School has officially begun for everyone. It may seem dreary, but school has its upsides: you learn new things, make new friends and it makes vacations that much more meaningful. This fall break I went to Brooklyn, New York. If you ever take a trip to New York, it can be fun to just roam around and discover things on your own, but there are also some places you must go.
1. Flatbush Avenue
The first place I went was Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. It is a lesser known shopping district, but that's to your advantage. It has small shoe stores and clothing shops, and since it's not in a well-known tourist hot spot, you can get things for cheap, and I’m talking $2 T-shirts and $1 shoes cheap. Also, because it's not a touristy area, it allows you to see how true New Yorkers live. It is a fun way to experience New York and buy a few souvenirs and gifts.
2. King’s Plaza
If you like shopping, food and good lighting for selfies, King's Plaza is the mall for you. It has major stores, such as Forever 21, Hot Topic, Macy's and so forth. The mall has stores that fit a wide spectrum of styles. You might be used to having a food court where all the restaurants are in one area, but here, a restaurant will await you upon entry of the mall, so before or after you shop till you drop, you can get a good meal. If that doesn’t convince you to go, then the well-lit shops that are perfect for taking selfies with your friends will. King's Plaza has something for everyone.
3. Time Square
Of course, when in New York, you have to visit the famous Times Square. It is the holy grail of shopping centers. The streets of Manhattan are not only filled with people, but gift shops, clothing stores and restaurants galore, but that’s not even the best part. It's the giant electronic billboards that make it an iconic sight and a great photo opportunity. People dressed in character costumes and street performers roam the streets to add to the fun, entertaining experience of New York. You could spend your whole day there, touring the streets in one of their tourist buses, shopping at places like Forever 21 and American Eagle or grabbing something to eat at TGI Fridays or Red Robin.
4. Circle Line Cruise
Going on a Circle Line Cruise is a fun experience and allows you to see major New York City landmarks. Regular boat rides are fun, but the humorous tour guide and all the picturesque sites make it more entertaining. You get to see three famous bridges, including the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and more. There are three different cruises you can go on to see all the sites linked to New York. If you're not sold yet, wait for it... They also sell food on and around the boat! This would definitely be one of the many highlights of your trip.
5. Manhattan: 5th Avenue
Right down the block from Central Park and Times Square, there is a street. The street is 5th Avenue in the heart of Manhattan. This might not be in the brochure of places to go, but it is certaintly a site to witness. It is a street of literally the most expensive stores you'll ever see. Home to the Trump Tower, 57th Street is a great place to go and gawk at the outlandish fashion they sell to rich people. It's even more fun to visit it at night and see all the store lights illuminate the street.
6. Nathan's
If you wanted to spend your money on one of the plethora of hot dog carts around Brooklyn but find them dirty or sketchy, well never fear, Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs & Restaurants is here to allow you to have that authentic New York hot dog without the risks. Even if you don't like hot dogs, they have other foods on the menu, like cheese-steak, wings, burgers and so forth. There is also one located in King's Plaza, so after you're done with all of your shopping, you can have lunch right at the mall.
There are many places to visits in New York, but makes sure these six are on your must-see list.
