Brooklyn ● NYC

With my best friend Nathan visiting for a few days, I wanted to make sure he saw some of the coolest parts of the city. After a great Sunday brunch right outside our door at Blue Water Grill, we decided to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge (one of the many things on my NYC Bucket List). Once we crossed the 1-mile bridge, we spent a few hours in the Brooklyn Bridge Park, enjoying incredible views of Manhattan and a certain level of calmness that you only feel when you step away from the constant sirens and car horns of the city. Definitely a much needed breakaway.

Coney Island ● NYC

The Coney Island Mermaid Parade: it's a tradition -- and a strange one, at that. Since visiting Coney Island was on my New York Bucket List anyway, Jordan, myself and four other friends decided to spend our Saturday at the famous New York amusement park and boardwalk while the biggest event of the year was underway. 

The parade was filled with half-naked "mermaids," little kids, bands and so much more. And although I'm from Florida, I've never seen a more crowded beach in my entire life. It was just one big party, with people drinking, splashing and celebrating for hours. Before we left for good, Jordan and I knew we had to take a ride on the Wonder Wheel to get the best view of the whole park. Definitely a successful not-so-city-adventure.

 First ferris wheel ride. Ever.

Nightlife ● NYC

After 230 Fifth and an amazing day on The Highline, it's hard to believe that the night of my actual birthday was the best part. Since I couldn't celebrate in a college town, I decided to bring the typical birthday traditions to the city with the help of a few great friends.

We started the night with dinner at Phebe's Tavern & Grill, and then Sara and Kelsie revealed my "21st Board," filled with 21 (random, hilarious and weird) tasks I had to complete before the end of the night. The sign, a glittery and rhinestoned skyscraper, was AMAZING. Without a doubt, I was in love. Here are some of the highlights from the night! And some will never be made public...

Eagerly awaiting my sign reveal...

It. was. PERFECT.

#1: Take a shot in honor of Alan and Phil

#18: Take a picture with a bouncer

#23: Tweet at J. Biebs to come back and serenade you for your 21st

#3: Sing the Kappa Delta Shot Song

#9: Tebow with a Jets fan.

#14: Chug a beer with PHU (my high school loves)

The Highline ● NYC

If you haven't been to The Highline in NYC, you're definitely missing out. After brunch on my birthday, I had my first experience at the public park that's built on an elevated, historic freight line. I walked the entire distance with Jordan, Hannah, Sarah and Anna, admiring views of the Hudson and stopping to check out the food and arts vendors that dotted the park. Before heading home to get ready for a night of celebrating, I "blew" out the candle (which the wind refused to let us light) on my Crumbs cupcake and made my birthday wish.

230 Fifth Rooftop ● NYC

When the clock hit midnight on June 16, I sipped on my first legal drink, a delicious strawberry mimosa, at a swanky rooftop bar called 230 Fifth. Everything about the night was perfect -- the people I was with, the drinks we had and the views of the entire beautiful city. To all my friends and family who made it the best birthday ever, I couldn't be more grateful. You all are incredible! Thank you so much for helping me ring in my twenty-first in style.

Shake Shack ● NYC

Tonight marked my first-ever Shake Shack experience with my two best friends. Since I got out of work late, the 9 p.m. line at the Madison Square Park food stand was only about 20 people deep -- as opposed to the 45-minute-plus wait that you can usually expect there. With string lights shining above us, and incredible views of the Empire State and old Met Life building, it was easy to feel the full New York City effect. Sometimes all it takes is a night like this to remember the beauty that surrounds you.

With Jessica (before crushing our food)

Brooklyn Flea ● NYC

Happy Saturday! Since it was our first full weekend in the city, we had to make the most out of it. In the morning, we headed to the Brooklyn Flea Market for a little shopping and late lunch. The market is filled with lots of good finds -- from vintage clothing to jewelry to odds and ends for around the house. Not to mention the vendors there serve amazing food at great prices. (Perfect for an intern's budget!) Once back in the city, we hung out at the 10th Annual Big Apple BBQ in Madison Square Park for a little reminder of Southern life before deciding to call it a day.

Cool finds at the market 

Huarache for lunch at the Brooklyn Flea

With our Kumquat Cupcakery margarita-flavored treats

10th Annual Big Apple BBQ

Madison Square Park with Anna

Empire State of Mind ● NYC

I've been counting down the days since December. Now, I could not possibly be happier to say that I am officially a New York City resident until August. Before moving into my dorm in Union Square, I did some sightseeing for a few days. And what better way to kick off the summer than brunch with my Dad and best friends (and fellow temporary-New Yorkers) in Central Park? It will definitely be hard to top my incredible summer in Florence last year, but I have high expectations and big plans. Let the adventures in the city begin.

Brunch at The Boathouse

Best friends in Central Park