Antiquing And Baked Apples: How Talent Manager Em Mannswirth Unwinds In New York State

When Emma Mannswirth made the move from Australia to New York in 2014, it was off the back of a fleeting first encounter with New York City—but one that changed the course of her life. 

“I came to the United States for a music festival that was out in California. I did Mexico and Vegas, all that stuff, but I was like, ‘No, I have to come to New York while I'm in the country.’ I came for less than 48 hours, and by the time I left, I got back to Sydney, bought a one-way ticket, quit my job, and made it work.”

And make it work, she did. Having started her career in Australia, working across industries like marketing, architecture, design, creative strategy, and fashion, she’s the founder of Mann’s, a talent management and creative studio in New York. If that’s not enough, she’s also a guest lecturer at New York University. It’s enough to wipe out anyone.

So where does she go to recharge? Escaping the hustle and bustle of New York City is a must for Mannswirth, and she loves heading to both Central New York and the Finger Lakes regions. As an Aussie, her affinity for nature is strong, and both areas provide a chance to reset. 

“Touching grass is important,” she says. “In the city, the energy is amazing, but I think it’s healthy to get out and see stars, which you can't do in the city, and breathe some fresh air.”

Syracuse is one place that’s close to Mannswirth’s heart. From farmers' markets to a lively cultural scene, it’s a place that she’s forever exploring. “You can get lost and spend the whole day shopping and come out with crazy memorabilia, clothes, and antique mid-century furniture.” 

As a nature lover, she says the glacial Green Lake is also a must. "It's just absolutely unbelievable. So crystal clear. You can walk around the whole lake in about an hour, and it's just truly breathtaking.”

If you’re after more of a culinary experience, Syracuse has that in spades, too. The area helps New York live up to its name as the Big Apple with cideries, orchards, and then some. “Apple season is crazy. At a lot of the farmers' markets, they have baked apple pies, apple cider doughnuts, and fresh apple cider.” If you have a sweet tooth , then you’ll be in heaven. 

When she’s in the Finger Lakes, there are a few items on her to-do list: hiking, waterfalls, and wineries. Some of her fondest memories of the Finger Lakes are during the colder months, making it a perfect winter getaway. 

“It’s just so cosy. There are fresh-baked pies, and you can smell wood-burning fireplaces, and sit around a fire pit and drink apple cider. It’s gorgeous.”

Mannswirth says that part of the magic of the Finger Lakes is the different experiences it can provide throughout the year. Depending on when you visit, your trip could look very different. 

“You could go up four times and have four completely different trips. In the summer, you can spend a lot of time kayaking and out on the lake and doing lakeside activities. Whereas in the fall, it's definitely the produce season. I personally think the fall is for sure the most magical. And then winter, it snows. So it's definitely bringing the snow lodge vibes. And then in spring, everything's just beautiful and coming alive.”

For those considering a trip to New York, Mannswirth has a few words of encouragement: get out and explore beyond the city’s boundaries. Affectionately known as Americana’s hometown, Cooperstown in Central New York is at the heart of a region dubbed Brew Central—thanks to its thriving craft beverage scene. Blending small-town Americana charm with world-class food and drink, it’s a paradise for wanderers and culinary explorers alike.  

“There's really something for everyone. Whether you're really into the arts, or if you're really into culinary experiences, or you're really into nature, or you're really into music, you can find it all.” 

From antiquing in Syracuse to waterfalls and wineries in the Finger Lakes, there’s so much to fall in love with in New York State.

Discover even more tastes and experiences waiting for you on a New York State holiday here.

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Images: Em Mannswirth.