Chelsea Girls

Now that I've had a few months to settle into my new apartment in Chelsea ("settle in" is a loose term - yes, there are still unpacked boxes and no, the cable guy has not come yet), I absolutely LOVE living in my neighborhood.  Not that I was a huge stranger before, considering four close friends all live within blocks of where I do now, it's just really fun taking it in as an official resident of 10011.  

Some of my favorite spots below (graphic courtesy of Court & Hudson) cannot be missed the next time you are in the city or the next time you're downtown.  

Tipsy Parson - 156 Ninth Avenue

When I was working with Abe, we used to frequent this cute little Southern spot anytime we were feeling indulgent.  Aside from having adorable ambiance, their food is delicious and the waiters are the these New Orleans hipsters that are too fun to flirt with.  The Mac & Cheese and Mushroom Toast (grilled potato bread, ricotta, wild mushrooms and scrambled eggs) are must haves but are also guaranteed to leave you wanting a nap immediately after.

The High Line - runs from Gansevoort to 34th Street on 10th and 11th Avenues

When I first moved to NYC, the High Line was just becoming a "thing" and I was so intrigued that people like Diane von Furstenberg and Edward Norton were so passionate about restoring an old elevated train track.  The first section opened in 2009 and it is quickly becoming one of the coolest things on the West side.  The landscaping is perfectly maintained, it's always bum-free and every now and then you get a voyeuristic eyeful when standing below The Standard Hotel.  

Chelsea Market - 75 Ninth Avenue

What was once the National Biscuit Company in 1890 is now the coolest marketplace in the city.  From a gigantic Anthropologie, to the best sushi from an actual Iron Chef to artisanal popsicles, this place is the jam.  To deepen their cool credibility a little, Chelsea Market recently hosted an Williamsburg's Artists & Fleas pop-up shop which features unique designer and vintage pieces from local artists and fashion designers.  

Chelsea Piers - 23rd Street and the Hudson River

Drink a cold beer and whack some golf balls.  This is a no-brainer.

The Frying Pan - Pier 66 (26th Street and 12th Avenue)

Oddly, after six years of living in the city, I just made it to the Frying Pan last week.  The Lightship Frying Pan, built in 1929 was used as a floating lighthouse to guard other ships from running aground or submerged rocks that were too far from land to be served by a lighthouse on shore.  Now it's docked at Pier 66, turns into a drunk dance party in the summer and really is one of the best places to have a  cocktail and watch the sunset.