Michelle Rago, Ltd.—Blog

New York is a magical place- especially over the holiday season…

There are pop up markets everywhere, streets are filled with Christmas tree vendors, gobs of fancy lights and of course the famous holiday windows all around town.

There are the obvious places you should visit, for example, Rockefeller Plaza Christmas Tree and the Ice Skating Rink in Central Park (if you’re lucky you will witness one of scores of spontaneous marriage proposals). I put together a few of my favorite sneaky spots to slip into during this time of year for a bit of holiday cheer. They are a little off the beaten holiday path and worth every bit of effort….

My favorite day trip

Head up to Fort Tryon Park- it’s right outside the city and there is plenty to do to fill an afternoon. Start at The Cloisters Museum & Gardens (absolutely spectacular), it’s a branch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, so you know it is amazing. After you’ve taken in the arts head over to The New Leaf Café nestled in the park for scrumptious burgers and bloodies. Even if it’s freezing, walk out the back door of the restaurant and catch some of the amazing scenery.

“Built by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., son of the architect of Central Park, in 1935, and gifted to the city of New York by John D. Rockefeller in 1917, Fort Tryon Park remains one of the city’s most beautiful outdoor pieces of art and one of the best presents ever received.”

Best place for apps & vino

The Spotted Pig

During the Holidays they serve Mulled Wine, which goes perfectly with Devil’s on horseback….don’t ask just go and try them. Good celeb spotting too!

April Bloomfield owner/chef is one of the city’s finest and you will never be disappointed here.

Spotted Pig

14 W. 11th Street

Shopping

NoLita is a great place to take the afternoon to leisurely shop around the quaint streets. Elizabeth Street is one of my favorite places to visit, the have great jewelry stores, an awesome gelato stop, and many, many more tiny boutiques carrying unique items you wont find any place else.

Decked the halls!

Rolf’s

This place goes nuts in their décor for the Holidays and it’s decorated all year long! Go here to really get in the mood…

Intimate dinner party

Freeman’s Alley

This place is hidden at the end of an alley and you feel like you’re the first person to ever find it! The food is hearty and the hunting lodge décor unexpected. This is a perfect setting for a small group of close friends to share a Holiday meal. Also for you guys…Freeman’s barber shop is at the end of the alley and is such great shopping not to mention you can get a shave and a cut!

Freeman’s

End of Freeman Alley off of Rivington

Best place for fancy cocktails

Death & Co

Make sure you leave early when heading down to the East Village to visit this hot spot, it gets packed and don’t take reservations. They are mixoligists in the true sense of the word. The imaginative cocktails here are one of a kind and always tasty. Very hip and you can also hire them for private parties to do specialty bars.

Death & Co

433 East 3^rd Street

Favorite Wine Bar

Blue Ribbon Wine Bar

With hesitation, I share Blue Ribbon Downing Street Bar. It is a recent addition to the Bromberg Brothers’ ever-growing family of Blue Ribbon restaurants, everything they do from fried chicken to sushi is incredible. The wine bar is teeny tiny but perfect for a wonderful glass of wine and crazy delicious cheeses after a rough day of Christmas shopping or just a rough day period.

Blue Ribbon Wine Bar

 34 Downing Street