When you take as many photos of beautiful doors around NYC as I do, you strike up a lot of conversations with the doormen and women usually nearby. Most are quick to ask if you’re lost or if they can help with something so when I tell them I just had to stop and admire the architecture, they seem to sigh along with me — admitting that they too, find the building to be pretty spectacular. I've also come to find if you're wearing a Yankees cap, they'll usually let you take as many photos as you like (within reason, of course). Unless they happen to be a Mets fan, in which case, ask them how deGrom's pitching is going this season. But I digress —  I suppose this is a rambling appreciation post dedicated to all the doormen and women of New York City, but especially Tony at The Plaza Hotel, who always has a smile and a joke ready and doesn't shy away from a good photo opp moment. In fact, Tony and I go all the way back to 2018 — anyone remember these photos? Needless to say, it was so nice to see him again a few weeks ago at their grand reopening and perhaps with enough coaxing next time, I can encourage him to finally create that Instagram profile so I can tag him properly!

And on that note — given how often this question has popped up in my Stories lately — I wanted to share a handful of my recommendations if you happen to be heading to NYC this summer. An assortment of where to stay, where to dine and where to soak up all that NYC energy that is so tangible right now, in all the best ways possible. Hope you enjoy and, of course, welcome to New York!

Where to Stay:

• The Plaza, Upper East Side; I will happily admit I'm definitely biased here, as The Plaza is one of my favorite hotels and all around landmarks in the city — and I fully recognize it may not be in everyone's budget to stay here for their entire trip. However, I'd recommend booking a night or two midweek if you can, for a taste of the experience. It's quintessential NYC at it's finest — and you won't regret the proximity to the park. Other iconic hotels to consider? The Carlyle and The Pierre are two other beautiful contenders.
• Beekman Hotel, Financial District
• NoMad Hotel, NoMad (North of Madison Square Park)
• High Line Hotel, Chelsea
• Greenwich Hotel, TriBeca
• Wythe Hotel, Williamsburg BK
• 1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge, DUMBO
• Equinox Hotel, Hudson Yards

Where to Dine:

A quick housekeeping note: Most of these are in the West Village, new and old spots alike, because we frequent them the most.

• Lena, Casual French
• Sevilla, Traditional old New York Spanish
• American Bar, American bistro
• Lavaux, Swiss wine and fondue bar
• Hudson Bar & Books, Whisky and cigar bar
• St. Tropez, Provençal wine bar
• Anton's, Nostalgic New York
• I Sodi, Tuscan style (reservations are tricky though!)
• Fiaschetteria "Pistoia", another Tuscan favorite and easier to snag a table at
• L'Artusi, Upscale Italian (my tip: go on the later side and ask for seats at the bar)
• Grab coffee at these spots: Oslo, Rosecrans and Merriweather

What to Do:

• Shakespeare in the Park (Tickets are free, but you need to enter the online digital lottery — you can find more info here.)
• Little Island, the newest park in the city that literally floats above the Hudson River
• Picnic in Central Park
• Rent Revel scooters and cruise around the city
• See a movie at the Paris Theater
• Catch a Yankees game
• Catch a Brooklyn Nets Playoffs game
• TriBeCa Film Festival
• Sunrise at the Empire State Building
• Glamping on Governor's Island
• Dance at the Jazz Age Lawn Party
• Summer concerts outdoors at Lincoln Center
• US Open in August/September
• Lola Star's Dreamland Roller Disco
• Broadway at the drive-in
• Rooftop Cinema Club
• Have a jazz night in the Village at Smalls

Brandon Maxwell dress // Sarah Flint heels (gifted) // Vintage YSL glasses (gifted, similar style here) // Steamline luggage Editor collection (gifted) // Vintage Chanel earrings (similar style here) // Vintage Hermes scarf // Boden belt (in love with this version!) // Photographed on property at the now reopened Plaza Hotel

Photography
Allie Provost