This summer, I had the opportunity to study at Columbia University’s Scholastic Press Association Summer Journalism workshop, which is a weeklong program for high school students and taught by media professionals. While spending a week on Columbia’s campus, I took a Digital Media class taught by Kori James, a journalism advisor and head of the Feather online. We learned to become backpack journalists, which is a form of grassroots, citizen journalism, and to use tools to create and produce quality stories. 

   As a final project, we were asked to take a day trip around downtown New York to put all of the journalism skills we learned to the test. The city is a beautiful place and offers a tremendous amount to see, eat and do. But if you’re like me and traveling in a time crunch, here are some amazing spots in NYC.

Chelsea Market (75 9th Ave.) 

On the Southwest side of Midtown

Chelsea Market was our first stop, and I felt like a kid in a candy store as I walked around the 40+ shops. Los Tacos is one of the best taco shops and people come from all over the country to try them!

Chelsea Market, the birthplace of the Oreo cookie, is now a hot spot for foodies and those who enjoy shopping. After Nabisco moved its headquarters, a group led by Irwin Cohen purchased the building and began renovating it into the current space. In 2018, Google bought the place for $2.4 billion, and it now has a fancy food court for all its employees. 

My first stop was Imports from Marrakesh, a family owned and operated shop with furniture and handmade decor straight from Morocco. I spoke with the owner’s son, and he spoke about the rich history of Morocco and how the influence from neighboring Algeria and Spain helps to give it its beautiful and unique culture. This shop is great to walk around in and get a taste of Moroccan culture, while also grabbing a souvenir like a hand-embroidered bag or ceramic pot. 

Next we hit Posman Books, a bookstore made by book lovers for book lovers. Posman Books has a little bit of everything, including pins, knick-knacks for every niche interest, and, of course, so many books. Browse the aisles and take it all in on what they have to offer and be on the lookout for their postcards perfect to send out to loved ones with the beautiful New York skyline.

Last but certainly not least, in a shopping center with more than 40 options, I somehow still ended up getting a burger to eat. How? Well … I got so caught up in sightseeing that by the time I did a time check, I needed something fast and easy. Enter Creamline, the little burger that was not only fast and efficient, but also delicious. 10/10 across the board.  

Little Island (Pier 55 in Hudson River Park at W 13th Street)

This public park is a must see with a lavish landscape, open lawns, and a great view of New York City. Little Island is also home to The Amph, a 687-seat amphitheater; The Glade, an intimate stage for 200 visitors; and The Playground, an open plaza and gathering space — all designed to host a wide range of events for all ages. 

When we arrived, the weather was perfect (a little humid but a nice breeze on top of the lookout) and my classmates and I decided to climb to the top of the island, which is a lookout to both New York and New Jersey. Coming from Las Vegas, which is basically a desert, I enjoyed walking around and admiring the plants and wildlife that covers the space. 

Next time, I’ll plan accordingly and catch a concert in the amphitheater. You can find all of the scheduled events here.

 The High Line (running from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street on Manhattan’s West Side)

You definitely don’t want to miss the High Line, a place with an interesting background. The beautiful 1.45-mile greenway boasts more than 500 species of greenery and wildlife, free entry, and great views of the city, making this a must stop on your visit to the Big Apple.

And that’s all before you know the High Line’s History: In the early 19th century, the High Line housed freight trains on street level tracks. But after being nicknamed “Death Avenue” due to the dangerous environment and alarming number of pedestrian deaths (nearing 560), it was closed. The site reopened in 1933 with elevated tracks, but it too was shut down due to the rise in trucking.

In the early 2000s, the space was taken over by Friends of the High Line, a nonprofit organization that campaigned for its preservation and transformation into a public space. It has since been developed into the beautiful park that exists today. The deliberate decision to keep the space slightly overgrown pays tribute to the years when it was left deserted before its rebirth. 

The High Line was probably my favorite stop on our trip – not only because of the sights but the people, too. I took most of my portraits apart from my Neighbors of Chelsea piece and really enjoyed talking to people and hearing their stories. 

Hudson Yards (The New West Side between 10th and 12th Avenues from West 30th to West 34th Streets)

As New York’s newest neighborhood built in 2019, Hudson Yards has much to offer, including shops, restaurants, public art, and dynamic cultural organizations. These sights include The Shed, an arts center that hosts entertainment of all kinds, such as concerts and dancers, modern homes; 14 acres of public gardens; groves with places to sit; and the world’s first award-winning Equinox Hotel, which finds a way to mix a lifestyle and luxury hotel. This is also a great location for architectural photography due to the beautiful buildings.

The Hudson Yards is a great place to walk around and experience what New York City has to offer. And if you walk across the street, there is a new mall full of top-of-the-line department stores. When we finally got to the Hudson Yards, we had been walking pretty much all day, so I was thankful for a place where I could rest my feet and enjoy the air conditioning.

Columbia University (116th and Broadway), between Harlem and the Upper West Side

Technically, Columbia was not a part of my day tour, but I did have the opportunity to stay on campus for a week and it is beautiful. The campus is open to the public everyday until 5 p.m. and tours are not necessary to navigate.

During my weeklong stay, I experienced what the campus has to offer. There is also a Shake Shack right across the street where you can grab lunch (my personal favorite). If you just need a quick bite, Joe Coffee is also a great place to check out right on campus. 

–July 9, 2024–