Tag Archives: Spring

Things to Do: Student Springtime

Happy Weekend!

The weather hitting above 50 degrees this weekend felt like the perfect opportunity to get some sun and fresh air… and a quick break from projects. I decided to head to the Bronx and visit the Bronx Zoo. Did you know that the Bronx Zoo offers free admission for any FIT student? Neither did I, until today! Any New York City college student gets free admission into the zoo. Have a friend who is not a NYC college student? No problem- the zoo has free admission for every guest every Wednesday!
It was refreshing to step right outside of Manhattan and visit a neighboring area. I am rarely ever in the Bronx, so I am glad to have had the chance to check it out. People typically spend a few hours at the zoo; I myself arrived at 2pm and stayed until closing at 5:30pm. I’m glad I took my time-the lions finally woke up from their nap at the end of the day!
From Herald Square, you can take the D Train to Fordham Road Station, and then the Bx12 bus from E Fordham Rd/Grand Concourse to Fordham Rd/Southern Bl which is only a three minute walk to the zoo. The trip is about an hour, but well worth it. The zoo is open seven days a week, 10am-5pm Monday through Friday, and until 5:30 on the weekend. Be sure to check it out!

Until next time,
Annmarie X

Head Start for Spring at FIT

Hello All!

Believe it or not, winter is just around the corner, and fall semester is over half way done! Crazy right? It is never to early to consider can’t-miss activities to add to your spring calendar.

The best part of springtime at FIT is that Manhattan embraces spring with open arms. There is so much to look forward to (and I mean more than just putting that winter jacket back into storage). Although it is tempting to walk the Highline day and night once the temperature hits above 65 degrees, there is so much more that the FIT and Manhattan have to offer during this time of year; here are a few of my favorites!

Chelsea Galleries:
While the Chelsea Galleries open in the fall, my favorite time to visit them is in the spring. The Chelsea Galleries, for those who have never been, are a grouping of blocks with various art galleries (from about 21st street to 27th street between 10th and 11th ave). Hopping from gallery to gallery is more enjoyable in the beautiful weather of spring, and there are usually special viewings/events 6-8pm on Thursday nights. I highly recommend checking them out! There’s always a new artist on display and inspiring artwork worth seeing.

FIT Street Fair and Semiformal:
The street fair at FIT happens every year around the first week in May. Each year, there is a new theme and activities based around that theme. Twenty Seventh Street is completely blocked off for the day so that students can try the different food trucks from around Manhattan, games, raffles, and if you’re lucky, inflatable jousting! Sometimes, we even have a concert that is free for any FIT student. Two years ago FloRida came to perform, and it was a blast.

Although I’ve never been to the FIT Semiformal myself, I hear nothing but good things from my peers. Usually held at a gorgeous location, such as the Botanical Gardens, the FIT semiformal is a night of friends, dancing, and fun. Be sure to be on the lookout for ticket sales and dates!

Pier 25 Mini Golf:
Take a friend, take a date, take a family member, take a dog: everyone loves mini golf. Right off N Moore St. is the perfect way setting for a fun game of mini golf. It is located off the Hudson River at Chelsea Piers, so be sure to go for a walk after, or plan for a sunset game!

Friday Nights at the MET:
The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a must see, as it is open 7 days a week and guests have the option to pay any amount of choice for ticket admission. On Friday nights however, the MET hosts “MetFridays,” a special night where the museum stays open until 9pm! If you are lucky, you might even catch a concert or drawing class.

This only scratches the surface of what there is to do during the springtime at FIT. What’s your favorite activity during the spring? Until next time, enjoy scarf season!

-Annmarie 

Sakura Matsuri Cherry BlossomFestival

Has the recent weather been bringing you down? Looking for something to get back into that Spring vibe? Look no further than the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens! This weekend, April 29th-30th is the annual Cherry Blossom Festival – Sakura Matsuri!

When

April 29th-30th 6am-10pm

Where

The Brooklyn Botanical Gardens (990 Washington Ave, Brooklyn)

What

60+ events and performances celebrating traditional and contemporary Japanese culture.

Activities and events include

  • Flea Market
  • Japanese Tea Room
  • Art Gallery
  • Music
  • Cosplay
  • Samurai Sword Masters
  • Dance Parties

Tickets

Day passes are just $25 for students. Click here to get them.

This is a limited time event at one of the most picturesque places in all of New York, so get out there!

Photo Credit: Blanca Begert

Springtime in the City

The city is back to life! Trees are budding, flowers are being replanted, color is seeping back into the humans and surroundings of New York. People are smiling and laughing as they walk down the street, happy to finally unravel and de-bundle themselves from their winter jackets, hats and scarves. Dogs sniff their way down the street, able to enjoy their walk and not freeze their paws off! I think tears filled my eyes the other day as I walked down the street in a short sleeved shirt,  sans the jacket. What does all this mean….SPRING IS HERE!

Not only does the nice weather mean frequent visits to Central Park, the Highline, South Street Seaport and countless other sunny-day sites throughout the city but also a slew of festivals and events only spring in the big apple has to offer!

Below are a few that I will be trying out as we head to the end of the semester! If you happen to be visiting NY during this time check them out! As always, let me know what you think 🙂

1. Tribeca Film Festival, April 15-26

Who doesn’t love new movies? The Tribeca Film Festival is a world renowned festival that happens right in downtown Manhattan, as well as across the city. You can get matinee tickets for as little as $10 and tickets to guest talks for $35. The movies are ones not to be missed.

2. Cherry Blossom Season at Brooklyn Botanic Garden, April 1-26

Instead of hopping on a jet to Japan, hop on the subway to Brooklyn and see the natural wonders of the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Get your iPhone camera’s ready because its impossible to see these beauties and not snap some photos. The Cherry Blossom Trees are a sure sign of Spring, so you don’t want to miss it. Only $10!

3. NYC Hot Sauce Expo, April 25-26

I know everyone doesn’t have the love of hot-spicy foods that I do…but maybe you’ll think twice after attending this event. The third annual hot sauce expo will be taking place at The Brooklyn Expo in late April, showcasing 45 vendors! Come with an empty stomach and leave thoroughly pleased. From spicy pizzas, to spicy bloody-marys – your tongue will be on fire…in the best way possible 😉

4. Kentucky Derby, May 2

Chances are you don’t have tickets to the actual Kentucky Derby horse race…but I’m sure you have a fabulous hat somewhere in your closet that you’re dying to break out! This is your opportunity! Many bars and restaurants around the city will be involved in this classic southern event. Gather your friends, don your best derby hat, find a bar showing the race and transport yourself to Kentucky! I recommend finding a horse who’s name makes you laugh…then root for them!

5. The Metropolitan Museum of Art Rooftop

I will definitely be heading to the Met Museum to check out the “Plains Indians: Artists of Earth and Sky” exhibit running through May 10th. There are countless exhibitions to view, enough to fill your afternoon with beauty, history and culture. Before you go, make your way to the Met rooftop. This is one of the best views of the city, overlooking all of Central Park. Bask in the sun, feel the breeze, and look to the sky line – breathe in the beauty and magic of this city!

 

xx,

Brendan

 

SPRANG BREAK!!

I don’t know if I’ve ever been more eager for a vacation…

It is finally Spring Break here at FIT! Last weekend, Students quickly began filing out of the dorms with their suitcases packed and a smile on their face. I don’t think it’s just me – everyone’s brains are fried. Especially after this depressing winter that’s lasted WAY too long, we need some time off. Preferably in a tropical climate.

I went upstate Friday night for a few days to start of my Spring Break. Mother Nature was in a FABULOUS mood on Saturday. It was about 75 degrees! My ginger skin sizzled in the sun but I was not complaining at all. The weekend felt like summer and my mind, body and soul were all so confused. It’s like we skipped spring and went straight to June.

And THEN Mother Nature being the moody b-word that she is decided to start snowing Tuesday night. REALLY?! You’re gonna act like that Mother Nature after what you just gifted us with?! I was almost in tears…but one thing was getting me through…

I’M GOING TO CALIFORNIA FOR A WEEK!

Yes, that’s right!. Tomorrow I’m leaving for California with some of my best friends! I have never been to California or the west coast. This trip is falling at the most perfect time – right before my last month of school. I will be able to get all of my pent up energy out in time for finals. (Ugh.)

But finals brings summer..and summer brings happy Brendan 🙂

I will be posting about my California adventures after my trip! As for you all, enjoy any sign of Spring you can find!

xx, Brendan