Last month, we made the sojourn to NYC for New York Fashion Week. While it was grand to watch all the style coming down the runway {or sidewalk – second post on that coming soon – have you seen our first??}, exploring the city was a show of its own. On this trip we were particularly smitten with ever-growing Meatpacking District! Often beat out by other charming neighborhoods like West Village, Meatpacking is a hip, industrial hood sitting on the Hudson River that should definitely not be missed. Thanks to some hot features, the area is the coolest place to be. Here are three things you must do!

First, there’s the High Line. Yes, you’ve probably already heard of it, but its coolness is actually above and beyond its reputation. Spanning nearly a mile and a half above the streets (start in Meatpacking, end up in Chelsea), this elevated park gives tourists and locals alike a new way to view and enjoy the city. With lookout points and pop up exhibits, the parkway (made of old railroad spurs) provides a more scenic walking route to work, or to the ever popular Gansevoort Market. It’s a great place to get a quick work out in, get inspired by the city, view a pretty sunset over the Hudson, grab an ice cream sandwich or best of all, people watch.

Just off the High Line is Underline Coffee (appropriate, right?) – a cafe that is the perfect place for a coffee and toast break. Cute details pulled us in – like the menus hanging on leather ties and the brass pendant chandelier above the counter. The perfectly patterned floors were prime real estate for your next #fwis Insta. We recommend the avocado toast to power you through a busy day or the strawberry toast if you’re in need of a little pick-me-up with your caffeine boost.

There’s also great shopping in the Meatpacking district. Big names like Scoop NYC, Rag & Bone, and Theory are blocks from each other and begging to be perused. But if you’re looking for something a little off the main strip, head to Anthom. This small boutique opened over a year ago and is now opening its second location on the Lower East Side. Filled with hard-to-find pieces from designers like Veja, Cameo and Henrik Vibskov, it’s a great place to pick up something unique and so chic!

Next time you’re in NYC, spend an afternoon in Meatpacking. Maybe wonder into Chelsea. With a little less people pounding the pavement than in Midtown or Soho, you get to know a different side of the city you have grown to love. With modern additions to the already industrial and funky neighborhood, tried and true mainstays and smaller, less trafficked joints, you’ll find a little bit of everything here. On a gorgeous day it’s the perfect place to wake up early and go for a morning run or hop on over for a trendy and low key date night!

original photography for apartment 34 by joanne pio