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Monday, November 4, 2019

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Resources in Florida



Hello lovely people! It's been a while since I've made a blog post. I think I just haven't had much inspiration lately but, while I was at work I was thinking about how hard it is to find resources for mental health and substance abuse. It can seriously be very difficult when either you or your loved one is trying to find help, I don't know why but they don't make it easy. Not to mention, a lot of resource hot lines or lists will have old referrals whose numbers aren't even working numbers anymore or just don't give you a good selection.
So if you or your loved one live in Florida, I thought it would be super helpful to create a list of resources for those needing mental health or substance abuse treatment. It's hard enough already for a patient to realize they need to seek professional help and spend more time and energy hunting down resources or for a loved one to do the same.

Since I work in the health care field, I thought this would be something anyone may be able to use or just spread the word. I've spent loads of time looking into places so far, but I'm posting this list for now, with the intent on adding more and more resources as I find them, so this list definitely is not complete. If anyone has any additional resources, I would love to hear about them in the comments and add them to my list. :)

- Lots of love,

Sammi


Mental Health Resources:
  • The Wave. (727-437-7789 or 888-324-3798) 2120 Range Road, Clearwater, FL 33765 (They also will have locations in Sarasota and Largo)
    • A women's only treatment center that focuses on mental and behavioral health like PTSD, depression and specifically post-partum depression, eating disorders and body issues, addiction, marital and sexual issues, borderline personality, bipolar, anxiety, OCD, and more. Join their residential program where you will have 24 hr supervision, individual and group therapy. They incorporate healing practices such as; yoga, meditation, mindfulness, art therapy, fitness and more. If your problems are not acute enough for inpatient stay, try their PHP (partial hospitalization program), an outpatient program where individual and group therapy are given and you'll receive 20 hrs a week of clinical care with the same methods of practice.
  • La Amistad Behavioral Health Services. (407-647-0660) 1650 North Park Ave, Maitland, FL, 32751
    • They offer two treatment centers just outside Orlando for adults and adolescents. They offer residential treatment as well as intensive outpatient and a PHP (partial hospitalization program). For both the adult and adolescent program, some behavioral health problems dealt with are; bipolar disorder, co-occuring disorders, depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, sexual/physical abuse, PTSD, behavioral disorders, personality disorders, and ADHD. Strong family involvement is encouraged. They will do groups, morning exercise, individual and family counseling, goals groups and more.
    • This center also offers substance abuse treatment! (And a military family support program, trauma recovery)
  • Fairwinds. (1-800-204-6326) 1569 South Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater, FL, 33756
    • An inpatient and outpatient treatment center, with residential and detox as well, that helps those with mental health, substance abuse, and they specialize in helping those with eating disorders. More specifically, they help with OCD, bipolar, depression, anxiety, and trauma.
    • If you have a teenager or are a teenager with an eating disorder, this is a great resource for you.
  • Northside Behavioral Health. (813-977-8700) 12512 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa FL, 33612 (Other locations throughout Hillsborough county are available)
    • Offering inpatient crisis (short term stabilization program) and outpatient services for individuals and families. Individual, group, and family therapy are offered during outpatient services. They have two outpatient programs, for adults and for children.
    • This facility also offers in-jail and community based services that seek to reintegrate mentally ill offenders back in society for a successful role recovery.
  • Bay Area Clinical Services. (813-435-6429) 126 Lithia Pinecrest Road, Brandon, FL 33551
    • With over 40 therapists, they offer a strength-based client centered approach. The areas these therapist work with range from trauma, depression, anxiety, family therapy, adjusting to life changes, and some therapists offer services for children with behavioral issues. This is outpatient care or to just see a therapist.
  • SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) - 
    • Now this is actually a website of an agency that focuses on helping those in need of treatment and resources. Their mission being to reduce the impact of mental health and substance abuse on America's communities. 
    • They have a number listed for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. If you or someone else is feeling suicidal, call this number: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
    • One of the best things about this website is they have a locator map of treatment centers, organizations, and therapists in your area! Just enter in your address, city, or zip code and they will give you a ton of resources!
  • The Blackberry Center. (407-449-7815) 91 Beehive Circle Drive, St Cloud, FL, 34769
    • This is an inpatient psychiatric hospital with 64 beds and a retreat-like environment who also offer dual diagnosis programs for substance use. They offer addiction recovery services on the same campus as their psychiatric hospital in a different building for detox, inpatient, and outpatient care. For their programs, both mental health and substance use, they focus on individual therapy, group therapy, recreational therapy, family therapy, nutritional education and more.
    • Website: The Blackberry Center
  • Aspire Health Partners. 407-875-3700
    • This is Central Florida's source for Behavioral Health Care services. So if you are seeking mental health or substance abuse help in the Central Florida counties of: Brevard, Lake Orange, Osceola, or Seminole county, you can use this website as your way to find that resource! Their system is easy to use, just click on the website below and use the drop-down options to find a program or service specific to you. You can find resources for any age; adults, children, youth, or families.
  • Centerstone. (Inpatient: 941-782-4150, Outpatient: 941-782-4610) 2020 26th Ave East, Bradenton, FL 34208
    • A great facility with inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care. They have crisis stabilization and inpatient therapy that is short-term, but allows you to get right back on your feet. They work with you doing individual, group, and family therapy and medication management, psychotherapy, and case management.  
    • They also provide detox for teens and adults, as well as addiction recovery.




Substance Abuse Resources:
  • Spring Gardens Detox & Recovery. (866-244-8013) 8213 Cessna Dr Spring Hill, FL 34606
    • This detox and treatment center focuses on holistic approaches, as well as traditional approaches, to the road of recovery. They offer an initial detox, two week residential program, and a 30 day residential program. Some therapies used are; music and art, cupping, yoga, medical sauna, pet, and massage therapy. They also have group, individual and family therapy.
  • Phoenix House Florida. (813-881-1000)  510 Vonderburg Dr #301, Brandon, FL 33511 (outpatient) 15681 North U.S. Highway 301, Citra, FL 32113 (residential)
    • The Brandon treatment center works with teenagers and adults in two different outpatient programs. The outpatient adolescent program focuses on mending relationships with families, talking about their struggles with others, and healing wounds. The adult outpatient focuses on the client's strengths and addresses specific needs. In Ocala, they offer residential treatment for adults, men and women.
  • River Oaks Treatment Center. (888-585-2312) 12012 Boyette Road, Riverview, FL 33569
    • This center provides medical detox, inpatient rehab, a residential program, and more. They focus on a customized plan of care for each individual patient. They also incorporate techniques such as psychotherapy to massage and art/music therapy.
  • La Amistad Behavioral Health Services. (407-647-0660) 1650 N Park Ave, Maitland, FL 32751
    • Not only offering mental and behavioral health services, this facility also has a substance abuse treatment program located outside Orlando, FL. They have residential, intensive outpatient, or PHP (partial hospitalization program). Some focuses during treatment are CBT/DBT, yoga therapy, swimming, recreation therapy and more, all while incorporating a 12 step technique program.
  • Board Prep Recovery. (866-798-3362) 2522 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609
    • This facility offers a dual diagnoses program for mental health and addiction, addiction treatment for young adults AND treatment for professionals, because professionals are not immune to substance use or mental health issues.  Medical detox, inpatient rehab, intensive outpatient and an outpatient rehab program are all available.
  • ACTS (Agency for Community Treatment Services). (813-246-4899) The adult residential is located on: 3575 Old Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs, FL 34689, while the youth residential is located on: 11309 Tom Folsom Road, Thonotosassa, FL, 33592 and outpatient services are located at: 2214 E Henry Ave., Tampa FL, 33610
    • If you are someone who does not have insurance or needs financial assistance in receiving treatment, this facility may be right for you. Treating adults or adolescents with behavioral health issues and substance use in residential treatment, they also have outpatient care and supportive housing.
    • I believe they accept people without insurance.
  • DACCO Behavioral Health. (813-384-4000) 4422 E Columbus Drive, Tampa, FL 33605
    • This treatment centers helps those struggling from substance use disorders, including Opioid addiction and co-occurring mental illnesses. They offer programs if you are pregnant or an IV drug user. They have residential, outpatient, and medical programs.
    • They also offer free HIV testing and education.
    • I believe this facility accepts people with no insurance.
  • The Blackberry Center. (407-449-7815) 91 Beehive Circle Drive, St Cloud, FL, 34769
    • This is an inpatient psychiatric hospital with 64 beds and a retreat-like environment who also offer dual diagnosis programs for substance use. They offer addiction recovery services on the same campus as their psychiatric hospital in a different building for detox, inpatient, and outpatient care. For their programs, both mental health and substance use, they focus on individual therapy, group therapy, recreational therapy, family therapy, nutritional education and more.
    • Website: The Blackberry Center
  • SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) - 
    • Now this is actually a website of an agency that focuses on helping those in need of treatment and resources. Their mission being to reduce the impact of mental health and substance abuse on America's communities. 
    • They have a number listed for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. If you or someone else is feeling suicidal, call this number: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
    • One of the best things about this website is they have a locator map of treatment centers, organizations, and therapists in your area! Just enter in your address, city, or zip code and they will give you a ton of resources!
  • Fairwinds. (1-800-204-6326) 1569 South Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater, FL, 33756
    • An inpatient and outpatient treatment center, with residential and detox as well, that helps those with mental health, substance abuse, and they specialize in helping those with eating disorders. More specifically, they help with OCD, bipolar, depression, anxiety, and trauma.
    • If you have a teenager or are a teenager with an eating disorder, this is a great resource for you.
  • Aspire Health Partners. 407-875-3700
    • This is Central Florida's source for Behavioral Health Care services. So if you are seeking mental health or substance abuse help in the Central Florida counties of: Brevard, Lake Orange, Osceola, or Seminole county, you can use this website as your way to find that resource! Their system is easy to use, just click on the website below and use the drop-down options to find a program or service specific to you. You can find resources for any age; adults, children, youth, or families.
  • Next Generation Village. (863-658-0495) 1062 Lake Sebring Dr., Sebring, FL 33870
    • An adolescent treatment center for drug rehab with a lakeside view, this is a great facility for teens struggling with addiction. They help teens with many addictions that this specific population struggle with like; adderall, cocaine, cough syrup, LSD, heroin and other opioids, benzos, and more. They have an inpatient and outpatient center, detox, after care, and incorporate other co-occurring disorders during treatment.
  • Orlando Recovery. (866-534-8989) 6000 Lake Ellenor Dr, Orlando, FL 32809
    • For adults, they are licensed as a residential facility in treating substance use disorders and also have an outpatient program (Intensive inpatient and Partial Hospitalization), a medical detox, and more resources.
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Thursday, July 11, 2019

Best cafes and restaurants in New York City - an NYC Guide

(Cabbie hat from Windsor, shirt from Forever 21, shorts thrifted but originally from Gap, the stretch ones, and necklace from moonglow.com)

Hello, hello everyone! New York City is a pretty big destination trip for most people, being one of the most popular, biggest cities in the U.S.. There's a reason why people say it's one of the greatest cities in the world. It's a city of opportunity, history, the fast-paced life, and seriously, how many movies are set here? I think everyone needs to take a visit to the Big Apple at least once in their life.
With that being said, hopefully this blog will be helpful to some of you who may be planning a trip here soon. Unfortunately for me, I had planned out this blog purposely because of a trip I had planned for NYC this week, but there was an car accident with my mom (she actually got hit by a car in a parking lot, BUT she's okay, for the most part) she just can't walk on her right leg, her knee is swollen and after an MRI was done, they came to the conclusion that she has a hairline fracture. We had to cancel, so instead of having an NYC blog about my step-by-step days in the city, I may just do a blog post about what to do in Florida, since it looks like I'll be having a stay-cation.

 Anyways, I will be talking about the best cafes and restaurants in New York City. Some of these I have personally experienced, and some I did a bit of research on. I wanted to make sure I found the BEST of the best, with not just great food and drinks but places with an awesome atmosphere. So here ya go;

 Disclaimer: These pictures are not mine unless otherwise stated.

 Cafes;

 1. Remi Flower and Coffee - 906 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10017

This was a place I was planning to check out on our trip. Can you say, aesthetic as heck? This place is filled with a beautiful display of flowers and plants. It functions as a flower shop to buy bouquets but also as a coffee shop and it has THE most unique lattes I've ever seen. Among others, they're most popular lattes are the rose and lavender lattes. They apparently put real flowers in your drink. They also do sell some pastries if you're in need of a snack. You most definitely need to take a picture while you're here.


2. Devocion - 25 E 20th St, New York, NY 10003 (near the Flat Iron building)


This is another one that's incredibly pleasing to the eye yet has amazing coffee. There is another cool location in Brooklyn, but this one is in Manhattan near the Flat Iron building. The cappuccinos are apparently made to perfection. Enjoy sipping delicious coffee underneath a skylight and hanging greenery. (The skylight isn't pictured) 

 3. Ferrara Bakery & Cafe - (Little Italy) 195 Grand St, New York, NY 10013


If you're in Little Italy, you have GOT to go here! The most authentic Italian pastries and other specialties you will ever have (besides in Italy). In the picture below, I'm eating sfogliatelle with some espresso and my dads sambuca (an Italian liquor usually had with dessert). A cool fact is that this place has been around since 1892. So it's survived the Great Depression and both World Wars. 
(my picture ^)

 4.  Serendipity's 3 - 225 E 60th St., New York, NY 10022


Now this place you definitely need a reservation for. This is probably one of the most popular places in NYC for dessert. They also sell coffee, lunch, and dinner, but most people come here for the dessert. If you're just dropping by for dessert, I don't believe you're allowed to make a reservation so you could be waiting 40 minutes or more. Kinda worth it though. They have a famous frozen hot chocolate, crazy looking banana splits, and literally the biggest desserts you have ever seen. Their cool atmosphere is also a bonus; it's super chic and funky. 




(Me in front of Serendipity's. This was probably five years ago now. Jeez, I'm old.)

 5. Cha Cha Matcha - 1158 Broadway, New York, NY & 373 Broome St, New York, NY

This is a place I only know about because of Instagram but apparently, they have amazing matcha lattes here and plus, how cute is the inside with all of that pink? If you don't know what matcha is, it's a vibrant green powder made from green tea leaves, most familiar with Japanese culture. It delivers way more antioxidants than regular green tea, not to mention, it has caffeine, of course. You can also get some pastries while you're here.

 Restaurants;

 1. Pig n'Whistle - 922 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10022

This is a great pub for some Irish food, like corn beef and cabbage or shepherds pie. The space is a bit tight, but it's honestly just such a New York City cool, cozy vibe. There are a few other locations around the city but this is the one I always visit. If you're looking for a cozy, filling Irish meal, this is the place to go. (Also, it's great food to eat if it's cold outside; the perfect winter meal).
Here's a picture of my boyfriend and I here in a booth, two years ago during Christmas :)

2. While We Were Young Kitchen & Cocktails - 183 W 10th St., New York, NY 10014

Now, this place is widely popular on Instagram, mostly for the airy, chic,  aesthetically pleasing setting but the food here is apparently really good as well. They sell cocktails, brunch, and dinner. They have healthy-ish food options such as; Salmon with kale, chickpeas, and pistachio, winter squash pasta with walnuts and dates, but then they also have chicken and waffles and a truffle omelette for brunch (among other things of course). I heard the cauliflower tater tots are AMAZING. If you're going to New York City with a girlfriend, I have a feeling this would be a great place to hang out.

3. Jacks Wife Freda - 224 Lafayette St, New York, NY 10012

A very popular place in Soho, but there are also two other locations in NYC. (The others being West Village and Chelsea) They serve breakfast, lunch, dinner and cocktails. You can check off points for a cute atmosphere and delicious food for this one. They have very interesting foods that they present beautifully. Their ideas come from Israeli and South African culture. For breakfast you can try out "Maya's breakfast bowl" made with scrambled or poached eggs, red quinoa, kale, spaghetti squash, avocado, and grilled tomato. For lunch you can get a "Madame Freda" which is a pressed sandwich with duck prosciutto, cheddar bechamel, gruyere, and a sunny side up egg. And for dinner try out the Ground Lamb and Eggplant "Lasagna". 

 4. Cafe Medi - 107 Rivington St., New York, NY 10002

Serving Mediterranean seafood and vegetarian friendly dishes, this place lights up with their sky lit atmosphere and floor to ceiling murals. Their food represents France, Spain, and Italy. Just some examples of the dishes they serve are seared scallops, sweet pea risotto pasta, and lamb souvlaki. 

 5. Emilio's Ballato - 55 E Houston St., New York, NY 10012

If you're visiting Soho, definitely stop by and eat at Emilio's. This family owned Italian restaurant is probably the most popular one among all the authentic Italian spots around New York. There are pictures on the wall from all the famous people who have eaten here, from Barack Obama to Jimmy Fallon and other movie stars. Of course it's a bit pricey, like most places in NYC, but that's to be expected. Come here to experience a little taste of Italy. Only downside is they don't take reservations so you may want to put your name on the wait list then do some walking around town.

 6. Via Carota - 51 Grove St., New York, NY 10014

Another great Italian spot, this one is nestled in Greenwich village and has a rustic, warm, and cozy charm to it (Obviously I love cozy places so I had to add this in). It'll make you feel like you're actually eating in a small Italian village up on the mountains in cobble-stoned streets. It's inspired by a 17th century Florence villa. The food is out of this world, or well, out of this country and straight from Italy, I should say. Definitely try it out. 


7. Max Brenner Chocolate Bar - 841 Broadway, New York, NY 10003


Okay, this place is crazy. They have chocolate EVERYTHING (yes that is a chocolate marshmellow-covered pizza in the picture). So if you're a chocolate lover, you have got to try this place out. I didn't list it under cafes because they really serve everything, from (of course) desserts, to pizza, burgers, soy-glazed salmon, pasta primavera, pub steak and potatoes, and then everything you can think of with chocolate added to it. There are Cocoa Spiced Waffle Fries, Belgium Hot Chocolate, Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate, an 80s Milkshake, all different types of Fondue and Waffles and Crepes AND chocolate covered pizzas. I can literally go on. There is so much food at this place, chocolate and non-chocolate related. But you obviously need to come here and get SOMETHING chocolate related at some point. This place is just pure awesome.


8. L&B Spumoni Gardens - 2725 86th St., Brooklyn, NY 11223

This is another famous location, although I still don't feel like many people know about it. Established in 1938, this family-owned restaurant got made famous for their Sicilian square pizza, spumoni and Italian ices. You can be served inside their cozy restaurant or eat outside like a true New Yorker on the go. They also have regular, round pies and you can order any of their pizzas by the slice. If you want to eat inside their restaurant, they offer much more than pizza as well. Even though it's in Brooklyn, it's worth the trip.

 9. Last but not least..... get AUTHENTIC RAMEN! Anywhere, seriously, because they're all over the place.

 I couldn't pick a specific location for this, because almost all of the ones around the city are authentic and family owned. To name a few, here are some in the heart of NYC:

 Totto Ramen - 248 E 52nd St

 Momosan Ramen & Sake - 342 Lexington Ave

 Nakamura - 172 Delancey St

 Ivan Ramen - 25 Clinton St

(Picture from Ivan Ramen, NYC)


 (Picture from Totto Ramen, NYC)
Hope you enjoyed this blog post! I'm sure there are many more amazing cafes and restaurants I haven't heard of in NYC. If you'd like, suggest some down below for any fellow viewers! 
Have a wonderful weekend,

 Lots of love,
Sammi
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Monday, June 17, 2019

Things to do in New York City! - An NYC Guide


So next month I'll be flying up to NYC to see my family but also, to do some fun things in the city. I absolutely LOVE New York City. All of the hustle and bustle just gives me this feeling of motivation and an energy that makes me feel like I can take on anything that comes my way. I've been traveling up the NYC almost once every year since my family live in Queens and Staten Island. Almost every time, my parents and I (or now just my mom and I) will stay in Manhattan because there's honestly no better feeling that walking out into your hotel into the heart of the city.
There is always something to do in NYC so I figured what better way to share with people than my own tips on what to do in the big apple!
Most importantly, I wanted to make this post because I feel like some of the things I love doing in NYC aren't as well known and I would love to share them with you! I was going to add in my list, cute cafes and delicious restaurants to eat at in NYC, but then I realized that would make this way too long so that'll most likely be my next post.
So without further a do, here ya go!

 1. The Brooklyn Flea Market. One of my favs. This is open every Saturday and Sunday and it is the best flea market ever. Not only do they have cool antique/vintage things, but they also have interesting food stands.
Saturdays it's open in Willimsburg (11am-6pm) and Sunday it's open in DUMBO under the Manhattan bridge (10am-5pm).

 Click here to go to their website.

 This is a picture I took there in a cool vintage mirror. Say hello to my legs, I guess?


This was just taken outside of it in Brooklyn.


2. Ellis Island. Okay, this is something that I feel is SO underrated. If you're into spooky things, highly intuitive, and love history... check this out. If you aren't familiar, Ellis Island is where 12 million immigrants came through to America (prob your relatives) and were held here before actually setting foot on American soil. My grandpa came through here and immigrated as a boy and actually has his name on a huge plaque outside. It was an immigration inspection station that is now turned into a museum. (Parts of it burned in a fire, spooky, much?) There's kind of an eerie feeling about this place which makes me love it more. Some people, before making it through, died from sickness and.. this is going to sound crazy, but my dad swears on his mother's life that he saw a ghost here with us when I was a kid. I still remember the look on his face. No lie. Anyways, yeah. Check this out. While doing this you can also see the Statue of Liberty. You take a ferry to get to the islands and get combo tickets for both. I would buy tickets ahead of time because the lines can get long.

 Also, if you want to REALLY get creepy, they have this special tour in Ellis island's abandoned hospital, called a "Hard Hat Tour". It's a 90 minute guided tour that takes you through the hospital side of Ellis Island that has not been restored (which you can't see otherwise and hence the hard hats, I guess in case some part of the building falls on you?) through the autopsy room, infectious and disease wards, the kitchen, and the mortuary. Can you say creepy?? I have never done this but this is something I've always wanted to do. I believe tickets are about $50, so it's a bit pricey. 

Side note: Apparently 3,500 people died on Ellis Island from sickness and disease, trying to make it through to America. If that's creepy enough for you, lol.


3. Washington Square Park/Greenwich Village. Described as a gathering spot for avant-garde artists. This is the place to be if you are a lover of the arts. If you've ever seen the Washington Arch next to a huge water fountain, this is where that is. It's located in Greenwich Village, also known as "The Village". Maybe bring a blanket and lay on the grass, like a lot of people do and even bring a sketchbook or novel. This is the most "artsy" side of NYC, so if you're artsy, you have to check it out. I used to love coming to The Village as a kid because it just gives off this feeling of creativity everywhere, which I've always loved. Most likely you'll see someone performing something. Honestly, it's a great spot to people watch, lol. Walk around The Village and you'll find music stores with vinyls, tattoo parlors, beautiful brownstones, jazz clubs, and off-broadway theaters. 

 Stop by Cafe Wha to soak up the historic great happenings of past famous musicians. Great musicians like Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan have made their way here before and now it's for young, new artists. The Duplex is another great spot, it's an awesome piano bar. At Blecker Records Street, sort through your favorite records and check out the guest list on the wall of all the famous people who have been inside there before. Johnny Depp being one! I mean, what other city can you find things like this? 

 There are also iconic spots in Greenwich Village like where they shot Friends (Bedford and Grove street) and Sex and the City (Carrie Bradshaw's apartment on Perry street). Obviously ya gotta take pictures.

 Also, if you're really into that type of environment, look into events that they have in the park! Looking into it now, they have yoga and tai chi!
Bring your own mat, but their yoga is FREE and starts from 6/6/19 to 9/19/19 every Wednesday and Thursday at 8:30am-9:30am. 

 (Not my own picture, but just so you know what it is)


4. The Jimmy Fallon Show. Okay, so I have literally never thought about doing this until this year, but this would be so fun! Unfortunately, the week I'll be in NYC is the same week he takes his annual hiatus. 
The tickets for his show are free but you need to make sure you reserve tickets as soon as they go up. They only go up a month at a time. Check his twitter account starting the first day of the month before you are trying to go. For example; if you're going in August, check his twitter July 1st, and he'll write an update for what time/date it'll be up for August starting that first week of July some time. Just turn on your announcements for his twitter that first week of July. You have to make an account on his website too. But even then, apparently tickets aren't guaranteed and you won't know that you have seats until maybe a week or so before?
You can always wait in line early in the morning between 6am-9am for tickets on the same day and you should get them (according to research).

 5. See beautiful, picture worthy architecture and landmarks.

                         - St Patrick's Cathedral - just plain beautiful. Light a candle for a loved one.

                         - Washington Square Arch - located in Greenwich Village

                         - Walk the Brooklyn Bridge - one of the most popular places for Instagram pics

                         - New York Public Library - the ceiling in this place... just, wow

 Here's a picture. So beautiful.


                        - Grand Central Terminal - the ceiling inside is also amazing. there's a secret place in here at an intersection of four walk ways, where you can hear someone through the wall, if you're on the opposite end. It's such a cool thing to do. Here's a link to what I mean.

                         - The Vessel - just opening this past March 2019, it's a new favorite place for Instagram shots. There isn't much to see to me, rather than a cool building. But you can reserve free tickets two weeks before going and walk up it. It's built very differently... so you literally go up and down stairs. But don't worry, there's an elevator to the top as well.

 Here's a picture of the Vessel. Kinda crazy looking.


6. See a Broadway play. This isn't something that I've done every time, but if you usually don't go to New York, this should definitely be at the top of your list. Some plays are definitely more expensive than others. This time, my mom and I are actually going to see The Phantom of the Opera (for the first time!) and we got pretty good seats at a decent price. I recently saw Anastasia and Dear Evan Hansen (which got amazing reviews) is currently the top must-see show. If you're going to NYC during Christmas, you HAVE to see the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. Make sure you get tickets from a legit site! We used Telecharge.com.

 Click here to get to the website we used for tickets.

 This is Radio City Music Hall where the Rockettes perform!



7. Tenement Museum. This is not something most know about, but it is so interesting and full of history. Another immigrant museum, take tours of restored tenement apartments and see how immigrants actually lived when first entering America. Some of it is quite shocking, a family of five may be living in one single room while there's another family living in the room next to them. As you walk inside these apartments, your tour guide will tell you specific stories of real families during this time that lived here and you're even able to see some items the families may have used along with furniture dated back then. A historian who worked on the renovation said that "you can feel the lives of the thousands of people who lived here" and it's so true. So moving.

8. Museums, museums, museums! Okay, more museums. I wanted to leave the Tenement Museum out because, I don't know, I just thought it should be separate. I absolutely love museums. These are my favorites:

                                 - The Museum of Natural History - if you love dinosaurs, space, animals, and literally anything else, this is your museum. You can get lost in here. They also have flexible pricing, which means you choose what amount you want to pay. So if you just wanna give them a dollar, that's totally okay.

                                  - The MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art) - The MET steps are also known as the most iconic place for Gossip Girl fans. You obviously have to take a picture of the steps if you come here. But besides that, this museum is amazing. From ancient Egyptian artifacts and temples to 18th Century resembled rooms to paintings... this has it all. You can't see everything in one day. And this also has flexible pricing, so you can pay whatever amount you're able to.

                                 - MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) - Modern and Contemporary art. Nuff said. This is also free on Fridays.

                                  - The Guggenheim Museum - my least favorite out of the whole list and no where near as big as the others, but it's still cool if you have already seen the others. You view the art as you walk up the museum in a spiral fashion, so that's pretty different.
                                - The New York Transit Museum - it's $10 to get in. I haven't been, but the only reason I wanted to add this is because, if you want a cool subway picture hack, this is the place to do it. There are a bunch of empty cars (that show what they used to look like through the years) and there aren't many people here so it's easy to get an empty car and take a "cool subway picture". If you ever wondered how people took cool subway pictures in seemingly empty cars, this is how.

Spotted on the MET Steps. Because I just had to. xoxo.



9. Central Park. How can this not be on my list? Pretty sure it's the most famous park in the world. It's seriously freaking huge. Try to check out the Imagine memorial for John Lennon. It's always busy and I can almost guarantee someone will be next to it playing one of his songs. There's also the Balto statue (um, the sled dog who saved all those sick kids by bringing them vaccines in an snow storm in Alaska, duh - my favorite movie as a kid).
You can take a boat ride in Central Park as well, I'm gonna insert a picture that I took a few years ago of all the boats. I haven't actually done this but it would be a really relaxing idea. You don't really need a plan when going into Central Park because walking around is beautiful enough. Also, I'm pretty sure every rom com ever was shot there, walking down "the mall" (the long strip rows of benches where a lot of people get their picture drawn).
Try to stop by the Plaza hotel on 59th street! If you're on the South side that is. It's beautiful and also where Home Alone 2 was shot. You're allowed to roam around the lobby, everyone does.

*Side note: The Central Park Zoo is really not worth it. Just my opinion but I remember going there once as a kid and I think they have like seven animals in total. At least that's what it felt like, lol.

I took this a few years back. So serene. I need to take a boat ride one day.



 10. Walk down 5th Avenue. This is the most popular place for luxury shopping. I usually never buy anything, with the exception of one time when I got a Michael Kors watch as a present to myself, but it's really fun to window shop and look inside at all the fancy things. Fifth Ave is really long, so I think most of the stores are more towards Central Park. My mom and I are planning on getting our hair done at the Dry Bar and then walking down 5th Ave to pretend we're fancy. Vibes af.


11. The 9/11 Museum and Memorial/One World Observatory. This is just so important to see while you're here. I'm the type of person that loves to feel things. Whether it's sad or happy. And this memorial... there are no words. It's just complete heartbreak when you enter. You can just feel the sadness engulf you. Which may not make you want to visit it, but it's a feeling that I don't mind. The people who lost their lives that day should always be remembered. I have never done the museum, which I'm doing this time when I go, as well as going up to the Freedom tower (the new World Trade Center), and I've only heard good things about the museum. A must-see. (btw, the memorial itself is free)

While seeing the museum, you might as well pay a bit extra and go up to the One World Observatory (the new World Trade Center building, also called the Freedom Tower). I'll be doing this for the first time as well. The elevator shoots you up to the top, 102 stories in 47 seconds, while showing you a digital NYC through the years starting at the very beginning when New York City was just being built, inside the elevator.

Right now, they're selling tickets for both for $46, which is definitely a deal, seeing how the 9/11 memorial museum alone is $26 and the observatory is $35.

Click here to get combo tickets for the 9/11 museum and one world observatory.

Side note: BUT, if you want, you can go to the 9/11 memorial museum on a Tuesday after 5pm, because then it's FREE admission. 


12. Rockefeller Center. I just love Rockefeller Center. This is where they have the ice skating rink open during Christmas season. If you're going to NYC during the holidays, you HAVE to, like seriously have to see Rockefeller Center. Because it is magical. There's a mall inside too with places to eat. 

 (Also not my picture, but just so you know what it is)
13. The Highline. This is a public park built on top of a historic freight rail line, an empty railroad track that's been converted, and it's elevated above the city. There's a lot of cool public art and interesting food to get here. Not on my very top list of things to do, but still cool.

 14. Times Square - Ehhhh, I think it's personally overrated, but I mean, if you've never been to NYC before, you have to check it out. I don't know if this is still a thing, but look out for the "naked cowboy". There's a lot to do in Times Square, I just think it's way too crowded. But, there's Ripley's Believe it or Not (which is always fun), Madame Tussands (Wax Muesuem), and tons of shopping, including like a five story Forever 21 (maybe more stories? I'm not sure). Just don't eat in Times Square. That is not real New York food, please. lol. 

 15. Bryant Park Winter Village - This is the most wonderful place to go during the Christmas season! They set up a 17,00 square foot ice skating rink in the middle and have 170 pop up shops and food vendors around it. This is a must to do if you're in NYC during the holidays. Ultimate holiday vibes. Cozy up and grab some hot chocolate or roasted chestnuts and look at all the cute trinkets, handmade soaps, Christmas ornaments, and so much more. 

 Side note: I hear they are opening the winter village before Halloween this year! It's never too early for some holiday spirit.


That's all I have for you guys on this post! Of course there is soo much more to do in New York City that I didn't mention, but these were some of my favorites, or just some cool things I thought needed to be mentioned.
Stay tuned for a blog post of all the cute cafes and delicious (or just plain cool) restaurants to eat at in New York City!

 Lots of love,

 Sammi
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