The Solita SoHo Hotel

For those visiting the Lower Manhattan, a trip to the Solita SoHo Hotel is a must.  This boutique hotel receives rave reviews, as it pampers its guests with extraordinary service.  Guests at the hotel receive complimentary fresh cupcakes when they arrive baked by Oro Bakery.  There is, of course, complimentary high speed internet access and a daily newspaper of the guest’s choice.

Rooms include in-room safes, plush and inviting robes, dual massage shower heads and other amenities.  The quaint size of this 12 story building is just large enough for first-class service, but small enough to create a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Parking is secure and available nearby, and each stay certainly makes guests want to book the next reservation!

Ivanka Trump Store Coming to SoHo

Keep your eyes set on 109 Mercer St. between Spring and Prince streets – it will soon house the new Ivanka Trump jewelry store.  SoHo is anticipating this move, as Trump has subleased her Madison Avenue flagship shop to jeweler Aaron Basha.

Heading down to SoHo, Trump will be setting up shop in the duplex space of 3100 square feet.  The new shop used to showcase the Alaska House fold art and is now the location of the Duckie Brown by Florsheim pop up store. Trump’s new neighbors include designer Phillip Lim, Chanel, Hugo Boss and Agent Provocateur.

The new store location has 1800 square feet on the ground and another 1300 square feet on the lower level, which has a full audio/visual installation.  This Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry location will focus on her jewelry collection.  This new site will join the many other store locations that Trump has throughout the Middle East; and her first China store is expected to open soon.

Checking Out the 5C Cultural Center

Some staples of the New York scene are so important that they simply must be visited. The 5C Cultural Center is one such place.  Founded in 1989 by three Lower East Side social activists and incorporated in 1996 as a non-profit, 5CCC sees its mission as one of providing innovative educational programming, activism and performing arts opportunities.

In its 14 year history, 5CCC has had over 1600 performing arts events that include drama, spoke word theater and music.  They have a Café that serves vegetarian meals at affordable prices. Furthermore, they have arts education programs for children with autism. These are individualized instructions that are offered on Saturday and Sunday mornings and are done by appointment only.

They are a staple of the area, managing to incorporate amazing musical talents with their tutoring services and neighborhood programs.  At the moment, they have a jazz appreciation series that draws on 10,000 out of print LP records, film footage and personal experiences of those involved.  It helps viewers to appreciate the history of jazz and to get a sense of its importance as part of America’s cultural and musical foundation..

Tiffany & Co. Coming to SoHo

If you love Tiffany & Co.’s little turquoise boxes (and you love what’s IN this boxes) then this news will excite you! Tiffany & Co. has recently announced that they plan to open a store in New York’s SoHo neighborhood next fall.

The shop will be situated right in the middle of the SoHo-Cast Iron Historic District and will open its 7000 square foot location in September 2012.  This new location will also help Tiffany & Co. to celebrate its 175th anniversary.  This site will be Tiffany’s third New York City location.  They actually started the store on Lower Broadway but then moved to Broadway at Prince St. in the 1850s.

Don’t tell Tiffany’s that there is a recession at the moment. Last month they reported that their second-quarter net income surged 30% across all regions.  And, they raised their full-year profit forecast based on these unexpectedly good results.  Recession? What recession says Tiffany! And now SoHo residents will be able to get into the act as well.

Annual Art Fair This Weekend

Greenwich Village Art FairFor those who love art fairs and getting fresh air, nothing beats the Greenwich Village Art Fair.  This coming Saturday and Sunday, New Yorkers have the opportunity to get out, enjoy the sights and sounds of the Village, and buy some lovely items.

Over 100 artists will be in attendance for the art fair on the grounds of the Rockford Art Museum at 711 N. Main Street.  This annual event has been taking place since 1948 and it will be held no matter what the weather conditions.

Items for sale will include everything from photography and jewelry to textiles and paintings.  In addition, visitors can enjoy the Gourmet Marketplace with cheeses, chocolates, pastas, canned goods and other delicacies.  There will also be delicious made-to-order crepes on Saturday and a Sunday Omelet Brunch. The Bohemian Bazaar will feature vintage finds and art work while musical performances will include mandolin players, jazz groups, pop singers, bluegrass and more.

And, of course, not to forget the children, there will also be plenty of activities for the kids. Overall it will prove to be a special event and a wonderful weekend filled with entertainment, enjoyment and chances to buy great items. It’s hard to beat an event that has been taking place annually for over 60 years!

Elegance at the Mercer in SoHo

Find luxury and elegance at The Mercer in SoHo.  This hotel is one of the foremost luxury hotels in New York, with 75 guest rooms on six floors.  Situated in a landmark Romanesque revival building, the boutique hotel offers the unique feeling of loft living.

The service offers guests the feeling of a small, quaint home-away-from-home with attentive staff and impeccable service. Located at 147 Mercer Street in SoHo, the rooms at The Mercer include a complimentary copy of The New York Times or a paper of choice, a 24 hour a day concierge service, packing and unpacking services, same day laundry and much more.  Guests will enjoy 24 hour a day room service from the Mercer Kitchen, a dog walking service, in room beauty treatments and Wii and Xbox 360 availability.

The Mercer has received a great deal of positive press. The New York Times said that “The Mercer has come to symbolize SoHo” while Hip Hotels said that “The Mercer is the first to offer a taste of ‘loft living’ an urban signature that is completely original to New York.”