One of the most common questions someone has when moving to Manhattan for the first time is should I live uptown or downtown. The two neighborhoods definitely have their distinct differences, and depending upon what you are looking to get out of your NYC life, you will find either uptown or downtown living suits you better! We have come up with some important topics to consider when choosing to live uptown or downtown, whether that be restaurants, night life, museums or easy access out of NYC! Keep reading to hear our opinion!

Uptown Living

Uptown living (considered above 57th Street) is great for families or anyone who wants to experience NYC and all its delights in a slightly more quiet manner! Uptown has something for everyone, great shops, restaurants, and residential areas that are close to parks, museums and excellent private schools! Glenwood has 16 buildings in uptown Manhattan. If you are set on living uptown but can’t decide between the upper east side versus the upper west side, click here to read a blog post we wrote about the differences between the two neighborhoods! If you are interested in Glenwood’s uptown buildings click here for the east side and here for the west side.

Downtown Living

Living downtown (considered below 14th Street) is a very lively choice filled with different neighborhoods, each having their own distinct personalities! If you are looking for more of a neighborhood, tight community feel in the big city–downtown living might be for you! If you want the hustle and bustle of stores, restaurants, and nightlife soho is a great option! The west village is quaint with great neighborhood coffee shop and beautiful townhouses! If you want to live downtown in a neighborhood that is very family try Tribeca where you can live, work and play all in the same neighborhood! Glenwood has 3 buildings downtown. If you are interested in Glenwood downtown buildings click here!

Let’s Dive Into It:

Restaurants

Both uptown and downtown Manhattan have great food options!

If you want to try a restaurant that is a little more trendy with often a festive vibe, downtown spots may be more favorable to you! Downtown restaurants are always packed with foodies trying the new and best spots! A 9pm table is not considered a late table, and if you love being able to walk to great restaurants downtown may be more favorable to you! Don’t forget Little Italy and Chinatown are so close to all the downtown neighborhoods, which ads a really fun dining element if you are a foodie! Some great spots to try are Lure Fishbar (in soho), Bondst Sushi (in soho), Mamos (in soho), Bodega Negra (in chelsea) and Morimoto (in chelsea). These are all great spots for Glenwood downtown residents to try!

Don’t be fooled by the fact that you hear it is impossible to get a dinner reservation downtown, if you want a table at a popular restaurant uptown,  you need a reservation weeks in advance as well! Uptown dining has endless options as well with all different cuisine types too! If you are looking for a more classic restaurant with a little more of a docile atmosphere that is still lively, uptown restaurants may be up your alley! With great spots like Omars, Le Colonial, Bar Italia,  Avra, Kappa Masa  (all on the upper east side), RedFarm (on the west side), and Red Rooster (in harlem)  there are definitely diverse cuisine types with great ambiances that is just a little more relaxed than many downtown spots come the later hours! Glenwood uptown east side and west side residents should try these great spots!

The Seaport has several restaurants all walking distance of Glenwood’s Liberty Plaza! 

Which Neighborhood Would You Live In?

Looking for endless dining options, high end shops, and parks that are within walking distance?

UPTOWN

Looking for an energetic atmosphere with historic landmarks and riverside views?

DOWNTOWN

Night Life

If you ask a New Yorker where the best nightlife is in Manhattan, most will definitely tell you downtown! And, if you are looking to live close to very lively, trendy, hot spots that can be walking distance from each other, downtown living is definitely for you. Downtown is packed with options in all of its neighborhoods like soho, the meatpacking district, and china town! There are also great late night activities in downtown Manhattan  like The Magician at The Nomad Hotel or Sleep No More at The McKittrick Hotel.

If you want to live in a quieter area, but occasionally want to frequent great nightlife and don’t mind hopping on a subway or taking a 20minute cab ride to get there, then uptown living will suite you! Uptown has some great bars too like the Mark Hotel’s Bar, The Regency Bar, the bar at Avra Madison, the bar at Omars (all upper east side), or Vanguard Wine Bar (upper west side). These are more lounge type of casual vibes that are great if you just want to enjoy a drink out on the town.

Parks

If parks are very important to you, this is a big consideration when deciding if you want to live uptown or downtown. Uptown has so many great parks like Central Park, Morning Side Park, Riverside Park, Carl Shurz Park, and Fort Tyron Park. These are larger, more traditional parks with more emphasis on the greenery! If you love taking a morning jog around the reservoir, uptown eastside and westside are perfect for you!

Downtown parks are often smaller with a bit more concrete, but  have a lot of lively entertainment like at Washington Square Park! If you like to stroll after dinner and find some nice entertainment–from the occasional live music to performances, downtown parks are for you! Don’t forget about the High Line! This 1.45 mile park runs on what were old railroad tracks on the lower west side through the Meat Packing District and Chelsea.

Battery Park and Rockefeller Park are just steps from Glenwood’s Tribeca Bridge Tower!

Museums

There are great museums both uptown and downtown in Manhattan. You can’t go wrong visiting any of them! Here are a list of some of the top museums in each of the areas.

Uptown

East Side:

• The Met
• Met Cloisters
• The Met Bruier
• The Frick
• The Guggenheim
• The Cooper Hewitt Museum

West Side:

• The American Museum of Natural History
• The New-York Historical Society
• The Children’s Museum of Manhattan

Downtown:

• 911 Memorial
• Whitney Museum of American Art
• New Museum
• New York City Fire Museum

The Art Scene

There are definitely good museums and galleries both uptown and downtown. But, if you are a an art gallery lover, downtown has so many different options to pop into that frequently are displaying new works!

A couple of great art galleries uptown:

• Gagosian Gallery on Madison Avenue
• David Zwirner
• Almine Rech Galler

There are just so many great art galleries downtown, if you walk in Chelsea you are sure to stumble upon numerous  but to name a few:

• Andrew Kreps Gallery
• Mary Boone Gallery
• Gladstone Gallery
• Pace Gallery
• Hauser & Wirth New York
• Gagosian Gallery in Chelsea
• Taglialatella Gallery
• Chase Contemporary Gallery
• David Zwirner in Chelsea
• Click here to see a map of downtown galleries!

The Ease Of Leaving Manhattan

If you like to leave Manhattan either for some fun weekend exploration or for a work commute, it is important to choose where you live! If you love to go to Brooklyn and explore areas like Vinegar Hill or Dumbo, then living in Glenwood downtown buildings is much more convenient for you!

If you work or like to visit Long Island, Westchster or Connecticut on the weekends, living uptown will largely reduce the time spent in your car if you are driving!

What are your favorite reasons you live uptown or downtown? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter!

The post Uptown NYC vs Downtown NYC appeared first on NYC Luxury Apartments for Rent | Glenwood Management.

Sometimes circumstances necessitate a fast move that can take you out of your comfort zone. There are a number of things you can do to prepare for a quick getaway. It’s a good time to pare down, and get items out of your life that you no longer need to carry from place to place. Just because time is of the essence, does not mean that the move has to be done in a haphazard way. Everything should be well labeled so that you have a system in place to ensure the packing and unpacking goes relatively easily. Professional help can be lined up, and there are always those friends that you can count on. Below, we’ve rounded up our top tips for moving on short notice.

Step #1: Make Reservations

Assuming you have the move-in date set for your new place, don’t waste a second making reservations for your move. Whether this comes in the form of hiring movers to do the whole thing, renting a U-Haul to do it yourself, or calling in a favor from a friend with a truck, figure out which method best suits your life circumstances and secure the date now. Especially during the summer, you’ll have a lot of people who are also in the same camp as you, and the last thing you want to find out if you wait until the last minute is that there’ss no availability. This will only leave you scrambling for another option, but also paying much higher than you would have earlier in the process. (However, don’t let that summer is a busy time deter you from moving. Here’s 5 reasons to move during the summer!)

Step #2: Write A List Of The Major Things To Keep, Sell, Or Donate

Obviously, you’re in a time crunch here so we’re not talking about going through your closet item by item and holding them up to see what sparks joy. Instead, we’re talking more big-ticket items, such as furniture, rugs, and appliances. Ask yourself questions such as:

–Am I downsizing of upsizing?

–Will the California King bed fit into my new bedroom?

–Does my new apartment come fully furnished with all major appliances, or will I be expected to get my own (such is the case sometimes for apartments in smaller buildings with washer/dryer hookups.)

Next, make a list of all the big pieces that make the cut, as well as ones that you will have no need for in your next home. For example, if you’re moving into a NYC apartment with less living room space than your current home in the suburbs, there’ss a good chance the wrap-around sofa sectional won’t be the best use of space. Figure out if you want to donate it to a charity that accepts used furniture (such as the Salvation Army or Housing Works), or if it’s in good enough condition to take the time to photograph it, post it on a site such as Craigslist or LetGo, and coordinate details to sell it.

Step #3: Stock Up With Packing Gear

Now that you have all the details of the move squared away and are left with only the items which will come with you on your move, it’s time to load up on packing gear. Boxes can be gathered from local stores for free, such as your local wine shop, but again, if you’re in a real rush the most time effective thing to do is to use a store such as The Container Store to secure all your boxes, bubble wrap, containers, tape, and markers. You can purchase the items right from their website and have them deliver it straight to your NYC home for same day delivery, how easy is that?! Glenwood residents can all benefit from this, whether you’re moving from The Bristol in Midtown East or The Encore on the Westside.

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Choose Luxury Amenities at The Encore

The Encore offers pristine apartments with the finest amenities and services. Contact us today for a showing.

Step #4: Pack With A Method

Finally, the day has come to pack! Here’s a little tip though: it takes just as much time to pack in a messy rush as it does an organized one. So, rather than throwing items haphazardly into boxes, take the time to put a method into place. Packing room by room and clearly labeling each box is one easy way to do this. Trust us, your future self will thank you once you get into your new home!

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Experience Relaxation at The Bristol

Take a step back from your busy lifestyle and relax at The Bristol. Tour available units today.

Step #5: Organize A Cleaning Service

Assuming you don’t have the time (or energy, at this point) to spend a solid half a day cleaning your apartment once all the boxes are gone, consider hiring a maid service to come in to do the dirty work for you. While hiring a cleaning service does cost money, it’s absolutely worth shelling out a little in order to get your security deposit back on your apartment! And while you’re at it, it could be totally worth having a cleaning service do a move-in scrub for your new home, too. Starting out on a clean slate after a stressful move is worth its weight in gold.

Do you have any tips for moving on short notice? We’d love to know on Facebook and Twitter!

The post Tips For Moving On Short Notice appeared first on NYC Luxury Apartments for Rent | Glenwood Management.

Living in NYC, we all know how chaotic our lives are, especially now! Your apartment can be your sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of New York City. This January, make an effort to create the perfect space for you! There are some great tricks and tips to be able to achieve the ultimate zen ambience in your home! Read below to see what we suggest to ensure you come home to your Glenwood apartment and feel that you have a space that is calming and stress free.

Scent

Scent is very important for creating a relaxing environment. Specific fragrances such as lavender, vanilla, and sandalwood have all been proven to promote calming effects in your nervous system when inhaled. After a long day of work or kids, who doesn’t want to be greeted by a nice aroma! Place an aromatic diffuser wherever you unwind at home. A diffuser is a great way to avoid the hazards that come with using a candle—additionally, many candle brands have diffusers so if you have a scent you love, make sure to check if it comes as a diffuser too. You can also purchase essential oils and place a few drops in your humidifier, which will give your entire apartment or room a wonderful fragrance. You can even check out some places like Olfactory NYC, close to Glenwood’s downtown buildings, where you can customize your own scent to create calming fragrances that come in body wash and sprays.

Electronic Free Bedroom

Electronics have become an integral part of everyday life. But, when you are home it is nice to have one space that is designated for electronic free relaxation—that’s right, no tv, computer, or cell phone! Seems extreme, but it is worth a try! You might end up enjoying it. If you choose your bedroom to be this electronic free zone, you may find an extra perk!  While you will feel relaxed in any room you choose from not being constantly bombarded by texts, news updates, or television shows, if you implement this in your bedroom you likely will get a better nights rest! The blue light that emanates from your computer and phone screens makes it very difficult to fall asleep at night. Having your bedroom be a place of rest and calmness is sure to help unplugging from a busy work day.

Interior Decor Color Schemes

How you decorate your apartment is a very personal decision! Certain color schemes can promote a soothing, relaxing environment. Stick with neutrals, grey, blue, white, creams for the large areas such as your bedroom and living room to help achieve a tranquil space. Your couches, rugs, and curtains in neutral tones can all help promote a calm space. Your apartment doesn’t need to be all neutral tones though, be sure to add those fun pops of color for your accent pieces like a throw blanket, a coffee table book, pillow or vase! You can even switch up your accent colors by seasons! For summer bright colors like orange or turquoise are great while in winter maybe a black or emerald green!

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Grand Tier – Luxury Upper West Side Apartments

The Grand Tier lives up to its name, overlooking Lincoln Center on one side, Central Park on the other. Welcome home to a sophisticated lobby with French tapestry, vaulted ceiling, silver travertine, and marble floors. Browse available units today!

Organization

Returning home, it is always nice to be met by a tidy apartment! But, we all know that is not an easy task. If you create your own organizational system for your home, it is a lot easier to keep everything in order. Here are some of our tips for creating at home ease with organizing! In your closet or living room, using storage boxes that can come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and patterns is a great way to start making sure your shelves and closet spaces are tidy! You can tuck away your books, kids toys, and items like gloves or hats! The Container Store located on Lexington Avenue between 58^th and 59^th and Rainbow located at 1^st Avenue between 75^th and 76^th Street, which is very convenient for many of the Upper East Side Glenwood buildings like The Pavilion, The Somerset, The Lucerne,  and The Stratford, are great places to find organizational items for your home! For the kitchen, using clear containers for snacks, cereal, sugar, baking powder and more is a great way to see what you have and what you need to restock! You can buy fun labels to personalize them too.

How do you keep your home relaxing? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter!

The post Secrets to A Serene Apartment appeared first on NYC Luxury Apartments for Rent | Glenwood Management.

Movies In The Parks

Movies in the parks, dubbed “Movies Under the Stars”, are one of the most loved NYC summer rituals. Not only are they fabulous ways to motivate yourself to get off the couch (away from Netflix) and to enjoy a film under the moonlight, but they are also hosted by the NYC Parks Department and absolutely free. There’s a huge selection to choose from, with films happening in all five boroughs of NYC basically every evening of summer 2018. We’ve collected the ones happening in Glenwood neighborhoods that we’re most excited about! All of the movies in the park begin at 8pm, however, it’s suggested to arrive by 7:30pm at the latest to secure a spot. Blankets are allowed, as well as food and drinks in non-glass containers.

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Exploring the Upper East Side

With the Second Ave Subway & Central Park within walking distance, the Upper East Side seems too good to be true! Find a luxury apartment at an affordable price.

• On June 9th, take in one of the most beloved classic films of all times, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Held at Randall’s Island Park, this film is super easy for Upper East Side residents to get to. You can jump on the 6 train to 103rd Street and walk, or take a cab/Uber to the Ward’s Island Bridge, which connects you to the lower end of the park where the movies are shown.
• On June 13th, bring the kiddos for a showing of Despicable Me 3 on the Upper East Side’s very own St. Catherine’s Park. Come early for ice cream, popcorn, face painters, and activities related to the film. Located at 67th and 1st Avenue, the park is close to many Glenwood buildings, such as The Fairmont.
• On July 11th, enjoy a throwback to a classic, Who Framed Roger Rabbit? on the Westside’s Pier 1. Sunset over the Hudson River is a bonus!
• On July 13th, residents living Downtown who don’t mind a short cab or Uber ride will appreciate Romantics Anonymous, held on the Old Bandshell Lawn in Tompkins Square Park. This film is part of #FilmsOnTheGreen, which hosts free French films with English subtitles. Sounds like the perfect date night pick to us!

Movies On A Boat

Another fabulous outdoor movie option is watching the films on the deck of the Intrepid! You’ll be sitting on the ship’s flight deck, with a beautiful view of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline while you watch the movies. Admission tickets are free, but are distributed on a first-come basis, so make sure you’re standing in line at 7pm when the flight deck opens. Movies begin at sunset.

Or, if you don’t fancy the idea of waiting in line and taking your chances, you can become a member of the Intrepid Museum and secure your tickets to the show ahead of time online. Here’s the lineup for the 2018 season:

• June 29: Wonder Woman
• July 13th: Friday the 13th
• July 27th: Dunkirk
• August 10th: Ghostbusters
• August 24th: Community Choice Pick (You can vote on their website for the film to be shown on this evening!)

We’re sure Westside residents will particularly love the convenience of these films. It’s particularly close to Crystal Green.

Movies On A Rooftop

Like many things in life, movies are just more fun when watched on a rooftop! This year, you can head to Midtown’s Skylawn at Embassy Suites by Hilton for a summer of fabulous films, hosted by the Rooftop Cinema Club. The season opens on June 1st, and hosts four nights of films a week throughout the season, including favorites such as Mean Girls and Dirty Dancing. The slight difference with this movie watching experience is that you will all be wearing headphones to hear the sound of the film. You’ll have comfy seats to relax in, well worth the ticket price. Since these films are in venues serving alcohol, they are for 21+, adults only. Don’t worry, NYC parents. We think your kids will enjoy movies in the park better anyway. More room to run!

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Family Friendly Apartments at Crystal Green

Apartment living should suit each and every member of your family, and Crystal Green's upscale amenities are sure to please everyone! Check our available units today.

What film are you most looking forward to watching outside this year? We’d love to hear on Facebook and Twitter!

The post Summer Guide To Outdoor Movies In NYC appeared first on NYC Luxury Apartments for Rent | Glenwood Management.

With boutique fitness classes popping up all over the city, picking the class that’s right for you can feel a bit like a workout on its own. If you’re looking for the most calorie burn for your buck, a spin class is your best bet. Promising to leave you soaked in sweat, your heart rate will be up and cardio goal for the week reached. Below are 5 spots on the Upper West Side ideal for getting your spin on!

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Neighborhood – The West Side

If you're looking for a luxury apartment in a central location with easy access to New York’s hottest activities, consider one of Glenwood's upscale apartment buildings on New York City's West Side today!

For Tracking Your Progress: Flywheel Sports

Flywheel Sports is the ideal cycling studio for people who thrive on tracking their progress in real time.

Metrics right on your bike will keep track of your personal performance. For folks who like the extra challenge of competing against fellow riders, you can choose to have your performance show up on the studio scoreboard!

We love that tracking your numbers over several weeks of workouts is a surefire way to maintain motivation, see a change in your body, and improve overall health. You can’t measure what you don’t track, after all!

Another perk at Flywheel? They provide complimentary shoes, towels, and lockers, meaning you don’t need to lug a lot of extras with you to the studio. You can try your first class for $15, and after that a single class goes for $34.

Upper West Side Locations:

470 Columbus Avenue, 2nd Floor and 140 Amsterdam Avenue

For The Best Prices: Upper West Side Cycling

The Upper West Side Cycling studio has been offering classes for the last 25 years, and as we all know, there’s power in companies with longevity in Manhattan! A huge attraction of this space is the rates… You can try your first class for only $5, and after that it’s $18 per class, and even steeper discounts offered for buying a package!

Upper West Side Location: 2744 Broadway, 2nd Floor

For Cycling + An Entire Gym High-End Membership: Equinox

Here’s a little secret: I used to belong to Equinox, and the instructors that teach classes there are the same ones who teach at the smaller boutique studios (I asked, they spilled the beans!)

Meaning, if you really enjoy spinning as well as other types of workouts, it’s easier on your wallet to join a gym with a solid spinning program already in place!

Here are a few benefits of Equinox:

• Sign up in advance to reserve your bike
• Wear your regular sneakers to ride here – no need to borrow or buy special spin shoes
• Monthly gym memberships include unlimited spinning classes (plus all other classes)

Memberships range from $180 to $250 (depending on which location you belong to, or if you have global access to all the locations.)

Upper West Side Locations:

Equinox Sports Club/160 Columbus Avenue

West 76th Street/344 Amsterdam Avenue

West 92nd Street/2465 Broadway

For The Cult Following: SoulCycle

Chances are if you’ve done any kind of research whatsoever into the art of spinning in NYC, SoulCycle popped up first on your radar. Their classes are geared towards both a physical and mental workout, including climbs, jogs, sprints, and dances – all without leaving your bike.

As with any cult following, people here get really into it, so if you’re an absolute beginner, consider their Soul 101 workshop class. This teaches you the basics such as the moves, clipping in and out of your bike, and the overall “SoulCycle method.”

Your first class will be $20, and after that it’s $34. For your first class, you get a free shoe rental, but after that it’s $3 a pop.

Upper West Side Locations:

West 60th Street/21 West End Avenue

West 77th Street/350 Amsterdam Avenue

West 92nd Street/2465 Broadway

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Grand Tier – Luxury Upper West Side Apartments

The Grand Tier lives up to its name, overlooking Lincoln Center on one side, Central Park on the other. Welcome home to a sophisticated lobby with French tapestry, vaulted ceiling, silver travertine, and marble floors. Browse available units today!

For Cycling + An Entire Gym Medium-End Membership: Crunch

Just like Equinox, Crunch is a great option if you want the entire gym membership, including cycling classes. The classes here get pretty specific, ranging from regular cycling classes to yogi rides to karaoke rides!

And with monthly memberships starting at $102.99, you’re basically getting unlimited cycling for what you would pay for 3 classes at other studios.

Bonus: you can try it out for free by signing up here!

Upper West Side Location: 162 West 83rd Street

Which UWS cycling studio has your wheels spinning? Put the pedal to the metal on Facebook and Twitter!

The post The Best Upper West Side Spin Studios appeared first on NYC Luxury Apartments for Rent | Glenwood Management.

The Upper West Side is filled with prime spots for picnicking. Pick your favorite spot in Central Park, Riverside Park, or head to the steps of Lincoln Center to sit out and enjoy yourself. Oh, and we can’t forget about the spots scattered between micro-parks and flowering gardens! If you can’t wait go be outside and enjoy these beautiful summer days, pack your picnic blanket and wine glasses! We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite Upper West Side restaurants that will prep a perfect picnic basket for you, and paired them with the perfect spots.

Picnic With Dietary Restrictions: Maoz Vegetarian

Think of Maoz as the Chipotle for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free folks. You can pick your base (pita, rice, salad, hummus), and add toppings galore from there! They also have a juice and smoothie bar, making for an easy way to pack in the nutrients and stay cool. Maoz’s signature sandwich is the Maoz Falafel- steaming hot falafel balls, crisp veggies, and your choice of sauces and dressing packed into a freshly baked pita pocket. Plus, the location at Broadway and 71st Street makes it a hop, skip and a jump away from NYC’s smallest park, Septuagesimo Uno. It’s seriously adorable for a mid-day picnic or romantic sunset spot.

A Picnic Prepped For You: Pappardella 

The folks at Pappardella had the right idea when they started to offer specialized picnic baskets to-go. A basic picnic package for 2 includes 2 paninis, an antipasto platter, pasta salad, fresh Italian bread with olive oil, biscotti, lemon bars, 2 bottles of mineral water, and an adorable picnic cloth to lay out the spread on. Dining for more than 2? Upgrade your basket to feed 4! Since Pappardella is located at Columbus and 75th, head to Central Park and dine in Strawberry Fields, the area of the park with the Imagine memorial dedicated to John Lennon. As an extra bonus, you’re almost guaranteed to hear some great guitar playing by Beatles fans while you’re dining.

For A Greek Inspired Picnic: Kefi

If feta and olives with pita are your idea of a perfect picnic, look no further than Kefi. The Greek cuisine is everything you’d hope for, and the prices are reasonable ($10 for appetizers and $18 and under for mains). Choose from sun dried tomato hummus, white bean soup, and their oh-so authentic meatballs with tzatziki, lemon, and pita. Located on Columbus between 84th and 85th, Kefi is the spot to order takeaway before heading to The Great Lawn, which is mid-Central Park from 85th Street down to 79th. An extra bonus? After your picnic, head to the top of nearby Belvedere Castle for some amazing photos of the lush park!

A Picnic With NYC’s “Bests”: Zabar’s

The options at Zabar’s are known just as well as the Empire State Building. Stop here for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and load your basket with the best from NYC: gourmet breads, Kosher bagels, fresh fruit, and local cheese options. Have a sweet tooth? Us too! Help yourself to one (or two) of their famous black and white cookies or classic New York cheesecake. Located at Broadway and 80th, we suggest heading directly west to Riverside Park to set up your picnic station. And if you can time your picnic around sunset, well, we can pretty much promise watching the sun set will be one of those NYC moments you never, ever forget.

French-Filled Picnic From A Top Chef: Epicerie Boulud

When Epicerie Boulud opened a few years ago, it was if the picnic Gods heard our cry for affordably priced dishes from celebrity chef Daniel Boulud. From mouth-watering artisan cheese selections, mini vegetarian quiches, and truffled macaroni and cheese (to die for), dishes serve an average of 4-6 people. AND, since everything is prepared in fair portions, they’re perfect for packing up and strolling across the street to Lincoln Center! It’s a green rooftop perfect for people watching, catching up with friends, and maybe even catching a free outdoor performance. Oh, and definitely don’t forget the gluten-free cookie platter!

We’d love to know… What’s your perfect picnic pairing on the UWS? Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook and let us know!

The post 5 Picnic Pairings on the Upper West Side! appeared first on NYC Luxury Apartments for Rent | Glenwood Management.

Reflecting on the first year (ok, years, if I’m being honest), it’s amazing that I was able to stick it out, considering how little I knew of the city before I moved here and all the huge mistakes I made as a first timer. (Case in point: I totally thought it would be no big deal to live on the last stop on the F train in Queens, from there having to take the bus and then walk a mile to get to my apartment, making the door to door commute to work 2 hours each way. Yes, rookie mistake!) Having said all that, I’ve definitely gleaned some tips and tricks over the years which I happily share with any small town girl/boy hoping to make it in the big city. Here they are:

Bring Only The Bare Necessities 

Seriously, bare, BARE necessities. It’s no secret that NYC dwellings are tiny, and especially if you plan to shack up with roommates, your space decreases even more. Rather than dealing with the stress and expense of shipping your college furniture and all the contents of your walk in closet to the Big Apple, pack the following: a suitcase of clothes/shoes for both work and play (less is actually more here cause trying to do laundry in NYC is its own kind of headache which we will save for a different post!), your laptop, your cellphone, a travel mug, and a coffee pot. Trust me on those last two.

Find A Roommate And A Commute That Make Sense

Moving to the city for the first time is expensive, and unless you landed a job in investment banking, I would absolutely recommend starting out your time in New York with a roommate (or 3!) The typical amount of cash that’s required to land an apartment rental is one month’s security deposit and first and last month’s rent. So let’s just say the apartment is $3,000–that makes a whopping $9,000 you’d have to fork over before even starting your job. If you have a roommate, this price drastically reduces itself, as does the monthly rent and expenses.

Also, you will clearly get more bang for your buck the further out you go, but also consider which will make you happier in the long run: more space or a shorter commute. Probably the BEST advice I can offer is to absolutely refuse to live anywhere that is longer than a 5 minute walk to the nearest subway.

Oh, and p.s., whether you decide to get a roomie or not, unless you want to hand over 15% to a broker, I recommend doing the leg work for the apartment search on your own.

Get Very Familiar With Public Transportation And Use It

I was so broke that first year living in New York that once summer hit I would ride the subway with my unlimited monthly pass just to enjoy the benefits of the air conditioning (which my apartment didn’t have.) The upside of this is that I quickly learned my way around the city via the subway, and there was no borough that went unexplored. Whether you use the subway, buses, CitiBikes or your own two feet, I HIGHLY suggest you stay away from cabs and car services if you’re trying to save money. Nothing will break the bank quicker than getting used to taking Uber.

Eat Cheap

This is a little easier said than done unless you live in an outer borough or in Upper Manhattan, which all have easy access to affordable grocery stores. But even if there’s not one right down the block from you, planning ahead and taking public transportation to the nearest C-Town, Food Bazaar, or Trader Joes will save you big bucks. Meal plan ahead and buy only what you will eat for the week, planning to bring your lunch, snacks, and yes, even coffee with you when you leave for work/classes for the day. Otherwise, a trip to the local salad bar will set you back $10, a coffee run $3, and an afternoon juice $7. Multiply that five times a week for a month and you’ve just eaten $400 worth of food that you could spent locally at a farmers market.

Stay Entertained For Free

As expensive as New York certainly can be, there’s also so much entertainment in this city for absolutely FREE. From free days at museums to outdoor summer film festivals to free workout classes to book clubs at your local library branch, there’s truly something for everyone in this great city of ours. And before you go out and blow big bucks on it all, do a little research and I bet you can find a free or cheap alternative.

All in all, you will be sacrificing massive amounts of space and sometimes sanity to live in NYC, so just make sure that if you’re making that sacrifice, you are indeed reaping all the benefits of living here. Here’s to the next 11 years!

Any tips that helped you move to and stay in NYC? Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook and let us know!

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New York City is hands-down one of the best places to sip wine from vineyards around the world. With an endless amount of cozy wine bars showing off exposed brick walls or sleek bar tops, it’s easy to have few neighborhood spots to suit your pallet. Whether you’re planning a date night, catching up with friends, or heading out solo with a good book, these five Upper West Side wine bars offer wine lovers a truly special experience.

The Tangled Vine Wine Bar and Kitchen

 If you’re in the mood for an Mediterranean-inspired wine bar, The Tangled Vine on 81st and Amsterdam is for you! The friendly service and exciting atmosphere welcomes snackers, diners, and drinkers alike! Stop by for $8 glasses, $5 beers, and $1 oysters Happy Hour deals every Monday through Friday from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm, and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm on the weekends. Glasses of wine average $14, which pair perfectly with smoked salmon crostinis or crab cakes.

Bin 71

Bin 71 is an Italian wine bar located on 71st Street and Columbus that takes a modern twist on Spanish and tapas bars. If you ask us, the best features include beautifully exposed brick, a horseshoe shaped bar facing outside, and of course an expansive global wine selection. Outdoor seating is also offered seasonally. Like any small restaurant in Manhattan, it’s best to visit this quaint spot during off peak hours, say, on a Sunday afternoon. With 100 bottles and 30 wines by the glass available and a carefully crafted European menu, you’ll have plenty of reasons to stop in!

Vanguard Wine Bar

The Vanguard is an American wine bar with French influence located between 68th and 69th on Amsterdam. If you have an appreciation for detail and ambiance, you’ll love the wooden tables, low lighting, and silent French movies playing in the background. The convenient location makes Vanguard ideal for a post-movie date or walk in Central Park. It doesn’t get more romantic than that, Upper West Siders! From crisp and refreshing whites to rich and powerful reds, the average glass of wine here is $12 and will keep your pallet asking for more. Bon appétit! 

Vin Sur Vingt

Vin Sur Vingt is a wine lover’s gem located on 84th and Columbus. This French wine bar features an extensive list of over 50 wines by the glass with a carefully crafted French bistro flare. The staff is well known for guiding guests towards wine selections to best compliment their taste and dinner choices. With several locations scattered throughout Manhattan, Vin Sur Vingt is decorated with tilted mirrors and copper plated ceilings to reflect perfectly dimmed lighting. Take in the ambiance with your sweetheart with their wine and cheese pairing, which gets you 3 cheeses and 3 wines for $33.

Riposo

With two locations on 72nd near Columbus and 9th and 46th, Riposo is probably the most relaxed/laid back of wine bars. After all, “Riposo” means to rest, be easy, and relax, and you’ll surely be able to enjoy yourself here. You wouldn’t feel under dressed popping in this Italian spot for a glass of vino after a yoga class. (Hydration, right?!) The average glass of wine here is $11, which goes perfectly paired with one of their delicious flatbreads (may we suggest the Bianco, loaded with Fontina, mozzarella, piave, parmesan, spinach, and garlic.) Our favorite thing about Riposo? Their homemade wine!

Do you have a go-to wine spot in the UWS? Click on over and let us know on Facebook and Twitter!

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As any New Yorker will tell you, brunch is somewhat of a NYC institution. In fact, we don’t just use the word to describe a meal between breakfast and lunch, but rather as a verb: “Where are we brunching this weekend?” We, my friends, have you covered on that one! Below is a roundup of 5 boozy brunches for you to enjoy on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Mimosa refill, anyone?

Calle Ocho

If you’re a fan of sangria (and food with a Latin vibe), this is your spot! While you pay per item for food, your brunch includes unlimited sangria during the course of your meal. And we’re not just talking the boring varieties of “red” vs. “white” sangria, oh, no. Calle Ocho has eight different sangria flavors, ranging from Havana Banana (think Coconut Rum, Crème de Banana, Coconut, Lychees) to the Spanish Harlem (a mix of Dark Rum, Cinnamon, Peach, Mandarins). Is it Sunday yet?

Arte Cafe

While the Arte Cafe doesn’t have an all inclusive deal, it does offer great deals on pitchers of your breakfast drink of choice: bellini, mimosa, and sangria carafes go for $18, Bloody Mary’s or Screwdrivers $20, or a bottle of champagne $18…which, as us New Yorkers know all too well, is typically what ONE drink at a trendy restaurant goes for these days! The menu offers your standard breakfast fare (eggs and french toast, anyone?), or if you’re feeling in the mood for Italian, there’s plenty of that to choose from, as well. And a bonus for nice weather brunching? There’s outdoor seating!

Regional

The boozy brunch deal at Regional goes like so: buy a meal and one beverage, and all refills of said beverage are on them! This may just be one of the best deals yet, as meals range around $12 (for a pizza, pasta dish, or typical breakfast fare), and Bloody’s and mimosas go for $8…so that’s $20, all in! We’ll take it!

Bistro Ten 18

So you said you want all inclusive? Bistro Ten 18 heard you loud and clear! They offer their weekend brunch with unlimited Bloody’s and mimosas (plus food) for $22.50. Now, this doesn’t apply to everything on the menu, but there’s enough choices to pick from that go with the deal. If a fresh, local, American bistro is what you’re craving, this is the spot.

Amity Hall

Saving the best for last? Well, if you’re a fan of Nutella stuffed french toast like I am, then yes, this is the spot you want to go to! Amity Hall offers an unlimited brunch with Bloody’s and mimosas and delicious dishes for $29.95. Now if only they’d make the Nutella french toast unlimited!

Where’s your favorite spot to have a boozy brunch on the UWS? Connect with us on Twitter and Facebook and let us know!

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Envision sailing around the tip of Manhattan while sipping on a dirty martini. Sounds appealing, right? Well, my friends, we have you covered. With the sea at bay, New Yorkers take advantage of the countless spots to set sail! Whether you’re a first timer looking for a sailing certification or a seasoned pro searching for a new launch, these five spots will definitely get your feet wet.

Manhattan Sailing School

When it comes to making time, New Yorkers tend to be strapped. Don’t let your busy NYC lifestyle restrict you from sailing off into the sunset, away from the hustle and bustle. (Even if it’s just for a few hours.) Manhattan Sailing School offers a wide variety of weekend, weekday evenings and mid-week schedules.

For Beginners: For $590, MSS offers a 16 hour course in basic sailing practices. You can choose to do this course over one weekend, 2 consecutive weekdays, or weeknights over the course of several weeks (a good option for those with a 9-5!)

For The Experts: Learn the faster side of sailing with the $590 Learn to Race course, or join the crew for a week of sailing in the British Virgin Islands, which promises to be the “greatest vacation of your life!” You can also become a Skipper member of the group (think unlimited sailing) for $2,340 annually.

Hudson River Community Sailing

If getting certified isn’t on your list of life goals, the Hudson River Community Sailing offers an affordable alternative to experience a few hours on the water without the commitment (perfect amount of time to snap some photos!)

For Beginners: For $445, you will get a 19.5 hour course covering the curriculum set by US Sailing, the national governing body of sailing. A 1 year membership to the club is included in this price. If you’d like a taste of sailing without the commitment of a long course, the $75 Into to Sailing course will be a good fit. It gives a 20 minute on land overview of the basics, and then you’ll spend the rest of the 2 hours on the water.

For The Experts: For $1,695, you can become a Captain member of the group, which includes a year of sailing.

Offshore Sailing School

Coined as being the “Ivy League of Sailing Schools”, the Offshore Sailing School instructors are dedicated to deliver a fun and educational experience.

For Beginners: For $895, you can take the three-day Learn to Sail course. You can also enjoy a leisurely 2 hour sail around Manhattan for $150.

For The Experts: For $2,150, you can become a Skipper member, which includes a year of sailing.

South Street Seaport Museum

A stop on every tourist’s agenda, the South Street Seaport Museum is a beautiful place to spend summer days, especially if you have the added benefit of being able to be out on the water.

For The Experts: If you’re an experienced sailor and you want to put your skills to good use, you can volunteer as an active crew member aboard one of the South Street Seaport museum’s historic vessels. In return for your volunteering you’ll receive free, on-water training sessions. Talk about a NYC experience!

Sail NY

While technically you have to head to Weehawken, New Jersey, for this one, you’ll still be getting the same great city views at a fraction of the cost. SailNY, a non-profit association, has brought affordable, public access to New York Harbor.

For Beginners: For $325, you you will receive 16 hours of instruction to complete your beginners’ course.

For The Experts: For $350, you have unlimited sailing during the season (April through October.)

Would love to know… have you sailed in NYC?  Share your favorite spot on our Facebook and Twitter!

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