The Best Day Ever in New York City — with Jason Wexler
The Lower East Side of New York City: where cultures collide, flavors burst, and every street corner has a story to tell.
That’s where Jason Wexler, one of Evolve Tours’ go-to New York guides, found himself one crisp spring morning. No student group. No schedule. Just a local guide taking a rare day to see the city the way travelers should—through curiosity, taste buds, and a sense of wonder.
Usually, Jason’s leading students from the Statue of Liberty to Broadway, helping them see how history, art, and culture connect. But today? It was all about rediscovering the city that never stops surprising him.
Morning: Doughnuts and Discovery
Jason started his day at Doughnut Plant on Grand Street. The moment he stepped inside, the smell of freshly baked dough hit him like a hug.
He ordered a crème brûlée doughnut (crispy sugar top included) and a PB&J classic. “I tell my students to always try something new,” he laughed, “so today, I listened to my own advice.”
One bite later, the day was off to a perfect start.
Late Morning: Sugar Rush from the Past
From there, Jason wandered into Economy Candy, a Lower East Side time capsule bursting with vintage treats. It’s been open since 1937, and it feels like stepping into another era—walls stacked with old-school sweets like Cow Tales, Charleston Chews, and Bit-O-Honey.
Jason grabbed a few for nostalgia’s sake. “Places like this remind you how deep New York’s history runs—even in the little things,” he said.
Lunch: Old-School Flavor at Katz’s Delicatessen
By noon, hunger hit again—and there’s only one cure for that in the Lower East Side: Katz’s Deli.
Since 1888, Katz’s has been serving up the best pastrami sandwiches in the city—thick-cut, warm, and piled high on rye. Jason slid into a booth, took a bite, and smiled. “Every student who comes here gets it,” he said. “It’s not just food—it’s culture on a plate.”
The neon lights, the chatter, the history—it all adds up to that perfect New York moment.
Afternoon: Art, Books & Hidden Stories
Next, Jason headed to Bitforms Gallery, where a new multimedia exhibit explored the identity of New York’s five boroughs. “The city is its own living canvas,” he said. “You just have to slow down long enough to notice.”
A few blocks away, he ducked into Bluestockings, a volunteer-run bookstore and café that’s been a community hub for decades. While flipping through a book called Hidden New York, he found stories about secret gardens, forgotten subway stations, and the city’s underground art scene. “It’s like homework for my next tour,” he grinned.
Dinner: Comfort at Parm
When the sun dipped low, Jason made his way to Parm, a retro Italian-American spot that feels like it’s been around forever (in the best way).
Chicken parm, garlic bread, and red sauce that tastes like home—it’s New York comfort food done right. “This is where I’d bring friends after a long tour day,” Jason said. “It’s the reward for walking 20,000 steps through history.”
Evening: Reflection and the Evolve Spirit
Before heading home, Jason took one last stroll through the neighborhood. Between the smells of knishes from Yonah Shimmel’s Bakery and the glow of the skyline, he felt that spark again—the same one that drives him to show students this city.
“New York never stops teaching you,” he said. “Every corner is a story, every meal a history lesson. That’s what we try to share on every Evolve Tour—authentic connection, real learning, and experiences you’ll remember forever.”
The next morning, Jason woke up, opened his new book, and circled a few new spots to explore. Because in New York City—and on every Evolve adventure—the best day ever is always the next one.
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Email: info@evolvetours.com
Phone: 1-888-222-5066
Website: www.evolvetours.com
