Goldilocks had a thing for squatting in quaint cottages and stealing porridge in her younger years, but we think the grown-up gal would prefer a slice of the Big Apple. There she can still have it all—big, medium and small. Herewith, our NYC itinerary fit for a former fairytale felon (and you):

Big bed
Since Goldy’s making her own money now, we suggest she splurge on a spacious suite at The Pierre. The historical address steps from Central Park recently underwent restoration, which includes resplendent redone rooms. With impeccable special service, you’ll feel like one of the big bears (Elizabeth Taylor, Yves Saint-Laurent, Lauren Hutton) who once resided in the hotel. From $472, www.kiwicollection.com/hotel-detail/the-pierre

Medium chair
The Brooklyn equivalent to that charming cabin she once stumbled upon in the woods, Marlow & Sons is a café-cum-restaurant offering up the big girl needs, mainly groceries, spirits and oysters, maybe even an artsy boy to tryst with and retell her story. We tested the chairs, they didn’t break, and the food was just right. www.marlowandsons.com

Small pot
More than a pot of porridge, a girl needs some strong brew to fuel her tromping through Times Square. The tiny new D’Espresso location at Madison Avenue and 42nd Street is a sight to see and sip. Designed to look like a library tipped on its side, the floor is printed with life-sized visuals of bookshelves, one wall a wooden floor, the other sideways lights. Located close to the New York Public Library, G can stop by afterwards to read Robert Southey’s story on her childhood. www.despresso.com

For a New York dose from the other side of the Brooklyn Bridge, click here.

On your next overnighter in New York City, work your way from the West Village to Lower East Side. Historic hotels, smart shops and modern art await.

sleep
Located close to the Hudson River, The Jane was built in 1908 with cabin-like rooms for sailors in need of a landing pad and later housed survivors of the Titantic. With a 2008 renovation it retains those original seaworthy charms, including 20th century prices. From $99, www.thejanenyc.com

shop
If you’re mad about Monocle like we are, be sure to stop into the magazine’s new NYC shop for curated products like their special signed edition of Alain de Botton’s book The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work. shop.monocle.com/stores/newyork

see
Even if you don’t pay admission to see the cutting-edge contemporary exhibits held within, The New Museum is worth your walk. Completed in 2007, its new Kazuyo Sejima- and Ryue Nishizawa-designed building is a stacked, steel beauty. Pop into the gift shop for unique artifacts the art lover in your family will love. www.newmuseum.org

shop more
Pixie Market is a small shop that packs a power punch. Loaded with cool clothes in the realm of very reasonably-priced, we found the shoes we’d been scouring the city for, and they were a steal to (Beatle) boot. With an online shop too that ships to Canada, the fun can continue once you return home. www.pixiemarket.com

In New York on a Spring 2011 buying trip for her boutique LYNNsteven, Nicole Dennis Durnin, along with her hubby, spent a few fun-filled days soaking in the city (with some shopping, natch). She shares her Big Apple bites with Vitamin Daily.

stay

Ideally located in Midtown, a stone's throw from Times Square, Madison Square Garden and myriad subway stations, the brand spanking new Eventi Hotel made for a slick yet cozy oasis in the heart of Gotham. The newest in the Kimpton Family of boutique hotels boasts modern, spacious rooms that provide amazing views of the Empire State Building just up the street. Plus the complimentary daily wine reception made for a perfect pause between our daytime exploring and after-dark adventures.
From $395 a night,
 www.eventihotel.com


eat
We took break from the high-end boutiques and galleries of the Meatpacking District and ducked into The Chelsea Market for lunch. Grab a spot at Cleaver Co's The Green Table for sustainable organic fare that's fabulous from hors d'œuvre to dessert. Start with the Macaroni and Cheese and follow it up with the Classic Chicken Pot Pie, but leave room for a delish Pluot Pound Cake with Thyme Chantilly and Yellow Plum Sorbet. So good! www.chelseamarket.com
 and www.cleaverco.com


shop

New York is a fashion mecca and there's no shortage of unique boutiques. In Brooklyn, we found Jumelle, a smartly curated collection of eclectic American and International designers. I love the Moonrise Dress by Stine Goya, the funky Southwest "Ghost Town" wrap-around print adds an unexpected twist to their signature 3/4 sleeve dress. In keeping with the Southwest theme, a Steve Allen Navajo jacket caught my eye with its cool hues of charcoal, purple and blue. www.shopjumelle.com



Tucked away in the heart of Soho, Opening Ceremony is a must-see. The mini-chain reinvents itself annually to capture the commercial and cultural character of a visiting city or country (the current guest is France). Collaborations with the likes of Chloë Sevigny and Postalco make for an exciting and ever-changing experience. I fell in love with New York line Suno which drew inspiration for their Fall/Winter 2010 collection of bright geometric prints from East African textiles and 1960's American interiors. www.openingceremony.us


For Nicole’s picks of NYC at night, check out the Editors’ Diary.

You know we’re fond of free online magazines, and we’ve got another to add to your bookmark bar that’ll have you dreaming of new home décor.

Lonny, a hybrid of London and New York, is the product of two staffers from the dearly departed Domino magazine. Bringing interior design inspiration to the digital masses, it functions like a paper mag with pages that flip, but unlike tactile tomes you can click an item and you’re taken straight to the seller.

Saving a tree and sourcing a sustainable new chaise in one fell swoop—we like the sound of that.

www.lonnymag.com

There’s nothing quite like autumn in New York. Take a bite of the best of what’s new with a week in the Big Apple.

stay
The Ace Hotel has drawn its fourth Ace. Its newest property in Midtown is a masterful mix of character vintage and custom touches, like clothes hangers embossed with the phrase “You look good in that.” Slip into your jersey robe and raid the well-stocked Smeg fridge in your room or head downstairs and sip Stumptown coffee with fellow dwellers. From $229 a night, Ace Hotel, 20W 29th St., New York City, 212-679-2222, www.acehotel.com/newyork

eat

Take in a leisurely breakfast at funky Five Leaves and pay tribute to Heath Ledger. The actor began work on his Greenpoint café-restaurant just before his death, and today his friends and family run the place in his memory. We had the tasty house-made granola with fruit and let the Bob Marley playing on vinyl soak in. Five Leaves, 18 Bedford Ave., Brooklyn, 718-383-5345, www.fiveleavesny.com

drink

Whether it’s a manic Monday or celebratory Saturday, raise a glass at The Monday Room. At this cozy wine bar in Nolita you get your own personal wine steward who serves up unusual wine flights paired with equally unusual canapés like glazed eel with soft boiled quail egg. Its brick-walled interior and black leather banquettes reminded us of a law library (in a good way). The Monday Room, 210 Elizabeth St., New York City, 212-343-7011, www.themondayroom.com



do
Put on your stylish winter coat and take a walk on The High Line. The elevated railway has been re-purposed as a park, and its first phase stretching from Gansevoort to 20th Street is complete. Along the path you’ll find pretty gardens, wood chaises for stopping at and cool views of the city. On our stroll we passed by America's Next Top Model's Nigel Barker. The High Line, 212-500-6035, www.thehighline.org

From sleeping in SoHo to dining in the Financial District, our New York City itinerary is a juicy bite of The Big Apple.

stay
The Mercer is a fashion industry haven; splurge on a loft suite at this SoHo gem and feel like a real New Yorker. (Tip: book through Tablet Hotels and get a free upgrade upon check-in based on availability). With the best service of any NYC hotel we've ever stayed at (great reservation scores by the concierge and reasonable airport transfers), we couldn't get enough of the prompt room service courtesy of Jean-Georges Vongerichten and complimentary amenities including cashmere throws on our king, mini-bar treats, indie DVDs and magazines (W, Vogue, Bazaar). 147 Mercer St., New York, 1-888-918-6060, www.mercerhotel.com

eat
Venture down to Wall Street's new favourite investment banker meets hipster haunt, The Libertine at Gild Hall. We loved celebrity chef Todd English's lighter take on the traditional fish and chips and devoured the juicy Berkshire pork chop with schnitzel. Packed with the usual Financial District types, we recommend ordering an English pint and sitting pretty while the players come to you (such a change from the Canadian quiet types!). 15 Gold St., 212-785-5950, New York, www.toddenglish.com/libertine

eat more
Head to Inoteca Vino e Cucina on the Lower East Side for paninis and 10 different kinds of bruschette. The restaurant also boasts 600 different bottles of wine but the unassuming atmosphere makes for a casual dining experience. Inoteca, 98 Rivington St., New York, 212-614-0473, www.inotecanyc.com

shop
One space+65 designers=Edge nyNoho. From precious stone pieces by Desideri Design to ruffled tops by B Artise Originals there are plenty of one-of-a-kind items to make your fashionista frenemies very jealous. 65 Bleeker St., New York, 212-358-0255, www.edgeny.com

In the city that never sleeps we found the latest to keep you refreshed, refueled, and rejuvenated. 

eat
This may be the Meatpacking District but The John Dory gives new meaning to the term swimming with the fishes. The brainchild of the now-infamous Spotted Pig chef and owner April Bloomfield, a giant fish tank and seashell-lined walls leave no doubt about what’s on the menu. Try the namesake John Dory for two ($50) and keep your eyes peeled for New York super chef and silent partner Mario Batali. Reservations recommended. The John Dory, 85 10th Ave., New York City, 212-929-4948, thejohndory.com/blog

spa
Dermalogica’s new concept space in SoHo offers something everyone in New York is looking for—the perfect little pick-me-up. Slip into the Skin Pod for a 20-minute MicroZone treatment, designed to give troubled skin a quick fix. Dermalogica in SoHo, 110 Grand St., New York City, 212-219-9800, www.dermalogica.com 

sleep
The Standard (pictured) was fully booked for Fashion Week, and it’s easy to see why. Located in the Meatpacking District and directly on top of the Highline, the hotel screams cool. A rooftop pool and bar will be finished within the next few months: Until then, Standard Queen rooms with floor-to-ceiling window and large soaker tubs are going for a $195 a night. The Standard, New York City, 848 Washington (at 13th St.), New York City, 212-645-4646, www.standardhotels.com

Get your New York City fix with our whirlwind–weekend guide to the Big Apple.

fly
Catch Cathay Pacific's Flight 888 (flights from $535) direct to JFK and you'll travel in comfort with cushy seats, Asian–inspired meals and a personal tv.

stay
The Philippe Starck–designed Hudson Hotel has all the New York nightlife you'll need with a private Sky Terrace with sweeping views of the Hudson River. The rooms are economical in both size and price (for New York!) and you'll love the exposed brick and ivy–covered lobby, the private park area and the guest canteens on each floor. The Hudson Hotel, 356 W. 58th St., New York, 800-697-1791, www.hudsonhotel.com

eat
Croc–sporting super chef Mario Batali is part owner of Lupa, a warm and inviting Grenwhich Village trattoria that serves up rustic Italian fare like Spaghetti Algio E Olio ($13). Lupa, 170 Thompson St. (between Houston and Bleeker), New York, 212-982-5089, www.luparestaurant.com

eat more
Jean-Georges Vongerichten rules the New York culinary scene and his latest Meatpacking District venture, Spice Market, is no exception. Small plates are served up by orange–uniformed staff (the women wear backless dresses) and the menu is gently priced and perfect for sharing (think Black Pepper Shrimp with Sundried Pineapple for $14). Reservations are a must, as is the Ovaltine Kulfi dessert! Spice Market, 403 W. 13 St. (at Ninth Ave.), New York, www.jean-georges.com

shop
It may not be glamorous, but Century 21 (located beside ground zero) is the place to bag amazing designer deals. We found racks of Marc Jacobs and DVF dresses, denim (True Religion, Paige, Joe's), Pucci scarves and Balenciaga bags for around $300. Century 21, 22 Cortlandt St., New York, 212-227-9092, www.c21stores.com

Think a trip to New York is going to cost you an arm and a handbag? We've got the inside scoop.

see

When it's not playing host to Fashion Week, Bryant Park provides the perfect backdrop for another kind of black-and-white classic. Grab a spot on the grass, order sandwiches from 'wichcraft (delivered straight to your blanket), bring a bottle of wine (but don't advertise it) and cuddle up with your sweetie under the New York City lights. Our pick? Casablanca on August 13. Free movies run Mondays all summer long, at sunset. Between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues, 212-768-4242. www.bryantpark.org

eat

Pssst!!!! Can you keep a secret? PDT (short for Please Don't Tell) located at the back of Crifdogs, is a speakeasy style lounge only accessible via a secret entrance in a vintage phone booth. Pick up the receiver and smile for the camera that's checking you out from the other side. Once you're buzzed in, grab a chair (there's a strict no standing policy) and chow down on deep fried hot dogs and tater tots that, oddly enough, go quite well with muddled fruit cocktails. Drinks are $11 but the dogs are street cheap, starting at $2.25. 113 St. Marks Place, 212-614-0386, www.pdtnyc.com

do

Free on Friday? If you are, then the MoMA is too. Every Friday from 4 to 8 p.m., the Museum of Modern Art waves its standard $20 admission fee thanks to Target Free Friday Nights. Don't be daunted by the line, it'll all be worth it once you get inside and see the Richard Serra retrospective, currently the hottest exhibition in the country. 11 West 53 Street, 212-708-9400. www.moma.org

If you’ve ever thought of dropping everything and moving to New York, we’re right there with you, girl.

And that’s what Vancouver art publicist and vintage fashion maven Shannon Heth just did.

Live vicariously through her new blog that has her running around organizing VIP art openings, bluffing her way into the Marc Jacobs show at Fashion Week (complete with candid Marc pics) and sweet talking her way into a sold out show at the Bowery Ballroom.

We miss you already Shannon.

Read her blog at:

www.itgirlvancouver-newyork.blogspot.com