KATIE KENNEDY

An Upper East Side Day

An Upper East Side Day
📍 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan

Upper East Side, NYC, Madison Avenue, New York

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To ring in my 30th year around the sun, David and I flew up to NYC for a magical long weekend. While late-night cocktails at Bemelman’s were the highlight, revisiting our former neighborhood in the Upper East Side was a very close second. Since I had the pleasure of calling this slice of Manhattan home for two years, we came in with a long list of local favorites that we just had to see. We couldn’t make it to every destination in just a short weekend, but we’re already planning on being back very soon. With travel quickly opening up again, you may just find yourself in the pristine streets of New York’s chicest neighborhood. Here’s what not to mix while spending a day in the Upper East Side. 

  • Ralph's, Upper East Side, Manhattan, NYC

Have a Fashionable Morning Coffee

Each New York neighborhood has a long list of coffee shops, and the Upper East Side is no exception. You have everything from corner vendors to chains and a few pricier European bistros. My favorite will forever and always be Ralph’s Coffee at the corner of Madison Avenue and East 72nd Street. For starters, when you can dine inside, you are surrounded by quintessential Americana fashion straight from Ralph Lauren himself. When I was a daily regular, it served as the ultimate source of inspiration. Grab your coffee drink of choice (mine is their Orange Espresso Tonic) and croissant to go to stroll through Central Park. From here, Bethesda Terrace and the Conservatory are just a quick walk away.

  • The MET, Art Museum, Upper East Side, NYC, Manhattan
  • The MET, Art Museum, Upper East Side, NYC, Manhattan

Explore The MET

After a refreshing walk through Central Park, make your way to The Met. You can’t miss it, but just in case, it’s the sweeping building right on Fifth Avenue. For my Gossip Girl lovers, this needs no introduction. The MET is the largest art museum in the United States and is where I’m happiest. I could spend hours upon hours aimlessly exploring the different wings, which serves as the closest thing to time travel I’ll ever experience. While some of the most famous works of art in the world are in the European Section, I like to turn right and make my way through the American Wing. If you arrive early enough, you can have it all to yourself. Your own personal art collection!

  • The Met, Art Museum, Upper East Side, NYC, Manhattan

Continue Getting Lost at The MET

If your feet start getting sore in the MET, keep going! After all, it covers over 600,000 square feet of space. At some points, it can feel like a maze, but that only adds the allure. How many priceless works of art can you name? Monet, Van Gogh, and Dumas are always favorites, but it’s the ancient art that speaks to me. I always admire the well-preserved artifacts from Central Asia, the Middle East, Greece, and Rome. As you wander through the museum, be sure not to skip the exhibitions for what is sure to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Toast with Bellinis, Bloody Bulls, and Burgers

After you make it out of the MET, toast with a bellini. You deserve it! The Madison Avenue icon that is Sant Ambroeus is only a few blocks away and worth the visit! While you can opt for indoor or outdoor dining, I always prefer standing at the espresso bar for a quick pick-me-up or morning cocktail. Do some people watching because you never know who will walk through the door. You also never know who will stand next to you. Each time I practice this ritual, I begin talking with whoever is next to me, always having the most exciting and engaging conversation. All great minds go to Sant Ambroeus.

For something that will really fill you up, walk a few more blocks towards Lexington Avenue. J.G. Melon is an NYC mainstay and happens to have the best burgers in town. If you can, sit at the bar. You’ll feel like a regular, whether it’s your first or one-hundredth visit. For another morning cocktail, order the Bloody Bull. It’s their take on a Bloody Mary, with just a splash of beef broth. I know it sounds bizarre, but somehow it works. For food, it’s always and forever a cheeseburger with cottage fries. Honestly, need I say more? Word of caution, the Upper East Side location is strictly cash only, so plan accordingly.

Upper East Side, NYC, Madison Avenue, New York

Only Upper East Side, how I missed you! While in the old neighborhood, we even got to pop into our old building. It was so lovely to catch up with our doormen and know that everyone is doing well. We’ve missed them terribly! While this was a long lapse between visits to NYC, we certainly won’t let it happen again. Know that I’ll be back very soon!

Love from NYC,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

Turning 30 in Manhattan

Turning 30 in Manhattan
📍 Upper East Side, NYC

NYC, Manhattan, Upper East Side, Dinner, Bemelmans

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After a quick break from social media, I’m feeling equal parts recharged and inspired. We’re still in Vermont for the rest of the week, but I’m still gushing over our recent long weekend in New York City. The number one order of business was to celebrate my 30th birthday. Months earlier, David and I were chatting about potential gifts, and I was *this close to a stunning Chanel handbag. After some deep soul-searching, I knew I would much rather have an incredible experience instead. We quickly picked NYC on our way to visit family and excitedly planned, making a list of all our favorite spots in the city. While the whole weekend was a treat, June 25th will always stand out!

  • Manhattan, NYC, 30th Birthday, New York, Black and White

Flight to NYC

My 30th began how every day should, an early wakeup to catch a flight! This was our first visit back to Manhattan since we moved in November 2019, making the experience feel more like a homecoming than a birthday celebration. To say that I was a little emotional is a severe understatement. We were even treated to beautiful views of the city skyline as we landed, making the whole moment feel so special.

  • NYC, Manhattan, New York, Dante, Birthday

Lunch at Dante

After a quick check-in at hour home base for the weekend, the Arlo NoMad, we took the subway to MacDougal Street for a lunch reservation at Dante. This cafe always tops the list of restaurant recommendations, and it has never disappointed! Even in St. Pete, I’ve been able to get their signature cocktails shipped directly to me for the winter holidays. We were seated at our “usual” table, and I quickly realized that this was the last restaurant we ate before moving away. The significance did not escape me. David and I dined on flatbreads and burrata, sipping on craft cocktails that I swear taste better in the city. As a special birthday treat, we ended the meal with a very healthy slice of tiramisu.  

  • Upper East Side, NYC, Manhattan, Upper East Side

Dinner at Brasserie Cognac

After a quick disco nap at the hotel, I was so happy to join friends for pre-dinner cocktails. The location was a random bar in NoMad and didn’t really matter. Instead, we were much more focused on catching up, having many laughs, and toasting on new opportunities. I honestly wished it could have lasted longer, but we had reservations uptown. Off we went to the Upper East Side for dinner at Brasserie Cognac. Stepping up from the subway, I felt a wave of nostalgia for our once neighborhood and this corner bistro. Our meal was incredible, and they gave us complimentary champagne to help celebrate my birthday. 

  • NYC, New York City, Manhattan, Bemelmans, Upper East Side

Drinks at Bemelmans

The final stop of the night is probably the most important! I was beyond fortunate to snag drink reservations at the institution that is Bemelmans Bar. If these walls could talk, the stories they would tell! As soon as you walk in, you feel the history from the murals handpainted by Ludwig Bemelmans to the book of classic cocktails. This bar is Old New York. Making the occasion even sweeter was the company we were able to keep. I’m so honored to have been joined by my friend Sydney and her boyfriend. Since leaving NYC, I’m so happy that our friendship has continued to grow, despite distances and quarantine. Our hours of drinking and revelry passed in the blink of an eye, but it is something I will always cherish—the perfect way to cap off a milestone birthday. 

NYC, Manhattan, Upper East Side, Dinner, Bemelmans

It’s another year around the sun, and a new decade for me is on the horizon. I’m so thankful for my husband, family, and wonderful friends who made my 30th birthday in Manhattan feel so special. No matter what year you’re celebrating, I hope your next fête can feel just as noteworthy.

Love from NYC,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

How Do You Travel?

How Do You Travel?
📍 Downtown St. Pete

Travel, city, destination, trip,

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I’ve been thinking a lot about travel recently. What international destinations can we visit this year? Where should we eat when we get there? What should I pack? After so many years, I began to figure out what kind of traveler I am. Although it works out perfectly for me, I’ve learned that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea. There’s no problem with that because I genuinely believe in “doing you” when on vacation. Today, let’s answer the question, “How do you travel?” As you begin to travel again, especially with friends, it may be something you’ll need to ask more often. 

I Overpack, But in a Carry-On

I am a serial overpacker. Instead of being diligent and only packing x number of amounts, I panic and pack several extras. The biggest reason I do is that this pretty shallow. “What if I don’t feel like wearing that?” To see me in action and a good laugh, this video says it all! The result is a stuffed suitcase and little room souvenirs. It’s made me get creative a time or two, but I always bring this easy-to-pack tote bag from Longchamp, just in case. It’s saved me a time or two. The good news with my overpacking is that I practically refuse to bring anything bigger than a carry-on. That mindset forces me to be diligent in what I bring and helps me save on checked bag costs. My current carry-on bag is this vintage-inspired piece that always receives compliments without fail.  

I Dine to my Heart’s Content

One of my favorite aspects of travel is sampling new-to-me dishes and drinks. Food can be a great definer of a new city, country, or culture. That’s precisely the way to my heart! If the only thing I do is try new foods and local restaurants, I consider it a trip well spent! The same thing goes for cocktails and coffee. Especially in historic cities like New Orleans, each local drink has a story to tell. The best way to learn is by sipping it for yourself.

Travel, city, destination, trip,

I Have an Early Wake-Up Call

This one is probably my biggest quirk when I travel. In fact, I get antsy if I stay in my hotel room for too long. Visiting a new city is not the time to oversleep. Especially if there’s a lot to see, I set my alarm for an early wake-up call. That way, I can explore with the best light and the smallest crowds. The best example is when we were in Rome for our honeymoon, and I got to capture pictures at the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, and Trevi Fountain without any other person. I’m just happy David operates the same way or he may be a very unhappy camper! 

I Love Museums

Museums are my guilty pleasure when in a new city. I particularly love art museums. There’s just something about the grandiose of them. Beautiful, quiet buildings that often have thousands of works of art. Fine art or contemporary, I don’t have a presence. I know that a museum search is one of the first things I do when booking a destination. Science and history museums are also a must-see for me, especially in New York or Washington, DC. 

Travel, city, destination, trip,

I Typically Skip Tours

I think skipping tours speaks to the independent nature in me. Group tours typically spend either too little or too much time. It’s never just right for me. Instead, I like to find self-guided tour apps or blog posts to learn the same information. The one exception is when booking a tour can get you early or exclusive access. That’s the exact reason why I booked a specific tour when visiting the Vatican Museums. We were able to enter an hour before it opened to the public. I felt like I had the Sistine Chapel all to myself. Plus, I could wander the gardens before the heat of an Italian afternoon set it.

I Do Heavy Research

Researching for travel is like my version of sodoku, and I think it drives David crazy! Typically, I get inspired by a picture from Instagram or Pinterest. I’m off! I fall down the rabbit hole, wanting to find the cutest boutique hotels, the best restaurants, and the cheapest flights. You would almost think I’m cramming for a big final exam! The whole time, I’m taking copious amounts. From there, I’ll “present” them to David and do my best to convince him to join me. Even if the trip isn’t for another several months, I have a game plan. That doesn’t mean I keep to a strict, air-tight schedule while on a trip. I’m actually pretty laidback. Well, I’d like to think so. I just don’t like wasting time and feeling unprepared.

I Take My Pack List Very Seriously

One of my biggest pet peeves when traveling is when I blatantly look like a tourist. In the whole scheme of things, I know how non-important this may be to some. However, if I spend so much time and energy learning about a city and learning the language in international cases, I want to go all in. This helps me stay safer because if I don’t look like an average American, I’m not as easy of a mark to street scams. So true when we were in Italy. Because of my olive features and what I wore, most locals sort of assumed I was Italian. Although I have many other tells to say “I’m a tourist,” what I wear won’t be one of them! 

Nothing Makes Me Happier

Every aspect of travel makes me feel so incredibly happy. The mystery of what to do and the energy of being somewhere new just make me feel so alive. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for other countries and cultures. It has been a lifelong goal to see as much of this beautiful world as I can! Travel wasn’t something my family did much when I was younger, so I want to make up for the lost time. When David and I are lucky enough to have children of our own, I hope to keep that mindset going and raise my own set of world travelers! 

Travel, city, destination, trip,

As countries and cities (domestic and international) begin to reopen, you may find yourself wanting to book! But, before you do, ask yourself the question “What kind of traveler are you?” and “How do you travel?” When you get down to it, the answers may surprise you. Who knows, it alone may influence you to visit a destination you’ve never even thought of before!

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.