A Whistlestop New York Travel Guide

It's even better than the old York.

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Brooklyn Bridge, New York

Kind of ironic, isn’t it? Using Plum Guide to explore the Big Apple. (This isn’t actually ironic, it’s just a case of two connected things that each have fruit in the names…but go with it.) New York is such a large and busy city, that it can be easy to get lost and confounded. Luckily, our New York travel guide is on hand to help out when exploring our fruity sibling. We have dozens of luxury homes in the area – many lining the exclusive streets of The Hamptons – and countless tips for what to do, where to go, where to dine and where to stay. We’ll take you on a journey through the city, from its parks and gardens to its skyscrapers and museums.

Where to dine

We think we know you. Not intimately, but the fact you’re reading Plum Guide's journal tells us that you have good taste, you enjoy comfort and you want the best of everything for your holidays. In the heart of Manhattan, you’ll find some of the most exclusive eateries in the country, from the Asian cuisine of Jungsik and the French flavours of Daniel to contemporary dishes of The Modern and French steak in the Boucherie Union Square. For more exclusive restaurants, head out to The Hamptons to rub shoulders with celebs on their weekends away from the city. Make sure to go up and introduce yourself, because they love that. OK, maybe don’t do that – but you can be close to them and enjoy the starry aura they give off in some of the area's ritzy restaurants, including 1770 House Restaurant, American Hotel and North Fork Table and Inn.

Exposure Therapy, Plum Guide home in New York City

Exposure Therapy, Plum Guide home in New York City

See the sights

What's a New York travel guide without mentioning the sights? Undoubtedly, one of the main attractions in New York is Central Park, an enormous rectangle of greenery at the core of Manhattan. It makes for the perfect destination for the whole family, containing everything from museums and monuments to a zoo and amusement parks. Other iconic attractions include the Empire State Building (think of poor King Kong) and the Statue of Liberty. You can even go up and peer out from inside its crown, which is something most crown-wearing monarchs would never allow. Of course, the city is enormous, filled with activities and sights. See the sunset on the Brooklyn Bridge or look down through the glass floor of the One World Observatory.

Statue of Liberty, New York, Liberty Island, USA

Statue of Liberty, New York

Sun in the Sky, Plum Guide home in New York City

Sun in the Sky, Plum Guide home in New York City

Take a trip to The Hamptons

Sometimes the city just gets a bit too much, so we've decided to take our New York travel guide elsewhere. Take a few days away from it all in the Hamptons. Drive east for 90 miles (145 kilometres) to get here in a little under two hours, and make your way through the various hamlets. You’ll pass through Northampton, Southampton and Bridgehampton on your way to Montauk at the top of the peninsula. Gawk at the various houses of the rich and famous (while also keeping an eye on the road if you’re driving) and be even more impressed by the luxury Plum Guide home you’ll be staying in. Relax and sunbathe on the iconic Cooper’s Beach, taste the local grapes at the Wölffer Estate Vineyard and learn about contemporary art in the Parrish Art Museum.

The Parrish Art Museum, The Hamptons, USA | Photo by Jeff Heatley

The Parrish Art Museum, The Hamptons, USA | Photo by Jeff Heatley

Red Bear Lodge, Plum Guide home in New York City

Red Bear Lodge, Plum Guide home in New York City

Visit the parks

Just because you’re back in the city centre of New York, doesn’t mean you can’t be one with nature. We’ve already written about Central Park, but there are many other wide open spaces to take your family on a fine summer’s day. The High Line is a park built into an old elevated rail line, while Prospect Park has a lake and a basketball court (just don’t throw the ball in the water – you’re not getting it back). Coney Island makes for a fun family destination with its amusement park and beach. Go to The Battery park to sit by the water and watch the harbour. Enjoy a picnic and some drinks with friends into the late afternoon. As evening falls, hang out in the heart of Times Square and look up at those famous advertising banners and neon signs.

Midtown West overlooking Central Park, New York City, Manhattan
Copyright: NYC & Company
Credit: Julienne Schaer/NYC & Company

Midtown West overlooking Central Park, New York City

Braeburn, Plum Guide home in New York City

Braeburn, Plum Guide home in New York City

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