KATIE KENNEDY

How to Spend Your Summer Fridays

How to Spend Your Summer Fridays

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Tee || Jeans || Sandals || Handbag || Belt || Watch || Earrings || Jean Jacket

This teacher has only three days that separate her from summer vacation. I absolutely adore my little ones, but sweet summertime in the city is calling my name! If you happen to have a more conventional job, and work Monday through Friday all year long, then your company may have a little something called Summer Fridays. I just love this concept! In short, Fridays are half days for everyone! You have a whole extra afternoon to get out and enjoy yourself. How amazing is that?! To help you make the most of your time, here are my top picks for how I would spend a free afternoon. Keep in mind, these were written with NYC in mind, but they can still work for almost any city.

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  • Play tourist for the day: There are so many opportunities to be a tourist in the Big Apple. Whether you’ve lived here for 5 days or 5 years, there’s always something new popping up to explore. To find an all-inclusive sort of experience, I highly recommend catching a ride on a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus. Offered in cities around the world, it’s the perfect way to learn about a city, especially if you’re short on time.
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  • Have lunch at a new restaurant: Beat the dinner rush and have lunch at a new restaurant you’ve dying to try. Often times, they have great lunch specials to match. Look around and find a menu that really speaks to you. Since you have the afternoon free, don’t forget to look in neighborhoods that you usually don’t have an opportunity to explore.
  • Visit any kind of museum: Why not get some culture on a free afternoon? One of my favorite ways to spend time after work is to pop into the nearby MET to take in a new-to-me collection or exhibit. I pick that museum time and again because it’s positively massive, but there are so many more to choose from. In this week’s post about my Summer Bucket List, I share that my goal is to visit three new museums before the end of the summer. Be sure to let me know your favorites!
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  • Head to the beach: I probably saving my favorite for last! In Florida, I always loved being to able to pop over to the beach on a whim. Since moving to New York, I’ve found it’s a lot trickier, but can be done! While I haven’t experienced it for myself, I’ve heard Rockaway Beach is a great escape and a pretty direct subway ride away. If you’re really wanting to take a break, the Hamptons or Jersey Shore could make for great options too.

I’m all for making the most out of both summers and weekends. In fact, I like to think I work hard Monday through Friday just so I can enjoy my weekends. If you find yourself able to escape work, don’t let an opportunity to try something new pass you by.

Love from NYC,
Katie

For more on New York, be sure to check out my exclusive city content here.

Summer Bucket List

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Sundress (similar) || Sandals || Crossbody || Earrings || Bracelet

Summer is, by leaps and bounds, my favorite season. School is out, the weather is beautiful, and I get to celebrate some of my favorite holidays (plus my birthday). Since I’m a teacher, I also tend to view summer as an opportunity for new beginnings. The old school year is done and I get set goals and resolutions for the next one.

Between getting married, honeymooning, graduating with my Master’s degree, and moving to New York, last summer was a complete whirlwind. I’m so excited to lay, somewhat, low and enjoy my first full summer in the city. That being said, I like to keep myself busy and goal-oriented. Check out my summer bucket list below and follow along in the adventures!

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Personal Summer Bucket
  • Celebrate my 28th birthday! (done)
  • Celebrate our 1 year wedding anniversary! (done)
  • Finish decorating our apartment.
  • Read at least 10 books.
  • Run in the morning (at least) 3 times a week.
  • Have more people over for weekend cookouts.
  • Finish the French lessons on Duolingo.
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Professional Summer Bucket List
  • Start my Marketing internship! (more on that later)
  • Connect with more NYC bloggers in person. (done)
  • Publish blog posts about our apartment.
  • Spend a little more time on engagement.
  • Put more effort into my Facebook page.
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New York Summer Bucket List
  • Try 5 new-to-me restaurants.
  • See at least one Broadway play.
  • See the Yankees or Mets play. (done)
  • Walk the Brooklyn Bridge. (done)
  • Go to the US Open.
  • Visit The Met more often.
  • Join a social group.
  • Take the train up the Hudson River.
  • Go to the top of Empire State Building.
  • Get tickets for Shakespeare in the Park.
  • Visit 3 new museums.
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Travel Summer Bucket List
  • Take (or at least schedule) a trip home!
  • Visit David’s family in Vermont or Maine.
  • Go to France with a good friend! (already planned)
  • Have a long weekend somewhere in Boston or Newport.
  • Visit friends in Martha’s Vineyard.
  • Plan the next trip for David and I.
  • Sneak a trip to the Hamptons.
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Even though this is only the beginning of summer, I hope you all have an amazing season. Be sure to check back throughout the summer to follow along in the adventures.

Love from NYC,
Katie

Exploring Governors Island

Exploring Governors Island

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Cami || Skirt || Sandals || Clutch || Sunglasses

Just a quick 10 minute ferry ride from FiDi is Governors Island, a little oasis away from the concrete jungle. Although this island has had different roles, including military base, it is now open to the public everyday May through October.

The ferry itself runs very efficiently, about every half hour, and only costs $3 for a round trip. Catch the ferry before noon on Saturday or Sunday and your trip is free. If nothing else, you can use the ferry to get out on the water and see fantastic views of the skyline. Once you get to Governors Island, it’s a case of ‘Choose Your Own Adventure.’ Which one will you pick?

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  • Grab a cocktail, a snack, and a view! As soon as you land, you are greeted by a few restaurant right next to the dock and throughout the island. After spending the early morning walking around and exploring, stopping at the Island Oyster was such a treat. Relax under the yellow striped cabana and enjoy the space that has been nominated for ‘Best Restaurant Design’ by the James Beard Foundation. Elsewhere on Governors Island, you will also find a Joe Coffee, People’s Pop, and Threes Brewing to help you escape the heat.
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  • Spend the night in style! Camping on Governors Island has never been more glamorous. Located on the western part of the island, and with perfect views of the Statue of Liberty, are a Collective of tents that are available to rent. Combing the luxuries of home with the great outdoors, campers will enjoy some peace and quiet without ever leaving New York City.
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  • Party like it’s 1920! A few times each summer, Governors Island hosts their Jazz Age Lawn Party. Dress up in your favorite flapper ensemble and get read to dance the Charleston. The day of my visit was also the day of the party. I absolutely loved seeing all of the vintage-inspired style. It looked like quite a soiree and I may have to join in the fun for myself next time.
  • Get out and explore! Wear your comfiest workout gear and get ready to break a sweat. An entire loop around the island is about 2.2 miles. You’ll want to take plenty of stops to take in the view. You can also opt to take the adventure on two wheels, either with your own bike or by renting a Citi Bike right on the island. For the kid at heart, you should also check out Slide Hill which boasts the longest slide in NYC.

If you need a super quick and easy afternoon away from the city, exploring Governors Island should be your pick! It was exactly what the doctor ordered to stop, take a breath, and enjoy some fresh air. If you’ve made your own trip, be sure to let me know about it in the comments below.

Love from NYC,
Katie

Outfit Details:

Cami || Skirt || Sandals || Clutch || Sunglasses

For more on New York, be sure to check out my exclusive city content here.