The Meatpacking District, roughly located between Horatio Street and Chelsea Market from 9th Avenue to the West Side Highway, has a strange history. It is the kind of place that makes you think, “Only in New York!” What used to be a neighborhood over 200 actual meatpacking plants a century ago is now a thriving neighborhood filled with VIP clubs and pricy restaurants (a radical change from carving up animals). That’s the nighttime scene though; to really experience the beauty of the Meatpacking District, you must venture on west during the day for the offbeat boutiques and darling cafes, and of course, The High Line!
Best Shopping:
Bond No. 9: http://www.bondno9.com/
A good perfume should brighten up your day and make you feel special. The unique eau de parfums sold at Bond No. 9 are named after neighborhoods in New York, and if you are someone that goes for the packaging, consider yourself sold. My favorite is the decidedly feminine scent of Italian bergamot, honey, and amber mixed in “Washington Square.” For a special treat to remember Meatpacking, why not pick up Bond No. 9’s “High Line?” That way you can smell like springtime all the time.
Darling: http://www.darlingnyc.com/
Darling is owned by Ann French Emonts, a former Broadway costume designer, which is fitting given the exceptionally well-chosen selection of vintage mixed with original designs by the lady herself. Head to Darling if you are in the mood to find a dainty sundress or a showstopper gown; either way, you will leave one contented shopper.
Intermix: http://www.intermixonline.com/
Although there are six Manhattan Intermix locations, the Meatpacking District store is in such a large, open space you never feel the claustrophobia of most city stores. Intermix carries all types of clothing at a variety of prices, but check out the accessories section for a great selection of scarves, gloves and hats just in time for cooler weather!
Chelsea Market: http://www.chelseamarket.com/
There is nothing you could want but not need that is not at Chelsea Market. Another cute cropped top? Anthropologie! Beautiful jeweled Moroccan lantern? Imports from Marrakesh! A block of American-made artisanal cheese? Lucy’s Whey!
Plus, if you are one of those shoppers that get a little peckish, there are great restaurants to choose from.
Best Dining:
Amy’s Bread: http://www.amysbread.com/
I don’t know Amy, but she sure does make some delicious bread. Also on the menu is sticky buns, salads, sandwiches, pastries – anything you could want to fuel up for an afternoon of shopping.
Brasserie Beaumarchais: http://www.brasseriebeaumarchais.com
Despite being one of those see-and-be-seen restaurants, Beaumarchais deserves its stellar reputation for the lively atmosphere. Though the French bistro’s brunch is nearly impossible to book, it is definitely worth it. Try the Eggs Beaumarchais or Gauffres Maison (Belgian waffles with Nutella and berries!)
Dos Caminos: http://www.doscaminos.com
When the leaves start to change and the weather gets cool, why not try to hold onto summer by eating summer fare? By this, of course, I mean authentic Mexican food. Try the Red Snapper Ceviche, Farmer’s Market Vegetable Quesadillas, or Tacos Con Camarones for a spicy and satisfying meal.
Note: All research comes from either the websites themselves, or this one: http://www.meatpacking-district.com