This is a pro tip, but also a summer tip, take the ferry from Lower Manhattan to Rockaway and spent the day. The beach is great and the area is impossible to gasp that it's 30 min from Manhattan (without traffic) - Eat as many tacos you can, cause it's the best in the state of New York!
The Ear Bar has been in New York longer than any of us. In a city of vacuous fleeting trendy bars the Ear Bar (which is really called the Ear Inn but I've never called it that) is the real deal.
Best contemporary art museum in NY, have to take a train that goes along the Hudson river (best views during fall season!) / rent a car. This museum only uses natural light, and has pieces from Richard Serra, Judd, Sol Lewitt, Walter de Maria, Robert Smithson, Flavin, all best of the best!
“We wanted to create a place where people felt at home, somewhere that people came back to often and the quality of the food shone.” – Rose Carrarini.
Rose Bakery was created by Rose Carrarini and her husband Jean Charles.
Great place to sit and chat with a friend, definitely try their scone with butter + jam and stroll around Dover Street Market afterwards.