Our students visited campus this weekend for class and enjoyed downtown Manhattan’s accessible offering: the Staten Island Ferry. Unlike the subway or bus, the Staten Island Ferry is free to ride. Getting to the ferry from NYEA is easy, as the Whitehall Station is about a 10 minute walk away from campus. The Staten Island Ferry has been operating since the 1800s and offers spectacular views of the New York City skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and the harbor. On this trip, students saw Battery Park as well as Ellis Island. The trip takes about 25 minutes and ferries run every 15 to 30 minutes, 24 hours a day. Lots of NYEA students and faculty live on Staten Island for an easy commute. Like in Manhattan, Staten Island is also enjoying the blooming flowers of spring and there’s lots to see around St. George station and neighborhood. Our students posed together under a Japanese Cherry Tree while exploring the waterfront. Along with a free ferry, Staten Island also has its own train line making it easy for NYEA students to take more trips in the future. 

Last week, teacher Nathaniel’s friday class visited the Macy’s Flower Show just before it closed for the year! 

Macy’s Flower Show is an annual event that takes place in Macy’s flagship store in New York City and other locations across the United States. Every spring, Macy’s showcases elaborate floral displays, featuring exotic plants and flowers from around the world.

Visitors can explore different themed gardens, take guided tours, attend workshops and demonstrations, and learn more about the art of flower arranging and gardening. The event is free and open to the public, making it a popular attraction for both tourists and locals alike.

The Herald Square Macy’s is a New York stable. Not only is it the original Macy’s department store, it is also the largest in the world, taking up a whole city block. Our students had a great time viewing flower arrangements and decorations, and taking pictures with large, interactive pieces.

If you’re interested, keep an eye out for the Macy’s Flower Show next year! It’s a great way to celebrate spring’s long awaited arrival. 

Try a Free Fitness Class

Shape Up NYC is running free fitness classes across all five boroughs.  Visit the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation’s website to sign up for classes all summer long! https://www.nycgovparks.org/events/shape-up-nyc

Visit New Jersey for Fresh Tulips

Holland Ridge Farms in Cream Ridge New Jersey grows over 800 tulips every year. This Spring, visitors can pick and take home fresh tulips for $1 a stem. Visitors can also take photos with Dutch bikes and picnic on weekdays. 

Enjoy National Burrito Day

April 6th is National Burrito Day! Visit your favorite burrito spot or try to find a new favorite. Here’s a list of some of the best burrito spots in the East Village. https://foursquare.com/top-places/east-village-new-york/best-places-burritos

Go Roller Skating at Rockefeller Plaza

The Rink at Rockefeller Center has recreated the Los Angeles’ Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace. Skate while enjoying live DJs against a 1979 themed backdrop. https://www.rockefellercenter.com/attractions/flippers-roller-skating-rink/

Visit the Easter Parade

On Easter Sunday, Fifth Avenue (from 49th St to 57th St) is closed for the parade beginning at 10 am. Enjoy the music and floats along with people wearing weird, funny, and inventive costumes. https://rove.me/to/new-york/easter-parade