"The city is like poetry; it compresses all life, all races and breeds, into a small island and adds music and the accompaniment of internal engines." ― e.b. white
On Sunday I went on a picnic with an old friend who came to town, someone I hadn't seen in years. We brought nibbles, blankets, and hand sanitizer and escaped the worries of the world for a while in my little city park across the street. We relaxed there, catching up and savoring each other's company. Normally, that would probably be one of many activities I'd have enjoyed in a week in New York. Now, in these less crowded calendar days, the pleasures of this simple picnic were a luxurious highlight, a focal point. New York at its best is a secret co-conspirator of unexpectedly magical moments, and my memories of that afternoon in the park will linger for a long, long time.
Have you ever felt this way when visiting New York? Chance encounters, reconnections, revelations, and realizations can find you anytime anywhere here, even just walking down the street, if you're open to it. I invite anyone living outside of New York (who's not subject to the travel advisory) to visit and witness this for yourself. New York is in a moment never seen before and hopefully never to be seen again - a too quiet moment. With Broadway dark and office staff working remotely from home, Times Square and Midtown are still. Streets everywhere are less crowded. Incredible artwork is being viewed intimately. The top of the Empire State Building is all yours. Bring your family, share it with people you love, and tell this story for generations - how the city that never sleeps turned out the lights.
New York's months of caution crushed the curve, and slowly hotels are safely re-opening. Museums and botanic gardens have timed entry tickets. The High Line is still outdoors and still super cool. Central Park leaves are just beginning to change colors. Experience outdoor dining. Head to the Hudson Valley and Sleepy Hollow, basically the epicenter of Halloween fun. Is everything open in New York? Nope, and officially Broadway isn't coming back until June 2021 at the earliest. But don't you want to see what New York is like in this altered state? This isn't business as usual, and that's the whole point! This era won't last forever, and years from now people won't believe the tales of your visit until you show them the incredible photographs you took - of the most resilient city in America.
I creatively customize luxury travel highlighting local arts and culture, history, and cuisine for intellectually curious clients longing to feel deeply inspired by exciting destinations, culinary delights, and authentic cultural experiences on a life-changing, joyful journey of discovery.
Danielle Dybiec
President of Nine Muses Travel