A Day Off, Well Spent in Meatpacking

Your guide to making the most of a free Wednesday in the neighborhood this Veteran's Day.

A Wednesday without meetings, deadlines, or a commute? Don't waste it catching up on emails.

Whether you've got the day to yourself or you're bringing someone along, Meatpacking has plenty to keep you occupied. From a proper bagel breakfast and unexpected art finds to trying your hand at DJing, here's how we'd spend a day off in the neighborhood.

10 AM | First Order of Business: A Bagel

Start your morning at Best Bagel & Coffee, a new addition to the neighborhood serving up hot and cold breakfast sandwiches and plenty of flavorful spreads. If you're lucky, you might catch their limited-edition pumpkin bagel before it disappears on November 15. Consider this your sign to try something beyond your usual order.

11 AM | Take Your Time at Chelsea Market

With no meetings to get back to, you've got time to explore.

Start at Fishs Eddy, where quirky dishware, colorful glassware, and home goods make browsing a little too tempting. Then check out JB Prince, the market's newest addition for home cooks and kitchen enthusiasts, stocked with professional-grade culinary tools.

12 PM | A Little Rock 'n' Roll

There's more than food and shopping inside Chelsea Market.

Stop by Coffeeright Creator Gallery for Set in Stones, an independent exhibition of Rolling Stones portraits and concert photography by Michael Donald. It's a chance to see the legendary band through the lens of someone who captured their energy onstage and beyond.

1 PM | Get Ahead of the Holiday Menu

Thanksgiving is approaching, and your usual side dish could probably use some competition.

Swing by Posman Books and browse the cookbook selection for recipes worth testing before the holiday. Whether you're hosting or contributing something to the table, consider this your head start.

2:30 PM | Find Your Inner DJ at Roland

Ever wondered whether you've got what it takes behind the decks?

Head to Roland's first U.S. flagship, where music isn't just something you listen to. Explore professional DJ and music production equipment, get hands-on with the gear, and learn a thing or two from the experts. Whether you're a complete beginner or have been curious about producing your own tracks, this might be the start of a new hobby.

5 PM | Clock Into Happy Hour at Estelle's

You've covered quite a bit of ground for someone with the day off.

Make Estelle's your final stop and settle in for a cocktail. After a day of browsing, discovering, and possibly uncovering your hidden DJ talents, we'd say you've earned it.

A Wednesday Well Spent

A good bagel, a few unexpected finds, some rock 'n' roll, and a cocktail to finish. Not bad for a day without a single meeting.

The best part? You didn't have to leave Meatpacking to make a day of it.