I’m 99% sure this is the last you’ll hear about my summer in New York, at least in a post of its own. Now that I’ve been home for a few days I wanted to do one last wrap up post about my experience. I wrote many individual recaps about weekend adventures, restaurants, workout studios, etc., but I wanted to compile a list with those recaps plus other thoughts. Kind of self-indulgent, but I like to use my blog as a scrapbook and journal.
Because I can’t play favorites (and there is so much I’m not including for the sake of space and sanity) the list is in no particular order.
Best of NYC
The Food
I still can’t get over how easy it was to eat gluten-free in the city. The number of grab-and-go places, snacks and regular restaurants made something that is normally a challenge for me a breeze. My top 3 most frequently visited places: Juice Generation, The Little Beet and Local Thyme.
Whole Foods Markets
Did I mention that I visited all 8 Whole Foods Markets in the city? Not sure if I should I be proud or embarrassed. I turned each visit into a mini day-trip and would go eat lunch and then explore surrounding areas. I talk a lot about Whole Foods on here and while I don’t think they are necessarily the best (or most financially friendly) grocery store, they just have many quick options that make it easy for me. Plus, they are everywhere in the city so it was hard not to shop there.
Side note: all the Whole Foods were too crowded for my liking, but then again, I went during lunch.
My favorite Whole Foods in Manhattan:
–Columbus Circle (my daily grocery store)
–Chelsea
–Bowery
–Union Square
Being a Tourist
I walked across the Brooklyn Bridge, saw a Seth Meyer’s taping, went to Coney Island, walked on the High Line, visited the Today Show plaza and did many other tourist-like activities. I do wish I would have gone to the Top of the Rock or One World Trade. Next time!
Time with Friends & Family
This summer I was able to spend time with some of my oldest and closest friends AND meet new ones! Plus, nearly all of my extended family lives within 3 hours of NYC and I was able to visit so many of them this summer. I made a weekend trip to Pennsylvania and two trips up to Rhode Island.
ClassPass
You knew this would be on my list. I was so spoiled having access to some of the best fitness studios in the country for an affordable price. I tried entirely new workouts (a trampoline class!) and new versions of old favorites (Flywheel).
My favorite NYC fitness studios:
-EVF Performance
-Flywheel
-Y7 Yoga
-OM Factory
-Mile High Run Club
Running
This was probably the best summer of running I’ve had in years. Honestly, it makes me nervous for marathon training because I’ve had many bonus months of running that are normally part of my “off-season” in Florida. Regardless, running in Central Park, along the Hudson and just up and down random avenues was something I did not take for granted. Running felt like a mini-escape from the craziness. Plus, it was relatively quiet early in the mornings so I felt like I had the city to myself.
My favorite running view
My Internship
Like I mentioned last week, I learned a lot from my internship this summer. Most of what I learned has more to do with me and what I like/dislike than about the actual industry. I find that more worthwhile though. I’m also pretty confident in my abilities to adjust to a new place/job/work environment.
Saying Yes
This entire summer was a step out of my comfort zone and a challenge for my mostly introverted self. Being social all the time is exhausting and unlike me. That’s part of the reason I’m so burnt out now! Saying yes to adventure and doing the harder thing was the theme of my summer and I’m very proud that I followed through until the end.
But on that note, it’s time for some R&R. I’m welcoming it with wide open arms!
I loved following all of your adventures this summer! It looks like a great way to explore a new area and enjoy a summer even if working was involved! I am so looking forward to finishing up my summer job in the next two weeks and having a few weeks off before starting off a new school year :).
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…“Where Everybody Knows Your Name”
If only I didn’t have to work I would have been able to do more ;) I cannot believe it’s our senior year! Crazy.
I feel like you totally took advantage of the opportunities in the city, and while maybe you didn’t see everything (is that even possible??) you got to experience a whole lot! Enjoy that R&R girl!
Jamie recently posted…MIMM July Recap
Haha I’m having FOMO now seeing things people are doing in the city. There is just always something going on.
I think it’s safe to say you’re a Whole Foods fan! My favorite adventure this summer was right in my backyard, figuring out life as a new home owner!
Your assumption is right. WOW! That must have made for a full, exciting and overwhelming summer. Congrats on the new house!
All such a great, fun, rewarding experience!
You took that city by storm ;)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine recently posted…Modern Macaroni Salad
It really was. I miss the city already!
Such a cool experience to live there for a summer – I wish I did something like that when in college! You definitely deserve the relaxation for a while <3
Hayley @ Full of Life recently posted…Family Weekend in Tahoe
It was the perfect amount of time to get the vibe of living there without committing long-term. I miss so many aspects of life there!
Comparing different whole foods is pretty interesting to me! We have quite a few around my area, so whenever I go to a new one I like to see how the store/products are arranged.
NYC sounds like an awesome place to be, I hope you are enjoying yourself to the fullest!
Niki @lifewithniki recently posted…Friday Favorites: Books and Cookies
I do the same thing! I always like going to new Whole Foods when I travel.
Seems like it went so fast! Super jealous of the food and ALL the awesome ClassPass options you tried out.
Lauren recently posted…Chicago Marathon 2015 Training Recap {Weeks 5&6}
I’m jealous of my NYC-self too. I miss that already!
Loved this recap! The best part about these kind of crazy busy summers is you’ll have so many memories for years to come. Being in places that throw you into the deep-end can be such a challenging and rewarding experience and it’s so awesome to see you totally embraced it <3
Georgie recently posted…Moscow Mule-Garita
Perfectly said :) Meeting you was a HUGE bonus to my summer adventure.
You really pushed yourself this summer and it shows. So proud of you!!! You absolutely deserve a little relaxation time before you head back to school :)
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…A-Z Survey
I’m proud of me too ;)
Thanks for sharing! Definitely going to bookmark this for my next trip to NYC :)
Gretchen | Gretchruns recently posted…MIMM : Penn State Edition
No problem! I’m sure you’ll find a bunch more fun places too.
So cool! I love NYC so much and living so close I find that I don’t take advantage of everything all the time. I’m so jealous you got to go to a taping of Seth Meyer’s show!! So fun!
xoxo, Jamie
http://thefashionnewcomer.com
Jamie recently posted…TFN TRAVELS: Denver, CO
Seth Meyer’s was a BLAST! I understand what you mean about living close and not taking advantage of the activities. I lived close for 10 years and didn’t do half of the things I did this summer.
I’m glad to hear you felt you gained a lot from your internship! And there is a lot to be said about being able to adapt to new work environments. (Personally, I find it incredibly stressful!) I bet all those extra miles will give you a great base for your training! It sounded like you kept it fun for yourself the whole time.
Rebecca @ MyEagerFeet recently posted…Chickamauga Battlefield Marathon: Week One
Thanks, Rebecca! Maybe I got lucky with a welcoming environment, but I really enjoyed working with the people in my office. Even if the job wasn’t the most exciting at times I liked the environment.
I love the saying “yes” mentality. I’ve also been trying to adopt that motto more this summer and so far I’ve had some great things come out of it! Amazing what happens when we step outside our comfort zones.
sarah recently posted…Some Travel Ambitions
That makes me so happy! It’s scary/exciting at the same time.
It looks like you had an incredible summer! I am kind of jealous of how easy it is to eat gluten free in NY! As a coeliac living in Sydney I always find I’m packing my lunch to take EVERYWHERE as restaurants have “gluten free” options on their menu but don’t care about cross contamination so they’re no coeliac safe!
Kristy @ Southern In Law recently posted…Recipe: Healthy Strawberry Peanut Butter Protein Bread
Cross contamination is the hardest part. Admittedly I’m not as strict as I probably should be with that. I had to leave a few restaurants in NYC after they said they don’t have a dedicated GF section of the kitchen.
I absolutely love your blog and this post! I’m dying to try The Little Beet after tasting Hungryroot products :) Also… I’m a total Flywheel over SoulCycle girl. Love it!