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Exploring NoMad: Things To Do North of Madison Square Park

The Drift
(Credit: Courtesy Photo)

The area north of Madison Square Park, NoMad, has become one of the most coveted neighborhoods in New York. Home to numerous renowned restaurants, shopping and nightlife, people can spend the day exploring what NoMad has to offer.

Project No. 8
(Credit: Courtesy Photo)

Project No. 8

22 West 29th Street
New York, NY 10001
212-725-0008
www.projectno8.com

More: Best Antique Shops In NYC

TO SHOP: Once people step inside this quaint boutique in The Ace Hotel, they will be mesmerized by all the items they can buy. With interesting knickknacks, there is something for everyone, including a cardholder for men, handbags for women and stuffed animals for children. Explorers can spend an hour in the store, and then head out to discover other parts of NoMad.

Museum of Sex
(Credit: Courtesy Photo)

Museum of Sex

223 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10016
212-689-6337
www.museumofsex.com

TO LEARN: A taboo topic has found its place on Fifth Avenue with the Museum of Sex. Originally opened in 2002, the museum has the goal to preserve and present the history, evolution and cultural significance of human sexuality. With rotating exhibits on various topics, there are over 15,000 artifacts of art, photography, clothing and more on display. The latest exhibit is the Jump for Joy bouncy house, which aims to increase the awareness of how the body responds to the thrilling possibility of physical contact. In the back of the museum, that are two cafes, Play and Nice & Sweet Café, which will reopen in late 2016 after renovations.

The Drift
(Credit: Courtesy Photo)

The Drift at Gansevoort Park Avenue

420 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016
212-317-2900
www.gansevoorthotelgroup.com

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TO DRINK: A little piece of California vibes are high above Park Avenue at The Drift, located on the rooftop of the Gansevoort Park Avenue. With cabanas and a beach-inspired atmosphere, people can unwind after a day of exploring with a few of their signature cocktails. One of their must-have drinks is the extremely popular and refreshing Frosé, made with rosé sorbet, sparkling rosé and fresh berries. Groups of friends can order pitchers of sangria, mojito, spiked lemonade or margarita while enjoying expansive views of the city skyline.

Marta
(Credit: Courtesy Photo)

Marta

29 East 29th Street
New York, NY 10016
212-651-3800
www.MartaManhattan.com

More: Midtown's Best Brunch Spots

TO EAT: One of the most popular restaurants in NoMad, Marta transports their dinners to an energetic Italian eatery. Diners will be drawn into this lively restaurant and will notice the two wood-burning ovens and open-fire grills that make thin-crusted pizzas. With Chef Nick Anderer at the helm, there are daily meat, fish and vegetable specials grace the menu, while embracing seasonal ingredients for their signature pizzas. Marta is part of a growing list of restaurants that have switched to the non-tipping option. Open for almost every meal, people can enjoy their prix fixe brunch, which comes with a Bloody Mary or mimosa, antipasto and an entrée; or the prix fixe lunch, which comes with an antipasto, entrée and sorbet or gelato.

1579 Hotel Grand Union
(Credit: Courtesy Photo)

HGU New York

34 East 32nd Street
New York, NY 10016
212-779-3432
www.HGUnuc.com

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TO STAY: After a long day of exploring the area, people can head to one of the city's newest hotels. HGU New York is located on the northern border of NoMad and brings old New York to present day. Once people step into the lobby, they will notice the turn-of the-century architecture complimented with modern and stylish designs. Each room feels like an extension of one's home, with soft tones and calming atmosphere that creates a relaxing New York night. Before retiring for the night, people can unwind in the  1905 lounge -- a communal space home to plush seating and a fireplace preserved from the original building.

Squares

360 Park Avenue South
New York, NY 10016

More: NYC's Most Exclusive Nightclubs

LOOKING AHEAD: NoMad's nightlife scene is getting a makeover with the opening of Squares in September. From Quality Branded, the hospitality group that operates Quality Eats, Quality Meats and Quality Italian, the 1,750-square-foot nightclub will merge the brand's cheeky irreverence with the classic New York society club vibe. As people enter the nightclub, they will see glazed tile, mosaic-inspired design that alludes to a pixelated historic hall, adorned with antique woods and leathers in warm monochromes. There will be marble busts and stag heads that surround the fireplace-turned-DJ booth and stage. Squares will offer a cocktail program by Bryan Schneider from Quality Eats and Clover Club, as well as small bites and a rotation of notable musical guests and live performances.

modrn
(credit: Modrn Sanctuary)

Modrn Sanctuary

12 W. 27th St., 9th Fl.
New York, NY 10001
212-675-9355

TO RELAX: Book an appointment at the newly-opened Modrn Sanctuary, located in the heart of the NoMad neighborhood. Leading health and wellness entrepreneur, Alexandra Janelli, started this luxury wellness center to bring leading practitioners in traditional and alternative medicines, therapies, and treatments to the Big Apple. The 5,000-square-foot space is lined with black, crocodile-textured walls along with beautifully sculpted imported antique Balinese doors and dark wicker seating. Make sure to check out the Himalayan Salt Room (one of only four in the city) that is used for halotherapy. Guests can sign up for a variety of treatments, including acupuncture, cupping, holistic skin care, reiki, Thai body work, and more. You can even work with a life coach, take part in a Family Constellation session, or learn about past life regression. This place definitely has it all. Learn more here.

John Friia is a freelance journalist and native New Yorker writing about food, drinks and lifestyle. You can follow his adventures on Instagram.

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