5 Best Places In NYC To Take A Break This Holiday Season
We get it, holiday shopping can be stressful. That's why we've narrowed down the five best places to stop and take a break from all the madness. Here are some of our favorite places in New York City to regroup. By Carly Petrone.
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Take a little time for yourself with the help of MNDFL, the city's newest premier meditation studio that aims to give anyone the tools to approach their day with more mindfulness in a format that fits into their hectic lifestyle without forgoing authenticity. Relax with their MNDFL Meditation Starter Kit ($250), which includes a Meditation Cushion Set, a copy of Sit Like a Buddha: A Pocket Guide to Meditation, a MNDFL coffee mug and t-shirt, and a pack of five 30-minute meditation classes. You'll feel refreshed and ready to hit the streets, whether it's to finish up your holiday shopping or go celebrate the season with friends and family. You can call 212-477-0487 to purchase.
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Grab a seat on the swing at Bryant Park's Southwest Porch and warm up with a cup of adult hot chocolate. Let's face it, the holidays are just better with an alcoholic beverage, so take a break and sip on a variety of boozy hot chocolates or spiked apple cider. Some of our favorites include cocoas with a splash of Frangelico, peppermint schnapps -- even marshmallow flavored vodka. Make sure to check out the park's outdoor movie screenings this holiday season. You can watch classics like Home Alone, A Charlie Brown Christmas, A Christmas Story, and How The Grinch Stole Christmas. All screenings begin at 5:30 p.m.
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Warning: you must love cats if you want to take a break at Meow Parlor. This cat-filled sanctuary is a great place to sit and bring in a cup of coffee while cuddling up with your favorite feline. Reserve your spot for as a little as half an hour all the way up to five hours. Take advantage of their free wi-fi and grab something to eat (like their cat-shaped cookies) at the Meow Parlor Patisserie, located just a few steps away from the Meow Parlour. You can even chill out with a Yoga & Kitties Class ($20), a 45-minute Vinyasa flow with instructors on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays. How can you be stressed during the holidays when petting a cute kitten is just a few clicks away? Make your reservation here. Children's hours are also available.
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Has your man had enough holiday shopping for one day? Treat him to a day at Barbiere, the classic barbershop located in the East Village. He'll be able to enjoy a free shot of Jameson upon arrival before sitting down for their treatment. This place has the feeling of an old Italian barbershop, where men gathered to escape pressures from work and home. Services include a straight-razor shave ($30), head shave ($30), or straight-razor shave with Moroccan skin treatment ($50). Men can also get a beard trim ($20), buzz cut ($30), texturized scissor cut ($40), or cut & shave combo ($40). Make sure to bring cash, since they don't accept credit cards. Sit back, relax, and let the pampering begin.
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If you're looking for a place to take a break with your kids, then definitely head to Target Wonderland. This place is part toy store and part holiday playground. This family-friendly experience is located in the Meatpacking District and includes larger-than-life spectacles like a jumbo Etch-a-Sketch, a Christmas tree made from 320 green foam Hulk Hands, and a make-your-own ornament station. There's something for both adults and kids to play with in this interactive space. If you've still got some shopping to do, they make it easy. Grab a lanyard with a digital Radio Frequency Identification key on it and scan a mini bullseye tag on the item that you'd like to purchase. End your adventure by bringing your custom digital shopping list to the checkout counter and leave with a few goodies in your bag (including a free chocolate covered rice krispie treat and small package of cookies). Wonderland is open until Dec. 22.
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Carly Petrone is a freelance writer living in New York City.
