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Travel story · New york

Katharine Hepburn's New York

A three-day tour of the New York that shaped Katharine Hepburn — the woman who made trousers salonfähig. Theatres, bookshops, and the sharp, unapologetic wit she wore as confidently as her slacks.

Katharine Hepburn's New York
Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

Day 1: East Side, on the town

Hepburn grew up in Hartford but made her name on Broadway. Start near her former pied-à-terre around Turtle Bay and walk to Grand Central, her gateway to the city.

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Vintage Chaps Ralph Lauren Mens Brown Leather Front Vest Size L 63955 999

Day 2: The theater district

She played in The Philadelphia Story and, decades later, was still on the boards. Walk through the Theater District, grab coffee at a diner, and catch a matinee the way she did: back straight.

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Vintage RL,Polo Country Ralph Lauren,Red Cream,Wool Sweater,Wool +Silk,Hand Knit

Day 3: Books and beans

Her love of reading and simple food was legendary. The Strand Bookstore and a sandwich in the Village complete the picture: comfortable, opinionated, fearless.

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Ralph Lauren Eyeglasses Model 563 Color Matt Silver Vintage Rare Cable Temples

Along the way

  1. 01

    Grand Central Terminal

  2. 02

    The Strand Bookstore

  3. 03

    The Algonquin Hotel

  4. 04

    Turtle Bay Gardens

  5. 05

    Theater District

  6. 06

    Tompkins Square Park