Fire Island... A Day at the Beach

If you drive about an hour out of the city to Long Island, hop on a 15 minute ferry to a place called Fire Island, you will find yourself in every beach goer's paradise.  Beach town, no cars only bicycles, sandy feet, sunny weather and some pretty good local bars.  This is exactly what I did on Saturday.  I went with a bunch of friends to Fire Island to spend the day at the beach and then go out for my birthday that night!  It was so peaceful and relaxing and absolutely gorgeous!

We went to Ocean Beach!

Here are some pictures of our day!

Town of Ocean Beach

The walk to the beach!

church on the island

it's beautiful!

exactly where I should be!

loved the colors

me, Gabby and Roma!!!

buzz buzz

the sand bar!

so pretty

i love bikes!

me, kevin and gabby

beach

boats

We had the best time relaxing on the beach, playing card games, and swimming!  We grabbed sandwiches for lunch, got ice cream, and did a little shopping! We then walked around town for a while and then went to The Sandbar to grab drinks after a long day at the beach!  I can't wait to go back- nothing beats getting out of the city on a hot day and spending it at the beach!

NJ Balloon Festival

I know I haven't updated in a while- I was busy with all that training to jump in the Hudson, but I promise, now that everything is back to normal, I will be updating this more.  One of the highlights this summer, was the NJ Balloon Festival.  I went with my second family and my roommate to Jersey and spent the day walking around this huge fair, followed by a lift off of over 125 balloons in all colors, shapes and sizes!  It was breathtaking- easily one of the most amazing sights I have ever seen!  Here are a few photos from the festival- hope you enjoy them!

As you can see, it was pretty amazing!  I would definitely love to go to something like this again- I've added riding in a hot air balloon to my bucket list, so hopefully that can happen in the future!  I was just so amazed at the amount of balloons that went up and just how amazing it is to see them floating in the sky!  The balloons cost anywhere from $50,000 and up- and you have to go take classes to learn how to work them!  Truly amazing- if you have never been to something like this, go as soon as you get the chance.  It will take your breath away!

looking back on summer...

Summer in NYC is unlike anywhere else in the summer.  While I did miss the beach and the beautiful ocean, I had to make due with the concrete jungle.  While it was 100 degrees and I didn't have the luxury of an air conditioner, I did have the luxury of experiencing NYC in it's liveliest state.  Summer means the city is alive and buzzing with people, tourists, street vendors and random free events!

Coney Island's Roller Coaster: The Cyclone

Nathan's Famous Hot Dogs!!

Brooklyn Brewery!

Field level seats at yankee stadium

views from central park

the mall- in central park!! recognize this from the movies?? :)- big daddy anyone?

bethesda terrace

alice in wonderland- famous statue in central park

imagine obelisk for john lennon in central park!

cupcakes at chelsea market!

highline- chelsea

washington square by nyu

Magnolia's bakery- from sex & the city!

There is just a quick taste of some of the things I have experienced this summer and as you can see, there's so much more to discover!! Really excited to share a few more events that have happened with you, but a brief recap of this summer was necessary first!!  Enjoy!