Teri Johnson, also known as Travelista Teri, is a language-lover and cultural enthusiast. A native Texan, Teri moved to the Harlem neighborhood of New York City after college to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time storyteller, travelista and entrepreneur. Passionate about sharing her travel experiences and tips she’s learned, Teri creates travel videos on destinations and adventures around the world and joins forces with amazing brands on social media and video campaigns to help them inspire target audiences. She also recently created the Harlem Candle Company where she uses one-of-a kind fragrances that capture the essence and light of Harlem and other awe-inspiring destinations around the world.
If you had a friend coming to town, where would you recommend they stay?
As much as I love Harlem, we don’t have many hotels uptown so I would recommend they stay in Soho or in the Meatpacking District located further downtown. Those areas are packed with great restaurants, bars, shops and there are always cool art and culture events going on. If you’re traveling with friends, splurge on a room at the Gramercy Park Hotel and strategize on how to get into the Rose Bar, which is their super exclusive bar with nightly celebrity sightings. For a more mellow vibe with a rooftop pool and amazing city views, book a room at the James Hotel. Lastly, I would recommend the Standard High Line in the Meatpacking District. It is in a perfect location for sweeping views of the city and is close to the beautiful, newly opened Whitney Museum of American Art.
Come to Barawine for dinner, but don't forget to peruse the wine selection.
Tell us about your favorite street in NYC.
Filled with stores, outdoor vendors and friendly Harlem locals, my favorite street is 125th street in Harlem. It is also home to the Apollo Theater, a deep rooted historical landmark where you can see concerts or take a tour. I recommend visiting The Studio Museum in Harlem, having lunch or dinner at Red Rooster Harlem and shopping with the local vendors. One of my favorite stores is Kaarta Imports & Exports which sells beautiful beaded and handcrafted jewelry imported from Africa. If you love sneakers, 125th street is a must because there are sneaker shops in abundance.
Where do you go for a spa day and to tune out the hustle and bustle of the city?
I go to Oasis Day Spa on Park Avenue. They have amazing massages and spa treatments topped with excellent service.
How do you stay fit outdoors in New York?
I love to stay fit by riding my bike in Central Park. The loop is roughly 6.4 miles, and the bike lanes are wide enough to cruise with ease. Since I live just a few blocks away, I consider it my backyard. Insider tip: Central Park is most beautiful in the spring when the flowers are in bloom and in fall when the leaves change colors.
Nothing quite like a stroll through Central Park, unless it's snowpocalypse.
What is it about New York that keeps you coming back for more?
The food, culture, art scene and high energy of NYC are what appeal to me most. It is such a diverse, melting pot of a city that you can essentially travel without even leaving your borough. There are plenty of great neighborhoods with their own character, charm and subcultures. Contrary to popular belief, most people in NYC are friendly and helpful if you approach them with a smile. Because of it’s cultural diversity, high-spirited residents and endless opportunities to experience something new and cool, NYC is arguably the best city in the world.
What’s the one over-the-top experience you’d love to have in your city?
I would love to fly in a seaplane to and from The Hamptons which would take a quick 30 minutes versus the grueling 2½ hours or more it takes by car. The planes take off and land in the East River and are a sight to see.
Harlem Food Bar has you covered for comfort food and cocktails, day or night.
Eat, Drink, Be Merry
1. Barawine
2. The Mermaid Inn
3. Miss Lily’s
4. Catch
5. Acme
6. Harlem Food Bar
Try This
1. NYC during the holidays
2. Bike and boat ride in Central Park
3. A Broadway show
4. Outdoor concert or festival at Summerstage in Central Park
5. Shopping at Brooklyn Flea, Sugar Hill Market in Harlem and Chelsea Flea Market
Stay and Play
1. Metropolitan Museum of Art
2. Whitney Museum of American Art
3. Lincoln Center
4. The High Line
5. Rockefeller Center
Find the pop of color you need at The Malcolm Shabazz Harlem Market.
Like a bit of Africa in New York
