No excuses. Fall Break is the perfect time to explore all that New York City has to offer.

No excuses. Fall Break is the perfect time to explore all that New York City has to offer.

Not going home for Fall Break? Don’t fret. Bwog is here with some suggestions for you and your friends. Time to leave the MoHi bubble, maybe? Who says a staycation can’t be fun? You don’t need to leave the city for a taste of the outside world. Strengthen your New York identity and explore all the city has to offer whether it be art, food, music, or other attractions. Before it gets too cold and you’re stuck in your shafted double, venture out of the bubble and get ready to rake in the likes on the inclement Instagram posts.

  • Cooper Hewitt – Walk to the end of Museum Mile/5th Avenue to this gilded age mansion that once belonged to Andrew Carnegie, no less, but now houses one of the swankiest design museums in the city. On Saturdays, it’s open from 11AM – 6PM, and you don’t have to pay ticket price but can donate as much as you want. After you’re done, head across the street to Bluestone Lane’s Heavenly Rest Stop. Its a hip, new Australian coffee shop that is famous for its avocado toast, coffee, and baked goods.
  • The Shops at The Plaza – Channel Eloise or Daisy Buchanan and head over to The Plaza, a luxurious hotel south of Central Park. Head underneath to The Shops for a variety of luxe and trendy vendors from the best restaurants and bakeries in NYC. From Green Tea cake to a nice bowl of truffle pasta, these vendors have it all covered. Bring your appetite and your iPhone; your Instagram will thank you.

  • SoHo Gallery Hopping – Take the 1 downtown to 26th and 10th for the best art galleries in the city. Check out some of the coolest, well-known artists in the New York art scene at Magnan Metz, Jacob Lewis, to name a few. Check out Commes des Garcon on 22nd, and of course, if you get hungry, Rolfe’s German Restaurant. This restaurant is the perfect place for a festive, aesthetically pleasing evening … and the drinks aren’t too bad either.
  • Smorgasborg – Williamsburg’s 11AM – 6PM food fair has all the bases of trendy eats, from ramen burgers to wowful ice cream sundaes. Eat your way through another borough!
  • Museum of the Moving Image – Head to Queens for this hidden gem, which has exhibits on the great Martin Scorsese, Jim Henson, and Computer Films of the 1960’s. Astoria is a cool hub of nice restaurants in a quiet, overlooked borough.
  • 9/11 Memorial Museum – Check out this powerful, immersive experience that will make you proud to be a New Yorker. This memorial museum is a must for all New Yorkers so why not go while you have the time. After you’re done, head to Hudson Eats, a high end food court like The Shops at the Plaza, overlooking the beautiful Hudson river. From Sprinkle frosting shots to Blue Ribbon sushi, its a great way to decompress after a meaningful day.
  • Eataly – NoMad is not only the neighborhood of the Flatiron Building, but also of Mario Batali’s Italian market. Get a taste of Italy without getting on a plane. The space has a number of mini restaurants as well as a panini, gelato, coffee, deli meat vendors that’ll send you straight to Cloud 9. Carrying a wide array of Italian food products, fresh pasta, meats, cheeses, and more, its the best place to stock up for your dorm. Its Nutella vendor has probably the best gelato and crepes in the game.
  • Strand Bookstore – Broadway & 12th is the home of one of New York’s most hallowed spots, Strand. This bookstore has a rare book section with first editions at reasonable prices as well as an extensive collection of art, design, and new fiction. Come for the staff recommendations and overall aesthetic, stay for the Max Brenner across the street. With its chocolate syringes, chocolate fondue, smores, chocolate pizza, and other concoctions, Willy Wonka’s got nothing on Max Brenner.
  • TKTS – Head to Times Square, South Street Seaport or Downtown Brooklyn to the TKTS booth to buy heavily discounted good seats at the hottest broadway shows. This season has many stand out shows like Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard, The Humans, and Les Liaison Dangereuses, which opened this past weekend. After you’re done, head over to Gym Kaku for some authentic Japanese BBQ.
  • K-Town – Check out Momofuku, known for its breakfast milk ice cream and compost cookies. Also, pick up some Jacques Torres peppermint chocolate martinis at Azya Wine & Chocolate Bar.
  • The High Line – Walk along a refurbished railroad track turned garden that looks out on the beautiful Hudson river. Embodying New York’s urban jungle aesthetic, The High Line is a perfect spot for a sunset Instagram. On 16th St. and 9th Ave,, enter Chelsea Market, where you can pick up a variety of good eats. Fat Witch Brownie Bakery is a must for all New Yorkers, so stock up here and maybe eat a few as you walk down The High Line. Their Wicked mint brownie is particularly famous.
  • Bloomingdale’s – Channel Gossip Girl and head to this high end department store, which houses Magnolia Cupcakes, David Burke, and Forty Carrots, home of the best frozen yogurt on planet earth. Across the street, check out Dylan’s Candy Bar for more sweet treats and festivities. A few blocks down is the famous Serendipity’s, known for its frozen hot chocolate and other concoctions. The East Pole on Lexington & 65th street has some of the best dishes and drinks with quiet the fun decor.
  • Sunday Brunch –  Acme, Sarabeth’s, Sadelle’s, The Butcher’s Daughter, Bagatelle, oh my! New York has quiet the array of fun brunch spots. Also, check out Russ & Daughters at the Jewish Museum near the Guggenheim for some authentic shmear and lox. Whether you are looking for a boozy brunch or something more mellow, New York has got you covered.
  • The Met Bruer – The MET’s new contemporary art annex has two must see exhibitions, Diane Arbus’s gorgeous early photographs and 72 paintings of Kerry James Marshall. If you’re feeling peckish head over to Sant Ambroeus for coffee, gelato, and other Italian delicacies. Also, check out Sugarfina, a new candy shop known for its Rose gummy bears, champagne gummy bears, Peach Bellini gummies, and other beautifully packaged delicacies. Window shopping along Madison Avenue too work off the sweets.

Photo courtesy of The Odyssey (dun dun dun)