Highline Park Walk

NYC's High Line is a unexpected way to view the city in a historical and environmentally forward Park. From a unique vantage point, it offers gorgeous views that you can't get in a high-rise or from the street below. Earlier this summer, the second part of the park opened up, so you can now walk from Gansevoort in the Meatpacking District up to about 30th Street. In addition to enjoying the view, walking up and back is about 2 miles, and will burn you about 200 calories.

Get there hungry to enjoy some of the awesome vendors along the stroll--including my newest favorite, meltbakery. They have a variety of tasty cookie ice cream sandwiches, including Molasses with Pumpkin ice cream (middle) just in time for fall, and a classic Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Ice Cream (right).

Jeffrey's Grocery

For a laid back atmosphere with to-die-for dishes from start to finish, try Jeffrey's Grocery in the West Village. A close former New Yorker friend and I stopped in Saturday night for bar-side dinner. I often find myself more impressed by appetizers than entrees, and although I wouldn't take back a single bite of the starters,the hangar steak was a force to be reckoned with as well. As we looked around, we kept ordering--that's how good everything looked and tasted. We luckily saved room for the bartender's dessert recommendation and a tasty bottle of red wine on one of NYC's first fall-like weekends. Stumbling upon this restaurant was one of the weekend's highlights. Go hungry!

Octopus special with potato salad and zucchini ribbons.
Best dish of the night!

Tomato and Watermelon salad, conveniently split for 2. 

Hanger Steak (what was left anyway...) and chips with market crab dip.

Berry Shortcake a la mode to finish.