KATIE KENNEDY

Upper East Side Girls Night Out
📍 Upper East Side, NYC

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Sweater Vest || Jeans || Trench Coat || Ballet Flats || Handbag || Earrings

There’s something so timeless about a girls night out in New York City. Since I have to take the train from Connecticut, the feeling of freedom starts as soon as I get to Grand Central Station. No matter how many times I take the train in, I always pause for a moment to really take in the architecture—its celestial ceiling, the soft hum of travelers, the way the light catches the marble floors. It’s the perfect welcome before stepping into a night filled with good conversation, great food, and a little bit of magic. Here’s a quick look at my recent Girls Night Out in the Upper East Side.

Sant Ambroeus Coffee To-Go

After a full day of work, I actually started with a little caffeine pick-me-up to get things going. It felt like a miracle that the sun was actually still out by the time I made it to NYC and a stop at Sant Ambroeus felt like a little treat to celebrate. I took my mocha to-go, wandering up Madison Avenue and admiring the beautifully curated window displays. This ritual worked triple-duty as an opportunity to warm up, wake up, and find some inspiration for my wardrobe.

Dinner at Café Commerce

For dinner, my friend and I settled into Café Commerce, a cozy, intimate spot that felt like the perfect refuge from the crisp evening air. The menu was filled with classic French dishes, each one comforting and perfectly executed. But the real highlight? The coconut cake. Light, airy, and subtly sweet, it was the kind of dessert that demands your full attention—each bite better than the last. If you are able to snag a reservation here, be sure to bring your sweet tooth.

After Hours at The Met

With no real agenda, we made our way to The Met for their After Hours event, where the museum takes on a whole new energy at night and is exclusive to MET members. The dimly lit galleries, the quiet hush of visitors, the chance to take it all in at a slower pace—it all felt a little surreal. We wandered through the newest exhibit, Caspar David Friedrich: The Soul of Nature, pausing to take in the beautiful landscapes, while chatting about everything and nothing at all.

Milkshake for the Road

Before heading back to Connecticut, there was just enough time for one last treat—a milkshake and fries from Shake Shack at Grand Central. A final treat to enjoy on the train ride home. I was able to score a row to myself, slipped off shoes, and sipped on a Chocolate milkshake while listening to my latest audiobook. Although not the most glamorous moment, no night out in NYC feels complete without it!

There’s nothing better than a night in the city with good friends—the kind where you lose track of time, let the evening unfold at its own pace, and soak up every little moment. Until next time, Upper East Side. Knowing me, I’ll probably see you next week!

Love from NYC,
Katie

Thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about my travels and style, be sure to visit throughout the week! Be sure to check out my exclusive adventures in NYC and New England. 

A Quick Overnight in NYC
📍 West Village, NYC

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Jacket || Shirt || Jeans || Heels || Similar Scarf || Handbag || Earrings

Sometimes, the best trips are the ones planned at the last minute. For David’s birthday, we decided on a spontaneous overnight stay in New York City—a mini staycation that allowed us to indulge in some of our favorite spots while discovering a few new ones. Even though we visit the city often, there’s something special about waking up in Manhattan and savoring the energy of a full 24 hours in town.

Check-In at the Park Lane Hotel

Nestled along Central Park South, the Park Lane Hotel offers a blend of old-school glamour and modern comfort. We checked in mid-morning, instantly charmed by the sweeping park views and elegant, recently refreshed interiors. The location alone makes it a perfect home base for a short stay, putting us within walking distance of our itinerary while providing a quiet retreat from the city’s non-stop buzz.

Lunch at Empire Diner

For lunch, we made our way to Empire Diner, a Chelsea staple with a retro aesthetic and elevated comfort food. The art deco exterior sets the tone, while the menu offers a fresh take on American classics. I opted for the truffle grilled cheese, while David went for their signature burger—both perfect choices for fueling up before an afternoon of exploring.

Drinks at Café Chelsea

After lunch, we stopped for an afternoon drink at Café Chelsea, a new favorite tucked inside the historic Hotel Chelsea. The intimate, European-inspired space is effortlessly chic, with a menu of well-crafted cocktails and a relaxed yet refined atmosphere. It was the perfect setting to toast to David’s birthday before heading back to the hotel.

Relaxing in the Room with Brennan

One of the unexpected perks of this quick getaway was having time to simply unwind in the room with Brennan. With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the park, we let her nap while we took a moment to recharge. These slower moments always remind me that not every trip needs to be packed with activities—sometimes, just being present in a beautiful space is enough.

Dinner at Saint Theo’s

For dinner, we headed to Saint Theo’s in the West Village, a spot I’d been wanting to try. The atmosphere was lively yet cozy, with candlelit tables and a menu filled with Venetian-inspired dishes. We shared a few plates, including the cacio e pepe and the branzino, both of which were delicious. It was the ideal place for a celebratory meal—intimate yet full of energy, with an unmistakable New York charm.

Coffee from Sant Ambroeus

The next morning, we started our day with coffee from Sant Ambroeus, a ritual I never skip when in the city. The Upper East Side location is my go-to, with its elegant yet approachable ambiance and perfectly made cappuccinos. A quick breakfast of a cornetto and espresso was all we needed before heading off to soak in some art.

Exploring the MoMA

No trip to New York is complete without a bit of culture, and the Museum of Modern Art never disappoints. We spent the morning wandering through the galleries, taking in masterpieces from Van Gogh to Warhol. Even though we’ve visited countless times, I always find something new to appreciate—whether it’s a temporary exhibit or just seeing a favorite painting in a different light.

Lunch at PJ Clarke’s

Before catching our train home, we stopped for lunch at PJ Clarke’s, a true classic that feels like stepping back into old New York. The dimly lit, wood-paneled space has been serving up its legendary burgers since 1884, and it still maintains that timeless charm. We grabbed a cozy booth by the window, ordered their famous bacon cheeseburgers with a side of crispy fries, and soaked in the lively, no-frills atmosphere. It was the perfect way to wrap up our stay—unpretentious, delicious, and full of the kind of history that makes the city feel so special.

Though our time in the city was brief, it was exactly what we needed—a refreshing break from routine and a reminder of why we love spending time in New York. There’s something about waking up in the city, indulging in favorite spots, and embracing those unhurried moments that always leaves me feeling reenergized. Even though we visit often, these overnight stays have become a ritual of their own, offering a deeper appreciation for the city’s endless charm. And as we boarded the train home, I was already looking forward to planning the next one.

Love from NYC,
Katie

Thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about my travels and style, be sure to visit throughout the week! Be sure to check out my exclusive adventures in NYC and New England.