Morning: Head downtown and grab some breakfast at some of Soho’s best–but affordable!–spots. Try the lovely Spring Street Natural Restaurant (62 Spring St., corner of Lafayette) for fresh, delicious options or grab some charming homemade goodies and coffee at Once Upon a Tart (135 Sullivan St.)

Late Morning: Your Soho/Nolita Shop Gotham tour kicks off nearby. For two hours you will have exclusive guided access to the area’s hottest shops–and you get to use your Shop Gotham insider discounts all day! Book here.

Afternoon/Evening: While Soho is renowned for its fabulous shopping finds, that certainly isn’t the only activity available in this NYC neighborhood! Head over to Lucky Strike (59 Grand, btwn Wooster & W. B’way), the city’s hottest bowling alley, frequented by celebs and locals seeking a good time alike–no reservations required. Great for groups, this spot also serves up yummy food throughout the day along with DJed music and a bar.

You can also check out “HERE,” a unique, cutting-edge art space producing comedies, dance shows, music pieces, and much, much more. If you’re interested in an unforgettable, authentically NY experience, view the event calendar here.

After all this exploration you’ll have certainly worked up an appetite. Here are a few great downtown suggestions:

• For casual Asian “comfort food” try Soho gem Mooncake Foods (28 Watts St., nr Thompson St.). This friendly spot offers super-affordable salads, sandwiches, and great snacks like wontons and chicken wings.
• For delicious Thai food in a stylish and unique setting, try Peep (177 Prince St.).  A very trendy dinner spot, Peep (pictured below) also offers amazing multi-course lunch deals for under $10!

• For fresh, reliable Mediterranean options, try Snack (105 Thompson St., nr Prince St.). This popular lunch spot has great sandwiches and salads, and if it’s hot out don’t miss their killer mint lemonade!

Be sure to book your Shop Gotham tour in advance and your tour guide will be happy to point you in the right direction toward any of these amazing NYC hotspots! Enjoy!

August Shopping Tours

August in NYC is a little tricky. It’s hot and muggy. We are wearing our whites and flip flops and yet the stores are dying to show off their new winter wools.

Retail: A FABULOUS time to get amazing sales on summer wear! Remember that there is always next summer to wear it too! The indie boutiques in particular are where you want to shop. See: www.shopgotham.com/daily-new-york-shopping-tours.php for what’s doing in Soho/Nolita

Wholesalers : Sample Sales are pretty much on hiatus in August. Which is why Shop Gotham’s Garment Center Insider tour is especially valuable at this time. We got the insider to wholesalers all year round. See: www.shopgotham.com/daily-new-york-shopping-tours.php

New Yorkers know the secret to summer style lies in comfort with style . This summer we will pair short or long, flirty dresses with vintage-inspired hats and sweaters so as to be prepared for al fresco dining or heavily air-conditioned theatres and subways.  Bring these items with you to NYC or find them on a Shop Gotham shopping tour.  www.shopgotham.com

1.  Floppy straw hat.

With most of us trying to protect our skin from the evil rays, you will want to be prepared for those outings in Central Park, ferry ride to Ellis Island or strolls down Madison Ave, with the essential floppy summer hat.  Find one on  Soho & Nolita shopping tour www.shopgotham.com/daily-new-york-shopping-tours.php one sunny Saturday morning.

2. Island-inspired dress

New Yorkers live on an island, too!  Just because our island has more concrete than sand doesn’t mean we don’t enjoy island fashion.  Check out the great deals at Calypso Outlet to feel like you’re on St. Bart’s even when you’re walking St. Mark’s!

3.  Gladiator Sandals

While sandal trends are more likely to be initiated on the West Coast, New Yorkers have fallen in love with these Roman-inspired treats for the feet.  They are not only fashionable, but practical, since they come in a wide variety of colors.  Choose brown or white to match everything or a bright, sassy color to spice up your sundress!

HAVE a GREAT trip to NYC!