Getaway with Greta!

New York City at Christmas time is overwhelming in the best way — lights everywhere, windows dressed like snow globes, and the sound of carols leaking out of department stores. But what I didn’t expect was to find something that felt genuinely familiar tucked into Midtown, Bierhaus NYC, a traditional German-style beer hall that transported me straight back to the roots of me and my family's heritage. I didn’t just see décor — I recognized tradition: the feeling of clinking glasses, of bratwurst roasting under dim lights, of hearty laughter in a room filled with people speaking a mixture of German and English. Suddenly, I was no longer a visitor in New York; I was a guest among people remembering what home smells and tastes like.

Bierhaus is designed after classic Bavarian beer halls, which date back to the 14th and 15th centuries in Germany. These halls were never just about drinking — they were community gathering spaces where people ate, celebrated, debated, and marked holidays together. You can feel that history the second you step inside. The long communal wooden tables, iron light fixtures, beer steins hanging overhead, and vintage German signage feel intentional, like a tribute rather than a theme.

The word Gemütlichkeit kept coming to mind, a German concept that roughly translates to coziness, warmth, and a sense of belonging. Bierhaus captures that feeling perfectly. Instead of small private booths, you sit at shared tables, which is traditionally German. It encourages conversation with strangers and creates that old-school beer hall camaraderie Germany has been known for for centuries.

The food deepens that feeling of connection. As we ate, live music began — lively accordion tunes that threaded through conversations. My family and I always start with at least one warm Bavarian pretzel, which in Germany is tied closely to both Catholic and regional traditions, especially during the winter and holiday seasons. The currywurst, originally created in post-war Berlin, comes out steaming (usually placed in front of my mom), paired with sauerkraut and hearty mustard. Even the beer selection reflected centuries of brewing culture, rooted in Germany’s Reinheitsgebot, or Beer Purity Law of 1516, which regulated beer ingredients to ensure quality. The photo above depicts one of my favorite all time German meals however, pork schnitzel, which comes with potato salad, cabbage, and a dilly cucumber salad!

During Christmas time, the experience feels even more meaningful. In Germany, Christmas markets, called Weihnachtsmärkte, are central to the season — spaces filled with hot food, music, and shared warmth. Bierhaus recreats that spirit every season indoors. The soft lighting, greenery, and live music made it feel like a mini indoor Christmas market right in the middle of Manhattan. Sitting there with my family, raising our glasses and saying “Prost!”, I realized it wasn’t just a meal — it was a cultural memory being honored in another country. Bierhaus didn’t just serve German food; it preserved a feeling that stretches back centuries. In a city known for constant motion, Bierhaus gave me a rare pause — a place where heritage, history, and holiday spirit all lived in the same room.

If you ever find yourself in New York during the holidays and miss something real, I’d suggest slipping off the frenzied streets and into Bierhaus NYC at 712 3rd Avenue (close to the Rockefeller tree no less)! Order a stein, share a platter, and let the warmth and good cheer carry you. Prost!

There’s always something special about the arrival of spring, none quite like in Baltimore with the Flower Mart at Mount Vernon Place. Founded in 1911 by the Women’s Civic League, the festival began as a grassroots effort to encourage residents to plant flowers, plants, and vegetables in yards or vacant lots, literally greening the city one home at a time. Over a century later, Flower Mart remains a beloved springtime tradition. Managed now by the Mount Vernon Place Conservancy, the festival blends history, horticulture, music, and community energy into a two-day outdoor celebration surrounding Baltimore’s historic Washington Monument.

From midday on Friday to the evening of Saturday, 50–60 local vendors will line the streets with flowers, plants, handmade crafts, baked goods, and artisanal items. Expect to see lush native plants, houseplants, herb starter kits, flower arrangements, and even craft boiserie from area florists such as The Modest Florist. I usually find my Mother's Day gift there!

Music even fills the air on two stages — one near the Monument and one along the side streets. Local jazz ensembles, choirs, opera groups, and pop trios perform throughout the weekend, creating a soundtrack that weaves through the crowds of families, friends, and neighbors wandering the stalls. And of course, no Flower Mart visit is complete without a taste of the legendary “lemon stick.” It’s a peppermint stick inserted into a halved lemon so you can sip the tart-sweet juice through it. It’s been a signature treat for decades, beloved by kids and adults alike. I wasn't sure how to feel about it originally but after my third time going, it has definitely grown on me, especially on a hot weekend!

At a time when many city traditions fall to time, Flower Mart endures and for good reason. It reminds Baltimoreans of the value of green space, of community gatherings, and of small-scale sustainability. It connects past and present: the grassroots gardening hopes of modern efforts toward urban greening, environmental awareness, and local business support. It’s not just a fair, but a living testament to what a city can be when people come together, when homes, neighborhoods, and public spaces are treated with care, and when spring is welcomed with flowers and music. If you haven’t experienced Flower Mart yet — whether you live in Baltimore or are just visiting — put it on your calendar. Once you stroll beneath the tents and breathe in the scent of fresh soil and blossoms, you’ll understand why generations before us, and many after, keep coming back.

Tips for Visiting!

Parking is tight... if you drive, aim for local garages like 520 N. Charles St., 225 N. Calvert St., or Cathedral St. Lots often fill early.

Go early or later in the day! The middle of the day gets crowded, but early morning or late afternoon tends to be more relaxed.

Bring cash (or small bills). Some vendors may not accept cards, especially smaller plant or craft stalls.

Mount Vernon is rich with cultural highlights: stroll by the Walters Art Museum, the George Peabody Library, or grab coffee at local cafés when you take a break from browsing.

If you’re looking for a festive escape this season, the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Garden is a classic choice. Running annually from late November through early January, this show transforms the garden’s historic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory into a winter wonderland of miniature trains, scaled-down replicas of New York landmarks, and seasonal greenery — all under the warmth of greenhouse glass. My family and I always make the trip on a crisp November or December weekend!

All different looking tiny locomotives wound their way through a miniature New York City made entirely of natural materials — bark, twigs, acorns, cinnamon sticks, and dried leaves carefully crafted into replicas of landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge, Grand Central Terminal, and the Statue of Liberty. What surprised me most was the level of detail: every window, arch, and stone texture recreated using plant life. It felt less like a holiday display and more like walking through a living art installation that celebrated both nature and architecture.

The show beautifully blends craftsmanship and nostalgia aided with the display being surrounded by lush winter plants — red holly berries, fir branches, poinsettias — reminding you that this is both an art installation and a living garden. I learned that this annual tradition has been running for over three decades, and it made sense — the craftsmanship behind each piece felt like the kind of work you only get from years of careful practice and dedication.

NYBG also organizes timed entry to avoid overcrowding, which makes the experience more relaxed and allows you to move at your own pace. We appreciated this, especially since the glasshouse stays warm — a cozy refuge from the chilly evening air outside. The Holiday Train Show is ideal for anyone — families, couples, solo travelers — who wants to combine a love of craftsmanship, plants, and holiday magic. If you find yourself in New York this winter, this little tour through miniature railroads and botanical warmth is absolutely worth the visit.

Tickets: General adult tickets start around $35- 39 depending on peak times; children and seniors have reduced rates. Flex tickets offer more scheduling flexibility if you’re unsure of exact times!

Evening Magic - Holiday Train Nights: On select nights through November, December, and early January, the show turns into a festive outing with seasonal music, lights, and even a “Bar Car” patio offering cocktails for adults. It’s especially appealing for couples or friends looking for a cozy winter night out.

Sensory-Friendly Option: For a calmer experience, helpful in the case of families with small children or visitors sensitive to crowds and noise, the Garden offers designated “Sensory Friendly Mornings, from 9–11 a.m., lighting and sound are dialed down.

Travel guides will tell you where to find the best Korean barbecue or which palaces to visit in Seoul, but they rarely explain the strange, unspoken rules of the jjimjilbang sleeping room — and that’s where the real culture lives.

Within the South Korean culture, the jjimjilbang — a traditional public bathhouse and sauna complex — functions as more than a wellness facility. One of its least documented, yet culturally rich features is the communal sleeping room, which represents an important form of intangible cultural expression centered on collectivism, mutual respect, and shared public space. Unlike Western concepts of privacy and individual relaxation, the sleeping room is built on the idea of synchronized, respectful coexistence.

After soaking in the hot mineral baths, everyone changes into the same soft cotton uniform. No jewelry, no phones, and especially no outside world. The quiet rooms are covered in woven mats and wooden floors that are warmed from below. Families don’t talk much, elders claim corners, and the regulars know exactly where to lie down so they won’t block the faint airflow from the vents. What most tourists don’t realize is that this room is governed by invisible etiquette. You don’t stretch your legs toward someone’s face, you keep your towel folded into a small rectangle under your head and you'd never dare to never sigh loudly. It’s a space where silence isn’t empty, it’s respectful.

The room itself is heated through ondol, a traditional Korean underfloor heating system that dates back centuries. Visitors sleep or rest directly on woven mats, arranged informally through unwritten spatial norms. There are no posted rules governing behavior, yet the environment is highly regulated through social awareness. Silence is not enforced but naturally practiced as a shared cultural value emphasizing harmony.

The sleeping room also plays a huge functional social role. For some of the individuals, especially late-night workers, travelers, and urban residents, the space can provide temporary shelter and affordable rest. In this sense, it reflects broader socioeconomic dynamics in South Korean urban life, blurring the lines between leisure, necessity, and community infrastructure.

Anthropologically, the jjimjilbang sleeping room represents an example of intangible culture that is learned through observation rather than instruction. It relies on a collective participation and the placed behavioral codes, demonstrating how shared spaces can produce social cohesion without formal regulation.

The 8th annual Baltimore Taco Fest was back again this weekend at Power Plant Live! I was so excited to go with my friends and take part in the culture Maryland's biggest food festival of the year. The event lasted from 2-8 on Saturday November 15th and took over an entire city block. Tickets to this event were around $15 and included one free drink upon entry, such as a margarita, beer, or mixed drink. Once entering, you are able to purchase food vouchers (cash only) and walk around the 20+ vendors situated in tents throughout the space and use one voucher per food item! This allowed for quicker lines and more concentrated menu options. They even had a map set up so you can see the listed restaurants and what food they were offering, but you better move fast because things were selling out quick and the lines get long!

There were so many awesome mini events that were happening inside of the festival to view or get involved with like an authentic dance troupe, taco eating contest, and a pinata smashing contest. I was able to watch a Lucha Libre match, which is the popular Mexican style of professional wrestling known for its masked wrestlers, high-flying moves, and theatrical matches. One of the wresters was wearing a black Spiderman costume, it was very entertaining to experience the crowd work and dramatics. Another fun mini activity was a hot pepper eating challenge! Even though I don't mind the heat, there was no way I was volunteering for that so I also stood by and watched as the contestants sweated. While a large-scale hot pepper eating contests are not deeply ingrained in traditional Mexican customs, chili-eating challenges do appear in some Mexican fiesta games! Traditional Mexican cuisine also uses a wide variety of hot peppers, including jalapeño, serrano, poblano, habanero, chile de árbol, and chipotle. These peppers are crucial for authentic flavors and range from mild (like jalapeño and poblano) to very hot (like habanero), with distinct flavor profiles that define certain dishes. They are used fresh, dried, smoked, or ground into sauces, salsas, and marinades!

Now to get to the food... where to start?! We started off our eating adventure with a steaming hot beef empanada at the Atexcac Empanadas stand, it was fantastic and they gave you salsa's to pair with it, like a spicy salsa verde and a chunky salsa roja as well. Next, we moved to Corn Lover, where they were serving up elote on the cob which was delicious and the perfect appetizer to share. It came slathered in butter, cheese, and tajin and was the best I have had. Next on the line up, we wandered over to Kacey's Kitchen and I tried their famous jerk chicken in a taco with slaw and a lime crema! My friends all tried the other taco they were offering, the pulled pork one, but I still thought mine was way better.

We obviously couldn't leave without trying a dessert, so we went to the churro tent and picked out of their selection. They had dessert nachos in multiple flavors like strawberry shortcake, fruity pebbles, and Oreo which were the same flavors offered for their churros. Originally, I was gunning for the Nutella churro, but seemingly everyone in Baltimore had the same idea so they were sold out before we even got there! But it all worked out because it forced us to try a fruity pebble and an Oreo one. They all come with a dipping sauce, drizzle on top, and a squirt of whipped cream on the side as well. The churros were so warm and dusted with cinnamon to perfection.

Jockey Ridge State park is located in Dare County in the Outer Banks and is home to the tallest living sand dune system on the Atlantic coast! It has peaks that can reach up to 100 feet depending on the season and weather. The dunes are always shifting—never quite the same shape twice—which makes every visit feel unique. We visited during our family trip to the Outer Banks, deciding to climb the dunes just before sunset. It turned out to be one of those spontaneous choices that ends up being the highlight of a vacation. The sun was still high enough when we parked, glinting off the tops of the dunes like gold dust.

From the base, Jockey’s Ridge looks deceptively small, but once you start climbing, you realize just how massive it really is. The sand shifted under our feet, each step sinking and sliding back a little, and we couldn’t help laughing at how slow our progress felt.

Kids were running up and rolling down nearby, their laughter carried by the wind, while families dragged kites and cameras behind them. By the time we reached the top, the light had started to soften into shades of orange and pink. From the ridge, you can see both the Roanoke Sound on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other, a rare vantage point where two bodies of water seem to almost meet.

The wind was stronger at the ridge, enough to whip our hair around and make conversation a little harder, but none of us really felt like talking much anyway. We just stood there, taking it in. As the sun dipped lower, the whole dune seemed to glow. The ridges turned bronze, the shadows deepened, and for a few minutes, the world felt completely still.

Jockey’s Ridge isn’t just for sightseeing—it’s a playground for adventurers. The park is famous for hang gliding, and we watched a few gliders take off from the ridge, soaring effortlessly against the orange sky. There are also trails that wind through the dunes and maritime thickets, offering a quieter way to explore the park’s natural beauty. The Soundside Trail leads down to the water, perfect for wading or kayaking, while kids and families bring kites to fly from the highest peaks, letting them dance in the strong coastal wind.

As we wandered barefoot across the sand, we noticed the temperature changing—warm on the surface, cool just below. The park ranger we met mentioned that the dunes are constantly moving, slowly creeping south each year due to the steady winds off the ocean. The park was nearly lost to development in the 1970s until locals rallied to protect it, leading to its official designation as a state park in 1974. Knowing that made the view even more special—it’s a living landscape preserved by people who loved it enough to save it.

To end off my long weekend in San Francisco, I traveled across town to the Golden Gate Park! It is 20% larger than Central Park in New York and stretches from the city center all the way to the Pacific! I rented a bike at the top of the park and rode my bike the whole day around the park exploring the multiple different buildings they house such as the de Young Museum, the California Academy of Sciences, the historic Conservatory of Flowers, and the Japanese Tea Garden's teahouse. Other notable structures include the Dutch Windmills, the Japanese Tea Garden's teahouse, and various gardens and recreational facilities!

The moment I stepped out of the coverage of trees and heard the crash of waves, I felt that mix of awe and calm that only the ocean can bring. The air was cool and salty, the sun was hot, and the fog hung low over the dunes—classic San Francisco weather. As I made my way toward the beach, the sand felt colder and finer than I expected, soft enough to sink into with every step.

The first thing that caught my eye was the giant rock features and soaring cliffs that are scattered across the coast and decline right onto the shoreline. There was a shimmer of sea glass scattered across the shore with tiny green, blue, and white pieces gleamed like hidden treasures against the gray sand. I crouched down, picking up a few smooth pieces to pocket, and not far from them, I noticed sand dollars—whole and unbroken, perfectly round with faint star-like markings. It felt like stumbling into a secret collection nature left behind and I was so excited to find those for the first time as well!.

The beach stretched wide, framed by steep sand dunes that rolled toward the park. I climbed one, slipping a bit as the sand gave way, but from the top, the view was worth it. The horizon seemed endless. There was even a tent that was set up with surfers staying there for a few days camping out!

Below, surfers dotted the waves, their black wetsuits just tiny silhouettes moving in rhythm with the water. Each time one caught a wave, cheers echoed faintly across the beach. A few families were flying kites, bright against the muted sky—splashes of red, yellow, and blue twisting in the wind. I sat for a while, just watching, the wind tugging at my hair and the roar of the waves filling the quiet.

It struck me how timeless it all felt. There were no crowds, no rush—just the steady heartbeat of the ocean. Standing there, toes buried in the cold sand, I finally understood why people say the Pacific has a kind of magic to it. It’s not just the view; it’s the feeling of being small in the best possible way.

If you guys have been following along with me recently, you'll know that I took my first solo trip to San Francisco a couple of weeks ago and wanted to share the rest of what I was able to explore during my time there! After exploring Fisherman's Wharf and the surrounding area on my first day, I decided to walk around the rest of the city and see what I stumbled upon.

My modes of transportation mostly consisted of the trolley, walking, or the public bus! It was relatively easy to figure out based off of the multiple signs and stops, but I also had help from the app City Mapper! It was such a useful tool especially in a city that was vastly new for me.

I started my morning at the Ferry Building Marketplace, which was already bustling with commuters grabbing coffee and tourists sampling local pastries. Inside, the building feels like a cross between a market hall and a museum—vendors selling everything from organic honey to artisan cheeses line the walkways, and the smell of fresh sourdough drifts through the air. After exploring the stalls, I took a short ferry ride across the bay, which provided great skyline views and a peaceful start to the day.

Once back on land, I walked through the Financial District, passing between tall glass buildings and watching the city shift into motion. There’s a contrast here—the sleek modern architecture against the street murals and food trucks parked along the curbs. I grabbed a quick lunch from one of the trucks and continued toward North Beach, San Francisco’s Little Italy, known for its cozy cafés and classic bakeries.

From there, I made my way west to the Palace of Fine Arts, a must-see for anyone who loves architecture. The structure’s grand columns and reflecting lagoon make it one of the most photographed spots in the city.

Next, I headed to the Golden Gate Bridge Overlook, one of the best vantage points to take in the bridge’s full scale. The view doesn’t disappoint especially with the red-orange structure standing out in the golden setting sun, creating that quintessential San Francisco photo moment.

To wrap up the afternoon, I visited Lands End Lookout, a scenic coastal trail that offers views of the Pacific and the bridge from a distance. It’s a refreshing walk, especially after a day in the city, just be prepared to hike a bit!

By evening, I wound up in Chinatown, where everything pulsed with energy. Lanterns swung above the crowded streets, neon signs buzzed softly, and the smell of dumplings and roasted duck filled the air. I found a small restaurant tucked between two shops and ordered a steaming bowl of noodles.

Over fall break, I was able to visit the West Coast for the first time and explore San Francisco on my own for four days! I wanted to start off introducing my trip by walking you guys around the Fisherman's Wharf because that was my first stop on day one. The first thing I noticed when I got to Fisherman’s Wharf was the smell — that perfect mix of ocean salt, fresh bread, and something fried drifting from a food stand. It instantly reminded me why I love traveling to coastal cities.

My first stop was Boudin Bakery, because honestly, how could I not? I’d heard about their famous sourdough bread bowls for years, from my mom more than anyone honestly. Watching the bakers shape loaves into crabs and bears behind the glass window was oddly mesmerizing. When I finally sat down with my sourdough sandwich (sorry mom, too hot for soup), it felt like the ultimate San Francisco moment and made even better by the view of the bay outside. That was before not one but TWO seagulls flew into the back of my head as an attempt to steal my sandwich away from me.

The sea lions were the undeniable stars of Pier 39, I could hear them before I saw them, barking and splashing in the marina below. Watching them was like watching a comedy show — they rolled, pushed each other, and flopped into the water in one big hilarious, chaotic rhythm. People gathered along the railings, cameras out, completely captivated by their antics.

The rest of the afternoon was a blur of discovery. I ducked into the Musee Mécanique, which is a quirky little museum filled with old arcade games and vintage fortune tellers that still work. It was such an unexpected find — I could have stayed there for hours just feeding quarters into machines and watching them come to life.

Everywhere I turned there was something new: stalls selling handmade jewelry, watercolor prints of the Golden Gate Bridge, or cozy sweatshirts with “San Francisco” embroidered across the chest. I stopped to watch a magician perform near the carousel, then got pulled into a store filled with sea-themed trinkets — seashells, glass dolphins, and souvenirs shaped like crabs. One of my favorite spots was Lefty’s, a quirky store entirely dedicated to left-handed people — something I’d never seen before. Then there was The Fudge House, where the smell of melted chocolate lured me in instantly, and Dreyer’s Ice Cream, serving scoops big enough to share (though I didn’t). The pier even had small local vendors tucked between the bigger shops, selling homemade candles, local photography prints, and ocean-inspired crafts. It felt like the perfect mix of tourist charm and authentic creativity.

This past Thursday, my roommate Elizabeth and I went to the College Night event that the Baltimore's Museum of Art hosted and curated for the BMA’s environmental initiative Turn Again to the Earth. We were even able to walk to the collaboration since the museum is located on right on Johns Hopkins main campus located at 10 Art Museum Dr.! Loyola Maryland and Hopkins both share properties on N. Charles Street in uptown Baltimore, so it only took us around 25 minutes to get there! Students gained free entry to all exhibitions as well, including the ticketed exhibition Black Earth Rising, with a valid college ID.

Turn Again to the Earth is a museum-wide undertaking that has been centered around climate change and action in order to spark conversation. Th exhibitions that go along with this show will continue even up through January 2026. In addition, a new sustainability plan will be in announced this spring for more environmentally focused practices that the BMA can be better at enforcing.

Being able to be a Visual Arts Department student ambassador has been one of the greatest pleasures that I have been able to partake in since becoming a Greyhound! The other ambassadors and I were able to plan this event with the help of the department and walked along with a group of other students too who had signed up through our endorsements around campus. It was an especially cool experience for me personally because we not only had special access to Turn Again to the Earth, but also to the rest of the galleries in the museum. I was able to show Elizabeth around my favorite parts, like in the Cone Collection—it’s one of the museum’s crown jewels. The collection includes works by Matisse, Picasso, and Cézanne, and it feels almost surreal to encounter pieces that usually only appear in art history textbooks.

Pictured above is actually one of my favorite oil paintings of Matisse's, "Interior with a Dog". I think the grandeur of the piece especially in person makes it that much more special to me. The way the collection is displayed gives you a sense of intimacy, as though you’re stepping into the Cone sisters’ personal living room and seeing their treasures just as they did. It’s a must-see for anyone who appreciates modern art or simply wants to understand why the BMA is so highly regarded!

Beyond the Cone Collection, the BMA’s contemporary galleries are worth wandering through for a more dynamic and thought-provoking experience. Exhibits here often highlight artists who challenge social norms and respond to current issues, giving the museum a fresh and relevant energy. Currently, there is a gallery open done by photographer Devin Allen, Baltimore native, called "Heavy with History: Devin Allen and the Baltimore Uprising". It features powerful black and white photography that captures the raw emotions of the Baltimore uprisings that followed Freddie Gray’s death a decade ago in 2015. Allen was able to document a defining moment in Baltimore’s history, and revealed both the pain and strength of its people. See these images—rarely on display—in remembrance of Gray’s life.

And the best part? Admission to the BMA is free, making it easy to return and explore at your own pace. Whether you’re looking for timeless masterpieces or cutting-edge voices, the BMA has a little of everything, and it’s the kind of museum that invites you to keep coming back to see what you may have overlooked the first time.

A farmers Market is a wonderful way to start your weekend off in downtown Baltimore! The Fell’s Point Farmers Market every Saturday morning from 8-12:30pm, has become one of my favorite Saturday morning rituals since moving here for college. It almost feels like a neighborhood gathering where you could possibly bump into some friends, chat with the local farmers in the area, or pick out little trinkets you didn’t know you needed...

I usually get there mid-morning, tea in hand, and just walk down Broadway Square along cobblestone lined the waterfront just a few steps away. The market stretches out in rows of white tents, each one with a different energy. The first thing that hits me is the mix of smells—fresh bread, herbs, berries, and sometimes even food trucks serving breakfast sandwiches or empanadas! It’s impossible not to linger honestly.

One of my favorite stops is the produce stands, local farms bring in everything from vibrant heirloom tomatoes to bundles of basil and kale that look like they were picked that morning (and often, they usually were). I’ve learned many residents who live in the area will buy their fruits and veggies at the market first before heading to the grocery store—it just feels fresher and, honestly, more fun.

If you consider yourself a foodie, this could also be the place to stock up on seasonal ingredients that can inspire your meals for the week. You'll be able to find local honey, handmade soaps, fresh flowers, and baked goods that sell out quickly. I always make a beeline for the stand with fresh sourdough loaves! For those who like to support sustainable living, there are also vendors with organic teas, compost services, and even eco-friendly home goods.

What makes this market extra special is its location. After shopping, you can wander down to the water, sit by the harbor with your finds, and enjoy the view. Sometimes I’ll grab a fresh juice or pastry at Pitango and just people-watch for a while. It’s the kind of slow, community-centered morning that balances out the busy pace of the week. If you go, my advice is to bring cash and reusable bags. Whether you’re a Baltimore local or visiting for the weekend, the Fell’s Point Farmers Market is the perfect way to start your Saturday with good food and good people.

There’s something about summer in New York that feels electric, and one of my favorite ways to soak it all in is with a trip to Yankee Stadium. Even if you don’t live and breathe baseball, the experience of a Yankees game in the summer is something every New Yorker—or visitor—should try at least once.

The journey there is a big part of the fun! I usually take the subway to 161st Street, and the moment you step off, the atmosphere hits you. Crowds in navy blue and white striped jerseys spill onto the sidewalks, vendors shout about pretzels and ice-cold water, and there is a shared excitement in the air.

Once inside, I recommend grabbing food before you find your seat... Stadium food is its own adventure, and Yankee Stadium has options for every single craving imaginable. I usually stick to the classic hot dog, but when I watch someone walk by with a Lobel’s steak sandwich, I immediately regret never trying it. Another fan favorite is the Garlic Fries—the smell alone will convince you, but if you want to branch out, there’s also Mighty Quinn’s BBQ and even Halal carts!

The game itself is where everything comes alive, the crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd, and the collective chants of “Let’s go Yankees!” creates a contagious energy. One of my favorite parts is always watching the grounds crew perform the “YMCA” dance between innings—it’s a silly tradition, but it’s exactly the kind of thing that makes the game feel like more than just baseball.

By the time the sun starts to set, the stadium bathes in a golden light, and the views feel almost cinematic. It’s a reminder that sports are as much about community as they are competition. Pro tips: bring a cap, sunscreen, and THE YANKEES DO NOT ACCEPT CASH ANYMORE!

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just want a quintessential New York summer activity, a Yankees game is unforgettable.

All of these photos were taken on my Grandfathers Asahi Pentax 35mm film camera that he gifted to me last summer. He bought it while serving abroad in Turkey during WWII! Cheers to you.

Check out tickets for this season here!

Sometimes you just need a quick escape from campus life, and Georgetown turned out to be the perfect spot for a day trip! Walking around the cobblestone streets and historic rowhouses gave a timeless vibe, while the busy sidewalks and storefronts reminded me that Georgetown is very much alive and buzzing. I started my day wandering down M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, where most of the action happens. Even though I'm not one for big shopping sprees, I loved popping into places like Tuckernuck and South Moon Under just to browse. Bridge Street Books was a highlight too—an independent bookstore filled with shelves of character and the kind of place you could easily lose an hour or two.

Of course, no Georgetown visit is complete without cupcakes! I went with Baked & Wired, and honestly, I get why people say it’s better than the bigger-name cupcake shops—it felt more local, and the cupcake itself was insanely good. To balance it out, I grabbed a drink from Blue Bottle Coffee before heading to the waterfront!

Later in the afternoon, I ended the day at Georgetown Waterfront Park, sitting by the river and watching rowers glide past. It was the perfect way to wind down before heading back home to campus. Georgetown is the kind of place where you can shop, snack, and just wander without a plan. It’s laid-back enough for a student budget trip but full of energy to keep you busy all day!

I left with a sugar rush, a film photos, and a strong desire to come back soon. It is also super easy to get to Washington D.C, from Baltimore even as a student. There is a train line that is constantly running to and from the cities and not for that much either!

As a senior at Loyola Maryland, I have spent many years exploring the neighborhoods in the areas closest to campus! My roommates and I are living on the West side of campus this year, so we have had much easier access to the Hopkins and Hampden areas as a result. These are a few shots I took while walking a very wide perimeter of campus, whether it was hiking in the woods behind Newman Towers or through Roland Park. I love going by myself and listening to music, or having my friends come with me to talk! It is a great way to unwind after being in classes all day (and you can never really escape school living on campus, can you?) and I use it as a chance to soak up the last of summer! I have always been a fan of Baltimore's history as a city and being able to see the way the city grows and melds together is super interesting to experience as you take walks even this North in the city. I also am a big advocate for the architectural aspects that Baltimore excels at, including the Georgian style row houses and the Victorian Gothic or Renaissance Revival buildings.