There’s something truly magical about New York City in spring — when the city shakes off winter and bursts into bloom.
This weekend, we tacked a sister trip onto a work trip (highly recommend) and landed in Manhattan just in time for the cherry blossoms, dogwood, and tulips to bloom, and that signature NYC buzz that says: "Anything is possible."

Here’s how we spent a dreamy weekend full of food, flowers, shopping, and sisterhood!

Day 1: Central Park Blooms and Shopping in SoHo

Morning: Bagels and Blossoms

We started the morning at the iconic Zucker’s Bagels, loading up on the good stuff before wandering through Central Park. The park was a floral wonderland — cherry blossoms overhead, tulips bursting underfoot, and us trying to name every color like a competitive sport. We listened in to a walking tour confirming the bridge we were crossing was well known for being a popular engagement spot, and what-do-ya-know, on queue a man got on his knee and popped the question.

Travel Tip: Springtime is peak bloom season for NYC parks — don't skip them, even if you're "not a park person."

Afternoon: French Feasting and Boutique Browsing

Next, we treated ourselves to a long, luxurious lunch at Le Coucou. Picture cozy candlelight (at noon!), rich French food, and serious debates over which cocktail was best (spoiler: they all were).

With our hearts and stomachs full, we embarked on a sister shopping spree in SoHo, with stops at Sézane and Clare V. — two must-visit boutiques if you love chic, effortlessly cool style. Other notable mentions were Aritzia, Abercrombie, Madewell, and Cuyana. Nothing says sisters like showing up in the same shoes, dark jeans, and a white tee.

We ended the night in the West Village, with streetside handrolls from Sushi Counter, and a slice from Bleeker Street Pizza.

Day 2: Rainy Day Adventures in Brooklyn

Morning: Coffee, Croissants, and Hidden Florals

Waking up to a soft rain, we realized we had unintentionally booked a hotel in the flower district of Chelsea — talk about a happy accident. Every morning walk felt like stepping through a secret garden.
We grabbed our signature breakfast: chai lattes and chocolate croissants from the cozy Tall Poppy, and found out it’s owned by the same two Aussie gals who own Sushi Counter!

Afternoon: Brooklyn Boutique Crawl

Then it was off to Brooklyn — specifically Greenpoint, which is as beautiful as ever with New York’s brick buildings, art-filled streets, and flowers exploding everywhere. Even in a light rain, the city was alive and kicking. Top of our list: finally visiting the adorable Big Night shop after years of Instagram obsession. It’s a colorful haven for hosting essentials and foodie gifts — consider your wallet warned. I picked up these Olive cocktail picks, and they gave each of us a beautiful bouquet with our purchase.

For lunch, we hit Taqueria Ramirez for walk-up tacos with Mexico City vibes. (get the pastor).

The day continued with a visit to Lucy Clare Spooner's art gallery, where her delicate watercolors perfectly matched the misty, romantic vibe of the day. Cue existential crisis about why we’re not full-time artists living in a loft.

Thrifting Through Dumbo

Rain is secretly the best shopping weather — the streets are quieter, and vintage shops feel extra cozy.
We wandered through Dumbo’s thrift stores, laughing, treasure hunting, and reminding ourselves that one person’s “old candleholder” is another person’s “vintage centerpiece.” We finished up at the Dumbo fleamarket and headed back to Chelsea for a nap and refresh before dinner.

Before dinner, we stopped at The Hotel Chelsea for an 1884 Martini at the Lobby Bar before making our way to our 8:45 p.m. reservation at King.

Day 3: brunch in the west village

With afternoon flights, we had a half-day to kill in New York, and what is brunch in New York without an hour-long line? Breakfast by Salt Cure delivers a quick and easy breakfast with fan favorites like the crispy chicken sandwich, breakfast sandwich (pictured below), and their famous griddlecakes. It was also probably the least expensive meal I had all weekend, which is such a treat at the end of the weekend. 10/10, will go back.

Since we were already in the neighborhood, I popped into the OTHER location of Big Night Shop. I’m not obsessed, you’re obsessed.

And to wrap a successful NYC weekend, you must stumble upon the ‘friends’ apartment, and take a photo in the middle of the street.

Why Every Sister Trip Should End With Another Plan

If you take only one piece of advice from this journal, let it be this:
Always — always — plan your next trip before this one ends. It keeps the magic rolling. ✈️👯‍♀️

New York, you always leave us inspired, full, and ready to dream bigger. Until next time! 🗽💕

🎥💕 Watch our trip unfold in real time!

Want to save this itinerary for your next NYC trip? Here’s a Quick Guide: Our NYC Sissy Trip Highlights