I know…my newsletter is late! It’s been a whirlwind. My NYC summer has officially come to an end. I explored solo, created new memories with friends and my sister, and walked many miles of the island on foot. My endless adventures resulted in an amazing list of places to eat spicy noodles, finding a coffee shop with AC, and catching the pink summer sunset along the river—all I will share with you in this month’s newsletter. Grateful for those whom I got to meet, see, explore, and dine with while in NYC.

Until next time! Bisou!

xoxo,

Melissa

visit

This summer, I was on the hunt to find as many free or affordable activities to do in NYC. To my luck, it is the perfect city for that! Taking advantage of free and affordable activities meant putting myself out there and challenging myself. It’s the mindset I hope to bring now that I’m home—to explore and seek adventure.

museums

I saw Poster House on an Instagram reel, and it didn’t disappoint. I decided to visit with my sister on their free admission day, which happens every Friday. This is the first museum in the U.S. focused on storytelling solely through posters that have had a political or cultural impact. I especially loved their exhibition, Puerto Rico in Print: The Posters of Lorenzo Homar, and even bought a poster from the exhibit for myself.

Even if the Museum of the City of New York is free every Wednesday, I would pay admission to visit again. I think they did a great job synthesizing years of history into three floors. I enjoyed their special exhibition, Urban Stomp: Dreams & Defiance on the Dance Floor, which explored over 200 years of dance in New York.

One of my summer highlights was the free tour of the New York Public Library - Stephen A. Schwarzman Building. Thanks to my sister’s quick thinking, she made a reservation for a highly coveted spot on a Saturday morning. I learned so much on this tour! Afterward, we enjoyed the free rooftop at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library across the street.

parks

The public parks in New York have endless free events! It’s pretty amazing. This summer, I danced my booty off with Good Move and made a new friend at a sunset free journaling event in Domino Park. I watched free jazz at River & Blues in Battery Park and listened to an audiobook in Elizabeth Street Garden. I strolled along Hudson River Park, watching the city come alive in the evening. Check your park calendars, which often include free events year-round.

bookstores

Bookstores were my sanctuary on this trip! Although I am an avid library user, I do love the peacefulness that comes from walking along the aisles of a local bookstore and learning something new at one of their free events. My must-visit list includes:

• Books Are Magic (Multiple locations)

• Greenlight Bookstore (My sister and I attended their Authors Across Romance event and absolutely loved it!)

• McNally Jackson Books (The Seaport location has a beautiful cafe for you to enjoy a drink and sit with a good book. Also, their SoHo location has the best journal and calendar collection in my POV.)

• Yu & Me Books (They specifically showcase immigrant stories and authors in their store. They also have a small to-go cafe!)

• Special mention: Loaf on Paper by niconeco zakkaya (OK…not a bookstore, but a Japanese stationery store and cute cafe. Need I say more?)

eat & drink

My sister and I tried our best to cook as much as possible while in New York…I think we did pretty well. However, with endless options of pizza, noodles, and new restaurant openings, it was definitely hard to do EVERY night. We love good food, coffee, and vibes! Can you blame us? Here are some of my favorites from this summer:

coffee & tea

• Bakeri (Williamsburg)

• Black Brick Coffee (Williamsburg)

• Café Colmado (Lower East Side)

• Cha& (Lower East Side)

• ENLY (Nolita-expensive, but their tiramisu latte was delicious)

• Georgie’s Cafe & Bar (Lower East Side)

• Kettl Tea (Multiple locations)

• le gaz (Lower East Side)

• PARK at KIMS (Chinatown-I went here 4x in one week…enough said!)

• Té Company (West Village)

• The Lost Draft (Nolita-great cafe to do some work at, always found a seat)

dining

• Bar Oliver (Chinatown-if you’re craving something Spanish)

• Bubby’s (Tribeca-order the pancakes!)

• Caffè Panna (Multiple locations-shoutout to Aarti for showing me this spot!)

• Emporio (Nolita-amazing happy hour! My sister’s local haunt)

• Ensenada (Williamsburg)

• Joseph Leonard (West Village)

• L’industrie Pizzeria (West Village & Williamsburg-lives up to the hype)

• Shuka (SoHo-sit at the bar and enjoy a drink)

• SUKH (Fort Greene-one of my new favorite restaurants with the coolest theme)

• Taqueria Ramirez (Greenpoint)

• The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory (Chinatown)

• The Sandwich Board (Chinatown)

• The Snail (Greenpoint-order the caesar salad and fresh pasta)

• Xi'an Famous Foods (Multiple locations)

• Zest Suhi (Lower East Side-perfect for a solo date)