On my way to Dover Street Market in Kips Bay, this random pink door and green potted plant caught my eye. (Preppy outdoor style.)

One of the three “must-do” items on my itinerary was to check out the much-hyped New York outpost of Dover Street Market (#DSM). Created by Comme des Garçons visionary designer Rei Kawakubo, it’s a high-concept, luxury fashion emporium. This is a yarn-bombed column near the main floor bakery.

The New York Times has described DSM as “more museum than store.” They carry exclusive collections from brands like Prada, Nike, Louis Vuitton, and Palace Skateboards.

Each of the seven floors has its own vibe with its own exacting presentation. And each piece of decor lends a certain color and texture to the overall aesthetic.

To access each floor, you can either take the glass-enclosed central elevator or the back staircase. I took this shot as I was stepping onto a landing.

The hippest place for your morning drip: the long line at Stumptown Coffee Roasters in the lobby of the Ace Hotel.

Ephemeral cappuccino art on a burnished counter.

Seen on 29th Street, blunt and to the point.

For dinner one evening, I got the fabulous “Hot Goldie” at Untamed Sandwiches in Midtown. Beef short rib, red onions, sweet and sour cabbage, and black pepper aioli on the best baguette. Yeah, it was good.

I stayed at the Strand Hotel over the weekend. This was the view of the Empire State Building from my room on the 14th floor. (Actual distance, no zoom.)

A few hours later, I tried (unsuccessfully) to take a decent photo of the building lit up in red, white, and green.

On Saturday morning, I stopped by Culture Espresso. How awesome are their hand-stamped cups and cards?

I drank my coffee at nearby Bryant Park. The early tranquility was an introvert’s dream. (Smiles.)

Leaves and glass at Bryant Park.

The second “must-do” on my itinerary was to experience Summer Streets. For three consecutive Saturday mornings in August, the city closes Lafayette Street near the Brooklyn Bridge up through Park Avenue on the Upper East Side to traffic. What a treat! This was the view on Park Ave. near 42nd Street looking downtown.

And this was the view facing Grand Central Station. I was giddy at being able to walk down the middle of Park Avenue! (I wish I had brought my running gear, though. Next time!)