By Jody Robbins
If the thought of a city break has you swooning after months of lockdown, you’re going to love all the new experiences New York City is launching. Getting to this buzzy world capital couldn’t be easier from Toronto and the East Coast. With AirSprint the trip is seamless - after a day at work, pull-up airside to your jet, fly into your airport of choice (Teterboro (KTEB), LaGuardia (KLGA) or Newark Liberty (KEWR)), and you’ll arrive just in time for a pre-theatre dinner. Take a juicy bite out of the Big Apple with these suggestions.
Experience
Broadway is projected to return this September with 30 shows back in theatres. Brand-new debuts include the much hyped Mrs. Doubtfire and Thoughts of a Colored Man. Take in newer productions such as 2019 Tony Award winner for Best Musical, Hadestown. Of course, you can never go wrong scoring tickets to a classic like Chicago, Wicked or Hamilton - all set to sing again.
Times Square, featured with Broadway Theaters and huge number of LED signs, is a famous symbol of New York City - get there with AirSprint.
Opening in fall, SUMMIT will be NYC’s newest observation deck and immersive experience with glass floor ledges overhanging Madison Avenue. But if you’ve never taken in the sweeping views from the Empire State Building, this is the year to do it as the landmark celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2021.
For art lovers, there’s a slew of new exhibitions featuring history’s most celebrated artists. Two immersive experiences opening in June feature the works of Van Gogh. There’s Cézanne Drawing at MoMA, highlighting more than 200 works on paper—including drawings, sketchbooks, and rarely seen watercolours by the Post-Impressionist painter.
Fast forward to the abstract expressionist movement at the Guggenheim Museum, the first place in New York to showcase Jackson Pollock’s famous “Mural” painting in more than 20 years, on display through September 19.
Shop
Head to the Upper East Side for the opening of two new flagship stores by iconic brands Montblanc and Manolo Blahnik, along Madison Avenue. Balmain also recently opened in the district, as has Frick Madison, the temporary home of The Frick Collection, renowned for its Old Master paintings.
The world’s first official Harry Potter flagship store, Harry Potter New York, opens June 3 in the Flatiron District. Here, you’ll find immersive shopping experiences with the largest selection of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts merch under one roof. And yes, it’s also home to NYC’s only Butterbeer Bar!
Dine
Spoiled for choice, dining in New York City means more than a street cart hot dog. (Though after a night on the town, this option shouldn’t be snubbed.) Several buzz-worthy restaurants under the helm of world renowned chefs are set to open in 2021.
The vibrant energy of Times Square is enhanced by the launch of modern American steakhouse, Charlie Palmer Steak NYC at One Bryant Park. For pure decadence, tuck into a dry aged porterhouse for two, with a side of lobster mac and cheese.
For something lighter, consider Le Pavillon, the latest in restaurant in Chef Daniel Boulud’s roster. Paying homage to the city’s first haute French restaurant that opened in 1941, the 100-seat eatery features a flower garden and 20-ft tall olive trees. Opening in May at the base of One Vanderbilt, the newest icon on the Manhattan skyline, feast on seafood and vegetable forward dishes, not to mention incredible city vistas.
Come fall, José Andrés opens an outpost of his Mediterranean restaurant Zaytinya, serving up small plates of Turkish, Greek and Lebanese dishes in the new Ritz-Carlton New York NoMad. Bazaar by José Andrés opens later in the year, also in the swish hotel.
Spirits flagging after all the hustle and bustle? Treating your tastebuds to a latte and acclaimed pastries at Dominque Ansel Bakery in Soho. This is where the cronut was invented - now available in a range of flavours.
Stay
Though the city never sleeps, you’ll want to make sure you do. Ritzy Fifth Avenue is home to several luxe hotels to rest your head at.
The Langham is a refined property that prides itself on its personal service, though you’re sure to love its afternoon tea service and thoughtful pink amenities.
Known as Millionaire's Row, Fifth Avenue is famous for its shopping. There you'll also find impressive NYC landmarks, including St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Empire State Building and New York's Public Library.New to the district is The Fifth Avenue Hotel, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World consortium, sporting high ceilings, a multi-level restaurant and a wine cellar that’s housed inside a bank vault.
Opening in June is Aman New York, situated in the Crown Building in the heart of Fifth Avenue. Complete with a three-story spa featuring an indoor swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, plus outdoor cabanas, you’d be forgiven if you found yourself staying put. ✈