By Jenna Blair
This past weekend I had the opportunity to explore the Big Apple with my best friends. When I heard that I could go on a day trip to NYC with an organization here on campus for just $25 I jumped at the chance! I had traveled to New York twice before, once with family when I was younger and another with College Dress Relief last fall. I have always loved NYC with all its hustle and bustle, fashion, and diversity, but after this weekend I’m more in love with the city than before!
My friends and I started our day at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a Neo-Gothic style cathedral in Midtown Manhattan. Next, we ventured down to Central Park. It was so picturesque and relaxing. After strolling around Central Park for a while we walked over to The Met. Although we didn’t go into the museum, we, of course, had to get our pictures taken on the steps of The Met. (Shout out to all the Gossip Girl fans reading this!)
After our Gossip Girl inspired photoshoot, we took a car down to Battery Park to see the Statue of Liberty. We didn’t take a ferry over to Ellis Island to see the statue up close, but just looking across the water and seeing Lady Liberty was nothing short of amazing to me. The 9/11 Memorial was another surreal moment I experienced while there. Hearing about the tragedy that happened there and then actually getting to visit really put things into perspective.
Then we took another car to Rockefeller Center, where we bought tickets for “Top of the Rock.” My friends and I took an elevator to the top of Rockefeller Center and were able to go out onto the balcony where we saw the most breath-taking view of the NYC skyline. From there we stopped for a bite to eat at Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer. The food was fantastic, but their Crazy Milkshakes were even better!
After our delicious dinner, my friends and I did some window shopping on 5th Ave at Gucci, Tiffany & Co., and Chanel. We ended our long, yet lively day in Times Square amongst all the flashing lights.
I’m so thankful I was able to experience this opportunity with my best friends. NYC has quickly become one of my favorite cities in the world. I can’t wait to go back!