Category Archives: Ashley

Spring Break in NYC

If you happen to be staying in NYC over spring break, you’re not alone!  Sometimes it’s nice to have a week with no plans or a week that you can use to work extra hours, relax, and go explore the city.  Here are some activities that you can do if you’re going to be staying in the city:

Brooklyn Folk Festival
What: A celebration of folk music!
When: April 8th – 10th
Where: St. Ann’s Church in Brooklyn, 157 Montague Street
Cost: $35-85

Macy’s Flower Show
What: Floral arrangements on display within Macy’s, dedicated to spring and carnival!
When: March 26th – April 9th
Where: Macy’s Herald Square
Cost: FREE!

Smorgasburg
What: Food and flea market in Brooklyn.  Perfect for groups, foodies, and those looking for a beautiful Manhattan view!
When: Weekends
Where: Saturday in Williamsburg, Sunday in Prospect Park, Brooklyn
Cost: Free to enter, varies depending on vendor

Easter Parade & Bonnet Festival
What: Elaborate hats and costumes showcased in a festive parade down 5th Ave!
When: April 16th
Where: 5th Ave from 49th to 57th St
Cost: FREE!

Mystery Room in Midtown
What: Escape the room with friends as you try to solve a complex puzzle within an hour!
Where: 365 7th Ave
Cost: $28 per person

Happy Spring Break!

Ashley

Weekend Travel to Boston

You’d be surprised how many places you can travel to on a budget and without a car.  A few weeks ago, I was able to visit Boston and I did not have a big budget going into the trip.  Here are some of my quick tips if you want to make a trip up to the historic city.

  • Take a Megabus from NYC.  I was able to take a $30 round trip megabus that drops you off near the financial district in Boston, located near metro stops, buses, and an easy location to take an uber to and from.
  • Set your budget beforehand.  If you know how much you can spend, stay within that limit.  Look up restaurants and attractions that you want to see and approximately how much those events will cost and factor all of that into your budget.
  • Pack snacks and entertainment.  It can’t be a long bus ride, especially with the not-so-great wifi available on the Megabus.  Download a movie beforehand, bring a book, and above all, bring snacks for the trip there and back to avoid paying absurd prices at the bus station.
  • Visit Quincy Market.  Located near the water, the indoor/outdoor market filled with shops, boutiques, LOTS of clam chowder and ice cream.  You’ll be sure to find something for everybody!
  • Give yourself extra time.   The streets in Boston are some of the most confusing roads to drive on.  Like New York, there’s almost always traffic, except this time, there’s no helpful grid.  Factor in at least an additional 15 minutes and if you’re driving, make sure you have enough gas in the tank!

Ashley

Upcoming Food Events

New York is known for the abundant amounts of food, restaurants, and the most outlandish food combinations.  With spring right around the corner, food festivals and events are popping up everywhere at the end of this month.  Here are some of the highlights of what you have to look forward to:

NYC Dessert Fest:
What: 20+ dessert vendors, a free candy bar, and a rooftop.  What more could you ask for?
When: March 25th-26th
Where: 64 Dobbin Street, Brooklyn
Price: $15-50

LIC Flea & Food Opening Day:
What: Food market vendors and handmade goods
When: Opening April 8th and 9th
Where: 5-25 46th Ave, Long Island City, Queens
Price: $0 for entry, varies from vendor

Smorgasburg Opening Day:
What: The iconic food flea market in Brooklyn is BACK, featuring over 100+ vendors
When: Opening April 1st-2nd
Where: Williamsburg’s East River Park (Kent Ave and North 7th Street) on Saturdays/Prospect Park’s Breeze Hill on Sundays
Price: $0 for entry, varies from vendor

Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day:
What: The most wonderful day of the year where Ben & Jerry’s gives out free cones
When: April 4th, 12 PM – 8 PM
Where: Your local Ben and Jerry’s
Price: $0

Madison Square Eats Opening Day:
What: An outdoor food vendor market located in Madison Square Park
When: Opens April 29th, open 7 days a week
Where: Madison Square Park, 5th Ave between 26th and 25th St.
Price: $0 for entry, varies from vendor

Happy dining!

Ashley

 

Library Resources

The FIT library is a great place to go for some quiet time, but it is also a fantastic place to receive help on research or thesis assignments!  Here are some resources that the library has that you as an FIT student can take advantage of:

  • PrintFx: PrintFx is FIT’s printing lab in which students and faculty have access to.  It is located on the 5th floor of the Pomerantz Center in D529A.  You are able to drop off orders or order online, and the services range from laser jet prints to printing on fabric, to bookbinding.  PrintFx has some of the least expensive prices in the city and is always of the highest quality.
  • Research and Instructional Services: If you have a thesis or research project that would like assistance in finding materials, the research services desk is happy to sit down with you, chat over the phone or email regarding your needs.  To find out more information about how to book an appointment, click here.
  • Rent books and movies: From the blockbuster hits to the fashion documentaries and novels, the FIT library has access to it all for your use.  Don’t see the title that you are looking for?  Inform the library staff and they are open to ordering it.
  • Historical Forecast Archives: FIT has access to historical forecasts from the 19th century – onward.  You must make an appointment to view by emailing [email protected]
  • Scan textbook pages: The professor may not require the book, but they may assign readings and assignments from the textbook.  Instead of purchasing the entire book and rarely using it, the FIT library has access to a majority of the typical textbooks used and they are available to scan so that you have access to the necessary pages.

I hope you enjoyed learning more about what the FIT library has to offer!

Ashley

 

Restaurant Spotlight: By Chloe

FIT is very lucky to be surrounded by incredible restaurants within walking distance of campus.  One of my favorite hotspots is By Chloe, an all vegan fast-casual restaurant located on 22nd St and 6th Avenue.  When you read “vegan restaurant,” you may think you’re only getting salads and vegetables, however, By Chloe is the furthest thing from that.  The menu does feature salads, but there are also burgers, desserts, and even vegan mac and cheese.

By Chloe Flatiron (Image: eatbychloe.com)

By Chloe has several locations and has been expanding throughout the city, with a location opening soon near Rockefeller Center!  By Chloe doesn’t neglect the gluten-free folks either, with almost all menu items able to be modified to be gluten free!  I highly recommend the Spicy Thai salad, smashed avocado toast, and chocolate chip cookie while you are there!  It can be fairly busy around lunch time, especially on the weekends, but feel free to carry out and dine at the nearby Madison Square Park!  To find out more about By Chloe, visit http://eatbychloe.com/

Happy dining!

Ashley