On July 21, I embarked with the Her Campus team to New York City for the annual two-day women in media conference called Her Conference. We used Skedaddle buses to drive the four hours to Manhattan. Here are 7 great summer activities that we loved in New York City:
1. The High Line
Shockingly, this trip marked my first time to the High Line, an approximately one-mile-long park remodeled from train tracks. It has great views that overlook the city and flowers sprouting along the way. It was beautiful at sunset—a lovely outdoor activity that simultaneously celebrates summer and reminds you that you’re in the biggest city in America. I’ll be back.
2. Washington Square Park
It’s a staple NYC park and much easier to tackle than Central Park in my opinion. We tried out the cookie dough trend DÖ and walked to the park that’s near NYU. Sit on the benches, snap photos and people watch. Everyone from all backgrounds is hanging out in the park; it’s bursting with positive vibes. You can even catch a glimpse of One World Trade Center. Go.
3. $1 Pizza
Can you really go wrong? The city has these hole-in-the-wall $1 pizza places all over. We ran out from the midtown Mariott where my friend was staying and then came back to her hotel after a long day at the conference. These pies are cheesy and delicious and just scream NYC.
4. Times Square (once!)
Okay, so we went twice, but you only need to face those crowds once. My favorite part was going with two girls who had never been before and seeing their expressions and amazement. It’s hot and gross, but you should go to see the lights anytime you go to New York (cue locals groaning about how much they hate it). We got followed around by a man who called himself “Sexy Pharaoh,” so you’ll definitely meet some interesting characters in Times Square.
5. Rare Restaurant and Rooftop
We wanted dinner in midtown close to our hotel on Friday night, and Rare is a popular grill. I got the slider trio with three different flavors of sliders, whose toppings included bacon, avocado and caramelized onions. It was only about $15.
The real reason we wanted to go, however, was to head up to the rooftop afterwards. It is ages 21+ so keep that in mind. It featured a beautiful view of the shining Empire State Building as we enjoyed a drink. This is what being in New York is all about. Go to a rooftop bar while the weather is good in the summer!
6. Her Conference!
Her Campus welcomed about 700 women to the Convene building in Manhattan for the annual conference full of inspirational speakers, including keynotes Linda Sarsour, Carmen Perez, Lisa Sugar, Troian Bellisario, Gretchen Carlson, Amani Al-Khatahtbeh and Aja Naomi King. We also had four panels throughout the weekend that featured tons of women in media, magazines, editorial, social media, social impact, blogging etc. I loved hearing their advice and feeling re-inspired to work hard.
The conference is sponsored by amazing brands like Brit + Co, Shake Shack, Ulta, Spindrift, Moleskin, etc. which meant tons of freebies. I definitely recommend going next year if you’re a young woman interested in the media industry.
7. Just wandering around
Dare to get lost! Walk outside and find a street market like we did. Walk into Grand Central Market and fall in love with the meats, stationary and baked goods for sale. Walk miles from midtown to lower Manhattan like my fellow interns. Make reservations only to find that it’s a 21+ tavern so you have to walk a mile to a Mexican restaurant called Dos Caminos. Explore aimlessly, and the adventures will follow.
Lost With Lindsay 