Hi, fellow Tigers!
My name is Andre Friedman, and I graduated from Clemson University in 2013 with a degree in political science. Born and raised in New York City, I returned home after graduating and now work for the teachers union. NYC can be overwhelming, but take it one step at a time with a local’s guide to your next visit.
Pick A Museum, Any Museum
Whatever you’re into, there’s probably a museum for it. From world-renowned places such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Natural History and The Guggenheim to smaller gems like the Schomburg Center, Museum of the Moving Image and The Cloisters, there’s no shortage of options.
Green Spaces
If you feel like getting some sun on your face on a nice day, take a walk or relax in one of our beautiful parks. A unique one I recommend is the High Line. Built on an old, elevated rail line, the park extends from Hudson Yards on 34th Street all the way down to the West Village. You will walk through gardens, art installations and several neighborhoods from an elevated view. The southern end of the High Line is also near the Whitney Museum of American Art and another fabulous park, Little Island. Other parks worth checking out include Governors Island, Central Park, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Prospect Park and the New York Botanical Garden.
Food
There are too many places in too many neighborhoods for me to name. But if you want it, we’ve got it. A good strategy is to figure out where you will be in the city for mealtimes and go from there. Since NYC is famous for pizza and bagels, here are a couple of my favorites: Paulie Gee’s Slice Shop in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, and Forest Hills Bagels in Queens. No, I don’t expect anyone to travel to Forest Hills just for a bagel, but it’s my local spot, and I’m sticking to it.
Pro Tip: Do yourself a favor and don’t go to a chain you can get at home.
See A Show
New York’s live entertainment is unmatched. See a play on or off Broadway, go to a concert at Forest Hills Stadium, enjoy opera at Lincoln Center, listen to live Jazz in the West Village or laugh at the Comedy Cellar. You can see your favorite global superstar or perhaps discover someone new.
