A Perfect Weekend in Greenwich Village, New York
Two Days in Greenwich Village: Shopping, Eating, and a Little New York Magic
Every couple of years, our Florida travel group lands somewhere that feels just like a family vacation. Last weekend it was Greenwich Village — three nights and two jam packed days. Several of the adult children in the group live in NYC so that was an added bonus being able to see them.
Here’s what I recommend doing in this short amount of time.
Where We Stayed: The Marlton Hotel
The Marlton on West 8th Street is a boutique hotel with a kind of dark-wood, Parisian-brasserie atmosphere that makes you want to relax over your coffee — and breakfast is included.
The rooms are very small, which may explain why the lobby is always full of people working, reading, or simply sitting by the fireplace. Our group gathered for drinks in the cozy bar on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Then on Saturday evening we moved into the hotel’s private dining room for a dinner for 24 people (that our friend Dorothy arranged). It was the kind of dinner that goes longer — and a bit louder — than planned because no one wanted it to end.
Dinner Friday Night – Ci Siamo
We ate here our last time in NYC and couldn’t wait to come back with our smaller group of six. “Chef Hillary Sterling centers her Italian-inflected menu around live-fire cooking and seasonal ingredients, bridging the traditional with the contemporary.”
The fresh pastas are amazing, along with the roasted carrots with feta, capers and fresh dill. It was ALL good though.
Saturday: Exploring the Village Solo
Saturday morning, I set out on my own through Greenwich Village and neighboring NoHo. I love to meander at my own pace.
C.O. Bigelow on Sixth Avenue is the oldest apothecary in America, and it looks the part — floor-to-ceiling shelves. I bought a pretty bone hair clip.
John Derian on East 6th Street is a destination for anyone who loves decoupage, quirky antiques, and one-of-a-kind objects. There are three store fronts here.
Il Buco Vita on East 2nd Street is the home goods shop related to the Il Buco restaurant family. Everything is handmade and sourced from Italian artisans — earthy pottery, hand-blown glassware, rustic linens.
Olio e Pui
Then Howard joined me for lunch at the pretty Olio e Pui. We loved the very chilled and crunchy Caesar salad and lemon piccata, but my bruschetta was soggy.
We found out later from members in our group that the restaurant has mixed reviews. But the place is charming and they have a nice patio.
Then, I had a suggestion for a Mother’s Day gift for me from Howard.
Fortunately, he hadn’t bought me anything yet. When our daughter was in school at NYU, the perfumery Bond No. 9 used to give her free samples. Which got me hooked even though it is pricey.
Bond No. 9 New York is a perfume store dedicated to scents inspired by New York City neighborhoods and landmarks. Howard had bought some for me years ago but the scent I loved was discontinued. So I asked to go pick a new scent!
It was a perfect Village stop — and a memorable one, as I walked out with my new favorite scent. Thank you, Howard.
Just found out: There is 15% off right now with Code: Moms
Sunday: The Bike Tour and the Frick
Sunday morning, the group separated in two. The more athletic contingent headed out for the Five Borough Bike Tour.
The rest of us made our way uptown to the Frick Collection, which had recently reopened after a major renovation. Be sure to make a timed entry reservation. It was lovely…and full of masterpieces by Renoir and Fragonard (no photos are allowed). Annie Diamond met us there.
Part of our group had lunch in the Frick’s restaurant. Annie and I decided to split off and head back to Greenwich Village. She had her car since she drove down from Connecticut. You should see her driving in Manhattan like a pro with me as her happy spectator!
Lunch at Via Carota
Annie suggested we stop by Via Carota and put our name on the waiting list (definitely go here… we loved the Cacio e Pepe pasta and salad with all kinds of flavorful mixed greens). Miraculously we got the perfect parking spot in front (that NY magic). And it was a reasonable wait of only 30 minutes. So we went for a walk.
Officina 1397
Our first stop was the charming little Italian shop across from Via Carota (with the same owners). They sell fresh eggs, Italian ceramics, etc. And I bought some delicious Pignoli cookies.
Hudson Grace
Love this store. Recently, I mentioned their footed fruit bowl in Everyday Dining Table Decor.
A Surprise Meeting With Ria Sim
Then we had the unexpected pleasure of meeting Ria Sim — the illustrator behind the Instagram account @coffeecakescafe and the author of Dear New York, I Love You. She is a great friend of Annie’s and had a pop-up selling her book and art in front of Hudson Grace (more NY magic). Meeting her in the very neighborhood that inspired so much of her work felt fitting. She even gave me a hug since I was Annie’s friend.
Next, it was time to head back to the hotel, but first another great parking spot near…
Sézane
The French label I’ve loved for years — has a Village location that feels right for the neighborhood.
Sunday Night
We had a take out dinner of pizza and Chinese food at one of the ‘kids” cool apartment in the Village. The bike riders were a little tired but happy.
And I was just happy. Annie and I want to do a fashion collaboration a couple of times a year showing how an outfit with the “right fit” can work for tall (Annie) and short (me) women. Say YES we should do it in the comments…we really need the excuse to get together in person.
Remember when we met up in Paris? 9 Favorite Fine To Casual Places To Dine In Paris.
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That was my perfect Weekend in Greenwich Village!
Yes! This would be a fun post to read.
Will do!!!
Hi Mary Ann,
I looks and sounds like you had a wonderful holiday in NYC. Wow, was Annie ever lucky to nail “Princess Parking.” That happens yo my niece in Beverly Hills when we are visiting. I’m always surprised.
It was sweetest moment of Howard treating you to a new custom fragrance all of your own for Mother’s Day. What a thoughtful husband you have.
Yes, you and Annie will make a perfect pair, teaming up.
Take care, and safe travels.
Howard is a good guy
Lovely post having me feel nostalgic for NYC! And yes to tall clothing ideas!
Yes! We need more Anne and Mary Ann.
Yes! You and Annie should definitely go for it. Great news from Dallas—we’re getting a Sezane of our own at Northpark!
Yes! Sounds like fun.
Hi, yes you gals go for it ! Looking forward to this collaboration.
Your get away looked very delightful. Thanks for all of the pictures.
YES please do it!
Yes! I’m 5’1” tall and live in rural front range Rockies in Colorado so very casual with crazy weather lately. Looks like you had a wonderful mini vacation.
Loved this post and your idea for a fashion series with Annie! I always love your clothing selections — plus we’re about the same size. 🙂
Great, Lynn!
Yes, please!
Yes, do it!
Yes, please do a collaboration!
Thanks for commenting, Amy!
Would absolutely love the tall/ short fashion post. I’m taller than Annie and am always searching for tips.
And Annie has lots of good tips.
Yes please, on the fashion collaboration with you and Annie. I’m short as well so I would love to see your styling!
Hello Mary Ann,
Yes!! Would love a fashion get together with you and Annie! So wonderful to see you both together enjoying the city it looks and sounds like a fabulous trip. And the parking ease, wow!! Take care xo
Annie has good parking karma!
That would be a Yes! It’ll be fun to see how you adjust or style an outfit on two different heights.
Your time in NY looked fun filled.
Thanks, Joanna!
Yes please!
Yes, do it! I’m in between your heights but always looking for “classic” inspiration.
Ok!
Yes, please do a feature on creating a look for tall and short women. I agree with Sheryl, in a previous comment. I feel overwhelmed by all that material
I think it will be fun, too!
I’m saying yes to collaborating with Annie to discuss fashion for tall and short.
Yes! I would love for you and Annie to do a piece about how an outfit can work on both a tall and a short person. I would also like to know how you make those beautiful dresses from Farm Rio work for you. When I wear a dress like that, I feel swamped by all the fabric in the skirt (short person here). A friend of mine owns a boutique where I would love to shop, but she is tall and I feel her selections dwarf me. So I would really like to see the post you propose.
I know what you mean about the “clothes wearing you” so I have to watch that too. That Farm Rio dress is sort of an A line and not a lot of extra fabric.
Yes please!
Yes! to the fashion collaboration with you and Annie. 🙂
What a fun itinerary! I also love wandering around C.O. Bigelow, eating at Via Carota, and exploring the West Village! (from a former NYC resident -Park Slope, Brooklyn).
So fun, Irene!
Mary Ann! What a lovely post and thank you for including me! What a day! Even my son said, “it looked like you and Mary Ann had a fun day!” I could not believe our parking luck!
I might stop in to the lobby at The Marlton and have a coffee and get a little work done sometime. It’s a great lobby/bar and the location! You always find the best in any city you visit!
Love you!
xx
I’m not sure how great the internet is, Annie, with all those people using it though. A couple of times I had to use my phone as a hotspot.