Weekly Highlights: Oct 20-27

NYC

This week was filled with fall vibes, self-care, and Halloween anticipation!

Friday: I treated myself to a pedicure at Hortus, my latest favorite nail spot in NYC. Located in Nolita, Hortus is a hidden gem, focusing on luxurious, eco-conscious services that make it feel more like a spa than a nail salon. From a dermatologist’s perspective, I appreciate their hygiene standards and the high-quality, non-toxic products they use, which reduce exposure to harsh chemicals. The setup is small and intimate, with calming music that creates a serene vibe—an ideal oasis in the city.

Saturday: Two friends and I drove to Gardiner, NY, about 1.5 hours from Manhattan. This was the perfect fall escape! We wandered through orchards, admired the autumn leaves, and enjoyed classic cider donuts—though sadly, there were no gluten-free options. The colors and crisp air made the outing feel like a little taste of autumn outside the city.

Dinner that night was at Little Maven. The ambiance and decor are stunning, with moody lighting and a chic, cozy setup. The broccolini side dish was a stand-out, adding a delicious, earthy flavor that complemented the meal perfectly. I’d give the place a solid five stars!

Later that night, Halloween festivities kicked off. NYC makes you feel like you’re never too old to celebrate Halloween, and that’s one of my favorite things about this city.

Sunday: I spent the day in East Village, where you’ll find me at some point most weekends, starting with a stroll through Tompkins Square Park and its farmers market, which has a beautiful flower stand that I always love to visit. Since I'm gluten-free, I’m not usually one for bagels, but I made it a mission to try out some of downtown’s popular bagel spots. Tompkins Square Bagel and Apollo Bagels had lines out the door, but Black Seed Bagels had a shorter wait. I grabbed a gluten-free everything bagel with tofu cream cheese, and it was delicious!

We also stopped by Clinton St. Bakery—a popular spot on my list—but the wait was around two hours, even at 10 AM! I’ll be back with a review soon.

Looking Forward: Halloween is on Thursday, and Dia de los Muertos follows on Friday. I can’t wait!

Thanks for reading, and here’s to more fall adventures ahead!

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