Every so often, I love spotlighting how some of my favorite New Yorkers spend their perfect day in the city. Today, I couldn’t be more excited to share Grace Atwood’s version. Grace is the creative force behind The Stripe, one of those rare blogs that feels equal parts personal diary, style destination, and thoughtful lifestyle guide. She’s also the co-host of the ever-popular Bad on Paper Podcast, where her wit and warmth shine just as brightly. Simply put, Grace is one of those people who seems to do it all—and makes it look effortless.
So, what does a perfect day in NYC look like for Grace? Let’s dive in.
A Slow Start (with Yoga, of Course)
Unlike many New Yorkers who thrive on rushing out the door, Grace’s ideal morning begins with sleeping in—because it’s a perfect day, and the rules bend to her liking. By around 10 a.m., she’s rolling out her mat at Sky Ting Yoga, a downtown favorite known for blending Katonah and Vinyasa practices with meditation and breathwork. Grace adores instructors like Christopher Golden, Chloe and Krissy (the studio’s founders), Grace Dubery, and Lindsay Tyson. The mix of movement and mindfulness leaves her grounded and glowing.
On the way home, Grace makes a very unapologetic pit stop: Dunkin’ Donuts. “Yes, it’s lowbrow,” she laughs, “but you can’t take the Masshole out of me.” Her order is simple: a medium iced coffee with just a splash of milk. It’s one of those little rituals that connects her back to her roots.
Back at home (or rather, in this fantasy scenario, back at The Carlyle), Grace lets the morning unfold lazily—reading, rinsing off, maybe tossing together a big salad for lunch. But since this is her perfect day, a bagel might just replace the salad. Because when in New York, carbs win.
Midday Luxury: Spa + Museums
Afternoons, in Grace’s dream version of the city, are made for self-care. At The Carlyle’s spa, she indulges in a massage followed by some time in the steam room. It’s both indulgence and necessity—a reset button that leaves her recharged for the adventures ahead.
From there, it’s time for a cultural deep dive. The Upper East Side makes museum-hopping blissfully easy, and Grace plans a trifecta:
- The Guggenheim, where she’d linger in the spiraling galleries and especially check out the Basquiat exhibit.
- The Cooper Hewitt, a smaller but fascinating design museum she always recommends.
- The Met, which she calls her “happy place.” Right now, she’s especially excited about the Frank Lloyd Wright textiles, the “Camp: Notes on Fashion” exhibit, and the sweeping modern works in the Epic Abstraction collection.
Somewhere in between exhibits, a friend meets up, and the two of them steal away for a quick glass of prosecco before diving back into the art.
Afternoon Shopping
With evening plans in mind, Grace leaves the museums behind and heads over to Saks Fifth Avenue. While she does most of her shopping online these days—partly for convenience, partly for her blog—the in-store experience at Saks feels special. The associates know exactly how to help her find the perfect dress for an evening out. On the way back, she might swing into Veronica Beard on the Upper East Side for an extra peek at what’s new.
Evening: Dinner with Friends at The Polo Bar
No perfect day is complete without a celebratory dinner, and for Grace, that means The Polo Bar. It’s her go-to for an upscale evening, and she knows the reservation game: book it a month in advance if you want a seat.
The night begins with dirty martinis at the bar before heading downstairs, where she and her girlfriends share plates—chopped salad, pigs in blankets (a surprisingly fun indulgence), Dover sole, and, of course, the Polo Bar burger. It’s not just about the food, though. For Grace, the joy is in the gathering: good friends, great cocktails, and that distinctly New York feeling of being in on something special.
A Classic Nightcap at Bemelmans
The perfect day winds down where it began: at The Carlyle, this time at the legendary Bemelmans Bar. With its whimsical murals, candlelit tables, and live piano music, it feels like stepping into another era. A negroni or a glass of champagne in hand, Grace soaks it all in—ending her day exactly as she should, in one of the most timeless spots in the city.
Why Grace’s Perfect Day Resonates
Grace Atwood’s version of New York isn’t just about the landmarks or the restaurants—it’s about balance. Her day blends wellness with indulgence, culture with comfort, highbrow with lowbrow (because Dunkin’ is non-negotiable). It’s a reminder that in New York, luxury can be as simple as a bagel on a park bench or as decadent as a spa day at The Carlyle.
If you loved this glimpse into Grace’s New York, you can follow more of her adventures on Instagram or over at The Stripe. And maybe, just maybe, you’ll be inspired to map out your own perfect NYC day—iced coffee, museums, martinis, and all.
