Where do Seaport residents and local workers go to start their days, find inspiration or simply kick back with the family in downtown NYC? We check in with our neighbors to get the scoop on their Lower Manhattan favorites.

This week: Seaport Resident & Mom of 2, Nicole Rossi

A former investment banker and entrepreneur, Nicole Rossi loves raising her daughter, 4, and son, 3, in the Seaport District. Here, she shares her favorite spots around the neighborhood.

What do you love most about the Seaport District?

My children love this neighborhood. There is something so calming about being able to see boats and the water and sunrises from the east while living in an otherwise very crowded city. 

Which spots in the Seaport do your kids love?

My children and I often walk to a little ‘beach’ just off Dover Street and the river in the early mornings, and we love exploring Piers 15, 16 and 17—almost daily. My children enjoy visiting Fulton Stall Market, ringing the bell at the South Street Seaport Museum, and scooting and biking around on the open quad on Peck Slip between Water Street and South Street and on the piers. We have ‘Mommy & Me’ hair sessions at Primp or a ‘big boy cut’ at Fellow Barber. The kids love exploring the waterfront at Pier 17 (sometimes riding escalators just for fun) and scooting along Front Street, with the occasional visit to one of the two ice-cream parlors there. They climb rocks near the Titanic Memorial or explore Cannon’s Walk behind the Seaport Museum. Now that summer is upon us, we plan to set sail on Pioneer as often as possible. Imagination Playground and Pearl Street Playground are also neighborhood stomping grounds.

Do you have any favorite date or dinner spots?

Quite a few. Bellini is very charming, as is Coco. I am recently in love with The Fulton — the location, decor, food and setting are all magical. My favorite summer date night line-up would include a concert on The Rooftop at Pier 17, followed by a visit to our favorite local dive bar, Fish Market for ‘late night’ fried rice.

Pasanella & Son is our go-to wine shop for dinners at home. They have such a unique selection of incredible wines. 

What is the best way to spend a weekend in the Seaport?

Aside from the concerts, the museum and sails on Pioneer, trips to Governors Island are quite magical, with a stop at Cafe Patoro on the outbound and either Van Leewen or Big Gay Ice Cream (depending on our mood) inbound. 

Do you have a favorite place to shop or window shop?

Cynthia Rowley! For fantastic art books, 10 Corso Como. For any printing needs: Bowne & Co., Stationers.

Which new place or activity are you most excited about opening in the Seaport?

All of it. But I’m most excited about the possibility of a yoga studio that offers sunrise yoga from Pier 17 and one day having a boat moored off our little beach on Dover Street and the East River.