Uptown Loving

I've mentioned previously how much of a fan I am of NYC and how periodically I act as a tourist in my own city. The thing about NYC (or the 5 boroughs) is that there is so much to explore. Just when you thought you've seen it all something new is built or some new trend has started. It's an ever evolving place with new things to always see.

Over the summer, I had one of those days. Didn't want to sit home, didn't want to stay in my neighborhood, so I got out with a few family members and took a ride Uptown. I love Uptown! It's full of culture, great food, art, and when compared to Midtown a lot more quiet and calm. Not all areas of Uptown are great (FYI) but if you know where you're going you'll be fine.

We headed to the Cloisters. The Cloisters is perfect if you're a fan of art, history, or are looking for a nice quiet spot to have lunch, take a walk or just relax with a bit of scenery. The Cloisters is actually a museum which contains artwork from the Medieval times. You can pay to see the museum and interior or you can just save your money and walk the surrounding area. The building's architecture looks like a fort and it overlooks the Hudson River. It's surrounded by gardens and is within the area of Fort Tryon Park which gives you plenty of areas to walk, sit, and/or relax. This time, I didn't go to see the art work but I have been there before. The interior of the museum is like a blast from the past, like walking right into history, it is amazing and definitely worth visiting if that interests you.

Entrance to the Cloisters

All Pictures Posted Taken By Miss_NYCity

When you get to the location you can continue walking and you'd be in the Fort Tryon Park area where there are benches for you to take in the scenery, grass areas for you to sit and have picnics, and there are views of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge. It's hard to imagine that in Manhattan you can get lost in areas that feel like you are NOT in the city but they exist you just have to find them.

Fort Tryon Park, Uptown Manhattan

All Pictures Posted Taken By Miss_NYCity

Subway Station  /  George Washington Bridge

All Pictures Posted Taken By Miss_NYCity

Enjoy,
Miss_NYCity <3 br="">

Summer Travel Memories

I always love the easy going, chill vibe of summer. Everyone is ready to relax and have a good time. But nothing inspires me and makes me feel more content than the crisp air of fall in New York. I just can't wait!! With Fall just a couple of days away, I thought I'd share with you a bit of my summer adventures.

The start of summer was just amazing. I got engaged in the most unexpected way with the love of my life on my favorite New York City Bridge, the Brooklyn Bridge. Although it was raining and cold for a June day it was perfect. That overall set the tone of my summer to one of happiness and positivity. Many changes are underway in my life and I am more than ready for them. Read more about my engagement story here http://msnycity.blogspot.com/2015_07_01_archive.html. Check out my engagement video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTW2KYeO6bo

Aside from all the love and support from family and friends that we received, I always like to squeeze in some time to either explore the city or go on traveling adventures.This summer, I didn't have a vacation planned so we took a few road trips.

First stop was Upstate, NY.
It's become a tradition for us to get away from the city during the first weekend of summer. We rent out a house upstate and enjoy the peace and quiet of the country side. The views of the mountains are breathtaking and nothing clears your mind quite like it.

Catskills, NY

This picture was taken by @Miss_NYCity

Next stop was Maryland.
My cousin was getting married so we spent the weekend there. Thanks to GoogleMaps, I was able to search for Washington, D.C. and it was only a half hour from where we were staying so we stopped there for the day. Washington, D.C. reminded me a lot of lower Manhattan but much bigger. All the historic buildings were gorgeous. Everything was within walking distance so you start one place and end up walking to the next place and it's just never ending walking. So if you are planning your trip there make sure you bring your sneakers or comfortable walking shoes. Our plan was just to see the White House and we ended up going to the Washington and Lincoln monument. Below are a few pictures.

       
                              The White House                          Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool                           Lincoln Memorial

                                                 Pictures taken by @Miss_NYCity

                           
                                         Lincoln Memorial               Washington Monument & Lincoln Reflecting Pool
                                                   
                                                  Pictures taken by @Miss_NYCity


Next stop was Pennsylvania.
I've been to several parts of Pennsylvania in the past but I've always wanted to go hiking. ALWAYS. I love nature and being in the outdoors and having looked on Pinterest I saw the beautiful sights of the Delaware Water Gap and it just motivated me to go and try it. My fiance and I decided we'd get a little mini NYC getaway. Ironically the Delaware Water Gap, is actually NOT in Delaware. It's part of the Delaware River that separates New Jersey and Pennsylvania so you can choose which side you'd like to see. We stayed on the side of Pennsylvania.

First, I'd like to say we weren't really prepared for the hike we were about to go on. I knew there'd be a lot of walking so I wore light sweats, sneakers, and a tank top. I figured we'd have a tour guide and that there would be different kinds of trails to go on. Obviously we would choose the easier one since we are new to this. I was prepared with water and the insect repellent spray for the woods. But nope, it was nothing like I thought. It was just my fiance and I in the woods. We were literally all alone. Nobody around but trees, bugs, and birds. You heard nothing but the cracking of twigs, the leaves and rocks beneath your shoes as you walked and the quiet of nature. As city people, we looked so out of place! LOL We had a map but had no real idea where we were going. Luckily we bumped into a few people who were familiar with the location and helped us out. There were marks on the trees that we had to follow in order to come and go. It was absolutely exhilarating, creepy, tiring, and fun! It was one of the best experiences I've had in a while. We hiked so high, I'm still shocked about it. The view with the fresh air was the best reward. This was the view from above.

Delaware Water Gap- Pennsylvania

Picture taken by @Miss_NYCity

I think taking breaks from life, going on vacation, traveling, or sightseeing in your own town is so important. It refreshes you, reminds you why you work so hard and often times makes you ready to work even harder. I love traveling, exploring, and trying new things. It opens your mind and makes you see things from a different perspective. Some people say "oh i don't have time or money to go on vacation." I don't want to hear those excuses! If you can sit in front of your tv for hours, or spend countless hours of your day on social media you can make time to travel. As far as money goes, I understand traveling can be expensive but road trips can be cheaper if you have a car. If you don't hop on a train! One day trips don't cost much and I assure you you wont regret it.

I'll leave you with this quote by Mark Twain:

Love and safe travels,
Miss_NYCity xoxo

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Sharing with you my Brooklyn Roots

It's not always easy to live in the present.

So often, we get caught up in the moments of the past, the worries of the future and forget that we are in the now. When we look back at the good and bad memories, that's really all they are...MEMORIES. We can't take them back, relive them, or rewind time. All we can do is remember.

Recently, I took a drive to Brooklyn to stop at a cafe that I used to go to when I was in college. I love reminiscing and looking back on life. Typically, I realize that all the worries of the past and all the stresses of the moment were really so minuscule I can hardly even remember them.

On my way to the cafe, I decided to drive by my old neighborhood where I grew up. I lived in Bushwick, Brooklyn for a small portion of my life. However, that small portion did really shape my personality and give me the drive and sass that I have today. It was a predominantly Puerto Rican neighborhood. You'd see the sneakers hanging off the electric wires as well as Puerto Rican flags. In the summer it was too hot to be in the apartment so everyone chilled outside on their stoop. My sister and I would make paper kites and try to fly them out of our gated windows. In the winter, we'd go out and make snow angels on the sidewalk since we had no backyard or front yard. We'd shop on the avenue for anything from clothes, shoes, to groceries. I'll always remember going there with my mother to get curtains for the house or little things she needed. Some people feel a sense of shame when they look back at how they lived and where they came from. Not me. I feel blessed to have come from that neighborhood and to have had the experiences I've had. Being an adult now, I appreciate the luxuries I have and feel humbled to see how hard my parents worked to give us a better life. When we moved out of Brooklyn to Queens, we lived in a better neighborhood but I will never forget my roots. And even now when I visit at my age, I can walk around there and feel like I'm home.

        

All pictures posted are property of @Miss_NYCity

Growing up in Bushwick was not always the best or easiest. There were people who did drugs, people who were up to no good (our house got robbed), and it wasn't the cleanest. You had to walk with an attitude to be respected and  speaking up for yourself was common. That's where I learned to be strong and not allow anyone or anything get in my way..and I didn't. I can't express to you how these life skills helped me get through so many other areas and challenges in my life.

All pictures posted are property of @Miss_NYCity

When I arrived at my old neighborhood, I couldn't believe how it's beginning to change. It's still recognizable but here and there you will notice cafes, little restaurants with outdoor seating, and renovated apartment complexes. On the windows of the house I lived in was a sign that read "NO BUY OUTS." The neighborhood is changing before everyone's eyes and yet some people are still so caught up on their past, their futures, that I'm not sure they realize what is happening. A part of me is excited for the changes of New York, the neighborhoods are cleaner and it's much more of a modern city. However, more parts of me are sad that my roots will soon just be just a memory.


The Brooklyn that I knew and grew up is changing so fast. I often wonder what it would be like for this new generation growing up in the city. It hardly looks the same and soon possibly, it won't feel the same. It won't feel like the home I knew and grew up. So in honor of that I decided to take a few pictures of my old neighborhood so that I can always look back on when I feel down, when I feel stressed, or when I just want to reminisce about my childhood Brooklyn days. The fact is, time stops for no one so always seize the day, make the best of your moments and take advantage of what's in front of you when it's in front of you because you just never know if it will be there tomorrow, in a few days or a few years!

With Love,
Miss_NYCity xoxo

QUEENS

According to recent news, the borough of Queens was voted #1 top travel destination in the United States by Lonely Planet, a very popular travel publisher (www.lonelyplanet.com). For those unfamiliar with NY State here's a quick breakdown...in very simple terms, there's Upstate NY (which takes up the majority of NY State) and there are the 5 boroughs. The 5 boroughs are also considered NYC to New York natives and nearby states. NYC's five boroughs are Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island.

Although I was raised in Brooklyn for my first few years, I consider myself a Queens Native because I was raised and spent a greater majority of my years living in this borough. New Yorker above everything but Queens native. I've mentioned in previous posts a few spots in Queens that are my favorites including shopping spots and views of the skyline, however I was recently shocked by the fact that Queens was voted #1 and honestly hoping that this borough remained a hidden gem.

So why is Queens so interesting all of a sudden?
Well with the cost of living getting increasingly high as the years go by, Manhattan is becoming almost in possible to live in, unless of course you are a celebrity, a millionaire, or are fortunate enough to have family that owned property there for years.

Queens is the perfect balance. It's right in the middle of everything. Your 20 minutes away from the city (Manhattan), your 20 minutes away from Long Island, depending on where you live, your 15-30 minute drive from parts of Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island (driving without traffic). Queens is also just very chill, because it's more residential, parking is easier and traffic within the borough it's self is usually manageable compared to Manhattan and Brookyln. The best part is if you want to go to the city or Brookyln you are really close by.

So what are the popular spots in Queens?
-Flushing Meadow Park: Flushing Meadow Park is located in Corona, Queens. Most people remember or identify it with the world globe. It is the largest park in Queens and although it is a nice park, it can get crowded and really deserves a lot more attention during summer months as far as cleaning and maintenance goes, but that's my opinion. It's still a beautiful park.

Nearby: Corona Lemon Ice King, featured on shows like the King of Queens. It's a popular spot in the summer for its' Italian ices. My favorite pizza spot it also nearby- Angelos Pizzeria.

-Long Island City: This area of Queens is know for its' water front stunning view of Manhattan's skyline. Whether you stop by during the day or at night, the view is breathtaking and unremarkable.When I was a teenager, this area of Queens was not well known. It was a little secret location only known by Queens natives. We'd go there to chill by the piers on a nice warm day or night. On the 4th of July we'd meet there to see the fireworks. It has changed completely. Now it's known for its' luxury condominiums and high rise buildings and restaurants. Definitely a perfect tourist spot if you want to chill, enjoy the view, and enjoy some good brunch!

Nearby: Spice (Thai Restaurant), Elaysi (Mexican Restaurant), Blend on the Water (Latin Fusion), Queensboro Bridge.

-Astoria: Astoria Queens is a busy town filled with nightlife, restaurants and additional city views. Parts of Astoria are waterfront. The Triboro AKA RFK Bridge is there and is one of the bridges that you are allowed to walk or bike.

Nearby: Don Coqui (Puerto Rican Cuisine/Latin Fusion) restaurant and nightlife, Steinway (shopping), Astoria Park, RFK Bridge.

Enjoy!

xoxo,
Miss_NYCity

Autumn NYC

Every year when Fall roles around New Yorkers get excited! The humid summer air dies down, replaced by cool, crisp air. The leaves change from green to beautiful colors of red, orange, yellow, and brown. Many are even excited to replace their short sleeves and tank tops for hoodies and scarves. I am a big fan of Fall myself. I enjoy the weather and I also just love the Halloween season.

Last October, I gave you my top 5 list of things to do in the Fall here in the NY Tri-State area. I also shared with you my trip to Salem, MA and some other things I did. If you haven't read it, click the link for October under "Thoughts of a New Yorker". I promise you the article is still relevant and may offer some ideas if you are planning a trip into NYC or are a New Yorker and want to try something new.

This past weekend, I took a trip with my family Upstate, NY to do our usual traditional apple/pumpkin picking. Whether you have children or not, this is such a great experience. It's family friendly, dog friendly, and friend friendly! We decided to revisit the farm we went to last year called Stuarts Farm, located in Granite Springs. It was actually raining in the boroughs but it was cloudy Upstate. The weather was perfect, no mud, moist but not wet and the air was chilly as expected.

This farm allows for apple and pumpkin picking. They also have a store where they sell other products like honey, other vegetables like squash, and different kinds of pumpkins. Next to the store, is a bakery where you can find a number of freshly baked goods as well as snacks if you're hungry.

One of my favorite things about going to this particular farm is their apple cider donuts. O-M-G! As I've mentioned to you before, I love to eat, especially sweets! These apple cider donuts are baked fresh and usually come right out of the oven when you buy them. They are still warm when you bite into them and they are deliciously soft. I am telling you, this is a MUST have. Simply delicious.

Apple Cider Donuts @ Stuarts Farm, Upstate NY

All pictures posted were taken by @Miss_NYCity

Aside from the fun apple and pumpkin picking, there is a picnic area where you can rest, eat your snacks, and overall enjoy the fall ambiance. What you see is the colorful trees  changing colors and it's breathtaking.

Stuarts Farm View of Fall Foliage, Upstate NY

All pictures posted were taken by @Miss_NYCity

I am a city lady, I won't deny it however, I love going Upstate for a break from the noise to enjoy the quiet of nature.

How do you celebrate Fall in your town or here in NYC? Anything unique?
I love to hear from you!

Love,
Miss_NYCity

Top 10 Things New Yorkers Do While Commuting.

"Let me get a cup of cawfee."

Aside from the obvious accent, there are other things New Yorkers do that set them apart from people who are not originally from New York. New Yorkers are always commuting somewhere and usually are rushing, with that comes a lot of hilarious and strange behavior.

(1) The 'Go Fast then Slow' Walk: It's simple, every person who comes to New York eventually learns that "jay walking" (meaning you don't follow the walking traffic rules and cross whenever and wherever the hell you feel like it!) is common. It's illegal but not enforced. So New Yorkers have developed an interesting way to cross the street. Here's the scenario, you looked before  you crossed the middle of the street (where you're not supposed to) and everything was clear but then a car appears. You begin to jog a little because you feel bad being in his/her way but when you see the car getting closer and gradually slow down, you stop jogging and you walk the rest of the way across the street usually making the driver have to come to an almost complete stop. Rarely do you see someone commit to jogging or walking the whole way. I appreciate this walk over the person who just walks slow while the driver has the green light and then gives you that dirty look like "What are you gonna do?" I'm gonna let you walk but you better watch your walking and your attitude because there are people don't care. Take caution while you walk and let drivers have their turn!

(2)The Subway Nap: Ever notice while you're riding a subway there is always that one person knocked out on the train? Some people take a little cat nap and others take a full blown night cap. Well I've always been leery of this and I myself refuse to nap on the train for safety reasons. BUT I know plenty of family members and friends who allow the rhythm of the train to put them to sleep and miraculously they always wake up in time for their stop.

(3)The Dodge: As a driver or a walker you know how to navigate the streets of New York with one thing being your target ---WHEREVER THE HELL YOU NEED TO BE. So you've also mastered the art of "The Dodge." Dodging people, dodging cars, dodging puddles, dodging the infamous NY pidgeons that walk like New Yorkers, dodging bikes, dodging potholes, etc.

(4)The 'Do I Fit?': This applies to drivers and subway/bus riders. Finding a spot to sit or park your car is a rarity. Some people have no clue and others have mastered the art of parallel parking. I've been driving in NYC since I was a teen so I can say I've mastered this. But not everyone has, and if you haven't you really shouldn't try to fit in a spot you are not sure you fit in. I will not squeeze my car into a spot and scratch up another car in the process because I love my car and I respect other people's property but for YOU jerk offs who don't... well you know what you can do. Same goes for people on the train. You should know how big you are, if you don't fit in a seat don't squeeze yourself in making everyone around you miserable. It's not proper etiquette! We can always tell when there's a new driver or a driver from out of town on the road by the way they drive (slow) and the way they park.

(5)The Speedwalk: This is hilarious. A New Yorker can have a day off and still be speed walking like they are on a timed mission. You don't have anywhere to go but you're walking so fast you're sweating! Some people are chill but majority of New Yorkers walk and talk fast. I know I'm so guilty of this!

(6)The "Seen That Before": You can always tell a New Yorker from a tourist by the quick glance they give to something out of the ordinary. New Yorkers are exposed to a lot of things on a daily basis so rarely are we shocked when we see something that may be crazy to others. We may take a quick glance just to check what's going on but then we keep it moving. Tourists on the other hand, walk slow, take pics, stop, stare, etc. For others it's a culture shock, for us it's just a regular day.

(7)Avoiding Social Interactions: It's true people in New York don't say "good morning" unless they've known you. And by known you I mean, they have to see you at least 3 days out of the week straight for at least 3 weeks straight. I know as a female, I've experienced it all at some point while commuting. I've dealt with drunks on the train, people engaging in inappropriate sexual acts on the other side of the train while looking dead at me, and the whistles and comments about my appearance as I walk. So many annoying things!! In general I have my guard up and that comes with a face of attitude. It doesn't mean I have an attitude it means try me and you may get exactly what you were looking for...dependent on mood. One of two things may happen depending on (a)how disrespectful you are (b)how I'm feeling. On one day I may go lash out and on another day I may just ignore and roll my eyes. Depends on the day, depends on my mood. You don't like it, oh well. My priority is protecting myself first before being friendly with a stranger who may just be trying to take advantage. If you are new to New York you will develop this, it's an unspoken rule but it's the way you have to be to survive.

(8)The One Second Beep: There's something about New York City that is like no other and that is the rush of it all. People are in such a rush that if you do not move your car within 1 second of the light changing, someone will honk the horn at you. I know, this must be overwhelming and frustrating for you out of town drivers and new drivers but hey it's the way it works around here. So get moving!

(9) The Balancing Act: Ever notice while you are on the train or bus there are some people that can walk while the bus or train is in full motion, stop and go, and not even fall. I've seen people on the train who don't even hold on or lean. I'm too clumsy for that. I've also seen some hilarious things like people falling out of the train while leaning on the doors. Be safe out there!

(10)The "You're Not Allowed in my Lane": Quite annoying, I must admit. I think it's nice to share the road with other drivers but here's what I'm not gonna do. I am NOT going to let you into my lane if you've had your left signal blinker on for more than 5 seconds. Why? To me that signals you are (a)unpredictable (b) lost (c) searching your phone for directions (d) sleepy or (e) not paying attention. I want to avoid an accident so I will just try and get past you before letting you in front of me. So please, if you are switching lanes the way to do it in NYC is a quick signal and then move into the lane. Most NY drivers are very aware so we see you! Otherwise you will receive the unspoken chain reaction of drivers who will refuse to let you in.

Have you experienced any of this? Do you do this? I know I do!! Feel free to share any funny stories or opinions. I love hearing for you!

It's a New York thing.

Love,
Miss_NYCity

The Day New York City Changed Forever: My 9/11 Story

09/11/01

It was a beautiful September day. It was cool enough to tell that Fall was near but warm enough to still feel the last few hints of summer. The sun was so bright and shiny, with a big blue sky and those white puffy clouds you drew in first grade pictures. School had started the week before and everyone in public or private school was still getting adjusted to the back-to-school routine, new schedules, teachers, and classmates.

It was a Tuesday. I'll never forget it. I was in high school. Just like any other morning, I woke up, brushed my teeth, washed my face and fixed up my bed. I turned on the small box tv in my room and put on the news to see what the weather would be like that day. I went through my bureau searching for the perfect outfit out of the many choices I had, thanks to back-to-school shopping. My dad, an NYPD officer, let me know, I wouldn't be taking the bus today and we'd be getting breakfast before my first class. One thing I wasn't, as a teenager, was a morning person. I hated everything about having to get up soooo early for class. I didn't drink coffee then, so I had no energy to eat or talk. I just wanted to go back to bed, you know, typical teenage behavior. So I got in the car and the day begun.

We went to a local diner by my high school. I don't remember what I ordered, probably pancakes that I didn't eat. I wasn't into breakfast and couldn't really eat a big breakfast before school. I don't remember our conversation either, I just know that I probably contributed little to it [the conversation] due to my very teenage ways. Regardless, I always appreciated when my dad thought of me for breakfast. Even though my teenage-self didn't want to admit it or show it, it was great to spend time with my dad. After breakfast, he dropped me off in front of school, I gave him a kiss and went on with the day. Everything was normal, at least that was what we all thought.

First period was fine, when I went into my second period history class things changed fast. All of a sudden, a teacher came into the classroom to inform our teacher of something. It wasn't typical teacher gossip or new handouts. It was serious and we could all tell. Their expressions were serious and they spoke for a while. Finally, my teacher made the scariest announcement I have ever heard in my life..."the twin towers have fallen." You have to understand that at this time there was no social media (I know, hard to imagine), beepers had just begun to die out and people were getting into the use of cell phones. I had a cell phone, luckily, but not everyone did like they do now, so the news spread much slower than it does now. By the time we got the news, it was late and we knew very little about what was going on.

My teacher then went on to try to fix the TV so that we could see the news. He also mentioned that we were now living history. The TV wasn't working and he tried to use a metal hanger to get some sort of reception. We were all confused, some students were worried because they had family members who worked there. We didn't know what to do. There was an announcement on the loud speaker that briefly told us what happened and that the school was placed on lock down, no one was allowed to leave unless escorted by an adult or parent. We had so many questions, many of which adults had no answers to. Our teacher urged us to stay put until someone came to pick us up and let us know that it was possible that NY would be under martial law. It was so scary. Students were cutting class and leaving anyway. The next period, I tried calling my dad on my cell phone but no calls were going through. So I waited. Finally, my mother came to pick me up.

Heading home midday is typically fine in NYC. Very light traffic unless there is some kind of car accident or construction. On this day it was pure madness. The traffic was unbelievable. It was even worse than rush hour on a holiday weekend. Everyone was nervous, everyone was confused. You could literally feel the weight of it in the air. As we drove home, all you heard over the radio were updates about the attacks, and how there were other areas also affected. The gov't was urging all first responders to head to the scene including retired FDNY, police officers, paramedics, etc and as we drove on the highway all you saw were undercover police cars, ambulances, etc driving on the shoulder to get by, all heading the same way.

On the car ride home, my sister let us know that she had spoke to our father on the phone and he said he was heading to the scene and he would see us later. This was so scary. At home, our neighbors were outside talking about the events, asking questions, and in general trying to figure out what happened. Our next door neighbor, had just moved into the WTC towers the week before for work and we were all worried for her return.

I don't know what I did that day, but I know I was waiting for my father. The news was relaying the incidents and discussing what was happening. People literally walked across the bridges all the way home from Manhattan taking them more than 2-3 hours. Subways and buses were down in that area and shuttles were delayed picking the enormous mass of people trying to get home. The aftermath was horrible. Every channel covered the attacks. But what stood out to me the most was the weather. Such a beautiful sunny day and yet the Manhattan skyline was under the darkest cloud of smoke I had ever seen. The smoke lasted for days, weeks, possibly months. Buildings were covered in papers, soot, and wreckage. The horror stories were endless, everyone knew someone who was there, or worse. People came from miles away to help with the relief effort, and to this day body parts of people are still unidentified. One thing stood true that day, every American was a New Yorker. Amidst the horror was a unity among Americans especially New Yorkers.

Even the days, weeks, and months following the events were hard. I know every New Yorker was worried about another possible attack. Every New Yorker was worried for a family member or friend who had to travel anywhere in the city. No one would have ever thought or dreamed that something like this could actually happen here and that made anything possible. It drew us closer to family members and friends but also caused a lot of anxiety. I remember feeling sad every morning going to school thinking about what could "possibly" happen and feeling scared and worried for the people I knew. Others that day were not so lucky. They had to face the fact that their mother, father, uncle, aunt, cousin, sister, brother, was not coming home and never would. Sadly, life had to go on.

I know you are wondering about my father. Well I am blessed to say I was one of the lucky ones. My father arrived home extremely late that night. He didn't really want to talk about what he saw or experienced and I somehow could understand that. I was just so glad that he made it home. I prayed everyday for the families that lost loved ones. And although I did not experience their pain I sympathized with them knowing that I might have waited for my dad all night without him showing up.

To this day, 9/11 brings me tremendous sadness. Listening to the names of all the innocent lives that were lost due to an event of pure hate and evil enrages me. I don't consider the date an anniversary because to me, you celebrate an anniversary. I will never celebrate this day. To me, it is a a day of memorial. A day to stop, reflect and think of all those lives lost. It is a day that changed us forever. A day that changed NYC and America forever.

Freedom Tower, NYC

All pictures posted were taken by @Miss_NYCity

Seeing the Freedom Tower and memorial site all these years later, shows strength, perseverance, determination, and hope. We never want to move on and leave loved ones behind, and the "what-ifs" will be ever present, lingering in the back of our minds. However, we have had no choice but to move on. We have come along way. I don't ever think that anyone can do anything to fill the emptiness of losing loved ones. That is irreplaceable. However, we are a stronger, wiser New York!

I'm in my late 20s now and this day still is heavy for me. I did experience history and was old enough to understand it. It absolutely changed my life forever.

I've learned to not take life for granted, to live in the moment, and appreciate the special people in my life.

That being said, I'm now a morning person and I love breakfast.

**In Memory of all those lost on 9/11 including the passengers, pilots, flight attendants on hijacked flights, EMT/paramedics, fire fighters, police officers, and civilians here in NYC and in Washington. Also to the many military men and women who lost their lives to fight in the war. May you rest in peace forever and always.**

Always thankful to the paramedics, EMT, fire fighters, police officers, doctors, nurses, and other volunteers who helped in the aftermath working countless hours to clean up NYC and help those who were hurt. Your selflessness and heroism is and always will be appreciated.

Never Forget 09/11/01.

With Love,
Miss_NYCity

NYC Summer Memories

Heyyyyy!

I've been M.I.A! For real though, but I'm back not to worry.

Summer, summer, summertime. What's better then warm weather, BBQs, tan skin, bikinis, and drinks by the beach? NOTHING of course! I can't seem to find one complaint about this summer! Everything was perfect. The weather in NYC was so much cooler than usual. It was in the 80s by day and cool and breezy by night. Very little rain and very few humid days.

Williamsburg, NYC

All pictures posted were taken by @Miss_NYCity

I did my usual sightseeing and exploration and I stumbled upon a few new spots that I really enjoyed.

Catskills, NY: I spent a long weekend here to get away from the traffic and noisy Fourth of July in the boroughs. I'm not a fan of fireworks at all (personal story), so for me nothing is more annoying than listening to people scare the crap out of you with the fireworks they bought from other states. By the way it's illegal in NYC to have, purchase, or use fireworks. My dog hates it, I hate it, and this year we spent the weekend Upstate away from the noise. Even my dog came along. We rented a house up there, had a real bonfire, roasted marshmallows for smores. I loved the view of the mountains and the quiet sound of nature. It was so amazing. I even saw stars!!!

Brunch: Pranna & Punch. OMG! The reason why I have to workout consistently is because I love food too much! These two places are great.

• Pranna is located in the Gramercy area of Manhattan. I went to Pranna twice for a Sunday birthday gathering and it's just an amazing experience. It's brunch, so it's a fixed rate for food and unlimited drinks, like Mimosas, Bellinis, Screwdrivers, and Bloody Mary's. You eat first and then there is a live DJ. So there you are drinking and dancing at about 4pm and you are totally tipsy by 6pm, and once you get home your ready for bed! LOL! A great time. If you haven't done it go for it. It's perfect for birthdays and social events. Website: www.prannarestaurant.com

• Punch is a small low key restaurant located in the Flatiron district. The food is delicious and the drinks I had were perfect. I went with a friend and she enjoyed everything as well. Please if you are hungry or in the mood for brunch check this place out!!! Website: www.punchrestaurant.com

Snacks: As a lover of food, I have to say that it's surprising that I'm not overweight.

• Wafels&Dinges: For quite some time I've been interested in trying one of the food trucks and the one on my mental list was wafels&dinges. It had a belgium waffle with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, drizzled with chocolate syrup and topped with sugar powder. OMG! My mouth is watering all over again. It was seriously amazing. You can add any toppings you want and they have a variety of desserts, lunches, etc. Just please try it, you won't regret it. You can follow them on twitter @waffletruck to get an update on their locations around NYC. Website: www.wafelsanddinges.com

• Eataly: Also in the Flatiron District. There is no wondering why it's called Eataly! It's like hopping on a jet and landing in Italy. I intially went for their gelato but there was so much other things there as well. The best way I can describe it is it's like an Ikea for Italian food. The same way Ikea is separated by section is the way Eataly is organized. There is a wine/beer section, a meat section, a Nutella bar, a gelato bar, and then an area where you can eat and more. It was much bigger than I expected and everything looked, smelled, and tasted amazing. So if  you love Italy, Italian food or products definitely make a stop there. Website: www.eataly.com

Rooftop Bar/Lounges: I clearly love NYC! So I am always looking for new areas to take in the scene of the New York Skyline. Rooftop lounges have really gotten popular over the past couple of years.

• VistaSky Lounge [LIC, Queens]. It's a relatively new location in Long Island City, Queens. It's a rooftop and is actually located inside the Four Points Sheraton Hotel. It's a very small location compared to other places. We went on a Saturday to celebrate a birthday and it was really calm. The overall mood was chill and even though it was small it was never insanely crowded. People kind of drifted in and out for drinks. Some people stayed, some people left. It was a nice night and the view was definitely breathtaking. Website: www.vistany.com

Classes:

• Joe's Pro Shop [Flatiron District, NYC] It's a small coffee shop located in the Flatiron District. I took a coffee tasting class. I know, who knew they had coffee tasting classes? But really, in NYC they have everything! This class basically teaches you how to smell, taste, and identify different kinds of coffee. I am a big coffee fanatic. I can't go a day without a cup or two of coffee and I thought I should learn more so that I can talk about what I love so much. It was a basic class that cost $25 but I learned how to identify the kind of coffee that I prefer by smell, taste, etc. It was definitely an experience. If you like coffee or are looking for a new date idea with that special someone you should definitely try it. Then go have brunch or dinner in the area afterwards. Check out www.joenewyork.com for more information on classes. 

If you want to see pics or talk NYC, follow me on twitter @Miss_NyCity !

Love,

Miss_NYCity
Follow me on twitter @Miss_NyCity

NYC! NYC! NYC! I'm back!

Spring has finally sprung! It's been a long winter!!! OMG! So much snow and so many other things going on, can you tell I have been tied up? Well thanks to a wonderful career that I am very proud of, I've been extremely busy. I have thought about posting here and there but to be honest I had little to say. The winter storms, that were literally about twice a week, kept me from being my usual social self. So I spent most of my time indoors. I'm happy to announce that it's officially over, Spring is here. It's in the 60s-70s for the past week so I think it's officially staying.

What's the first thing I did when the weather hit 60 degrees???? I had a drink with one of my favorite home girls and we talked about our upcoming trip out of NYC to much warmer weather. YES!
We caught up on all our "noise" as I call it. Noise is basically the things in life that come up, the things that are annoying but definitely bearable. The kind of daily things you have to deal with as an adult but you wish you could avoid altogether. The things that you just need to vent about and then keep it moving. We spent the day in Queens. Our first stop was Spice in LIC for a quick dinner, which is the most amazing Thai food. Delish!! From there, we went to Via Trenta a cute little Italian spot in Astoria for some wine. We capped the night with some NY pizza and a quick stop at Pio Pio in Jackson Heights for some Sangria.

I am very ready for the warm weather!! Of course I can't wait to share with you all the details both good and bad! When you work hard and you don't hurt anybody, you definitely deserve to reap all the rewards that come from it.

Can't wait!!

Love,
xoxo Miss_NYCity

Shop NYC

New York City.
The Fashion Capital.
Also Known for NYC Fashion Week.

NYC is definitely known for fashion. Whether you're into the high end or the low end you can find it here. Oddly enough we aren't really big on malls. Of course we have them (at least 2 in each borough) but if you're looking to be unique and stylish you won't find it at the mall where everyone else can find it.

So where do we shop?

Avenues! Streets! Boutiques!

I definitely like to keep up with the fashion styles but I'm also not going to act like I'm Miss. Fashionista or some exclusive stylist. I just like to look trendy and in style. With the holidays just around the corner people are beginning to shop or think about shopping. Around this time of year, I start doing my Xmas shopping- mostly for others but I'm not gonna lie I include myself in the mix if I find something cute!!

So here are some places to shop if you are in Brooklyn, Queens, or Manhattan.

If you're in Manhattan:

Malls include:
The Manhattan Mall on W 33rd Street and Columbus Circle (AKA Time Warner Center)

Street Shopping:
Madison Ave (High End Shops)
7th Ave AKA Fashion Ave (Trendy with some mall stores)
Soho (Trendy & High End)
China Town (Bargain Shopping)
Delancey Street (Bargain Shopping)

If you're in Queens:

Malls include:
Queens Center Mall and Shops at Atlas Park

Street Shopping:
Steinway Street (Trendy with some mall stores)
Myrtle Ave (Trendy with some mall stores)
Main Street (Bargain Shopping)
Austin Street (Trendy & High End)

If you're in Brooklyn:

Malls include:
Kings Plaza Mall and Gateway Center

Street Shopping:
Graham Avenue (Bargain Shopping, some mall stores, some trendy)
Knickerbocker Avenue (Bargain Shopping, some mall stores, some trendy)
Fulton Street (Bargain Shopping, some mall stores, some trendy)
Williamsburg (Trendy & Bargain Shopping)
Court Street (Trendy & High End)

So put on some comfy shoes because it's going to be a lot of walking. Grab a cup of coffee or anything warm and shop til you drop! Happy Shopping!

Love,
Miss_NYCity

A NYC Bite: Are you hungry?

Hi!! Happy November!!!

Okay, so aside from family time and prepping for the holidays during this time of the year... nothing to me is more important than food! I LOVE TO EAT! It is a part of my culture but let's all be real it's part of the American culture. Why else would our #1 New Year's Resolution be to "lose weight." Okay so yes, I live in NYC and we are very much known for our food. When I meet with friends or go out for drinks we usually spend our time eating. So here are my top "MUST EAT" food list if you are visiting, traveling, or moving here.

TOP 'MUST EAT' FOOD LIST:

1. NY PIZZA: Yeah Okay seriously, I am a HUGE fan of Italian food and there are so many delicious Italian restaurants and food to choose from. But really nothing beats a slice of pizza in NYC. Everyone knows this is the truth. It may be our water, it may be our ovens who knows but we have the best pizza ever!! I salute Brooklyn for their brick oven pizza. My favorite spot is Grimaldi's which people literally wait on line for.... it's THAT good. As for regular pizza, my all time favorite would be Angelo's pizza in Corona, Queens.

2. "Dirty Water Dog" AKA Hot Dog: Seriously, we don't care that it might have been sitting there all morning in hot water. We don't care where it came from as long as it says "Sabrett" we don't give a crap! It is the best hot dog you will ever have and you can find them anywhere in NYC. If the stands aren't your thing try Gray Papaya's in the village (Greenwich Village). Enjoy!

3. DELI Coffee: Any New Yorker can point to a deli near their house or near their job that has the best coffee. Yeah there is always Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts, and 7Eleven but seriously ask any New Yorker where you can buy some good deli coffee. I promise it won't cost more than $1.50 and you will want to go back for more.

4. NY Bagels: Seriously, I don't know what the mystery is behind this but the bagels are just so freakin good!!!!! You can go to a local bagel shop or a deli but they will have literally every kind of bagel known into existence- egg bagel, sesame seed, poppy seed, everything, onion, and the list goes on. Toast it, ask for cream cheese or butter, and coffee. Best breakfast ever!!

5. Italian hero/sandwich:  You haven't had a hero unless you've eaten a real Italian hero from NYC. OMG the Italian bread is the best. The cold cuts are fresh and you will remember it as the best tasting sandwich or hero you've eaten in your life.

6. "Belly Bombers" AKA White Castle: So I know fast food may not be healthy but boy does it taste good. Especially after you came from a long Saturday night of drinking and dancing. Something about White Castle just lures you and then haunts you the next day. These little bite size burgers are the original sliders my friends. I know many states don't have White Castle so if you haven't tried it just do it. Sure you will probably regret it that night or the next day but it's hard to resist. Go on, just try it.

7. NY Cheesecake: The best cheesecake ever and it can be found at Juniors. Yes, it's the best. It's creamy and delicious. I like the original but there are also many others to choose from. Try Juniors in Brooklyn on Flatbush Ave or in Manhattan Times Square.

8. Warm Pretzels: If you are into the soft doughy pretzels try one in NY. They can be found on any NYC corner in Manhattan. They sell them on stands usually where the hot dogs are sold.

9. Roasted Nuts: When it's cold outside nothing is better. If you are visiting in the Winter you will smell these in the air. They have a mild sweet flavor and are served warm. Just delish especially in the colder months. They can be found at any corner stand around the city. 

10. Food Trucks: The latest trend has been the food trucks. Yeah it's hard to imagine being served from a truck but they have many selections and are stationed around the borough. Whether you are craving tacos, waffles and fried chicken, or typical cultural food (Halal, Spanish, etc) you can find it on a truck. You can ask the locals or you can just yelp it. Just make sure the reviews are good and if you can't get your hands on a review if the line is long then you can trust it!!

One of the best things about living in NYC is that it is the city that never sleeps. So no matter what time of day it is or where you are there will be something open to fulfill your craving. The food is varied and diverse. You can find something from any culture and enjoy it. So if you are ever traveling or moving out here keep this post handy. Print it, use it as your checklist or whatever but you have to try each and everyone of these classic NYC food choices.

Enjoy! Bon Appetit! Buen Provecho! ETC

Love,

Miss_NYCity

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The City Life vs. The Other Life

So it's been a while since I've written.

What's been going on with me? I've been super busy with work so I had to put these posts on hold.

Recently I had a discussion, which turned into a debate, with someone very near and dear to my heart who feels that NYC is overrated and not at all what it seems to be. So I thought this would make a perfect interactive blog post.

As a proud New Yorker my position was of course on the side of NYC. I love New York, granted it isn't for everybody. Everybody has their own interests and tastes. However, I love the fast pace. I love the busy life and never feeling bored. I love that I can WALK to a corner store AKA "bodega" or deli and get something to eat at any time of the day. I love that there are always events some free and some that you have to pay for to keep you busy and entertained. I love that you can walk, bus it, subway it, if you don't want to drive. Everything is accessible and within arms reach. I love the trends, the neighborhoods in each and every borough. The diversity of the people, restaurants, cultures, etc. There is something for everyone here.

Yes, there are very exclusive high end areas of NYC which aren't for the average person. But on the other hand, there are just as many places for the average person. If you want to shop high end you can find it, if you want to shop low end you can find it.

On the more negative side, there is a lot of traffic. When you go certain places at certain times of day or year you can't avoid the crowd. It's difficult finding parking unless you are lucky enough to have a lot that reserves you a parking spot in your apartment building or a garage. Mortgage and rent are high and you are usually not getting what you pay for. So you get a smaller house and a higher mortgage, higher rent for a whole in the wall space. There is pollution and when it's summer it is the equivalent of living in an oven with an occasional sewer breeze. This is all true. And like Drake says "I get it, I get it."

But I personally feel it's all relative. In NYC, there is always work, ALWAYS! If you hustle you will find a job and make ends meet. Is it competitive? Yes! Is it easy? HELL NO!  If you have a career or a good business you can definitely make more than just ends meet. Sure there are bills but because the expense of NYC is higher you get paid more. Which is what makes me feel it is all relative. If you are already a NYorker born and raised, it's hard but much easier for you to adjust to the lifestyle than someone who comes from another state. The traffic won't change and neither will the crowd but for the most part I feel you can find an area that you like and do your thing. And I do believe what Frank Sinatra says, "If I can make it there, I can make it anywhere." It's because it is that hard to start but once you establish and stabilize yourself you can make it. My experience as a college graduate has been nothing but good. It was definitely challenging, I was very broke all through college but I made it!

So of course the city life isn't for everyone. It's busy and crowded. Some people just don't like it. I would rather take some stress and have everything accessible. I'll take the traffic over being bored. I'll take the fast pace over having to live in a state where I have to drive everywhere.

And like every New Yorker you get tired of it and then you go on vacation. A break from the craziness, relieve some stress, and then you go back home with plenty of RnR and you feel rejuvenated. I've traveled to many other great states and cities which are beautiful!!! The calm and quiet is nice. The fresh air is great! But  I always miss New York when I leave. For me it is home. But that's me. Some people hate it. They hate New York, they hate New Yorkers, they think we are rude. They think NYC smells. They hate the stress, the fast pace. EVERYTHING! I get it but I wouldn't trade it for any other place...but I would maybe take Cali as my second place home.

What do you think? Is it overrated? If you live out of NYC have you ever considered or wanted to move here? If not why? What is it about NYC that makes some of you want to come here so bad?

Let me know, I would love to here from you. I want to hear all of your opinions.

Love,
Miss_NYCity

An Out-of-New York Experience

Hi everyone!

I spent my Columbus Day Weekend getting into the Halloween and Fall Spirit.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I've pretty much experienced most of what New York has to offer as far as Halloween/Fall festivities. I've done the corn mazes and haunted houses. I've done the parades and Halloween parties. So this year I decided to switch it up a bit and get out of NYC. I wanted a different kind of Halloween experience so I drove to Salem, MA.

It's a 4 hour drive from NYC to Salem, Ma. We headed out around 8:30am. I made a stop in Connecticut to pick up my cousin and then from there headed straight to Salem. Just like any other road trip we hit a few bumps in the road. Minor traffic, stop for gas, restroom, and snacks so we actually didn't arrive till 3pm. The ride was long but we got there with just enough time to walk around, grab something to eat and visit a few museums. The weather gave us the perfect ambiance, it was cool, cloudy, and began to drizzle.

For those of you who don't know, Salem is known historically for the Salem Witch Trials which began in 1692. At this time, many women were wrongfully accused of being witches and were hung or stoned to death. Regardless of how you look at it, whether you believe these women really participated in witchcraft or not, you can easily understand what makes this town so creepy. If the women did in fact participate in witchcraft, the town can be perceived as having a supernatural ambiance (either good or bad). For those who were wrongfully accused (or believed to be) they were tortured and innocently murdered over strict, religious beliefs. As I said, either way it gives the town a very creepy feel. 

The Witch Dungeon --- All pictures posted were taken by @Miss_NYCity   

When we arrived, the first place we went was The Witch Dungeon. They began with a 10-minute play that re-enacted the Salem Witch Trials. They then took us down into the basement where there was a recreation of what the prison cells looked like for the women accused of witchcraft. All I can say was it was wrong on so many levels. The cells were only big enough to fit one person standing. There was no way you could lay or even sit down. They explained that when it rained, the water would flood the area. They would crowd the women in there and there were no bathrooms or no lights. So you can imagine how terrible the conditions were...it was really crazy.

The Witch House --- All pictures posted were taken by @Miss_NYCity   

After we went to The Witch House. This was the actual house that belonged to Jonathan Corwin who was one of the judges responsible for investigating the witchcraft claims. This house, with direct ties to the witch trials, was preserved and you can tell immediately when you enter it. The house is small. The uneven floors creak when you walk on them. It smells old and feels moist. As you walk the house you can imagine how these people lived, cooked, slept, etc. It literally was a walk back in time. The house overall creeped me out. It had some witchcraft artifacts including a voodoo doll that was kept behind glass. There was a list with the names of the victims of the witch trials hung on a wall. I could imagine how cold the house would've been in winter and how creepy it would be at night.

Salem, MA --- All pictures posted were taken by @Miss_NYCity   

The next stop was the oddities store. OMG! All I will say is I won't be going into an oddities store again. It had the weirdest things from bones to the skin of an anaconda. This store gave me the goosebumps so I definitely didn't stay long. Once we left we walked further into town. Everyone walked around in witch hats, witch outfits or other costumes (real or not). We saw a man with horns and the creepiest eyes. All I can say is, they take Halloween really serious in Salem! The irony came when a very religious man began ranting about how everyone should "repent" for participating in these activities. It reminded me of the movie Elvira. We went into a witch shop which was fully equipped with all things witchcraft. From candles, to sage, to stones, Egyptian relics, and other things I had no idea the purpose of....maybe it was best that I didn't know. We entered a mall and were followed by a copper colored witch, dressed from head to toe. She didn't talk, she just stared and walked behind us. CREEPY! People took part in tarot card readings and other similar activities. I couldn't get myself to do all of that. Being in the town was enough. There was more that could be experienced in this town. Hocus Pocus Night tours, seances, cemetery visits, and even a magic show in the famously haunted Hawthorne Hotel. But I had to pass, because I personally have a limit when it comes to the "experience" and the town itself was enough.

I will say that it was definitely an interesting experience. Everyone in that town claims to have no idea where the actual hangings and stoning of the witches occurred. I personally think they know but refuse to share. I wouldn't want to know anyway. I think if you like Halloween and want to get into the spirit this is definitely an experience.  The town has a lot of history, just remember and be prepared for how real it is. 

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Stuarts Farm, Upstate NY--- All pictures posted were taken by @Miss_NYCity   

My next fall experience was my traditional upstate apple picking. This year we headed to Stuarts Farm which was in a town upstate called Granite Hills. It took about an hour to get there. It was a beautiful, relaxing ride. The fall foliage was visible as you drove. There were red, orange, yellow, and green trees. It was beautiful. This farm was huge. It was uphill so the view of the rest of the town could be seen. They had a bakery which baked fresh pies and the best donuts EVER!! They were freshly made and came out warm from the oven. So delicious!!!! The apples were great also. If you happen to be in the area or want a good place to go apple picking definitely go there! And don't forget to try their donuts you won't regret it!

Happy Fall and Happy Hauntings!!

Love,

Miss_NYCity

Tell me more... Share, comment, and leave your questions below.

October in NYC

It's finally Autumn in the Big Apple!

I absolutely love Fall. The weather is cool, the leaves are falling everywhere. The colors are gorgeous. Many people love the pumpkin flavored everything. I prefer my "cawfee" or hot chocolate. So what's happening in NYC. I'll share with you some of the things I like to do.

1. Apple Picking- Tis' the season for apple picking!!! Who wouldn't want to take a ride and grab some fresh apples right off the tree? I can guarantee that if you haven't done this you are missing out. The apples from the tree taste so much better that the ones you get at the supermarket. I usually take an hour ride to Upstate, NY. The ride is not too long and very relaxing. The scenery heading Upstate is gorgeous and the fresh air is a perfect break from the city air. You'll come home with a 10lb bag of apples to eat, share, and cook apple everything. Most apple farms have pumpkins too!

2. Central Park- If you are a fan of Fall and the leafy scenery head over to Central Park. It's simply gorgeous. You can ride your bike (don't worry if you don't have one you can rent one check out citibikenyc.com for locations all over NYC), have a horse carriage ride, rent one of the canoes, have a picnic, or just walk. The scenery is gorgeous, the weather is perfect, and I promise you won't regret it! Don't forget to take pictures!!

3. New York Botanical Gardens- When you live in the city, your daily views consist of people, buildings, and streets. If you're lucky you can look out your apartment window and see the skyline, if-you-are-lucky! So it's always nice to take a break from the usual scenery and get a bit of nature. Thankfully, every borough in New York City has a "Botanical Garden." The NY Botanical Gardens is a huge area dedicated to flower and plant life exhibitions. Every season they showcase the plants and flowers of that season. It's so relaxing to walk around, smell the fresh air, and look at the beautiful plants and flowers. I like to go every season but fall is my favorite! Visit nybg.org for more information.

4. Columbus Day Parade- The Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria!! As a native New Yorker, I vividly remember this being one of the most important holidays taught in school.  If you don't mind a crowd, want to celebrate the Italian culture and the discovery of America,  find a spot on 5th Avenue (between 44th St to 79th St). This year it starts at 11:45, pack a lunch and get there 3-4 hours earlier for a perfect spot to watch the parade.

5. Halloween- I left Halloween for last because not everyone celebrates or enjoys this holiday. If you are a fan of Halloween like I am, there a so many things to do in NY. If you want to go on a haunted hay ride or walk through a haunted corn maze you can head either Upstate or Long Island. As for haunted houses, there are so many everywhere. One of the most popular being Blood Manor on 163 Varick Street. You can visit  bloodmanor.com  for more information. And ofcourse, who can forget the very famous Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village. Once again if you don't mind a large crowd and enjoy dressing up in costumes you will enjoy this. You will see a variety of costumes store bought or home-made. You will see literally every thing imaginable as a costume. People are usually friendly and don't mind if you take pictures with them or of them in their costumes. So tweet, IG, and fb those pics away! Tweet me your costumes @Miss_NYCity.

So what are my plans for this fall?
Well... I will be going to Salem, MA. I've done many of the NYC events so I want to get out of the city and see something different. I will also be going apple picking  because it's tradition and one of my favorite fall activities. I will be at a concert on October 28th. Last, I will spend the first weekend in November at the Botanical Gardens to enjoy the fall scene and take pictures of the beauty of nature. Don't worry I will share via pictures and posts. You won't be left out!!!

So what are some of the things you like to do in Fall in your town? I would love to know. Share, comment, and leave your questions below.

Love,
Miss_NYCity

A Night Out in the Big Apple

All pictures posted were taken by @Miss_NYCity

So I'm in my 20s, living in one of the greatest cities on Earth. Of course I am going to go out to a lounge or bar on occasion, if not every weekend!! And what better reason for celebration then family coming all the way from Cali to visit!! They stayed for a long weekend  and they did a lot of site seeing typical of tourists...Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty, Time Square, Brooklyn Bridge, etc. As a tourist though, you can't come to New York and NOT experience the night life. As a proud New Yorker, I wasn't going to let them.

I decided on Taj II which is located in  the Flat Iron District. For those of you who haven't been to Manhattan, it is divided by neighborhood and/or location. (For example, central Manhattan which is literally in the center of Manhattan on a map, is considered Midtown.) Chelsea, Meatpacking District, Upper West Side, are others you may have heard. Anyway, the "Flat Iron District" is known for its' restaurants, bars, and nightlife. It's trendy and there is always something going on if your first option doesn't work out. As you walk the streets the view of the Empire State Building is ever present reminding you of where you are and adding to the excitement. Even as a New Yorker for all these years I'm in awe when I see it. It puts me in the best mood. 

Unfortunately, Taj II was not where we decided on because waiting on the line was just too long. So we decided on a place we went to celebrate a friend's birthday not to long ago. It was down the block and that's where we went. One thing about NY clubs/lounges is that they often change name and if they are really popular they don't. The lounge is now called "Motivo" which was not what it was called last time we went. There was a $25 entrance fee for women and $30 entrance fee for men. I know, expensive!!! NY Tip: If you are planning a trip to NY see if you can find a party promoter, get on the guestlist, or search the website for event coupons. We had them for Taj but not for this lounge as it was unexpected. 

As we waited for them to check our IDs we can hear the music from outside. It was great so we knew it would be a good night. As soon as we entered, you could feel the energy of the crowd.  There was a big dance floor to your right where many were dancing. We walked past and headed straight for the bar. Drinks in NY are expensive $10-$15 per drink. Luckily we "pre-gamed" and saved a few dollars. We ordered one drink, headed to the top floor and started the party. Drinking, dancing, iphone pics, instagram posts, joking, laughing.... for 4 hours straight! I didn't stop the whole night. The good thing is once you start drinking amd feeling the vibe, the energy takes over. You don't feel tired, your legs don't hurt, and your heels don't even bother you. The crowd was great, no one annoying. The people who did speak to us were fun and respectful so it was welcomed. As for my family from Cali, they had an amazing time. They loved the vibe, the energy of the crowd and said it was everything the expected plus more. We left the lounge at 3:30, some of us stumbling, some of us half asleep carrying each other. 

The nightlife experience of New York is best remembered the next day. Even if you are hung over, you rarely say 'that was so boring'. Even if you don't remember what you did, you remember it was an amazing time. And thanks to technology....the pictures are the most fun to look at the next day. Memories come back that you forgot and the fun is recaptured. Nightlife in New York City is always an adventure. Even when you have it planned, you don't really know where you are going to end up, who you are going to meet, and what's going to go down. Plans turn into spontaneity. Drunken nights turn into hungover mornings. Anything can happen in the Big Apple. But one thing is true, you never regret it! 

Another memory added to the many! I Love NY!

Love, 

Miss_NYCity

Let's talk about it!!!! Share your experiences with the NYC nightlife. Comments, questions, and opinions are always welcomed!!!

The New York Attitude

All pictures posted were taken by @Miss_NYCity

Whether you are a native New Yorker, a new resident, or a tourist you've heard of the coined expression "New York Attitude." So what really is considered a "New York Attitude?" Can anyone have this said "attitude" or are they qualities that only a native can possess? Well, I'm a native New Yorker and I'm here to explain.

For starters, I would hate for people unfamiliar with New York to actually believe when people say "all New Yorkers have a bad attitude." This couldn't be further from the truth. So let's put it in perspective. Anyone living in New York, native or not, has a lot to deal with. For one, we are always sharing extremely close spaces with hundreds even thousands of strangers. If you don't believe me, get on any train, bus, or car during rush hour. If you are on the train or bus there is about a 99.9% guarantee that you are sitting or standing shoulder to shoulder with some complete stranger.Whether standing or sitting, a stop before you are about to get off you are trying to figure out how you are going to get past the people that are standing, literally, everywhere. Often times, you have two bags in your hand and end up hitting someone with them.

It doesn't get any better if you are a driver. Traffic, traffic, traffic everywhere. You usually have to leave an hour before you need to be somewhere even though without traffic it would normally take you 15 minutes to get there. Then, you wind up circling around for a parking spot that doesn't involve meters or alternate side parking which takes another 20 minutes. You decide to park by a  meter and then end up getting a ticket because your time ran out and you didn't get to your car on time. Every New Yorker has some where to be, something on their mind and everyone is busy or in a rush. So if you happen to be driving the speed limit with or without traffic, you are probably going to get beeped or yelled at. If the traffic light turns green and you wait more than one second to accelerate you will get beeped, yelled at and if you're extra special you'll get the finger. I cannot tell you how many times I have found myself in an argument with another driver who is acting crazy and taking it out on me and my driving because they are the ones that are late. Okay, okay I'll admit it...I also yell at other drives when they are driving slow and I'm in a rush, oops.

Then there are the pedestrians. They walk everywhere. Although jay walking is illegal, no one really cares because there is power in numbers. The light can be green but if you have a swarm of 100 people crossing, you aren't moving your vehicle. So there you are stuck in the middle of a huge avenue trying to make a left and there are people walking in front of you or behind you. When the light changes and the people are gone the cars appear. They cut you off and then yell at you for being in the middle of the road. But you're confused because you actually did the right thing so you yell back to defend yourself. If you are a native New York driver, you are used to the yellow taxis who will cut you off any chance they get so you give them extra room. Annoying but you're used to it. What pisses you more off is the black cab, who drives 20mph braking every two feet because they have no clue where they are going. They will turn a corner without signaling and that will send you over the edge for the day.

Aside from the traffic and fast pace, it is a 'melting pot' of cultures, beliefs, gender/sexual preferences, and opinions. On a daily basis, you are interacting with people whose beliefs and opinions are very much different from your own. Most New Yorkers are very open to these differences but sadly there are still people who live in New York who are not. Not only do they reject it, they aren't afraid to tell you how they feel or show you by their facial expressions. One time, I was shopping at a shoe store on 34th Street in Manhattan. I tried on a pair of shoes and was looking in the mirror at my feet. A woman actually had the nerve to tell me "those are ugly, I hope you don't plan on buying them." My response, was something similar to "curse word, curse word, what's it any of your business?!"

Last but not least....... yes every state has their fair share of crazy...and by 'crazy' I mean people. However, it seems to be New Yorkers are extra exposed to the craziness because of the daily interactions with so many people. Living and growing up in New York, I have seen it all. I have experienced the pedophiles who have tried to lure me in their car. I've had people follow me. I've seen men masturbate while looking at me from a distance. I've even had a perfect stranger slap my butt in broad day light in the middle of the street!

I guess now maybe you can understand why we have an "attitude."

So I'd like to think of most New Yorkers as friendly, helpful, and kind (there are always exceptions). However, we aren't going to show it. We are not going to show you our kindness.  You will rarely catch us walking around with smiles on our faces, and if you smile at us, we probably won't smile back. If you are a stranger saying good morning to us we will probably ignore you or look at you like your crazy. Unless we know you and by "knowing you" I mean we see you everyday. And if you are going to stop and talk to us you better talk fast because we are in a rush. We don't mean to be rude, but we just don't have time for it. We mean well but don't show it. It's not that we want to be this way but we have to be. If you are a stranger we have no idea what your intentions are and we aren't going to give you the open invitation. We may come off cold but deep down we aren't. We may come off arrogant but we are probably in a rush or having a bad day. We may give you a dirty look but the look probably wasn't directed towards you.  We have very thick skin because we have to. If you let every little interaction that's upsetting get the best of you, you won't survive New York ever. That is what separates a real New Yorker from some one who is from out of town. Once you have lived in New York for a couple of years, you will develop these skills and blend well with the "natives."

It's a big city. A lot is going on both good and bad. We are usually on the defense. But all in all we are kind. If you don't believe me ask any New Yorker for directions. I bet they will go above and beyond to explain to you what bus you need to take, or what street you need to make a left turn at. Ask any New Yorker where's the best Italian restaurant nearby or which is their favorite place to visit. They'd be happy to share. When things fall in New York, everyone feels the pain. When it gets rough, we stand together. Everyone is willing to lend a helping hand for their neighbor and we pull through it together. September 11th, 2001 and natural disasters like Hurricane Sandy are all proof. So although we do have an attitude, it's for a reason. We are a great city. Just don't be so sensitive if a New Yorker acts up with you, it probably has nothing to do with you. There are more positive things out here then negative, this is just how we survive it.

With Love + NY Attitude,
-Miss_NYCity

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