New York City, perhaps the heart of our country, is a world in its own right. Here, you can be invented and reinvented, lose yourself and find yourself and be anyone you want to be. There are many reasons to love the big apple, below are just twenty of the many that I do:
1. The View.
With the most tall and beautiful buildings I have ever seen in my life. No matter what angle you look at it from, there is yet another facet to discover and enjoy.
2. The People.
Coming from the humble town of Salisbury, MD I rather enjoyed people watching in Manhattan this weekend. No matter where you turn, you can see people of all ethnicities, styles, and personalities out for a stroll. It’s easy to pick out New Yorkers and tourists, such as myself. People like me stopped quite often to take in yet another new sight, however, those who have lived here for years have a different sense to them. They walk faster, look around less, and seem to be in their own world.
3. Restaurants at Every Corner.
If you’re like me, you have a hard time deciding where to eat. If you’re like me and you’re in New York City…well good luck. There is no shortage of restaurants in the big apple, which makes being a foodie a major reason to move to the city.
4. The Architecture.
Whether it’s the Empire State Building or simply the buildings around SoHo, NYC has some of the most beautiful architecture in the world. I’m lucky to not have gotten hit by car by the amount of times I stopped in the middle of a crosswalk to admire yet another architectural masterpiece.
5. Dog Lovers.
If you’re an animal lover like myself, you can’t help but notice the massive amount of dog lovers here. Whether I stopped and said hi to a furry friend in Manhattan or the subway back to Hoboken, these little guys definitely put a smile on my face and a squeal in my throat.
6. The Stores.
Is it too extreme of a statement to consider New York shopping heaven? Nuff said.
7. The Homes.
We may not all be able to afford one of these beautiful brick homes that line the city but we can certainly pretend we do. Don’t google how much the rent is, unless you want to cry.
8. Random Graffiti.
No matter where you look, New York is surrounded by art, whether it’s the way the people decorate themselves with their clothes or the graffiti on ancient buildings, open your eyes and you’ll fall in love.
9. An Abundance of Cafés.
Never has there been a place that made me feel more accepted about being the caffeine addict that I am. If you haven’t already, stop in Dean & Deluca the next chance you get and get the best iced white mocha you’ve ever had.
10. The Freedom Tower.
The first thing I saw upon entering NYC was the Freedom Tower. Tall and magnificent as it is, seeing it for the first time in person, a wave of emotion hit me, for the lives that were once lost in that very place as well as the strength of the human spirit to move forward.
11. Famous Streets.
Whether it was 7th Avenue or Broadway, every time I passed one of these iconic streets I played the beginning lyrics to Journey’s "Don’t Stop Believing" in my head and promptly took a photo.
12. West Village.
Take a stroll in West Village to enjoy a little less hustle and bustle and a little more beauty in the city. The streets are lined with gorgeous brownstones as well as some of the best quick bites you could grab.
13. Urban Style.
Much of New York architecture keeps its traditional vibe - however, pop into Longchamp if you want to see the coolest staircase I have ever seen.
14. Street Vendors.
The only thing I purchased this weekend was from a street vendor in SoHo, a gorgeous framed page of Vogue with Audrey Hepburn on the front for a whopping $12 bucks. Yeah, street vendors are awesome.
15. Macarons.
To enjoy a genuine macaron that the French would improve of, make sure to take a stop in Laduree. But be warned, I said they were good not cheap.
16. Street Art.
There were a few times today where I enjoyed watching artists in action. Once a man with nothing more than a few bottles of spray paint and an old rag and once with a man who painted on uniquely shaped rocks. One thing remains clear: talent is not in shortage here.
17. The Labels.
If you’re a fashionista, move to New York. You will be understood and accepted with open arms. With NY fashion week, designer brands, and the people around you for motivation, you will be the best dressed you’ve ever been.
18. The Hudson.
The best way to enjoy a lazy Sunday in the big apple would be to start with a stroll along the Hudson. Whether at night or day you’ll have a pretty fantastic view.
19. The Subway.
This may not be the most glamorous perk of living in the city, but it is very convenient and has to be mentioned in the list of reasons NYC is awesome. Within seconds and without having to worry about parking or gas money, you can be where you need to be.
20. The Way the City Lights up at Night.
Once the sun sets the city becomes even more alive and breathtaking. You haven’t truly appreciated the beauty this place has to offer until it lights up.
It’s difficult to take advantage of every aspect of NYC has to offer when you’re only here for a weekend. Soon as you think you’ve seen it all, turn a bend ant there is something new asking to be discovered. I look forward to my next adventure here.
Sources for photos not taken by me:
http://www.123rf.com/photo_8460005_famous-broadway...http://nythroughthelens.com/post/21852804104/cobbl...
https://www.google.com/search?q=brownstones+nyc&bi...
http://subwaynut.com/ind/dyckmana/http://www.earthtimes.org/pollution/remediating-hu...
http://unrulyheir.com/?page_id=502
