Bright and clever storefront displays, sumptuous handmade goods, and cheery holiday markets are appearing all around the Midtown West no-fee luxury apartment rentals at ARO, infusing the neighborhood with holiday magic. If you started planning and shopping for your loved ones back in July, we salute you. If you’re just now getting started, there’s no reason to panic. There’s still plenty of time left to find the right gift, especially with all the top-notch shopping in proximity to your Hell’s Kitchen rental. So, grab a coffee and your warmest coat—it’s time for a little shopping excursion.
For the ultimate in holiday ambiance, you’ll want to set aside some time to visit the Columbus Circle Holiday Market. Set at the entrance to Central Park, it’s worth a visit for the enchanting scene alone. Beneath old-growth trees wrapped in twinkling lights, the market is made up of rows upon rows of vendors from near and far, selling personal, handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts. It’s the kind of setting where you might end up spotting the right gift for that impossible person on your list—the one who already seems to have it all.
Best of all, most of the vendors offer goods that are made both sustainably and socially responsible. Check out the whimsical handmade ornaments from Craftspring, which features the work of women artisans in developing countries. Or swing by Eight Thousand Miles, a sustainably made bohemian-chic line of clothing for children and adults. The vibrant, star-shaped lamp shades at JustStars are a visual treat. In the highly unlikely scenario that you don’t leave with something special, at least you can enjoy some of the best food and drink in the city. Hot cider, anyone?
If you’ve got your full complement of handmade gifts and you’re looking for something high-end, stroll to NYC’s legendary Fifth Avenue shops and boutiques. Dubbed “one of the most luxurious stretches of retail in the country” and “the main artery of New York City’s shopping scene” by NYCGo, Fifth Avenue has it all. There’s Gucci, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, and the one-and-only Bergdorf Goodman, to name a few. If you find the sheer amount of fashionable shops daunting, you’re not alone. But with a little organization and forethought, you may be able to check off quite a few people on your list.
Most importantly, don’t forget sustenance and self-care. If you’re starting to drag, stop for Wild Mushroom Rigatoni at nearby Fig & Olive. If you need to regroup and reorganize, take a break for a snack at Macchiato Espresso Bar, where you’ll find an extensive selection of sandwiches and excellent coffee. And then there’s L’Avenue, a Parisian celebrity hot spot located in Saks Fifth Avenue, serving Thai-inflected French fare looking out at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and 30 Rock. Most of all, keep it fun; after all, gifting should bring joy.
Your new home awaits in Midtown West. View ARO’s availabilities and learn more about the 40,000 square feet of luxury amenities curated for an active lifestyle by scheduling an on-site tour today.