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QG: New York City's QuickGuide
Midtown East
From E. 23rd to E. 58th sts., btw the East River & Fifth Ave.
With points of interest along skyscraper-lined streets, the only thing missing from this urbane section of the city is boredom.
Turtle Bay
» 9:00 a.m.
Ess-a-Bagel 831 Third Ave., btw E. 50th & E. 51st sts., 1.212.980.1010. Begin the day like a native New Yorker with a freshly baked toasted bagel and a "schmear"—either classic cream cheese or one of 15 flavored varieties, from lox to blueberry to jalapeño.
» 10:00 a.m.
American Girl Place 609 Fifth Ave., at 49th St., 1.212.371.2220. Ascend to doll paradise at this flagship store for the famed brand, where you can not only buy a historically themed doll, as well as her clothes and accessories, but also get her a new hairdo in the beauty shop, have her picture taken in the photo studio and feed her sweets in the café.
» 11:30 p.m.
Wempe Jewelers 700 Fifth Ave., at 55th St., 1.212.397.9000. Spend time perusing the high-tech Breitlings, sporty Tag Heuers, elegant Patek Philippes and other timepieces at this international jeweler.
» 1:00 p.m.
BICE Ristorante 7 E. 54th St., btw Madison & Fifth aves., 1.212.688.1999. Mangia on tagliolini lobster, veal-and-spinach ravioli or another northern italian specialty—and save room for gelato—at this pasta power scene with striped banquettes and a vaulted ceiling.
» 3:00 p.m.
Golfsmith 641 Lexington Ave., btw E. 54th & E. 55th sts., 1.212.317.9720. Work out the kinks in your golf game at this sporting goods store, which features an indoor driving range and staffers to assess your swing and advise on equipment and clothing; there's a full range of gear for tennis players, too.
» 4:30 p.m.
Flying Cranes Antiques The Manhattan Art & Antiques Center, 1050 Second Ave., btw E. 55th & E. 56th sts., 1.212.223.4600. Marvel at a myriad of Meiji period (1868-1912) furnishings and decorative items from Japan, such as jewel-toned cloisonné boxes, delicate porcelain vases, carved ivory miniatures and silver flasks.
» 6:00 p.m.
Ze Café 398 E. 52nd St., btw FDR Dr. & First Ave., 1.212.758.1944. Enjoy French and Italian dishes, matched with appropriate wines, in a former florist shop turned restaurant, decorated to look like a serene garden patio with flowers, tiny topiaries and wicker chairs.
» 9:00 p.m.
Top of the Tower Beekman Tower Hotel, 3 Mitchell Pl., 26th fl., First Ave. & E. 49th St., 1.212.980.4796. Top off the day with a classic nightcap at this sleek, secret aerie with glittering, 360-degree views of Midtown skyscrapers, illuminated bridges and the East River.