I love carving out a solo staycation day, treating myself to some self-care and being a bit of a tourist in my own city! It’s a chance to remind myself just how amazing NYC is, visiting spots I don’t often see on a day-to-day basis and taking time to really appreciate this one-of-a-kind place.
A ‘self-care’ start to the day
I’ll start off at the Chillhouse flagship in SoHo for a morning pick-me-up and a simple mani/pedi. They have a café inside so I’ll grab one of their special “Chill Lattes” or just a matcha, and then drink it while I relax with my feet soaking! I’ll also grab a couple of their products like body oil or a facial massager so I can continue the spa day later on …
A bite to eat
Next, I’ll make my way to Chelsea Market for some lunch (and early dessert!) I enjoy the 25-minute stroll through the West Village and Meatpacking. I usually just wander around the building – they always have great fall-themed decorations – and pick up whatever catches my eye, but I always end with a sweet treat from L’Arte del Gelato.
A cultural moment
I’ll then walk over to The Whitney to see the latest exhibit. They have an Edward Hopper one coming in October that I’m particularly excited about checking out.
One of my favorite parts about the museum is their outdoor terraces on nearly every floor. They also have the Studio Bar on their 8th floor that’s indoor/outdoor, so after I’m tired from walking around the museum, I’ll pop up there for a drink with some wonderful views.
A breath of fresh air
After I leave the museum, I’ll probably head to Little Island at Hudson River Park to enjoy the atmosphere and the view. I’ll find a spot on a bench or bring a blanket, so I can spend a bit of time reading and relaxing. I’ll either bring a book with me or have picked up a new page turner at Three Lives & Co. along the initial walk up.
A cocktail at home
Now it’s cocktail o’clock, and since I’ve been out all day, I’ll head home to practice my at-home mixology skills. I love a bourbon cocktail and have found some of my favorites with Maker’s Mark®. “Gold Rush” is a bourbon twist on a “Bee’s Knees” – 2 parts Maker’s Mark Bourbon, 3/4 part honey syrup*, 3/4 part fresh squeezed lemon juice, garnished with a lemon wedge.
*2 parts honey, 1 part hot water for the honey syrup.
I also am fond of muddling up a classic Mint Julep! It’s easy to make with 2 parts Maker’s Mark Bourbon, 1/2 part simple syrup, and fresh mint leaves – don’t forget the crushed ice!
A cozy wind-down
While I’m sipping my Maker’s Mark cocktail, I’ll make a simple but comforting meal like Marcella Hazan’s buttery tomato sauce over pasta, and then park on the couch to binge some reality TV (the worse, the better). I may throw on a face mask or use one of my morning purchases alongside a pint of Ben & Jerry’s to cap off the ultimate treat-yourself day in NYC.
A cozy staycation in the city is the perfect way to make the most of NYC this fall and rediscover what you love about our city. In fact, Secret NYC and Maker’s Mark Bourbon have teamed up to ask all New Yorkers out there to do exactly that and “Raise a Toast to NYC.”
Share the love and celebrate the people, the places and the little things that make you feel passionately about our incredible city.
MADE WITH CARE. SIP WITH CARETM . Maker’s Mark® Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whisky, 45% Alc./Vol. ©2022 Maker’s Mark Distillery, Inc., Loretto, KY.