How to Spend A Girls Weekend in Chelsea, New York with Amtrak
I take a trip to New York almost every other year. I have wonderful family who live there and continue to make friends with people who call the city home. It was on my bucket list to head back to the Big Apple during 2017. I had penciled in a trip to New York Fashion Week when I bought my new planner. I wanted to reconnect with old friends and take on the ultimate blogger experience for the first time. Thanks to Amtrak, I was able to turn that faint concept into a reality.
In between fashion shows and outfit changes, I got to know an entirely new area of town. Chelsea is charming, fresh, and totally tasty. You can easily stay in the area and walk to museums, markets, beer gardens, bars, restaurants, and all the shops you can imagine. The people are friendly and trendy. The area is clean and safe for New York. Before I dive into my five outfits of the weekend, here are my tips to make the most of a girls trip to New York. Ask me any questions you have via email or in the comments!
Take the Train
Taking Amtrak from Richmond could not be easier. My partner in crime and I showed up to our train 10 minutes before it was set to depart. Obviously 30 minutes is a better window to abide by, but there was only one line of folks waiting for the train and that was ours! No guess work. But seriously, though. It beats getting to the airport two hours early and it’s never that easy when you’re catching a plane. From baggage to weather, you never seem to win at the airport.
I had my tickets pulled up on my phone so the conductor could scan them easily as soon as we stepped on. (Hint: turn your brightness up to make life easier) The ride from Richmond was six hours. Amtrak trains have WiFi, so, I brought along my laptop to get some work done. We were able to take business class, which had a lot more room. The extra room in business class really made a difference when I was trying to blog and answer emails for other freelance projects.
Stay at the Gem Hotel
The Gem Hotel was the perfect spot for us. This dreamy little nook is perfectly nestled in Chelsea for easy access to a main drag (for catching Ubers, cabs, and quick bites) and walking distance to every where else on this travel guide. Foragers is adjacent to The Gem and had every snack, health food, and coffee we needed in between our big meals.
Make sure to save some time to spend in the art deco inspired lobby. Happy hour is 4-8 pm. Be on the look out for some killer photos soon. Our room was small, but mighty. The staff was incredibly helpful and downright delightful.
Lunch at The Standard
Thanks to an old friend, I was referred to The Standard. This hotel, restaurant, and bar rolled into one is what New York funky class is made of. I actually got lost the first time I walked in. The Standard lunch menu has something for everyone. I got the veggie burger, and my pals got the frittata and salmon. Prosecco on the side was a must. Take your time here to soak up the characters who walk in and out and to savor food and time with friends.
Afternoon at The Whitney
More formally known as The Whitney Museum of American Art, this culture destination is a must. New exhibits are always rotating at the Whitney. You’ll be sure to see some of the freshest art available for consumption. Take advantage of the free tours (though, you have to pay the $19 admission) to make sure you get the most out of your time there. If you go for anything, go for the views of the city, which you can see from one of several outdoor areas.
Brunch at the Wild Son
Did I mention I have family in New York? They never seem to NOT hook me up with the best recommendations and hot spots. My cousin Ruthie took me to her friend’s new spot in Chelsea called The Wild Son. The bohemian scene reminded me of something you might find in Richmond, and the food satisfied the southern girl in me. The addition of fresh juice blends and organic wine added the extra New York flare I craved. We ordered all the chef’s recommendations: buttermilk pancakes, the Good Morning Sunshine, and the melt-in-your mouth Pernil Romero. Check out the menu here.
It’s right around the corner from The Whitney, the Highline and Chelsea Market. Fuel up or recharge before or after your next long walk.
Shop at Chelsea Market
This hub is a great way to see a lot of food, clothes, art, and culture all at once. During our walk through Chelsea Market, we saw furs for sale for $50, people drinking wine straight from the bottle, and every food you could imagine. If I had more time, I would have grabbed a bottle and watched the people go by for an hour or more. If I had had more room in my suitcase, I would have brought home a fur or two.
Bite Beauty Lip Lab
Total splurge bucket list item alert! This is technically in Soho, but close enough to Chelsea to hit on the way out or the way in. You can create your own custom lipstick at Bite Beauty’s Lip Lab. Start with a shade (more than 200 to chose from), then pick your finish (glossy, matte, etc.) and choose a custom scent. It will cost $55 per lipstick or $80 for two. I’d opt for the latter. Go ahead and customize your lips for the year.
Coffee or Happy Hour at Pennsylvania 6
Ready to head back to Penn Station to catch your train? Have your Uber driver drop you here a couple hours before your train leaves. Pennsylvania 6 is just a 5-minute walk from Penn Station. Drop your bags with the hostess and relax. Trust me, you’ll want a moment of stillness before you head to Penn Station.
You can go for the full-blown meal, but I recommend keeping it light on the tummy and on the wallet if you’re ready to get on the train for six hours. Grab a seat at the bar. Say “Hi” to someone new. Order a cappuccino or cocktail, sip it slowly. Take advantage of the raw bar happy hour every day 5-7 for $1.50 oysters.
Catching the Train Back to RVA
When you return to catch your train at Penn Station, go straight for the Amtrak lounge in the center of the main level. There, you can sit comfortably with your bags and watch the screens for what track number your train is going to be on. They usually don’t announce that until 10 minutes before you depart. There are a lot of tracks, with east and west counterparts. So just breathe, and watch.
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