Weekend Adventures ● NYC

Three Things That Make Me Happy:

1. Exploring museums on my own time

2. Discovering hidden gems in tourist hotspots

3. Cupcakes (big surprise)

The American Museum of Natural History 

One of the most beautiful spots in Central Park 

 Belvedere Castle, Central Park

 Billy's vanilla cupcake (that happened to match my pants)

The Met ● NYC

"City in the Clouds" on the Met Rooftop Cafe

Jordan and her friend Kate working the interactive screens 

Amazing artist sketching a statue at The Met 

Grey Dog Brunch ● NYC

At The Grey Dog on my birthday

With one of the best casual (and cheap) brunches in the city, The Grey Dog has been a solid favorite during my time here. It's a nifty little place with the friendliest staff, twinkly lights everywhere and a really cool vibe. I order the same thing (the #7 sandwich) each time, and it's always simple, yet amazing. Is it sad to say this will be one of the things I miss the most when I leave New York?

Grey Dog's Breakfast 
Home fries, eggs any style, french toast or pancakes & bacon, sausage or ham

#7 Sliced granny smith apple with Turkey, Brie & Raspberry Mustard 

Bastille Day ● NYC

The celebration of all things French continued later on Sunday with the Bastille Day festival on 60th Street, between Madison and Park. There was dancing, crepes, more macarons, live bands, adorable decorations lining the streets, booths where you could brush up on your French and more. It really was a good time, despite the heat and crowds.

Sidenote: New Yorkers freak out when it's hot. Seriously, they lose their minds. To help conserve energy and avoid any potential blackouts (because they are absolutely convinced it's going to happen...), NYU is currently rationing the air conditioning for our dorm. AKA: I'm dying. Sweating. Get me out of here. Bye.

 

Ladurée ● NYC

Salted Caramel, Pistachio and Raspberry Macarons

In honor of a weekend of French celebrations for Bastille Day, I had my first Laduree experience at the small store on Madison Avenue. Everything about the shop was so cute and Parisian -- the towers of macarons in the windows, the pale pink decor and the adorable gift boxes. The little sweet treats may have been pricey, but they sure were pretty and delicious. Make sure you get a few if you go though, because trust me, it's impossible to just eat one.

Central Park ● NYC

  

I've never before appreciated weekends as much as I do in New York. Even though it's the city that never sleeps, Saturdays and Sundays are when it really comes alive. Weekends are perfect for strolls through Central Park, shopping on Fifth Ave, exploring the sights and, most importantly, brunch. Everywhere you turn, restaurants are packed with families and friends grabbing food together, anytime from nine in the morning to four in the afternoon. It's the perfect deal -- reasonably priced drinks and delicious breakfast/lunch items that will fill you up for the rest of the day. I have to wonder: what was my life like before I was introduced to this NYC gem?

On Sunday, Jordan and I headed to Isabella's on the Upper West Side. After stuffing ourselves with an omelette and french toast, we walked through Central Park to begin the rest of the day's adventures.

Jordan's French toast with carmelized bananas

Bethesda Fountain

ELSA ● NYC

A day before we moved to New York, my roommate had just returned from a semester abroad in Spain. As we were flipping through Time Out New York on Saturday, she spotted a feature on Elsa, a charming and simplistic bar in the LES. Jordan had raved about Vino Verano, a Spanish drink that reminded her of her time in Spain and Elsa happened to serve it, so we went to check it out. Now, normally I won't even try red wine. But I can't lie -- I loved it.

Vino Verano

Red wine

Mint lemonade

Mint leaves