Indie Films, 3-D Printing, and Irish Brunch in Noho

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Noho may get lumped in with its noisier neighbors—The East Village, Nolita, Soho—but the slice of above-Houston real estate has a personality all its own. Part de facto NYU dorm, part historical site (thanks to its punk-steeped main artery, The Bowery), and part shopping destination, it's easy to devote an entire day to exploring the stretch. Join us as we fuel up at a buzzy gastropub, pop into a legendary stylist's delightfully manic shop, and wind down with a sea salt scrub.

Settle into the rustic wooden interior of The Wren (344 Bowery), a gastropub with an authentic Irish/English feel. The brunch menu infuses classic UK dishes with healthy ingredients. Feast on a full Irish breakfast, bubble and squeak, a summer squash and goat cheese omelet, or smashed avocado with soft boiled eggs—all perfectly complemented by French press coffee and the perfect Bloody Mary.

Master of Southern prep with an urban twist, Billy Reid (54 Bond Street) holds court in Noho with a store steeped in his effortless aesthetic. The chunky-knit sweaters and sharp wool coats are especially appealing this time of year.

On the opposite end of the spectrum from buttoned-up Billy Reid is Patricia Field (306 Bowery). The physical representation of famed stylist Field's vibrant vision, the store is a mishmash of color and pattern. New and vintage statement pieces that range from flirty to scandalous reign here, and you can find everything from an ever-so-slightly-shredded sweater to a fishnet-paneled bodysuit, with neon tutus, studded leather gloves and expletive-emblazoned jewelry along the way.

Thanks to its comprehensive inventory organize by time period, Screaming Mimi's (382 Lafayette Street) has built a reputation as a go-to for one-of-a-kind vintage in New York. It might be a little pricier than other resale options, but this is where you'll find 1940s hats in mint condition and beautifully cut dresses from the 1960s alongside ‘80s punk tees—all statement pieces that capture their eras with style that's still fashion-forward today.

If minimalism is your thing, head to Oak(28 Bond Street), home of all things sleek. Pick up geometric jewelry, soft jersey basics, leather jackets and asymmetrically draped dresses from labels like Comme des Garcons, R13, Jonathan Simkhai, and LD Tuttle. Don't forget to check out the affordable house line.

You don't have to be a tech geek to appreciate the futuristic art happening at Makerbot Store (298 Mulberry Street). Obviously this place is your go-to if you're looking to stock up on your own 3-D printing equipment, but it's also a fun stop if you want to see what a 3-D printer can really do (pretty much anything). Plastic sculptures are being produced all around, with small complimentary samples up for grabs, a $5 sculpture vending machine, and even a booth that will scan your head and make a sculpture out of you.

Luckily for you, you're in the neighborhood of one of the downtown crowd's favorite spots for relaxing and beautifying, Great Jones Spa (29 Great Jones Street). Make an appointment for a haircut or highlights, or go for something truly rejuvenating, like reflexology, a Thai massage, a rosemary citron sea salt scrub, a deluxe facial or a spa pedicure - followed, of course, by a stop at the juice bar and a visit to the water lounge for a sauna session and a cold plunge.

You may have passed the Merchant's House Museum (29 East 4th Street) a million times and thought, "what a beautiful old building," without realizing what's inside. Stepping into the museum—one of the city's only nineteenth-century homes kept completely intact inside and out—is like entering a time machine. Knowledgeable staff members can help guide your visit through the former dwelling of the wealthy Tredwell family, for a look into New York life nearly 200 years ago. Ask them about the servant ghosts that are said to walk the halls.

Catching a movie might seem like a predictable Saturday evening activity, but it's still something special at the Angelika Film Center (18 West Houston Street). The iconic downtown theater is a favorite among New Yorkers and visitors alike for its indie approach and eclectic roster of often hard-to-find, limited release films. Even the concessions match the cozy vibe here, with a café serving up coffee, quiche, sandwiches, scones, cupcakes and, yes, popcorn.

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Oak Clothing

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