteca. This Italian hideaway is perfect for a glass of wine and a small bite. I enjoy a sopresetta crostini (or two) and a glass of Montepulciano at the bar, while reading a chapter or two on my Kindle. Satiated, I reapply my lipstick, pack up, and head on to dinner.
Gari Columbus has been one of my favorite restaurants in the city, even before we moved to the UWS. It’s my favorite spot for a date with my husband. Over hot sake, edamame, and the Tuna of Gari special, we reconnect (and pull out our phones to look at pictures of Rho).
I’m not one to crave dessert, but no perfect UWS day is complete without a stop at Cafe Lalo (of You’ve Got Mail fame). We tuck in to our own desserts (I love the red velvet cheesecake and a mint tea) before heading home. I throw on my pajamas, sip another cup of tea (this one is a current evening favorite), and read another chapter or 3 before falling asleep before midnight.
A perfect day, indeed.
What does a perfect day in your home city (or favorite far-flung destination) look like? COMMENT below and let me know!
P.S. – what a day in my life looks like, and my favorite spots in my favorite cities.
