Susan Rockefeller’s motto is “to protect what is precious,” which for her is family, art, and nature. The New York-based entrepreneur, conservationist, and award-winning filmmaker certainly practices what she preaches, living a life dedicated to creating a better world.Not only is Rockefeller the Founder of the socially and environmentally motivated multimedia company Protect What Is Precious, she is also the creator of a message-inspired jewelry collection and the producer and director of films that explore contemporary issues such as ocean health and PTSD.In addition to her entrepreneurial activities, Susan Rockefeller sits on the boards of Oceana, Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, We Are Family Foundation, and is a member of the Natural Resources Defense Council Global Leadership Council.To find out more about her work and to get some tips on the best places to eat, stay, shop, and visit in her home city of New York, BLOUIN ARTINFO asked her a few questions.Where would you head to in New York to find new inspiration in life and work?New York is such a dynamic and energetic city that I find inspiration everywhere I go. I love just being outside and observing street style, or walking to the park and seeing people of all ages and backgrounds find common joy in being in nature.What are your recommendations for must-visit places in New York and why?My list is endless! The city has so much to offer. If you’re here around the holidays I recommend seeing the tree and ice skating at Rockefeller Center. Museums like the Met, MoMA, and the Museum of Natural History have exhibitions that will take your breath away. If you’ve never been before, I’d suggest going to Times Square to feel the vibrant energy of the crowds. One of the places I find to be the most special in New York is Ellis Island. It’s so powerful to see the migration patterns of those coming into the US and to understand the make-up of immigrants that have built our country.What restaurants, bars, and cafes would you recommend in New York and why?I love Joe’s pub at the public theater. It’s an old New York bar with an eclectic mix of live performances and it’s really fun with a group! Smoke Jazz & Supper club on Broadway also has live jazz with a more intimate vibe, along with Minton’s Playhouse in Harlem. The West Bank Café on West 42nd street has a great basement cabaret, and Omen in Soho has the best sushi and Asian food imaginable in NYC.How would you spend a free morning or afternoon in New York?Like any New Yorker, I’d first have a cup of coffee. Then I’d go to a Bikram Yoga class and juice press to restore my body. When I have free time I love to read and write and make some art, or just be at home and enjoy the simple comforts of my apartment.Where would you head to in New York for the best shopping and what would you buy?For unique gifts & accessories I’d go to Blue Tree on Madison Avenue. When it comes to fashion, I strongly believe in a circular economy and make most of my purchases via The RealReal. When I do shop for new items, I like to support local New York designers. I buy timeless clothing from Morgan Le Fay and shoes and boots from Michelle Negri.Where would you recommend people stay when they visit New York?If you’re in Midtown and want to be near the theater, one option with a higher price point is the One Hotel. The Bowery is a great downtown spot, and the Carlyle and the Mark are my favorite uptown hotels. If you know anyone who is a member at the Cos Club or the New York Yacht Club, they have more beautiful and more affordable rooms.What are the best places to see and buy art in New York?If you’re looking to see art, I’d suggest New York’s staple museums such as the MoMA and the Met.  If you’re interesting in acquiring artwork, there are a lot of galleries in Chelsea, the Lower East side and Williamsburg that are great. Galleries such as Gagosian and David Zwirner Gallery are more established, while places like PS1, Pierogi Gallery, Dustin Yellin’s Pioneer Works, and Storefront for Art & Architecture feature more emerging artists.What projects are you currently working on/involved in?I sit on the Board of Oceana, Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, and the We Are Family Foundation. The majority of my non-profit work surrounds preserving the delicate balance between healthy soils and healthy seas and working to create a nurturing global community of environmental advocates and humanitarians. In my professional life, I am the Founder of a multimedia company called Protect What is Precious that uses storytelling, filmmaking, and collaboration to raise awareness and drive positive action for the issues that impact us all. Most recently, I’ve begun further building out the digital communications arm of Protect What is Precious via one-minute video interviews for social media, and a new editorial site that will be launching in the New Year. Read more