The Fashion District

New York City is one of my favorite destinations. There are so many adventures to be had in this crazy city! From shopping to dining, shows both on and off Broadway, museums, parks and more. Adventure is around every corner.

My last journey here brought me to the One World Trade Center which is the Main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex in Lower Manhattan. I had high tea with a group of elite travel industry gurus while Richard Branson chatted about his new venture into the cruise ship industry. His team at Virgin Voyages told stories of how they got the company to where is today and new innovations they are building for the future.

While navigating the city in my free time, I found a great mall across the street with a beautiful food court complete with a wine bar. Although I am an advocate for Uber/Lyft, I found that the subway was actually a better form of transportation in the city. It was $50 to get from the airport to my hotel and took over an hour. The subway would have been faster if I knew how to use it then. On this trip, I discovered that Google Maps shows you a step-by-step guide to navigating the subways though. I got from our hotel in the Fashion District to the Brooklyn Museum quickly and at a quarter of the price.

On display was the Frida Kahlo exhibit. This woman’s incredible history and painting style has intrigued viewers for decades. The political background weaves its way into her and her husband’s work as well, fighting for Mexican freedoms and a voice to be heard.

My favorite place to explore though has to be the Fashion District. This grouping of buildings, streets and back alleys are fascinating to observe. There are restaurants, shops and stores galore here. Even just walking past the windows of the fabric stores was intense. Feathers, bolts of fabrics, flowers, buttons. Everything you could imagine in every color imaginable is on display.

I had the chance to explore Mood from the TV show Project Runway and even found Swatch, the resident puppy, hanging out behind the checkout counter. This multi-level store has just about anything you can think of to design that next viral look. From patterns and textures to buttons and zippers, this store is an absolute must see.

Other notable things to do in this area can be found by just exploring on a self-guided walking tour. Madison Square Garden is relatively close to this area as well. With all of the spectacular events at this location, it is no wonder why this hall is world famous. Sporting events, concerts, UFC fights, you name it, and it’s been here.

Macy’s is just around the corner and you can walk the streets and sidewalks famously known for hosting the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Just imagine those huge balloons hovering over you and all of the spectacular entertainment that has performed right there in that very location!

My recommendation of a hotel by this area is The Langham, New York. Centrally located in Midtown Manhattan on Fifth Avenue, this hotel is steps from the Empire State Building, Madison Square Garden, the theater district, the fashion district, shopping, restaurants, museums and more. With their guest rooms averaging around 750 square feet and suites 1,100, you will have ample space to stretch out and relax. Featured within these sophisticated accommodations are beautiful marble bathrooms with gentle-rainfall showers. The property also offers a Michelin-star restaurant called Ai Fiori, handcrafted cocktails at Bar Fiori, and signature spa treatments featuring traditional Chinese medicine techniques at Chuan Body + Soul.