I’m in New York for a little by-myself-vacay! I have lived in NYC 2 different times in my life for a combined period of about 5-6 years (first time for school, the second time for my career). That  being said, I most definitely have my favorite spots I like to visit when I make my way across country to the Big Apple (my home away from home!).

Here are 10 of my favorite spots in NYC! (I am an old lady who likes to wake up early and eat and drink coffee, so the majority of these things that excite me are food or coffee oriented. fatass!)

These are listed in no particular order.






1. Café Grumpy

You might have seen their Brooklyn location on Girls, but I started visiting Grumpy’s in Chelsea (on 224 West 20th Street between 7th & 8th Avenue) long before the TV show ever existed.

I’ve actually never been to any of their other café locations, but I may have to venture out and check them out on this visit. I love their Iced Mocha which has a wonderful flavor and is not super sweet. My other favorite is their plain ol’ Iced Coffee which has a great flavor. I have had a hard time finding anything that competes in California.

2. John’s Pizzeria

A visit to  John’s in 2010.

278 Bleecker Street (Between 6th & 7th Avenue in Greenwich Village)

John’s is a NYC favorite with locals and tourists. It is famous for a reason. I have very few favorite spots in NYC that are typical tourist sites, but this is one of them. I can never pass up one of their plain pies. Yummy!

3. Rocco’s

At Rocco’s about 1.5 years ago, while living in NY.

243 Bleecker Street (Between 6th & 7th Avenue)

This Italian Bakery is located across the street from John’s Pizzeria on Bleecker Street in Greenwich Village. This is another popular place if you want traditional filled to order Cannoli.  They are the best Cannoli I’ve ever tasted! Get your pizza at John’s and then come here for desert–you’ll be in heaven!

4. The Frick Collection

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1 East 70th Street (Between 5th and Madison Avenue in the Upper East Side)

The Frick Collection is one of my all time favorite museums in NYC. It has a little bit of everything from all different art eras. It is located in an old mansion that used to belong to the late Henry Clay Frick, which houses his personal art collection and furnishings. You go there for the art, history, and the beautiful mansion (which I wish I could explore from top to bottom!)

5. Mud Coffee (Mudspot & Mud Truck)

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Mudspot – 307 East 9th Street (Between 1st and 2nd Avenue in the East Village)
Mud Truck – a lot of times it is by the Astor Place subway station and sometimes it is in Union Square

Their coffee is to-die-for good. Whenever I’ve come across the Mud Truck or trekked over to the Mudspot, I always order their Iced Caramel Cappuccino. I’ve never eaten at the restaurant, but it might just have to be one of my stops this visit!

6. Tenement Museum

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103 Orchard Street (Between Broome & Delancey Street in the Lower East Side)

I am fascinated by the real life of history, so the Tenement Museum feeds into that interest. You get to tour refurbished tenements and hear the story behind some of the people who lived there. They have multiple tours and are always adding new ones.  This is another spot to check out, even though you have to deal with lots of tourists.

7. Economy Candy

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108 Rivington Street (Between Ludlow & Essex Street in the Lower East Side)

Everyone and their mother likes to visit Dylan’s Candy Bar–and yes, it is fun to check out, kind of like going to Disneyland. But, let’s be honest,  it’s way over priced for what you get! If you want to find every kind of candy you can think of without the price tag–visit family owned Economy Candy in the Lower East Side! It’s doesn’t have to pizazz of Dylan’s Candy Bar, but it has it’s own kind of special!