In one of my first installments of SHEI and the City, I wrote a segment called “Big Apple, Small Apple”, describing various areas in the city I’d gotten to explore in the brief time I’d been here. Now, more than three months later, I’ve had the opportunity to branch out and get to know Manhattan a lot better. Here’s what I’ve learned.

If I could pick one spot in all of Manhattan to live, it would be the West Village. I could spend hours walking the beautiful cobblestone streets, eating cupcakes from Magnolia, reading in the small parks and trendy restaurants (try Extra Virgin or Agave), shopping at the Marc Jacobs store and stalking the resident celebrities (that means you, Sarah Jessica Parker and Anna Wintour).

Just to the north is another one of my favorite districts in the city: Chelsea. Other than being known as the gay part of town, Chelsea is also home to the trendy meatpacking district (brunch by day, clubbing by night), Chelsea Market, Highline Park (a risen walkway that lets you look out over the Hudson river), a multitude of quaint art galleries, the Alexander McQueen store (tear), Cafeteria, and a never-ending parade of cute dog-walkers.

Next up is Greenwich Village. If Manhattan were a body, Greenwich Village would be its heart. Times Square is only the heart of tourism. With tattoo parlors, sex shops, youth (aka NYU), Washington Square Park and Astor Place, Greenwich Village represents all that gives New York its character: freedom, art, rebellion, and complete individuality.

Finally, we have the Union Square/Flatiron/Gramercy area. This is where I’ll be staying for the remainder of my time in New York, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. Union Square, Gramercy Park, Filene’s Basement, the biggest Macy’s in the world, Madison Square Park, the Empire State Building, Bed Bath & Beyond and the Museum of Sex will all be right at my finger tips!

My new home! (Union Square) photo by Dave Ford

When it comes time to leave the city in just a few short weeks, I know I’m going to miss each and every one of these distinct New York areas. I can only hope that someday you have the opportunity to visit, and get to know them as well as I have.

–Will Defebaugh, Creative Director

Photo Credit