Erica Kartak

I’m pretty sure I walked over 20 miles in a span of three days last week exploring all parts of New York. According to FitBit, I walked 26,000 and 23,000 steps on day 1 and 2 (and forgot to wear it the 3rd day). While I’m no expert, I thought I’d put together a list of my favorite spots. There are so many that I had to split it into two posts! Look for the second post on my visit to the World Trade Center and taking the train to Brooklyn early next week.

Flatiron – the iconic building is one of my favorites in the city. Take a walk down 5th Avenue from Midtown for the best view. There’s something about the view that represents New York to me. I’m pretty sure it has to do with seeing it from a double decker tourist bus on my first couple of visits to the city.

Club Monaco – while in the Flatiron District, stop into Club Monaco’s flagship store. With an outpost of the Strand and Toby’s Estate Coffee, Club Monaco might just have changed the retail experience.

I’ll be the first to admit my sense of direction isn’t my strongest skill. One of the things I love about New York is that getting a bit lost can be a blessing in disguise. While looking for Warby Parker in Soho, I managed to head the wrong direction and stumbled upon Clare V. After chatting with Dani about all things blogging and picking up a new clutch, I walked next door to Me&Ro.

Some of my other favorite spots in Soho include Kate Spade, Dean & DeLuca, Rag & Bone and Uniqlo. While in Soho, hit up Bareburger for a delicious organic and all-natural meal or head back north to Sweetgreen for a salad and homemade lemonade.

When I discovered a favorite new Detroit watch brand had a location in New York, I knew I had to make a trip. The Shinola store in Tribeca is worth a trip to see the beautiful watches, leather pieces and bicycles. Very unique store and I love their story.

After visiting the Shinola store, I headed to the West Side Highway to walk along the Hudson River. There are lots of parks along the route and great views of the World Trade Center to the south and Hoboken across the river.

The High Line is an old railroad track converted to a park walkway above the city streets. Starting in the Meatpacking District, head north along the High Line. Be sure to stop at the Chelsea Market for all the food options and the 10th Avenue Square to see through to the streets below.