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Gramercy Park

GETTING THERE: Amtrak has nearly hourly departures from Union Station to New York. From Penn Station, take a $7 taxi ride to Gramercy Park. The No. 6 subway train stops at 23rd Street, a three-block walk from Gramercy Park.

WHAT TO SEE: Big Onion Walking Tours ( http://www.bigonion.com/ , 212-439-1090) offers excursions of the Gramercy Park neighborhood at $15 a person. The Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace (28 E. 20th St., 212-260-1616, http://www.nps.gov/thrb .) is open Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; admission $3; guided tours on the hour). St. George's Thrift Shop (61 Gramercy Park N., 212-260-0350) is open Monday to Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The Vintage Thrift Shop (286 Third Ave., 212-871-0777), is open daily except Saturdays; hours vary. Stardust Antiques (38 Gramercy Park, 212-677-2590) is open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

WHERE TO EAT: Gramercy Tavern (42 E. 20th St., 212-477-0777, http://www.gramercytavern.com/ ) is deservedly ranked as one of the top dining spots in the city. Entrees average around $30. Barca 18 (225 Park Ave. S., http://www.brguestrestaurants.com/ , 212-533-2500) features tapas, paella and other Spanish specialties in a bright, busy atmosphere. Entrees average around $25. Duke's (99 E. 19th St., 212-260-2922, http://www.dukesnyc.com/ ) features heaping portions of barbecue, biscuits and other specialties in a bright, family-friendly environment. A copious brunch for two runs around $30.

WHERE TO STAY: The Gramercy Park Hotel (2 Lexington Ave., 877-898-3200, http://www.gramercyparkhotel.com/ ) is an excellent new option for travelers celebrating an occasion. Double rooms start at $525 a night. For those on a budget, the Gershwin Hotel (7 E. 27th St., 212-545-8000, http://www.gershwinhotel.com/ ) is an artsy place with basic rooms and a youthful vibe about a 10-minute walk from Gramercy Park. Standard no-frills doubles start at $149 a night on weekends.

INFO: NYC & Co., 800-692-8474, http://www.nycvisit.com/ .