So, we’ve finally gotten back in the groove of things after Winter Break – but now Spring Break is fast approaching. You may be like me, wondering what there is to do for a whole week in the city. Instead of sacrificing your time scrolling through countless Instagram profiles and internet sleuthing, I’ve got a few things you can add to your list!
- If you love beautiful flowers and want some new pics for Insta: Check out the “Let the Good Times Bloom” festival.
Not only does this time of year bring warmer weather, there’s also the comfort of new blooms all over the state. Most students don’t have time for a trip upstate during the average school week, so now is the best chance! There are many things to do outside FiDi and scratch the itch to see some natural landscapes. This time of year is undoubtedly when the color begins coming back to New York, and seasonal depression can make its much needed exit! After doing some research I found a few festivals; the Rochester Lilac Festival and the Albany Tulip Festival are extremely popular. If you are looking for something closer to home, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden is sure to have wonderful options as well.
Lower East Side Exploration and Shopping Day
The first weekend I was at Pace, we were taken to LES for some quick shopping and exploring. Since becoming settled in, I’ve taken up my own exploring around the area and here are some cool spots:
- For pet lovers:
In the first few months of college, I began to really miss my cat at home. My mom suggested I try out a cat cafe – I had never been to one and thought “why not?!”
After looking online, I found one in LES called Meow Parlour where you pay to stay a full hour and relax as cute cats run all around. My roommate and I decided to go one weekend, and it was AMAZING. Luckily, we didn’t walk out with five new pets. The kitties were so sweet and cuddly and made the trip absolutely worth it. I would recommend either going on a weekday or booking a reservation in advance. They also have super cute merch that supports the animals!
- For chefs:
Essex Market is a classic must-visit for a reason. If you’ve read any of my columns before, you’ll know I absolutely love cooking and experimenting with all sorts of ingredients. My go-to place to find new additions is within the stalls of Essex Market. Not only is there an entire area for spices alone, but you can also grab some coffee and snacks for your shopping trip at the friendly cafes that rest inside.
Overall, LES has a relaxed, yet cool feeling with tons to do. There’s countless restaurants, museums, art galleries, and shopping. My only big suggestion when visiting is to set a certain budget BEFORE and stay strong…for trinket lovers and collectors this is a dangerous place to be!
It can be difficult to find new places in the city, especially after we’ve all found our go-tos. Spring Break is the perfect time to go out of your comfort zone and out of FiDi – go on some dates with friends around the city! While writing this article, I looked on a few websites, but mainly used Instagram to discover fun ideas for you all – I suggest looking including specific locations, age-ranges, and price when searching for activities. Have a wonderful break, and finish this stretch strong!!