Local's Look @ Redding, CA | Katie Dobbins

Recently, Mr. H and I took a trip back to Redding, CA - where we lived during our first year of marriage. Its almost been three years since we lived there and there were so many new hot spots. Thus, we enlisted the help of one of Redding's coolest... Katie Dobbins. Not only is this chick beautiful and fun, but she's also one of those dreamers who lives life fully! I can't think of a more perfect person to show us the "bests" of Redding. (Plus, she has mad photography skills, which equals an aesthetically beautiful post.)

{Katie hangin' around town}

{sisters // Allyson & Katie}

MMH: To start, what do you love about Redding?

KD: If I were to say the buzzing epicenter of culture and art, I would be lying. Probably the thing I love the most about Redding, is the fact that all of  my closest friends live within 10 minutes from front door. Or maybe, the fact that our little town is surrounded by mountains, lakes, and rivers, and you can go on a new adventure every day.

MMH: Food+Beverage // Favorite _______?...

Breakfast

My usual go to for any breakfast outing is Déjà Vu cafe. It is tucked away in an old brick building in downtown redding. On most Weekends it is packed with families enjoying a leisurely morning. I am always impressed with their service, and equally impressed with the food! Let's be honest, any excuse to divulge in gluten drowned in syrup is fine by me!

Lunch

Wildas Grill. The steady line out the door is a testament to the quality of their food. Their menu was designed to meet the dietary needs of vegans, vegetarians, carnivores, and even those with gluten intolerances. Get a Buddah bowl, packed with rice, beans, cabbage, and chicken, add a side of sweet potato fries, and call it day! This place does so well, that they are only open from 11am-4pm Monday-Friday. If you remember to catch them while they're open, you've hit the jackpot!

Dinner

I’m pretty much always in the mood for Thai. I’ve been to every Thai restaurant in town (that I know of) and have deemed Champa Garden my favorite. The atmosphere isn’t outrageously trendy, but the food is always top-notch. I go there so often, they know my name, my order (yellow curry with chicken), oh… and my cell phone number.

Coffee shop

This one is a toss up. In the past year, two great coffee shops have popped up in town. Before they opened, you could only get high quality espresso from Starbucks… or Starbucks. Let’s just say, if you wanted to get a nice cappuccino or americano you would have to drive at least an hour and half outside of Redding.

Coffee Shop #1 Coffee Bar- This is the local watering hole for all 20 somethings in the Redding area. You can never go wrong with a latte, so my drink of choice is typically just that; or, in the summer, I’ll branch out for with a cold brew.

Coffee Shop #2 Heritage Rosting Co.- If you are up for a 15 minute drive, Heritage is worth the trip. The raw wood and exposed brick make this the perfect nesting spot for an afternoon.

Health/Wellness

Sky’s Pure Food. (I actually visited this place for the first time with Mr. and Mrs. H). Sky’s is a small business that specializes in clean, raw foods. Their nutrient dense menu does not lack “yumminess”. I can eat a piece of chocolate pie, and feel like I did myself a favor.  

Sweet spot (ice cream, cupcakes, dessert spot, etc)

I would definitely describe myself as an avid dessert lover. If I am in need of a sugar fix, I get a cupcake and gelato from Sweet Spot. The “Diva” cupcake and Cookies and Cream gelato are always a winning combo; however, I went in the other day and tried the “Samoa” gelato, and it looks like Cookies and Cream may need to watch its back. This place is super cute; it has a giant chalkboard for kids (and grown ups) to show off their artistic abilities.

Dive (food truck, spot that tourists wouldn't find, etc.)

A new favorite of mine would have to be El Rinconcito. A little Mexican restaurant located on the way out to Whiskeytown Lake. I get chicken tacos every time, and am never disappointed. They make the tortilla’s in house, and they definitely deliver on flavor!

MMH: Favorite shops? What are their goods?

KD: Carousel. A small boutique that sells clothes, jewelry, and other odds and ends. It’s located next to Deja Vu, my favorite breakfast spot, so if you’re brunching on a Saturday, it’s worth walking over to take a peek inside.

MMH: Your favorite area in Redding (neighborhood, part of town, etc) and why?

KD: Whiskeytown Lake. Since “city life” isn’t really Redding’s strong suit, I would have to say my favorite part of town is actually more of a green space, than a hip neighborhood. Whiskeytown is Redding’s saving grace during the summer months. This man made lake is surrounded by mountains, and is even more beautiful at night; the sky is so clear out there, that you can spot several shooting stars on any given night.

MMH: What's your favorite green space in your city (park, outdoor area, etc.)?

KD: I have a few favorite’s for this category. Don’t worry, I’ll be quick.

1. Caldwell Park/ The River Trail- The park sits on the Sacramento River, and there is a shaded trail that runs alongside it.

2. Shasta Dam/Shasta Lake- You drive through the forested mountains to get to the stunning lookout. All around, a definite must see.

3. The Bluffs- Most Redding locals know about this “no trespassing” spot. This cliff overlook, gives you a panoramic view of the Sacramento River. Redding gets an A+ for sunsets, and this is THE place to watch them.

4. Lema Ranch- As an amateur runner, this is my favorite place to run. Trails weave around ponds and trees, featuring break taking mountain views.

MMH: Your perfect Saturday looks like...

KD: I would start my day at Coffee Bar catching up with a friend, then grab a longboard for an afternoon ride on the River Trail, stopping to walk down a rocky path to river. Next stop: dinner. Luckily Redding’s winters are very short, so cooking out with friends can be a regular activity; I would end the day with a trip to Whiskeytown to watch the stars.

MMH: Is there anything/anywhere that you'd tell a friend not to miss while visiting Redding?

KD: Burney Falls. It is a 45 minute drive outside of Redding, but a definite summer favorite. This oasis comes complete with rock waterslide, and plenty of cliffs to jump off of.

Thanks Katie! I love getting to go back "rediscover" a place you've loved and missed. I can't wait for my next trip to Redding... I'll definitely use your Local's Look to lead the way on our adventure there.

-mrs.h 

Local's Look @ Dallas | Peyton Riley

Today is a good day! Not only is it Friday (TGIF), but we also have Peyton Riley on the mr.&mrs.h guide today! Peyton is a college friend of mine, a Dallas girl through-and-through, and a never ending source of inspiration and creativity. Her blog, meetpeytonriley.com, focuses on design. If it's beautiful, Peyton's probably talking about it... from flowers to interior design. And, since travel is what we eat and breathe here at mr.&mrs.h, we are always excited when Peyton talks hotels and restaurants like her posts on The Washington School House and BG Restaurant (Sidenote: Kelly Wearstler's BG Restaurant is my favorite restaurant design of all time. If you've never been here or seen images of this heaven on earth, give yourself a treat and head over to Peyton's blog to see it asap!) 

As they say everything is bigger in Texas. Dallas is a big city with a big personality. There are so many different sides of The Big D that it can be hard to get a true taste of the city in a short trip. After living there for four years, I still didn't get to experience everything that it has to offer. But, thankfully I had people like Peyton to make sure I got to soak up as much of Dallas as I could during my time there. If you're heading to Dallas soon, chances are you'll only have a few days at most. Not to worry, with Peyton's guide you can get a full taste of what this awesome city has to offer! 

-mrs.h

MMH: To start, what do you love about Dallas?

PR: It's not because of the beautiful skyline, that includes Reunion Tower. It's not because of the professional sports teams, although they provide great entertainment. It's not because of the restaurants, although there are many outstanding ones and are packed every night. It's not because of the truly authentic Mexican restaurants, which I frequent often. I LOVE Dallas, because of the friendly people and neighborhood charm. More often than not if you live in Dallas, you will hear your fair share of "sirs" and "ma'ams," and in a culture where manners are becoming extinct, this is very refreshing. I love Dallas' Southern hospitality!

MMH: Food+Beverage: Favorite _______?

PR:
➺ Breakfast 

Bistro 31. Amazing omelets, honey roasted granola, and ham and gruyere galette.  Bistro 31’s breakfast breads are pretty tasty too!

Kozy Kitchen. Meats are grass-fed, seafood is wild, breads are homemade, and many items are gluten-free. My favorite breakfast menu items include the BET Sandwich (Bacon, Egg, Tomato), fluffy omelets, and ginger buttermilk pancakes.

➺ Brunch

Parigi. Savory baby buttermilk biscuits covered in Italian sausage gravy or a sandwich of bacon, arugula, cherry tomatoes, cheese, and eggs in a flaky, buttery croissant.

{Rise No. 1 // image via}

➺ Lunch 
Rise No 1. Charming soufflé bistro. Must try the Marshmallow Soup and the signature Rise No. 1 salad.

T Room at Forty Five Ten. Adorable restaurant behind a super chic home and fashionista boutique in the Knox-Henderson area. Come dressed and ready to see and be seen, as well as eat light salads and perfectly portioned panini's.

➺ Dinner 
Neighborhood Services. There is a reason why this has been voted #1 in Dallas the past 2 years in D Magazine. The place is always packed. Fortunately they now take reservations.

➺ Coffee shop

Drip Coffee. The beans are roasted on-site in small batches, which makes for the freshest coffee in the city. Best vanilla latte’s I’ve ever tasted too.

{The GEM // image via}

➺ Health/Wellness 

Juice -The GEM. My favorite flavor GEM juice is Shine and Sparkle made with apple, celery, spinach, parsley, and jalapeno. The jalapeno gives it a Texas-sized kick!

Food – Company Café. Company Cafe has spearheaded Dallas' gluten-free revolution. Their focus emphasizes fresh, locally procured and organically grown ingredients with portion control.

➺ Bakery

Celebrity Café & Bakery. Has 2 locations in Dallas, one at Highland Park Village and the other at Preston Royal Shopping Center. This is also one of my favorite lunch spots.  Love their sandwich trio, chicken apple walnut panini, soups, and of course their famous iced sugar cookies.

Mercat Bistro. Amazing French pastries. My favorite is the delicious chocolate croissant.

{Empire Baking Co // image via}

Empire Baking Company. Known for their artisan bread and boxed lunches. Everything is very fresh! Love the tuna salad, chicken salad and pimento cheese sandwiches.

➺ Sweet spot 

I have the biggest sweet tooth ever. You must try JK Gourmet’s microchip chocolate chip cookies. AMAZING!!

JD’s Chippery. Another spot with 5 star cookies. I’m quite a cookie connoisseur and have to say that their semi-sweet chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal raisin cookies are to die for. Be sure to bring cash (no cc’s).

➺ Neighborhood spot

Rex’s Seafood Market. Offer’s the freshest seafood in Dallas.

Sammy’s Bar-B-Q. By far the best BBQ in Dallas. Only open for lunch.

{Highland Park Pharmacy // image via}

➺ Dive 

Highland Park Pharmacy. Old-time soda fountain shop is the perfect spot to have lunch. If you're craving a grilled pimento cheese sandwich, homemade chicken salad, or a limeade, chocolate milkshake, or root beer float, this is the place. Grab a bar stool!

Louie's Pizza. Known for their pizza, but you end up going back for the entire menu.

Wild About Harry’s. Craving a hot dog, Frito pie, or frozen custard, Wild About Harry’s is your spot!

{Peyton's perfect Saturday... shopping at Highland Park Village}

MMH: Favorite shops? What are their goods? 

PR: Cabana. Merry Vose owns this Bohemian beach bungalow inspired by the Harbor Island cottages she adores. Nearly everything — cocktail dresses, comfy blouses, skinny pants — is irresistible.

Blue Print Store. You will find a wonderful array of antiques, modern light fixtures, art, and accessories.

Forty Five Ten. Offers unique designer fashions, accessories and decorative items for the home. Love their coffee table books and Jan Barboglio pieces made of forged iron, wood or glass and is naturally aged yielding a rustic, yet sophisticated look.

Avant Garden. Floral design shop with elegant florals, gifts, books, jewelry, and art located in Highland Park Village.

{Bishop Arts District}

MMH: Your favorite area in Dallas (neighborhood, part of town, etc) and why? 

PR: Bishop Arts District. It’s a charming neighborhood with adorable one of a kind shops and restaurants. The area has so much character. Be sure to drive up Kessler Park to view the array of historic and modern homes. The street offers larger lot sizes and the neighborhood also has more hills than your typical flat Dallas areas.

MMH: Your "must see or do" while in The Big D...

PR: In the Fall, you must visit the State Fair of Texas, which is held in the same place it has been for more than 100 years, the historic Fair Park. It opens at the end of September and will run til the end of October. The State Fair of Texas is also home to the tallest cowboy in the state, Big Tex. There really is something for everyone at the fair. The fair showcases unique foods (lots of fried treats), exciting carnival rides and games, livestock and car shows, concerts, football games, shopping and so much more.

MMH: Are there any cool markets?

PR: St. Michael’s Farmers Market (opens again in April)

{Peyton enjoying the food trucks at Klyde Warren Park}

MMH: What's your favorite greenspace in your city?

PR: Klyde Warren Park. Dallas’ “Central Park.” It is an urban green space built over the recessed freeway between two major streets in downtown Dallas. Klyde Warren Park is always a highly active space home to Dallas’ premier food trucks. The park mostly hosts outdoor concerts and films, but this winter they constructed an outdoor ice skating rink. Very fun!

Your perfect Saturday in Dallas would look like...

PR: Morning Pilates or Spin Class at Beyond Studios. Upbeat music, encouraging and very knowledgeable instructors, and by far my favorite workout in Dallas.

Golf. Dallas has some amazing courses both public and private. My favorite public courses are The Tribute, Doral Tesora, Bridlewood Golf Club, and Castle Hills.

Top Golf has also become increasingly popular and is very beginner friendly. A great place to come with a big group.

{S&D Oyster Co // image via}

Lunch at S&D Oyster Company. New Orleans themed atmosphere with checkered tablecloths, old wooden chairs and servers wearing barbershop quartet-inspiring garb. They have a new outdoor courtyard.

Shopping in Highland Park Village. Highland Park Village is actually America’s first shopping center. Fabulous collection of premier shops and also restaurants. Great people watching too.

Drinks and listening to live music (Jazz, Soul, R&B) at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek.

MMH: Is there a touristy spot that's actually worth the visit?

PR: George W. Bush Presidential Library

➺ I love this museum. You can walk around the "Oval Office" and even sit behind the President’s desk and have your picture made. The 9/11 exhibit is especially moving. Loved the video with his daughters... reminded me that he truly was just a regular US citizen!

{Nasher Sculpture Center // image via}

Nasher Sculpture Center

➺ The museum was a long-held dream of the late Raymond and Patsy Nasher, who together formed a comprehensive collection of masterpieces by Calder, de Kooning, di Suvero, Giacometti, Hepworth, Kelly, Matisse, Miro, Moore, Picasso, Rodin, and Serra, among others, which continues to grow and evolve.

➺ Must attend ‘til Midnight at the Nasher, which is every third Friday of the month. The Nasher hosts special live outdoor concerts featuring the best in regional music talent and film screenings in the garden.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

➺ You could spend all day in the garden and still not see everything - it is massive! I love the way that each garden has a theme. Great spot for a picnic.

AT&T Performing Arts Center

➺ An architectural gem is one of three Texas landmarks touted among the best architecture in the world. Each year, the Center hosts a variety of Broadway shows, opera, dance and music performances.

Local's Look @ Coronado, CA // a.k.a. My Christmas Wish List

{Santa Ysabel Creek}

{Where the Board Walk Ends}

Right now the Christmas music is playing 24-7 in The Casa de H.  I've gotten our Christmas decorations up and the only thing we have left on the Christmas To-Do List is purchasing those last few presents. If you're having trouble finding that "special something for that special someone," look no further than today's Local's Look! 

{Sea of Grey // Bare // Sherbet}

Artist Gaynor Reynolds is not only one of my favorite artists, but she's also one of my all-time favorite people! She's a free spirit and a true lover of life. Her art embodies the freedom and love that she lives in. I love having (and giving) art that releases life into a home, and that's exactly what Gaynor's work does. 

{Nostalgia}

And, when it comes to gift giving, the best part of Gaynor's art is the variety of her subject matter... you can find something for anyone. I'm personally obsessed with Nostalgia and drooling over Bare, Mr. H wants one of her tarpons, Sherbet has my sister's name written all over it, my dad would love the Santa Ysabel Creek, and the list goes on! Plus, Gaynor's pieces have a wide price range that can fit many budgets. What's not to love, reasonably priced and insanely beautiful... the perfect gift giving combo! (Be forewarned, her work sells quickly on her new Etsy Shop. If you have your heart set on a piece don't wait! I loved Gold Valley Diptych and it sold.) 

Local's Look @ Coronado // Gaynor Reynolds

{This is a picture of Harry and me in front of our backyard bougainvillea!}

MMH: Favorite _______?

GR:

➺ Coffee Shop/Breakfast Spot - Clayton's serves great coffee and breakfast! Great place for people to go after beach yoga or surfing.  The young bohemian waitresses all wear 40's aprons. Very cute. You will usually sit near a group of young Navy men in their camp... not a bad way to start your morning. (The Naval Air Station is located on Coronado)

➺ Lunch - LeRoy's! They are an open air restaurant with a wonderful beer selection that rotates weekly.  SoCal farm fresh cuisine. They feature local artist and rotate paintings/artists monthly.  I was the featured artist in August!

{Harris getting friendly with rescue parrot on Orange Ave}

➺ Dinner - Miguel's. Since Mexico is only about 11 miles from Coronado you know the Mexican food is legit.

➺ Etc. (any favorite spot not covered above) - The Hotel Del Coronado is a dream (locals call it "The Del"). It is over 125 years old and the architecture reminds its viewer of a sandcastle. This time of year they have an ice rink on the front lawn overlooking the Pacific. 

{Enjoying a little red vino on the deck of the Del}

MMH: What does you perfect Saturday in Coronado look like?

GR: Harris and I would walk our dogs to the dog beach that backs up to the Navy base.  Then we would stroll along Ocean Blvd. to Orange Ave. and enjoy coffee and breakfast at Clayton's.  We might hit up a good ole Estate Sale on our way home.  We'd change for 11 o'clock Mass at Sacred Heart. Following Mass we would ride our beach cruisers down to the ferry landing and enjoy mango mojitos at Peohe's overlooking San Diego Bay and downtown.  There we would watch the Navy ships and sailboats cruise in and out of port. That afternoon we would head to Spreckles Park for Coronado's delightful "Concert in the Park" (which only runs from May - Sept) - wine, cheese and picnic blanket in hand.  Following the concert we would head to the Del's deck to watch helicopter drills and the sunset.

MMH: Sounds delightful - may we join? 

{Make it to the Sea}

{Tarpon}

MMH: Gaynor, thanks so much for sharing your favorite spots with us! 

GR: It was fun being reminded of the paradise we do live in.

MMH: After this week's Local's Look, we want to add two tickets to Coronado and several of your paintings our wish list from Santa!!

-mr.&mrs.h

local's look at new york city | amanda sims

We are so excited about this Local's Look. What better city to have an insider's guide than New York? And, we can't think of a more perfect local than Amanda Sims to show us around.  Amanda is one of those unique individuals who lives life to the fullest. Her contagious personality, love for life, and curated taste make for an amazing guide to The City.

You know we love dreamers who follow their dreams and that's exactly how Amanda ended up in New York. A few years ago, we got to spend a weekend with Amanda just before she moved to NYC for a job with Martha Stewart Living {You Martha Stewart Weddings fans may  recognize Amanda from this Fall's issue.} She was excited and aprehensive, but the move ended up being a great fit and Amanda is still loving life in New York. So, enjoy Amanda's guide to NYC and if you're thinking about doing something you've always wanted to do, let Amanda's story inspire you... go for it.  

Mr. & Mrs. H: To start, what do you love about New York?

Amanda Simms: I love it all—the sheer scope, the history, the diversity, and the buzz you get from simply being here. In New York, I could never be wont for a new block to explore, person to meet, or delicious nosh to taste; just when you think you’ve found your favorite anything, you quickly top it with a new must. To live here, you have to be comfortable with [tiny apartments and] change, as people and businesses come and go rapidly, but it’s invigorating to be a part—however small—of a place so very much alive. Waking up in New York City feels like the start of an adventure, every time.  

{Buttermilk Channel // image via}

MMH: Food+Beverage favorites... (If it's a toss up between two or three, feel free to list them all. The more the merrier.)

Favorite _______?

➺ Breakfast 

AS: Cafe Orlin—Mind boggling platters of hummer, labneh, and cloudlike scrambled eggs; Cafe Gitane—Euro meets New York in the best way, with lemony avocado toast and frothy americanos; Buttermilk Channel (Brooklyn)—hype and all, it’s everything New Yorkers love about brunch… worth an early trip on the F train to Carroll Gardens.

➺ Lunch

If you live and work in New York, lunch falls through the cracks. During the work week, I usually make my lunch (or grab something quick), and on weekends, it’s brunch or bust. Some winners that do stand out from the exceptions: Lincoln Station (Brooklyn)—if you’re anywhere near the Brooklyn museum or Botanic Gardens for sandwiches and prepared salads; Mile End Deli—Jewish Deli sandwiches of the 21st Century; Eisenburg’sSandwich Shop—Pastrami, the real stuff.

{Mile End Deli // image via}

➺ Dinner

It is truly tough to choose a favorite in this category; do we not live for dinner in New York? From fancy favorites to the everyday pit stops, some faves: Il Buco Alimentari—fresh Italian in a setting that transports; Tartine—BYOB in an everyday but elevated setting, on a corner in New York’s quaintest ‘hood; Pisticci—neighborhood Italian in Harlem; Diner (Brooklyn)—looks like Brooklyn, tastes like Manhattan; Pies n Thighs (Brooklyn)—fried chicken and pies (honey and hot sauce on the table, automatically).

➺ Coffee shop

Everyman Espresso, Van Leuwwen (a few locations and a mobile truck setup)

➺ Health/Wellness (can be a restaurant/juice bar/etc.)

For fancy juices, Liquiteria (and they deliver if you’re in real need of some recuperation) or Juice Press. For food, Angelica Kitchen has sumptuous asian-inspired vegetarian food that would fool any carnivore.

{Four and Twenty Blackbirds // image via}

➺ Bakery

I’m not a huge sweets person, but if I’m going to go there, I go big. Four and Twenty Blackbirds (Brooklyn)—pies, savory and sweet alike; Billy’s—for the lethal chocolate wafer and whipped cream icebox cake.

➺ Sweet spot (ice cream, cupcakes, dessert spot, etc)

Sundaes and Cones—for the real stuff, Van Leuwen—for the artisan stuff, The Peninsula—(lest I leave Midtown entirely out of this review) for creme brulee, because I take splurging seriously.

➺ Neighborhood spot

Russ and Daughters—Lower East Side institution for lox or whitefish salad (and caviar, if you’re into that); Henry Public (Brooklyn)—feels very old world New York, go for the turkey leg sandwich and a watercress salad; Caracas—for cheap, delicious arepas and a michelada.

➺ Dive (food truck, spot that tourists wouldn't find) 

Calexico—California mexican and a sizeable menu for a truck; Jimmy’s Number 43—50+ German beers on tap and a gourmet menu in the basement of an East Village Dive bar; Souvlaki GR—either the LES outpost or their truck, for the best Greek “street meat.” 

{Amanda loving life in The City}

MMH: Favorite shops (choose between 1 - 3 shops if you have a lot of favorites)? What are their goods?

AS: Paper Source—for cards, fun papers to wrap with or hang on the wall, and gifts; Pork Pie Hatters—the best hat shop in the world, Still House—well designed everything, from jewelry to plateware to gifts, in a succulent-laden East Village shoplette; MUJI—well designed (a theme emerges) and ingenious everything, from a Japanese producer; Brook Farm General Store (Brooklyn)—for accessorizing the brownstone dream.

MMH: Your favorite area in New York and why?

AS: I live in the East Village and have become quite attached to it for the great mix of heritage, small businesses, and tree-lined streets with a little more edge than the ones in the West Village. But for wandering, nothing beats a stroll down Mott or Elizabeth from Bleeker all the way through SoHo. In Brooklyn, Red Hook for an escape, Clinton Hill for a taste of brownstone euphoria, and Dumbo for the waterfront. Also, the Manhattan Bridge for its wide biking lanes and spectacular views of the Brooklyn Bridge (and everything).

MMH: Your "must see or do" while in NYC…

AS: If it’s warm, rent bikes for a ride, either up the Hudson River Park, around the point of Manhattan under all the bridges heading up the East side, or across any bridge to Brooklyn, where you can take the ferry back to the city (CitiBike or rentals at many bike shops). For parks, The High Line in Chelsea or Central Park because it’s really that phenomenal. Some sort of artspace, whether you pay what you wish to walk the Met or gallery hop in Chelsea). A play, off-Broadway or on it--some of the best play in small theaters downtown, though no one ever turned down an invite to the Lion King, or to the ballet at Lincoln Center.

MMH: Are there any cool markets (farmers markets, flea markets, etc) that you'd recommend?

AS: So many. Chelsea Market for a Harry Potter feel and the most well-curated shopping experience in Manhattan, Brooklyn Flea for intoxicatingly lovely [and indubitably overpriced] furniture, wearings, and noshes; Garage Flea in Flatiron for real junk sifting (there are treasures to be found), Union Square Greenmarket for the veggie selection of your dreams. 

MMH: What's your favorite greenspace in your city (park, outdoor area, etc.)?

AS: Brooklyn Bridge Park—for the best views of Manhattan (and a carousel!), The Cloisters—this Washington Heights branch of the Met has gorgeous maintained grounds, views of the Hudson, and pretty neat monastery-turned-museum, to boot, Brooklyn Botanic Gardens—for an education.

MMH: Your perfect Saturday in NYC looks like...

AS: Some loose parameters right now require getting outside and active, eating something delicious, and going somewhere new. On a warm day, I’d wake up with the sun and walk to the greenmarket for some breakfast tomatoes or bfast frittata fillings, stopping for coffee at Everyman on the way. I would definitely fit in a bike ride, maybe over a bridge and to Brooklyn (see that theme here?), resting upon return to the city in a patch of waterfront grass with a good book. If it’s fridgid, as it unfortunately gets, I’d hit a cozy eatery every few hours for coffee, reading, wine, shopping, noshing, and bourbon, in that order.

MMH: Is there a touristy spot that's actually worth the visit while in NYC?

AS: Absolutely. I’d cross Times Square off your list (it looks just like the pictures but smells a lot worse) for a trip to the World Trade Center Memorial (pretty much essential if you live in America) a stroll on the Highline, through Central Park, to any event at Carnegie Hall, or shopping in Soho.

MMH: Is there anything/anywhere that you'd tell a friend not to miss while visiting NYC?

AS: Brooklyn. Just do it.

MMH: If someone is in NYC for a while and wants an escape, do you have cool day trip from NYC that you'd recommend (a nearby city or town that's easy to get to and provides a good day escape)?

AS: Rockefeller State Park Preserve is about an hour north of the city and has great hiking/walking/country wandering. Nearby, the Stone Barns Center offers all kinds of edible delights and an exceptional eatery, Blue Hill at Stone Barns. If you’re a beach bum, take the LIRR to any public waterfront on Long Island. And to escape hibernation during the cold months, an Amtrak ticket will carry you a few hours north to Hudson, NY, the so-called "Brooklyn of the North." A small town with an urban mentality, Hudson is full of city-expats (plus weekenders and commuters) selling artisan cortados and antiques galore out of renovated storefronts along the mile-long main drag. Ogling at the architecture is worth a trip in itself.

MMH: Amanda, thanks so much for giving us the down low on New York. We can't wait to visit soon and try your recommendations. New York is a happier place with you there! Thanks for being you.

-mr.&mrs.h