Unique Things to Do in NYC - Hidden Gems from a Local

Looking for unique things to do in NYC? You're in the right place!

If I had a dime for every time I heard someone say they wish they could find things to do in NYC that wasn't just eating or drinking, I'd be rich. Going to restaurants and bars is fun and all, but let's be real - it's predictable, and you don't always want to be hungover the next day.

So I put together this list of unusual things to do in NYC - the kind of spots that go beyond the typical tourist stuff. These are hidden gems that locals actually love, that make for unforgettable experiences (and great Instagram content).

Whether you're looking for unique NYC activities for a date night, a fun outing with friends, or just something different to do on the weekend, I've got you covered.

Keep reading for the most unique things to do in NYC!

Hill House Nap Dress Review- Athena and Ellie

Searching for an honest and detailed Hill House Nap Dress review? Good news- you found it!

I’m about to share my entire experience with the famed Hill House Nap Dresses- that includes the Athena Nap Dress, Ellie Nap Dress (and honorable mention to the Louisa.)

(And spoiler alert- my experience is mostly positive! Keep reading for the specifics.)

Believe it or not, this Nap Dress review has been years in the making. These chic and comfortable house dresses blew up almost overnight in 2020. The Nap Dress trend has been going strong ever since.

In fact they say once you buy one of the Hill House Nap Dresses, you can’t stop collecting them. I’ve definitely found that to be true for myself. I bought my first Athena during the initial craze, and I can’t stop picking up new ones every year!

You must be wondering how an item of clothing inspires so much of a cult following? What’s so magical about the Nap Dress? I’ve wondered this myself, and after thinking about it a bit, here are my thoughts-

Note- this blog post contains affiliate links. 

If you click on a link, I could make a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Complete Guide to Watermark Bar in NYC

Are you looking to visit Watermark bar NYC? You’re in luck!

This is your complete guide to Watermark NYC, and I've got all the info about their menu, the best drinks, how to book reservations, and more.

I’m also going to do a deep dive on all their seasonal themes! Did you know that Watermark New York basically turns into a different restaurant every season?

That’s right- this waterfront spot on Pier 15 New York changes up the decor setup to match seasons and holidays, with themes like Winter Wonderland, Pink Pier at Watermark, Watermark Beach, and Oktoberfest.

In the summer, it’s an open-air outdoor restaurant complete with palm trees. And in the winter they bring out their heated igloos and chalets for indoor dining.

With each season you can expect a different menu as well! Think cozy favorites like grilled cheese and hot chocolate in the cold months. Tropical drinks and sliders in the warmer ones.

No matter what season you go, the Watermark NYC will always be a good time.

13 Cute Burlington Vermont Coffee Shops

Looking for the best & cutest Burlington, Vermont coffee shops? You are in the right place!

Maybe you’re searching for great cafes in Burlington VT for breakfast. Or maybe you’re on the hunt for an artsy spot Church Street for your afternoon latte.

Either way, I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised that there are not only so many Burlington coffee shops, but that they’re all so adorable!

If this sounds like what you’re looking for, sit tight. Because I’m about to spill the details on the best coffee shops in Burlington, Vermont.

(And bonus! I’ve included some helpful travel information as well.)

Vivid Coffee Roasters

Best Christmas Bars in NYC - Guide from a Local

Ever wanted to have a drink at a Christmas bar in NYC? Of course you do! It’s nothing short of a magical experience, and has got to be one of the best ways to enjoy the holidays in the City.

It's no secret that I love Christmas bars. I’ve spent the last couple of years discovering ALL the Christmas places for Instagram content. 

I’ve gone to every popup, bar, and restaurant in NYC you can think of. That's why I'm so excited to put together this list of the best bars for Christmas in NYC for you!

Miracle on 9th, New York, NY

27 Road Trip Travel Essentials- The Ultimate Packing List!

Are you looking for the best road trip travel essentials to bring on your next adventure? I’ve got you covered!

I'm about to share all the best things you need for a road trip based on my personal experience- from safety items, to gadgets, to snacks. I’ve even included some genius road trip supplies that you never thought of (but totally need!)

Keep reading to find out the essentials for a long road trip!

Note- as an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Clicking on any link means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase from Amazon.

MONTAUK CAMPING - Guide to Hither Hills State Park Campground

Interested in camping in Montauk at Hither Hills State Park Campground? This is your guide! 

I'm going to share with you my experience of Montauk camping- everything from snagging Hither Hills camping reservations, how to get to the campgrounds, what it's like staying there, and things to do in Montauk. 

Keep reading to find out!

Brunch at Serra by Birreria Eataly in NYC

Are you looking to have a nice brunch at Serra by Birreria Eataly in NYC? You’re in the right spot!

Whether you’re a foodie, want to try out a unique place to dine in NYC, or are simply looking to grab a drink in Flatiron, Serra by Birreria is the perfect place!

This past fall and winter, I was invited to stop by Serra by Birreria at Eataly to experience their brunch menu and decor. Of course I said yes, as I’d been ogling this place on Instagram for such a long time!

Serra by Birreria has some well-known buzz on social media for their Instagrammable rooftop space. In fact, this place is an influencer hotspot. They even have a corner specifically designed so that people can take photos (and it's always immaculately decorated.)

However, this gorgeous NYC restaurant offers more than just a pretty interior. The menu is inspired by the Italian countryside. And if you're thinking that sounds delicious- it is!

Whether you’re coming here for fall, winter, spring, or summer- Serra by Birreria in New York is a great place to get an amazing meal and take home some amazing photos (and spoiler, everyone back at home will be jealous.)

Dining at The Greens Pier 17 in NYC

Are you looking to have a nice meal at The Greens Pier 17 NYC? You’re in the right spot!

If you’re anything like me, you've heard a lot of buzz about The Greens Pier 17 New York. The breezy rooftop space reconfigured itself in 2020, in an attempt to fulfill the demand for socially-distant dining. It was actually one of the first restaurants of its kind to adapt a full-scale overhaul to accommodate this need!

The original idea of The Greens at pier 17 NYC, is that people could go out and enjoy a nice meal, while also being safe.

Nowadays, the main reason that people love to visit The Greens at Pier 17 is its lavish seasonal setups. The rooftop switches from private mini-lawns in the summer to cozy cabins in the winter!

The menu changes as well- going from hearty dishes in the fall and winter, to light and refreshing fare in the warmer months.

Not to mention, the amount space you get while dining on this Pier 17 rooftop restaurant is positively luxurious for NYC dining. And the views of Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridge are unparalleled.

Whether you’re looking to experience the rooftop cabins at Pier 17, or see the Pier 17 rooftop lawns, you’ll find something to like here for sure!

Luckily, I’ve been to The Greens at Pier 17 New York both in the winter and summer seasons. I loved it both times. So I wanted to give you a little recap of my experiences!

31 NYC Micro Influencers to Follow

If you’re looking for some new NYC micro influencers to check out, boy have I got some good recommendations for you!

In case you’re not sure what a micro influencer is- it's simply someone who has trust and influence with a community that they’ve built on their social media platforms. It's just like traditional influencers with 1M+ followers, only on a smaller scale.

It’s no secret that I love following NYC micro influencers… I am one after all! These influencers on Instagram are giving fresh inspiration, knowledge, and entertainment every single day. Some of them have great product recommendations, some have interesting stories to tell, and others just have a killer aesthetic!

Every day, I wake up and look forward to what they're going to post next. That’s why I’ve had such a great time compiling this greatest-hits list of my favorite New York micro influencers. 

I’m so excited that I finally get to share my go-to girls with you!

KJP Sweater Review - Big Cozy Leaf, Evergreen, & Cozy Cabin Moose

Searching for a KJP sweater review? Good news- You’re in the right place!

Let me guess- you’ve been seeing Kiel James Patrick sweaters all over your Instagram for awhile now. Maybe you saw that famous video of the jack o’lantern pouring a latte into his face (while of course, wearing the KJP pumpkin sweater.)

Or maybe you’ve simply seen your favorite of influencer wearing their KJP leaf sweater while foliage peeping and pumpkin picking their way across the northeast.

I totally get it! I was charmed by the aesthetic too. Kiel James Patrick sweaters ooze New England charm and warmth. Makes you think of the coziest days having apple cider in the pumpkin patch, and hot cocoa watching the at home snow fall.

Like you, I’ve been seeing them year after year on my favorite bloggers and influencers, and searching for KJP sweater reviews. After so much time lusting, this is the year that I finally decided to pull the trigger order a KJP sweater of my very own!

And guess what else- I didn’t order just one… I ended up getting two! (three if you include the one I gifted to my husband then borrowed, haha.)

Since I've had them for awhile, I wanted to a review! I’ll be showing you three designs, two materials, and two fits.

I decided to do a Kiel James Patrick sweaters review for a few reasons-

Christmas at Hudson Yards - A Local's Guide

Christmas at Hudson Yards has got to be one of the prettiest spectacles in NYC!

If you haven’t seen the Hudson Yards mall Christmas lights, you’re in for a real treat. And if you’re visiting NYC this holiday season, you’ve just GOT to put this on your list of NYC Christmas spots.

So First Thing’s First…

Why See the Hudson Yards Vessel Christmas Lights?

The Hudson yards Christmas lights are a relatively new kid on the block, in terms of NYC Christmas displays. If you’re visiting NYC for Christmas this year you might be thinking “Why should I see this spot instead of one of the classics?”

And that’s why I have to tell you… the Hudson yards Vessel Christmas lights are really, a truly magical experience! It’s breathtaking actually. 

Picture it- over 2 million brilliant lights illuminating The Shops, Public Square & Gardens, Edge and Vessel. Not to mention the 725+ Christmas trees and 16-foot high hot air balloons!

The hot air balloons in particular gives that whimsical feel that transports you directly to Christmas wonderland mode.

I love going to the Hudson Yards Christmas lights, because you get several experiences in one... Not only can you see the majestic lights, but you can visit the Vessel, go shopping at all the luxury shops, and get something to eat. You can make a whole day of it!

Also, the Hudson yard Christmas lights are breathtaking day or night (although I do think it’s extra magical at night!)

Best Christmas Places in NYC - Guide From a Local

Are you looking for the best Christmas places in NYC? Lucky you! If you’re coming this way during the holidays, and are looking for the ultimate list of New York Christmas attractions, I’ve got you covered.

Trust me- I’ve lived here for over a decade. And in my NYC Christmas guide, I’m sharing a ton of tips that will help you have the best New York Christmas experience possible.

WHY Come to New York Around Christmas time?...

It's that time again.... Christmas!! You're queuing up your Christmas songs playlist while picking out your perfect Christmas destination... and you've decided that's NYC!

New York during Christmas time is definitely one of the most fun, most sparkly places you could be during the holidays. Whether you’re looking to do some Christmas shopping in New York, eat at trendy restaurants, or just want to ogle the best Christmas decorations in NYC, there is always a new treasure to find here.

In fact, I’d argue that NYC is one of the top destinations for Christmas! We’ve got so many things to experience here that it’s a tough holiday location to beat. Name me some more iconic places than Rockefeller Center tree, Radio City Rockettes show, Bryant Park Winter Village, and Dyker Heights Christmas lights, just to name a few.)

As a content creator based in NYC, I can tell you that I’ve spent the past three years going to every single holiday popup, tree lighting, and Christmas market that exists here! Every year, I take pictures of these festive places and share them on my Instagram… so you could say I know a little bit about it!

What can I say- I simply have a passion for finding the best New York Christmas Holiday spots!

And that’s why I want to share them all with you! So without further ado, here is my list of Christmas places in NYC.

Ultimate List of Christmas Songs for Instagram

Are you looking for Christmas songs for Instagram? If so, you’re in the right spot!

It’s that time again, friends. The holidays are officially here, and winter and Christmas mode is ACTIVATED. And we know what that means, right? It’s time to get out that phone and take tons of Christmas content! Thus the search begins for finding the best Christmas music for Instagram.

Music selection is so important when it comes to Instagram posts or Tiktok posts. So finding exactly the right holiday music for Instagram is important for your Stories, Reels, and Tiktoks is always a priority. Especially if you're a blogger, influencer, or content creator. 

Why is this? 

Because there's nothing that invokes happiness in people like a beloved Christmas song. And when it's used in your content, that happiness and nostalgia helps brings people along your holiday journey. The magic of Christmas music helps your followers really connect with your videos, stories, Reels, and Tiktoks!

So you want the perfect Christmas music for Instagram to help you tell your holiday stories, keep reading!

How to Style a Halloween Coffee Station

Looking for ideas on how to style your fall Halloween coffee station? I got you babe!

If you follow my Instagram and Tiktok, you might already know that I’ve been busy setting up my Halloween coffee bar for the past month. (As evidenced by my slight obsession with collecting every single cute Halloween Target coffee mug known to man, haha!)

You can imagine my excitement that it’s finally getting chilly enough to start crafting those pumpkin spice lattes and hot apple ciders at home. (Yum!)

To be honest, I've always loved the idea of creating my own coffee bar station at home. Why? There’s something so cozy about waking up in the morning to a welcoming place to make your coffee. Especially around fall and Halloween! 

In general I just love coffee, and I have so many memories of having it as a treat when I was younger. I love the whole experience of it. And having a fall coffee station at home really brings back those feelings times 100! 

In the past, I either haven’t had enough space to set up a DIY coffee bar, or I just didn’t know how to get a look that was Insta and Pinterest-worthy. But after studying and experimenting a little bit, I’ve come up with some great ideas!

So I’d love to share my fall coffee bar ideas with you. Read on for the best tips on how to style your fall/ Halloween coffee station.

Cutest Halloween Mugs at Target

Obsessed with the Halloween mugs at Target this fall? You and me both!

It’s finally the perfect time of year to start visiting fall festivals and pumpkin patches, and putting together your favorite Halloween playlists.

If you’re anything like me, you’ve also had visions of pumpkin spice lattes and hot apple cider dancing in your head. And what makes those yummy drinks even better? Having them in a Halloween mug, of course! And Target has the best selection, by far.

It all started when I spotted the infamous Threshold ghost mug on one of my trips, I took a short video and posted it to Tiktok- where it promptly went viral with 2.5 million views!

I was so ecstatic about finding my Halloween ghost mug, that every time I’d see another cute mug pop in the suggested section, I’d have to track that one down too!

Now I can safely say that I have a very well-rounded collection of Target Halloween mugs — including the Target pumpkin mug and Target jack-o-lantern mug. And I couldn’t be happier to review them for you!

Oh, and just one more thing. The best part about these mugs? Not only are they adorable, but they’re all only $5! No doubt one of the reasons that they’re so popular. They're also dishwasher and microwave safe, so they're inexpensive AND convenient.

Whether you're looking to collect these Halloween mugs from Target, or are just looking for one in particular, let me show you the cutest ones this season!

Ultimate List of Halloween Songs for Instagram

Are you looking for Halloween songs for Instagram? If so, you’re in the right spot!

It’s officially spooky season, and fall and Halloween activities are in full swing. You know what that means? It’s time to whip out that phone and take tons of Halloween content, of course.

So after getting some great video of your trip to the pumpkin patch, decorating your home, or doing your Halloween Target runs, you’re ready to post them to Instagram and Tiktok! Except now you’re wondering- “Wait — how do I find the perfect songs for my Instagram stories to go along with it?”

7 Fall Pumpkin Picking Outfit Ideas

Are you looking for a good pumpkin picking outfit this fall? Then you're definitely in the right place!


I don't know about you, but I'm so excited that fall is almost here! The crunching leaves, hot drinks, and cozy sweaters... who doesn't love it? And if you're anything like me, you're already planning your first trip to the pumpkin patch.

It’s no secret that pumpkin picking is one of my all-time favorite fall activities. Every year, my husband and I visit his family in Upstate New York. We go to Golden Harvest Farms (more on that later) to pick our pumpkins and always come back with a great haul. Actually, it gets bigger and bigger every year, haha!

But being a blogger, I obviously love a nice, styled outfit! So when we do our trips, putting together cute pumpkin patch outfits is always at the top of the agenda.

I'll admit- thinking about what to wear to the pumpkin patch stumped me for a little while. But guess what? After a few years of getting dressed up and going to the pumpkin patch every fall, I developed a few go-to's that are a hit every time.

So now, it's time to pass them on to you! Without further ado, here’s 7 of my best ideas for Fall pumpkin patch outfits.

Best Things to Do in Seaside Heights, NJ

Where my Jersey Shore stans at! 😃 

Are you looking for the best things to do in Seaside Heights, NJ? Well you're in luck! Seaside Heights attractions definitely deliver in every way.

Most of my New Jersey friends have a fondness and nostalgia for going 'down the shore' every summer, including going to Seaside Heights. Starting from when they’re kids, all the way through college, and finally bringing their own children here when they’re older. 

Through every stage of life, there's literally something for everyone. They come back because it's fun, family-friendly, and there's always a party around the corner!

In fact, here’s a preview of all the activities you'll find in Seaside Heights- family beaches, boardwalks for thrill-seekers, and legendary bars and clubs.

Whether you’re a New Jersey local or coming from out of town, I promise that a a day of beaches, boardwalks, and bars in Seaside Heights is just what the doctor ordered.

Read on to find out the best things to do in Seaside Heights, NJ!

Best Things to do in the NORTH FORK, Long Island

If you’re thinking of visiting the North Fork on Long Island, this is your sign! The North Fork is a beautiful place in New York that combines the best beaches, vineyards, and charming small towns like Greenport. Just think of it as rural charm sprinkled with luxury.

If you’re coming from NYC, planning a trip to this Hamptons-adjacent getaway is super convenient. It’s the perfect place to take a long weekend. And if you’re a Long Island local, it makes a fabulous day trip!

I went to the North Fork recently with my fellow travel blogger friend, Vicki. So I’m here to report back to you the best restaurants, hotels, and things to do!


No matter the season- summer, spring, winter, or fall, you’ll surely enjoy the North Fork!