Road Trip! Living It Up in NYC

Sometimes it's not so easy to actually get away. When an extended vacation isn't in the the cards, there's always New York for a quick weekend trip.

If you've got some cash to spend, read on for tips on living it up in NYC:

Consider the prime location of the newly released 17th floor at The Quin. Within a block from Central Park, all the shopping on Fifth Avenue, this member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World has a gorgeous triplex penthouse with fresh views of 57th Street on its private 1,300 square foot terrace.

How luxe is it? This luxe: A $300 gift certificate to Bergdorf's is included. 

Another option is to book a room in the revitalizing Midtown area. Consider the newly opened Baccarat across the street from MoMa. After an eight-year design-and-build project, no detail has been left undone -- including a call button for champagne on the room phone, as well as a built-in-television and a stand-alone wood-trimmed mirror.

For world conquerors on a smaller budget, the classic Towers at The New York Palace has a nice executive suite with one of the most comfortable hotel beds in New York City.

Pop down a few blocks to the Refinery Hotel for the "Refinery Boozy Brunch," its build-your-own-boozy-bunch, or go up (literally) to Asiate at the Mandarian Oriental. The brunch is absolutely impeccable. Asiate's phenomenal duck waffle, as well as sweeping views of Central Park, plus flawless and friendly service, sets the standard for what brunch should be.

For additional eats-and-treats, pop over to Carbonne for the best Italian meal in NYC, and sweets at Levain Bakery, "cronut" creator Dominique Ansel's favorite spot for chocolate chip cookies. Finish the night with cocktails at Skylark, NYC's newest premier cocktail lounge with sweeping views of the river. 

Try out Batard, which just won the James Beard award for best restaurant in the country, down by the Canal St. subway stop, on 239 W. Broadway, or go down even further to the East Village to try In Vino, a super quaint Italian restaurant with a romantic feel akin to being seated inside a wine barrel.

Also great is a casual lunch at Jean-George Vongerichten's abc kitchen -- the Akashi cheeseburger with herbed mayo and pickled jalepenos will make you squeal with joy -- or Oceana Restaurant for its effortless service and a wickedly inventive General Tsao Lobster.

Continue the NYC weekend with a visit to the powerfully non-conventional new Whitney Museum. Outdoor lovers could take the subway to the new Frida Kahlo exhibit at the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens.

When in Brooklyn be sure to also stop by Brewed in Brooklyn or the Williamsburg Craft Beer Crawl. Brewed in Brooklyn explores the 19th century history of Brooklyn's breweries alongside some of the biggest talents in the industry, whereas the Williamsburg Craft Beer Crawl focuses on the unique brews of the city. 

Close out the trip with Summertime Get Fit Boot Camp at Trump International Hotel & Tower New York. These 60-minute, high-intensity boot camps are offered every Tuesday and Thursday in the heart of Central Park.

Or, relax at the Langham New York Outpost by Ralph Lauren's Polo Bar where they offer an over-the-top afternoon tea. Champagne, caviar, truffles ... so fun!

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