Being A Tourist in New York City
The first time I came to New York City, I was 14 years old. My grandmother died the day before I left. Still, my mom urged me to go, knowing how excited my grandma had been for me to see this grand city. So, I went. I explored the city with my friends and classmates. I saw all the biggest sights the city had to offer. During that trip, I stood on top of the Twin Towers, a landmark that would be stolen from the city a mere 5 months later. The most important thing about that trip was that it changed my life forever. I wasn’t sure how I…
A Chelsea Market Adventure
Chelsea is one of the hippest areas of New York. The well-known neighborhood is filled with art history, it was, after all, the original theatre district of New York City. It was also officially founded by Clement Clarke Moore who wrote The Night Before Christmas. Moving into the 1960s and 1970s Chelsea was famed for the rock stars residing in the infamous Chelsea Hotel including Leonard Cohen, Patti Smith, and Janis Joplin among many others. Chelsea is known for being many things – gorgeous, artistic, gentrified – but mostly, Chelsea is just cool. On my recent adventure to Chelsea, I explored Chelsea Market, a hub for local artists and vendors.…
A Taste of Arthur Avenue
New York City is many things. It’s a high-class culture capital; it’s the ghost of folk song past; it’s the hipster haven; a medieval moderation; it’s a city built by immigrants. New York City is all these things. The version of New York you experience depends on what neighborhood you’re standing in. Recently, I was standing on the corner of Arthur Avenue in The Bronx, ready to explore the real Little Italy of New York. A Bronx Tale If you love The Godfather Trilogy as much as I do, Arthur Avenue is the way you want to envision New York. It’s a community that thrives on the streets. Family owned…
Adventuring in New York Neighborhoods: Fort George
One thing I love about New York is that the opportunity for adventuring is endless. I’ve been living in New York City for nearly three years, yet there’s still so little of the city I’ve actually seen. There are so many cool bars and restaurants in SoHo, Lower East Side (LES), and Williamsburg that it’s easy to forget how many other areas there are to see in New York. Well, I say enough of that! The time for adventuring has commenced. I’ve decided to explore all New York City has to offer by spending a day sightseeing each of the neighborhoods and discovering their unique personalities and offerings. I couldn’t…
Kentucky’s Finest Prove That Rock & Roll Is Alive And Well: My Morning Jacket
I’m embarrassed to admit that I grew up in Kentucky and know very little of My Morning Jacket; a band with Louisville origins. Until 2 years ago, I knew nothing of My Morning Jacket and Jim James. I had no idea what I was missing. My boyfriend, a longtime fan, introduced me to the band. He was shocked, that I, who proudly educates everyone she meets on Kentucky knowing’s was clueless of the incredible musical talent that came out of my home state. I slowly started to learn about Jim James. His talent was undeniable. I started with his work on The New Basement Tapes in which he and a…
The Secret of Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a city with a secret. I knew it the second I stepped out of the train station and into the streets. There was a feeling in the air and a certain look on the faces of the passing cyclists. I was instantly intrigued. I knew these people weren’t all vacationing like myself. These folks were locals and they looked happy. Within moments of my arrival I realized I wasn’t in Amsterdam simply to explore a new land. I was there to learn the secret of Amsterdam. The Amsterdam Way of Life Amsterdam has a lot of history. You’re reminded of it by the statues decorating the streets and…