A New York Homecoming: Nostalgia, Copper Finds, and Culinary Delights

My recent trip to New York felt like a homecoming, weaving together nostalgia, discovery, and indulgence. From revisiting my cherished spots in the city to exploring the charms Hudson Valley, it was a journey of both familiar and new experiences I’ll be catching you up on today!

Hudson Valley Adventures: Copper Finds and Sweet Treats!

Before we hit the city, we headed upstate to the Hudson Valley. Lately, I’ve been drawn to vintage copper cookware, so it was such a thrill to stumble upon Batterby House Copper in Hudson. Right next door was Red Chair Antiques, another treasure trove filled with French vintage housewares. If you ever find yourself in Hudson, these two spots are must-sees for antique lovers.

For a sweet treat, we made our way to Bartlett House in Ghent, NY—my new favorite French bakery. The pastries were simply divine, and the ambiance of the place is charmingly rustic yet refined. The perfect spot for a relaxing bite.

We stayed at Hawthorne House in Ghent, which is such a serene escape from the city, nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley. The scenery, with its rolling hills and charming downtown Hudson, made for the perfect balance to the energy of NYC. Here are some of the photos from our stay and the quaint streets of Hudson.

Now New York City always holds a special place in my heart, but this trip to the city was a bit of a whirlwind—starting with my suitcase getting stolen off the carousel at the airport! Shopping on 5th & Madison Avenue near Central Park was the perfect way to recover from the mishap. Tip for travelers: never overpack, and always snap a quick photo of what’s inside your suitcase to help with a claim.  I took my own advice too late, but I still got to enjoy a bit of shopping therapy!

Next, I visited my old apartment building from the 80’s with some friends. The memories rushed back as we stood outside, reminiscing about the time spent there. We even met a local man who has lived here for 52 years. He actually snapped this picture and told us he wrote a book in 2015 that is set in my old neighborhood. I can't wait to read it! There’s something so grounding about revisiting places that played a significant role in your past.

A Spiritual Stop at St. Patrick's Cathedral

One of the most meaningful moments of my trip was visiting St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where I was baptized. I never get tired of admiring the intricate architecture, and it’s always striking to see how it contrasts with the sharp, modern lines of the skyscrapers around it. The cathedral is a living testament to the rich history of New York.

Dining at Cafe Luxembourg

No trip to the city is complete without indulging in some of its fantastic dining options. For me, that always means returning to one of my favorite French restaurants: Cafe Luxembourg. There’s a reason I keep coming back to this gem—great food, wonderful company, local vibe and the unmistakable charm of NYC.

Art Stop: Carrie Haddad Gallery

While in Hudson, I visited the Carrie Haddad Gallery, which is currently showcasing the exhibit Understories through October 6th. I was particularly drawn to the work of Annika Tucksmith—her artistry is thoughtful and evokes a deep connection with nature and the human experience. I’ll definitely be following her work closely! (Check out her website here if you're curious.)

That's it from my trip! I hope you enjoyed this little trip down memory lane of a nostalgic break from the norm.