It Wasn’t Logic, It was Love
We all know the struggles of finding love, let alone in the city… and with the city being New York City, where millions of people are searching for the next best thing. Just me? No, OK, cool. Thankfully, we were gifted the blueprints of New York City, also known as Sex and The City (abbreviated as SATC by fans). Thank you, Candace Bushnell and Darren Star! Before you read this article, go stream SATC right now on Netflix. If you've already seen it, welcome. If you've lived, breathed, AND watched it, I hope this article will do it some justice.
For some context, Sex and The City is a rom-com drama series based upon a newspaper column and book written by Candace Bushnell in 1996. The show follows the lives of four single women who attempt to navigate relationships, sex, and everyday life amidst the treacherous sea of mediocre men in New York City. There are four main characters, starting with Carrie Bradshaw, a newspaper columnist; the sexually liberated PR professional, Samantha Jones; Miranda, a top notch lawyer; and last but certainly not least, Charlotte York, a conservative art dealer. Various iconic sites around the city are filmed throughout the series, including the Brooklyn Bridge, The Plaza Hotel, Bergdoorf Goodman, and many more. In an attempt to experience a little bit of the infamous Carrie Bradshaw life, I wanted to visit some of these quintessential locations. Maybe you will get a chance to visit them too!
Carrie's Brownstone
We all want to know where Carrie Bradshaw lived… right? Well, I know I sure do! As titled on Google Maps itself, “Carrie Bradshaw's apartment” is located on 66 Perry St in the West Village. In her beautiful, rent-controlled apartment with a walk-in closet, we see the preposterous New York City life of Carrie Bradshaw unfold. Not to mention her $700 rent at the time… I know you gasped reading that too (if you didn't already know). I could only dream of having a walk-in closet apartment with more than four walls at the very costly price of a mere $700 a month in none other than New York City. I am still manifesting!
The Plaza Hotel
AGH! The most beautiful revenge dress I've ever witnessed was featured in the show RIGHT OUTSIDE THE PLAZA HOTEL! In Season 2, Episode 18, we see Carrie in a John Gulliano, Christian Dior white bias-cut slip dress standing outside the Plaza Hotel. This is where her true lover, Mr. Big, had his engagement party with Natasha (ew). As an ode to the infamous 1970s drama, The Way We Were, Carrie tells Big, “your girl is lovely, Hubell,” ending the scene with a temporary, but heartfelt goodbye.
Grace Episcopal Church
Whether you’ve lived in Founders, UHall, Palladium (which used to be a nightclub, by the way), Carlyle, Coral, Alumni, or Third North, you probably pass this French Gothic Revival masterpiece every day. On the corner of Broadway and East 10th St, the Grace Episcopal Church is seen in Season 3, Episode 12 where Charlotte York officially becomes a MacDougal at her infamous first wedding with Trey MacDougal. Because of its location in the heart of New York, even a scene in Spider-Man 3 was filmed there!
The Loeb Boathouse
A Central Park staple, the Loeb Boathouse, was featured in Season 3, Episode 18 of the show. Here is where Carrie meets Big, and the two go for a very cutesy, very demure swim in the lake! The Central Park Boathouse was built in the mid-1800s, and today remains a special historical landmark in New York City. In addition to SATC, many other movies have been filmed here, such as When Harry Met Sally and 27 Dresses.
Magnolia Bakery
My mom's favorite bakery, the beautiful Magnolia Bakery, was featured in Season 3, Episode 5 of SATC. Whilst biting into the scrumptious cupcake from Magnolia, Carrie confesses to Miranda her newfound crush (and obviously the best love interest)--Aidan. Magnolia Bakery has been a New York City staple since 1996 and has expanded to 20 stores across the world. One of my favorite things about New York is its magical ability to make dreams come true. You could have any hope or wish in the world and when you put in the work–like Magnolia Bakery–it pays off. It gives me hope that no matter how tiny an idea may be, it can still be mighty. Although simple and quaint, this scene speaks volumes to me. If you’re looking for a sweet treat, head right on over to Bleecker and grab yourself one of their famous red velvet cupcakes or banana pudding!
Buddakan
Located in the heart of Chelsea, Buddakan is an Asian French fusion restaurant that opened in 2006 by restaurateur Stephen Starr. It’s also one of my favorite restaurants in New York City (and I really wanted to gatekeep, so you’re welcome). In the first SATC movie, Buddakan is featured in the opening scene where Big and Carrie's engagement party is held. It's also where the cynical, infamous Miranda Hobbes regrettably tells Big, “you two are crazy to get married” after having a fight with Steve–come to find out that Miranda blew the whole marriage (at least for a little bit.)
