Sirens. Large crowds. New York City has many associations, often ones of cacophony. But for the locals, it’s a labyrinth of cultural muses, diverse people groups and the iconic rooted in the day to day. Behind the facade of seeming chaos is a city rich with character, charm and encounters with the unexpected. There are few cities that sit at the global cultural apex and zeitgeist as much as New York City and while not for the faith of heart, we explore the island from the prism of a local with the curiosity of a visitor.
Nestled in the midst of Museum Mile on the Upper East Side is an unassuming mansion, that while an actual mansion, many would pass by. While ppearing as one of the many other regal properties in that postal code, for the more discerning or the artistic observer, the Frick remains a gemstone amongst Manhattan’s bustling cultural expanse. The namesake of its former owner, the industrialist and art patron Henry Clay Frick, The Frick is a museum housing the former owner’s private collection, boasting an intimate array of Old Master paintings with prolific names like Thomas Gainsborough, Rembrandt and El Greco. Portraits of London’s Ton, Sir Thomas More and his archrival Thomas Cromwell adorn the walls, revealing a glimpse into some of the most intriguing chapters of history. The richness of the art in conjunction with the opulent yet discreet setting creates a delightful afternoon resting stop unlike the more well-known and demanding destinations like the Met, or its neighbour, the Guggenheim.
For the average jet-setter, skin maintenance is a high priority yet a tall order. Time restraints, finding merited locales and minding the opportunity cost ratio, it’s much to be mindful of on a brief trip to Manhattan. Enter Rescue Spa. Located at the sweet spot between Gramercy and Flatiron – distinctly local territory but with a bit of panache – the spa also happens to be what some would consider the best facials in town. Game-changing skincare lines like Biologique Recherche feature in the spa’s lineup, and the founder is a skincare savant that rivals many. Yet at the core of her philosophy is pragmatism, a welcome approach in today’s market. “Our skin changes all the time – every season, every day, every hour. But no matter what, it’s important to do [skincare] in moderation.”
“Our skin changes all the time – every season, every day, every hour. But no matter what, it’s important to do [skincare] in moderation.”
