It always amazes me that sometimes the best destinations – what millions of tourists travel thousands of miles to see – can be right in our own city! Such is the case for the Meatpacking District, the area around 14th Street and 9th Avenue, named after its previous incarnation as the wholesale meat market of NYC. The merchants, their product and their blood-stained aprons have since moved up to the Bronx, but the characteristic atmosphere of the place remains. Unsightly exceptions notwithstanding, the buildings are low – three stories at most – late 1800s stuctures, the streets are still paved in cobblestones and the blue-collar feel of the place thankfully remains. Though it is now mixed in with the designer shops, gourmet eateries and endless parade of celebrities that make the area a must-try experience.

No walk through this neighborhood can even begin without first having some breakfast, and I use the term loosely, inside the wonder of Chelsea Market. Once inside the old Nabisco factory building – I can still smell the Oreos on a good day – head straight for Eleni’s and get one, or a few, of their fantastic cupcakes, brownies or even a box of their Presidential Candidates ‘08 cookies, in your choice of Democrat or Republican, of course! Beware of wannabes, such as the Fat Witch Bakery – strategically placed two doors down from Eleni’s – where, and don’t say you haven’t been warned, they live up to their name in every possible way. So, once in possession of your chosen sweet booty, take it over to Ninth Street Espresso, order their signature dark and fragrant cappuccino and sit at one of the tables that are strategically positioned throughout the Market, to enjoy your fabulously luscious treats, as well as some interesting people watching. Of course, if coffee just isn’t your thing, do check out the T Salon, where their Jasmine White Tea is just another way of saying “breathtaking”.

Once you have satisfied your taste buds, and your soul, with the wonders of Chelsea Market, venture outside to find a world of designers for your home, your body and your mind. As far as home furnishings, there is one must-see that keeps me coming back again and again: Auto. A cool space, filled with great furnishings and infused with the charming character and taste of its owners – husband and wife team Roman and Renata – the shop was recently featured in a great article in the NY Times. In need of new Missoni sheets, or that special Henry Kloss radio that is just so hot these days? Then Auto is your shop! But a person cannot live simply having a pretty home, so…

For great clothes shopping, I have found the stretch of 14th Street – between 9th and 10th Avenues – to be the best. If you walk on the north side of the street, you won’t have any trouble spending some money inside legendary shop Jeffrey, or the flagships for Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen and La Perla. Just down the street is a cool loft filled with the latest Theory duds and some of their hard-to-find leather goods.

This would be a great time to suggest a bite to eat, as right across from Theory’s are two of the best eateries in the neighborhood. For small bites and an unusual “Hong Kong meets Singapore, by way of Bangkok” menu, do try Spice Market, which lends itself best to a summer outing, with its airy seating and large carved wooden windows. For some French staples like Steak Frites and Onion Soup Gratinée, do try Pastis. It may be over-mentioned and overdone as a scene, but there is a reason people keep coming back: the food is quite simply delicious!

Before leaving this side of town, make sure to check out the Apple store – boasting the best service of any NYC locations and the shortest lines to purchase the latest IPhone – and then venture further into the south end of the neighborhood, for designers like Charles Nolan and Tracy Reese. You will find yourself dangerously close to the West Village here, but no worries, since further south on Bleeker Street begins the “Leather Goods Miracle Mile” – as I like to call it – lined up with handbags favorites Coach, Lulu Guinness, Marc by Marc Jacobs and personal find Ruehl. And if the atmosphere of the eateries in the Meatpacking District felt like just too much, then why not enjoy a fun, Margarita-filled evening and festive yet cozy vibe, along with a fine meal at West Village eatery Miracle Bar and Grill…