Next time you’re in NYC, hop across the river to the city’s most bumpin’ borough.

Brooklyn Bridge
A stroll across this tourist-packed bridge takes you from manic Manhattan to quiet DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass) with beautiful views of the city and its famous green lady.

Zoe
High fashion under a bridge? You bet! Get buzzed into Zoë and shop collections from Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney and Miu Miu.

Front Street Pizza
Once your bags are stuffed with new clothes, fill up with a gigantic slice of pie (we loved the fresh mozzarella and vodka sauce). 

Brooklyn Bridge Park
Flanked by the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges, this greenspace on the East River is the perfect spot to eat that slice of takeout pizza. Or, judging by the bridal parties we spotted, take wedding photos.

Brooklyn Flea
Each weekend hundreds of vendors peddle their well-curated wares—think 1960s statement jewelry and mint-condition gowns—that make overstuffing your suitcase worthwhile. —Kelsey Dundon

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.