Hey there, fellow city explorers!
Today I’m taking you along for one of my favorite kinds of New York days—a perfect blend of influencer events, cultural exploration, and those small magical moments that make this city so special. The Nomad (North of Madison Square Park) and Flatiron Districts might be a bit chaotic and loud at times (what part of NYC isn’t?), but they’re packed with hidden gems worth discovering.
With the iconic Empire State Building always visible in the skyline and the distinctive Flatiron Building anchoring the neighborhood (scaffolding and all—because it wouldn’t be New York without some construction!), this area offers such a vibrant mix of history, fashion, food, and culture.
Morning Plans: Jellycat Brand Event
My day started with a special invitation to a Jellycat lunch event at the Fifth Avenue Hotel. If you’re not familiar with Jellycat, they create the most adorable plush toys and accessories—everything from cuddly animals to whimsical plush lattes and hamburgers. They had a popular pop-up shop in NYC last year, and I’ve known about them for ages but surprisingly didn’t own any of their products myself (until today!).
The lunch was held in the hotel’s gorgeous conservatory—a space I didn’t even know existed before this event. That’s one thing I love about New York: you can live here for years and still discover beautiful new spaces hiding in plain sight.
The Jellycat Experience
The Jellycat event was a Mother’s Day celebration lunch, bringing together NYC-based content creators who are also moms. I’ve been gravitating more toward these intimate, seated events lately rather than the larger, more chaotic ones. There’s something so valuable about having real conversations and making genuine connections with fellow creators and brand representatives.
They gifted us the most gorgeous flower bouquet and some adorable Jellycat plushies! I received the sweetest little sun plush (perfect since I always sing «You Are My Sunshine» to my daughter Julia) and an adorable coffee cup charm that I’ll probably attach to my bag or keys. If you follow me on Instagram, you know how rarely I’m seen without my coffee cup in hand!
Afternoon Cultural Fix: FIT Museum
After lunch, I headed to one of my favorite free museums in the city—the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Museum. If you’re into fashion or design and visiting NYC on a budget, this place should absolutely be on your list!
They currently have an exhibition called «Statement Sleeves» that explores the use of sleeves in clothing throughout history. Even though I was ironically wearing something sleeveless that day, I love dramatic, puffy, and unique sleeve designs, so this exhibit was right up my alley.
The exhibition did an amazing job explaining the evolution of different sleeve trends, shapes, and their historical significance—including facts I’d never known before. The museum rotates their exhibitions regularly (this one runs until August), but whatever they’re featuring when you visit, it’s bound to be fascinating if you have any interest in fashion history or design.
My Perfect Nomad/Flatiron Day Itinerary
If you’re planning to explore this area of Manhattan, here’s my suggested itinerary for the perfect day:
Morning
Start with breakfast or coffee at Maman, a charming French-inspired café in the neighborhood with incredible pastries and a cozy atmosphere.
Mid-Day
Take a leisurely stroll through Madison Square Park. This is one of my favorite things about New York—amid all the concrete and hustle, these green spaces provide such necessary balance. New Yorkers know the value of their local parks; they’re where we have lunch, meet friends, read books, and decompress.
The park often features art installations (like the gorgeous «trees with clouds» I mentioned seeing in a previous vlog), and sometimes there’s even live music. On my visit, musicians were performing in the park, creating the perfect NYC soundtrack.
Don’t forget to snap photos of the Flatiron Building! Even with scaffolding, it’s an iconic NYC sight.
Afternoon
Visit the FIT Museum on 7th Avenue. Admission is free, and the exhibitions change regularly, focusing on different aspects of fashion and design history.
Late Afternoon/Evening
Find a local café for an afternoon pick-me-up, or if it’s later in the day, explore some of the amazing dining options in the area. The Nomad and Flatiron districts have everything from casual eateries to fine dining experiences.
Why NYC Parks Are Essential to the Experience
One thing I want to emphasize: don’t skip the parks when visiting New York! While the skyscrapers, observatories, and even the crazy subway system are iconic parts of the NYC experience, the parks provide such beautiful contrast and show how New Yorkers actually live.
Besides Madison Square Park, other must-visit green spaces include:
- Central Park (my personal favorite)
- Bryant Park (gorgeous, especially during their summer movie nights)
- Washington Square Park (near NYU with a distinctly student vibe)
There’s nothing quite like watching New Yorkers in their natural habitat—having lunch on park benches, meeting friends, walking dogs, reading books, or just taking a moment to breathe between meetings.
Final Thoughts
What I love most about days like this is the perfect balance between planned events and spontaneous exploration. New York rewards those who make time to wander and discover—whether it’s a beautiful hotel conservatory you never knew existed, a free museum exhibition that teaches you something new, or simply the joy of people-watching in a bustling city park.
The Nomad and Flatiron Districts embody what makes New York special—history alongside modernity, chaos alongside moments of peace, and endless opportunities for discovery just around every corner.
Have you explored this area of NYC before? What are your favorite spots in the Nomad or Flatiron Districts? Drop me a comment below—I’m always looking for new places to check out!
Until next time,
Flor.
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