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

Mackinac Island ● Michigan

On a recent trip to Bay Harbor, Michigan, we decided to take the ferry over to Mackinac Island for half a day. I didn't remember much from when I had been there in my younger years, but it truly was beautiful. After renting bikes for an 8-mile ride around the island, we grabbed lunch up by the famous Grand Hotel and then explored the main streets of the quaint town.

Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island 

Making fudge (a trademark of Mackinac Island) in one of the shops

Key West ● Florida

When you live in Florida, you have a lot of options for Spring Break. I hadn't been to Key West since sophomore year of high school, so I was excited to head way down south again. The city hadn't changed much, if at all. We lucked out with amazing weather, great nightlife and awesome food (chocolate covered key lime pie, anyone?). 

Between lounging on the beach, riding bikes around the island, watching street performers in Mallory Square and taking a little time to breathe, the four perfect days passed quickly. I may be a little late with these pictures, but better late than never, right?