Chelsea doesn’t have any stereotypes to joke about
Disclaimer: This series is not advised for those who have strong opinions about Chelsea, doughnuts, or Martha Stewart (or Helvetica, subway transfers, and jokey writing).
A definite highlight of my visit to Chelsea was my trip to the Doughnut Plant (W. 23rd St., between 7th and 8th Ave.). It’s basically Dunkin Donuts on crack, with awesome decor, and great doughnuts.
See more about shopping, art, and fun in Chelsea after the jump!
The doughnuts are a little pricey: $3.50 each. I got a peanut butter glaze doughnut with banana creme filling and a Blackout for a friend, and we both thought they were great. I’d most highly recommend the Chai Tea; it has the deliciousness of Starbucks’ Chai multiplied by at least 100.
How annoying is it to get there? Not at all. Take the 1 all the way down to 23rd St. and you’ll be in the middle of it all; it’s about a half hour ride.
Did it break the bank? Nope, there are a ton of awesome thrift stores and deals to be found.
Goodwill’s great if you’re looking for some real bargains (W. 25th St., between 7th and 8th Ave.).
I found a J. Crew jacket, a Threadless shirt, and this H&M jacket. You’ll get most stuff for under $10, aside from some jackets and dresses which could go up to $20.
If you’re looking for more brand names and are willing to spend a little more, head over to Buffalo Exchange (W. 26th St., between 7th and 8th Ave.).
In just this one visit, I found a Theory dress for just $35, a Free People dress selling for $20, and a pair of Vivienne Westwood by Melissa pumps.
I also stumbled upon the American Apparel Warehouse Sale, which is going on until February 29 (Between W. 25th St. and 26th St., 6th Ave.).

This is just one section of the two-story store that spans the length of a full block. Sara Garner/Spec
Basically everything is half off of in-store prices, and there are some really great buys. Dresses that are still in the store on Broadway are just $20, shorts are $8, leggings are $20-25, and a bunch of stuff is buy 3 for $3 (scrunchies, nail polish, underwear, and more).
Too good to be true? You’ll only have to sell them your dignity to get these prices.
There are no fitting rooms; employees recommend you try on clothes in one of the moderately hidden corners of the store (mirrors are there waiting).
Worth the trip? Definitely. There’s really something for everyone. There’s great shopping at all prices (from thrift stores to designer stores to stores selling the hats you usually see on the street for $5 to $10, you won’t get bored).
There are also some awesome art galleries around the area.
I got a chance to visit the museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology (27th St., 7th Ave.) and they had some pretty interesting stuff. Pieces ranged from Chanel heels from 1980 to a stunning Alexander McQueen dress from 2008.
The High Line, which just recently went from being a rail line to a park, is pretty close by and definitely worth seeing (Between 12th and 30th St, between 11th and 9th Ave.).
Chelsea Market’s great for the foodies too (Between 15th and 16th St., 9th Ave.).
Pretty sure I also passed where they film The Martha Stewart Show.

Help spruce up the frat house; learn what center pieces to have at your next party! Sara Garner/Spec
And, a game to play during your travels: what’s the ugliest thing you can find thrifting? I challenge you to beat these:
Getting Out of Morningside will feature a different adventure every Saturday.










loved it
one of spec’s most useful series for sure.
Yay Doughnut Plant! Also, that awful Hawaiian thing is called a muumuu…just don’t ask why I know that….
is the stereotype of Chelsea
and art galleries…but nice to hear about a few things there we may not have known about
Eff off, I live in that neighborhood and it’s definitely a young professional/family neighborhood
its a FAMILY neighborhood
Awesome series. Great post.
AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! YOU MADE A JOEK ABOUT MY NEIGHBORHOOD!!!!! NOOOOOO!!!! YOU ARE TERRIBLE AND I HATE YOU!!!!! I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A REASONABLE RESPONSE TO A COUPLE OF LIGHTHEARTED JOKES!!!!!