MEET THE TEAM : NICK'S PICKS

Nick is a very dedicated and knowledgeable member of the front service staff. He is passionate about architecture, real estate and city planning. Nick spends his time off browsing around the city and staying up to date on any new real estate developments. He knows pretty much every tower and park there is. Here are Nick's four current favorite places to visit.

1. Brooklyn Bridge Park (Brooklyn)

Brooklyn Bridge Park spans 85 acres of the East River waterfront in the Brooklyn Heights and DUMBO neighborhoods of Brooklyn. The park is divided into eleven sections: Piers 1 through 6, Fulton Ferry Landing, Brooklyn Bridge Plaza, Empire Fulton Ferry, Main Street, and John Street. Each of these sections features unique topographies, plantings, amenities, and cultural artifacts and installations. 

Pedestrian bridge called the Squibb Bridge connects the park to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade. The Promenade is said to be one of the most romantic spots in New York City, and has been the destination for thousands of first dates, wedding proposals and anniversary celebrations. 

Both of these places have magnificent views of the downtown Manhattan skyline, Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. If traveling with kids stop by Jane's Carousel (open year-round) and nautically-themed playground on Main Street. Take a look at all the playgrounds in the park by clicking here. Main Street is also great for picnic in the lawn and it also offers free-wifi.  If you get hungry Nick recommends to try MontyQ Brick Oven Pizza on Montague St. If you prefer something fancier head out to River Cafe (make sure to call ahead to check the status of the renovations due to the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy) and save room for dessert at Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory. 

Take a look at the Brooklyn Bridge Park's interactive map of the area by clicking here. 

How to get there: New York Waterway ferry from Pier 11/Wall St. to Dumbo or walk cross the Brooklyn Bridge or take the F subway to York Street, or the A or C to High Street. 

2. Meatpacking District

Meatpacking District is  another area that has gone through a major transformation. It's biggest highlights are the Chelsea Market, High line Park and plethora of high end shopping, restaurants and night clubs. 

Chelsea Market is an enclosed urban food court, shopping mall, office building and television production facility. Built in the former National Biscuit Company factory complex where the Oreo cookie was invented and produced, the 22-building complex fills two entire blocks bounded by Ninth and Eleventh Avenues and 15th and 16th Streets. Here you'll find an exciting array of restaurants and little stores.

When it's time to take a little break from all the shopping and sightseeing make your way to the High Line Park. The High Line is a 1-mile (1.6 km) linear park built on a 1.45-mile (2.33 km) section of the former elevated New York Central Railroad spur called the West Side Line. The High Line Park currently runs from Gansevoort Street, three blocks below West 14th Street, in the Meatpacking District, up to 30th Street, through the neighborhood of Chelsea. 

The High Line is operating on its summer schedule, with the park open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM. If you didn't bring your own food, not to worry, there's plenty of vendors around. Take a look at the list of this year's vendors by clicking here.

Nick's favorite restaurant in the area is SEA which serves affordable and delicious Thai food and delicious cocktails in a trendy atmosphere. SEA is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner at 835 Washington St.

How to get there: subway A or C to 14th St.

3. South Street Seaport

South Street Seaport is comprised of historic buildings and a pavilion shopping mall located at Pier 17 on the East River in Lower Manhattan. Cobblestone streets, gas lamps, sailing ships and a museum make the South Street Seaport one of the most memorable experiences in New York City. Pier 17 at The Seaport is open for business; many others shops still remain closed in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy. 

But not to worry, To make up for that, Fulton street now hosts summer series that include pop-up retail containers that houses up-and coming retailers, a smorgasbar that showcases a rotating collection of a dozen local food and beverage purveyors, a front row cinema, a weekly outdoor film series int he evenings, dozens of new, seasonal retailers with their mix of artisanal fare along with businesses displaced by Hurricane Sandy will be showcased inside Pier 17 and and at kiosks along the cobblestoned streets. 

For a nice beer and a burger with beautiful views of Brooklyn-, Manhattan-, and Williamsburg bridges Nick would recommend the Watermark Bar and Lounge at Pier 15.

How to get there: subway A or C to Fulton St.-Broadway Nassau

4. Brookfield Place in Battery Park

Brookfield Place, located in lower Manhattan's Battery Park City, offers year-round cultural showcases featuring both emerging and well-known artists, as well as a great variety of shopping and dining. The Winter Garden at Brookfield Place remains one of the City’s best-kept secrets. The spectacular glass atrium with tall palm trees overlooking the Hudson River makes a picture-perfect venue to have a break and enjoy a delicious meal bought from the food truck court (see food truck schedule by clicking here) or from one of Nick's favorites, Shake Shack which is located within a short walk in Battery Park (215 Murray Street). As a new addition to Brookfield Place is their upscale food court "Hudson Eats" as well as French alternative to Mario Batali's Eataly called "Le District", an authentic French shopping district.

 While here visit the North Cove Marina that has great views of Jersey City across the river. 

How to get there: subway N or R to Cortlandt St.