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Tennis & Boutique Hopping on the UWS

Manhattan-Upper West Side

In addition to tennis, two of my favorite pastimes are photography and fashion. After a full day teaching, I love to stroll the streets of the Upper West Side and pop in and out of the many boutiques in the neighborhood. I love trying on some colorful innovative clothing and posing in twisty, athletic ways. I find that these jaunts activate my thinking and my creative juices.

Esther ForresterEsther Forrester

Esther Forrester is a former Division I tennis player. She is the Founder & Owner of Brainiac Tennis, and has been running her own tennis programs for kids for over 10 years and teaching for almost twenty. In addition to tennis, she enjoys roller blading, photography, fashion and performing stand up comedy in her spare time. On a typical day, she's teaching tennis and walking Riverside Park photographing whatever appears shiny, brilliant, and distinctive.

Brainiac Tennis @ Riverside Park & 76th StreetPing Pong & Racket Sports
Private tennis lessons, group lessons and birthday parties for kids and adults.
$$
(631) 948-1103website
Riverside Dr & W 76th St

Brainiac Tennis is a full service tennis school offering lessons and clinics across the city. One of our regular spots is in Riverside Park on the Upper West Side. We offer engaging and interactive classes to students of all ages. Drills are tailored to younger children and aim to create a memorable and relatable experience. Games contain plot lines, characters, and songs making the experience memorable, activating all senses, and creating a fun filled atmosphere.

Olive & Bette's - Upper West SideClothing boutiques
Colorful boutique featuring designer contemporary apparel & accessories for women.
$$$
(212) 579-2178website
252 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023

Olive & Bette’s is a New York staple. The shop itself is a very colorful and inviting spot. There's a mix of some higher end and trendier items and some reasonably priced pieces for ladies of all ages. The staff is super help and will always go the extra mile.

PAIGE - Upper West SideClothing boutiques
Denim specialist with a cool vibe features jeans, jackets & other casual apparel for men & women.
$$$
(212) 769-1500website
245 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023

Just around the corner from Olive & Bette's is another one of my favorite spots in the neighborhood. Great jeans, always an interesting selection and helpful staff . I love stopping in, trying on a few items and seeing if anything sings to me.

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