A Perfect Day in NYC: Grace Atwood’s Ultimate NYC Day
New York City is a place of endless possibility, where each day offers the chance for new adventures, exciting encounters, and plenty of indulgence. In today’s edition of ‘My Perfect Day in NYC,’ I’m thrilled to share the dream day of Grace Atwood—a seasoned New Yorker, the voice behind The Stripe, and the co-host of the Bad on Paper Podcast. Grace is no stranger to navigating the hustle and bustle of NYC, but when it comes to her perfect day, she takes a slightly more relaxed approach. Let’s dive into how Grace would spend a day in her beloved city.
Sleep In and Start Slow
First things first: Grace’s perfect day begins with a little indulgence in rest. She believes in starting the day slowly, making space for relaxation, and embracing a gentle morning. No early alarms here! After waking up at her own pace, Grace kicks off her ideal day with a 10 a.m. yoga class at Sky Ting Yoga—a studio she loves for its unique blend of Katonah and Vinyasa techniques. Known for its calming atmosphere and focus on mindfulness, Sky Ting offers just the right amount of meditation and breathing exercises to leave Grace feeling refreshed, centered, and ready for what’s next.
Coffee Ritual: Dunkin’ Delight
Post-yoga, Grace heads to Dunkin’ for her beloved iced coffee. Yes, you read that right—while some might gravitate toward a fancy artisanal coffee shop, Grace proudly claims her “Masshole” roots with a simple medium iced coffee with a splash of milk. It’s the comforting touch of her perfect day, unpretentious yet completely satisfying. There’s something wonderfully authentic about indulging in a familiar treat, and Grace isn’t about to apologize for it!
A Leisurely Morning
Back at home (which, on this perfect day, happens to be The Carlyle—talk about luxury!), Grace continues to embrace the calm of the morning. She spends some time reading, perhaps with a cup of tea or her iced coffee still in hand, and then prepares a wholesome lunch. A salad might be on the menu, or if she’s in the mood for something more indulgent, a classic New York bagel is always the choice. After all, bagels are a beloved treat for Grace, and no perfect day would be complete without one.
Spa Time at The Carlyle
Next on Grace’s agenda is pure relaxation. She heads to the spa at The Carlyle, a true NYC institution, where she treats herself to a rejuvenating massage. To top it off, she takes some time in the steam room, letting the warm mist relax her further. The Carlyle is not just a spa; it’s a full sensory experience, and as the day unfolds, it’s clear that Grace is taking full advantage of everything this iconic hotel has to offer.
Art and Culture on the Upper East Side
What’s a perfect day in NYC without some cultural exploration? Grace heads to the Upper East Side, where a day of museum-hopping awaits. First up is the Guggenheim Museum, where she spends an hour enjoying the art, particularly the Basquiat exhibit on the top floor. From there, it’s a short walk to the Cooper Hewitt, a unique design museum that’s the perfect blend of inspiration and creativity. Finally, Grace’s day wouldn’t be complete without a visit to The Met, her “happy place.” With exhibits like Frank Lloyd Wright’s textiles and Camp: Notes on Fashion, there’s always something captivating to discover. Wandering the halls, Grace eventually meets up with a friend to share a glass of Prosecco and muse over the art they’ve seen.
Shopping Spree for a Special Night
After an afternoon of culture, it’s time to pick out an outfit for the evening. Grace heads to Saks, her go-to for finding something special. While she usually prefers online shopping, she makes an exception for Saks’ impeccable customer service and the personal attention she receives when shopping in-store. Today, she’s on the hunt for the perfect dress for her upcoming dinner at The Polo Bar, one of her favorite upscale spots in the city. On her way back, she stops by Veronica Beard on the Upper East Side to peruse their latest offerings.
Dinner at The Polo Bar
By now, the day has flown by, and it’s time for a luxurious dinner with close friends. Grace’s restaurant of choice? The Polo Bar, an upscale yet warm spot where she can indulge in all her favorite dishes, from Dover Sole to pigs in blankets. A dirty martini at the bar starts the night, followed by an array of shared plates that allow everyone to taste a little bit of everything. The restaurant’s atmosphere, attentive staff, and mouth-watering menu make it the perfect end to her day.
Nightcap at Bemelman’s Bar
No evening in NYC is truly complete without a nightcap, and for Grace, that means heading to Bemelman’s Bar at The Carlyle
