I grew up in the lower part of Westchester County (just a few miles north of NYC) and then I lived in Brooklyn for about 7 years during my early 20s, and more recently I spent a few years living in the Buffalo area as well. Many of my friends and family members still live in the greater NY area so I thankfully get to visit often and still enjoy a lot of the same old spots, restaurants, and experiences. I just thought I'd start putting together a list here with some of my favorite things about New York and I hope you find some interesting things to try whenever you're visiting!
Sections
2
NYC Area
Upstate & Western NY
NYC Area
This place is absolutely incredible! If you are ever in the NYC / Westchester area, I definitely recommend you visit.
Even in the fall and winter months, they often have beautiful exhibits and special events.
Definitely look it up and see what's...
New York Botanical Garden - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
This is the absolute classic in New York Pizza. I grew up in this town and this was the place for the best cheese pizza. They of course have a nice variety of toppings, specialty pizzas and rolls, and a few other menu items as well. Everything here is delicious and if you are in the area I definitely recommend you to swing by for a slice (or a whole pie).
Pelham Pizza · 113 Fifth Ave, Pelham, NY 10803
If you want that traditional, extra thin and crispy, coal-fired brick oven pizza from Brooklyn then this is where you need to be. You can expect to stand in line and you should plan on paying with cash. The food here is absolutely incredible, it's ...
Grimaldi's Pizzeria
These are without a doubt the best chocolates I have ever had. Hand made with the most delicious and unique ingredients. Kee creates some really incredible flavor combinations which I've never seen elsewhere. My favorite is the lemon basil. 🤤
Kee's Chocolates
This is one of the most peaceful and beautiful historic places that I have loved to visit whenever I'm in New York. It's a little bit out of the way from all the hustle and bustle (which isn't a bad thing, of course) and I definitely recommend it if...
The Met Cloisters - The Metropolitan Museum of Art
This is easily the best sushi restaurant I've ever eaten at. I actually worked there, as a hostess, over 10 years ago and its still the best sushi I've ever had. If you can make it happen, I strongly recommend spending an evening at Poke for some v...
Poke Restaurant
I have to admit, the pictures never do it justice with this place, and even when I was first invited to try some I did not like the look of it overall. 🤣 But once I tasted it, I was completely hooked and more than ready to try out every sample they ...
Rice To Riches
This is a very cool park with some really interesting history and flare. Perfect for a nice walk in the city, I highly recommend you check it out.
The Highline Park in NYC
Amazing cheesecake. Go there.
Junior's Cheesecakes - Brooklyn
Upstate & Western NY
This is definitely one of the most interesting places I have ever been to and it is certainly the most interesting place I've ever lived. This is a small spiritual community where healers and mediums live and work and thousands of people visit every...
Lily Dale, NY - The City of Light
This is a beautiful place that I've actually never been to but I'm including it anyway because I still would like to go. I lived in the area for a few years and somehow just never made it there but hope to work it in next time I'm in Western NY.
Eternal Flame Falls (Orchard Park, NY) Waterfall Guide
This is one of my favorite place for attending (and teaching) workshops for mind-body healing and spiritual retreat. Nestled away in beautiful Rhinebeck, this makes a for a relaxing and nourishing getaway whether you want to sign up for a program or...
The Omega Institute
This place has some of the best burgers and sandwiches that I've ever tried. A small and sweet place with local owners and welcoming staff. I highly recommend you stop by if you're ever in the area.