Summer has officially begun, so I think it makes sense to have a summer must-do list. Is it obvious that I love lists? I have tons of different kinds of lists going - movies to watch, work stuff that needs to be done, etc. But here's what my summer list looks like this year. Keep in mind, a lot of it is food/fun-based (AS ALL SUMMER LISTS SHOULD BE). Also, make one of your own! Otherwise I promise you that this summer will just pass you by.

SUMMER 2015

Try the frozen hot chocolate at Astor Bake Shop (Queens)
Finally visit the rooftop across the street - there's a hotel across the street from me that has a rooftop bar that I've always wanted to go to but never have (Queens)
Finally eat a Nanaimo bar for the first time (Toronto)
Go to City Island (Bronx)
Go to Montauk (Montauk)
See this year's installation at the rooftop at The Met (Manhattan)
Successfully grow something in my backyard (Queens)
Check out the Jefferson Market Garden (Manhattan)
Get the burrata ice cream at Dominique Ansel (Manhattan)
See a movie at that gorgeous AMC on the UWS @ 84 street (Manhattan)
Try an egg cream in Forest Hills (Queens)
Visit the E dgar Allan Poe cottage (Bronx)

Possible Blogs Posts To Do: Photograph Each Hour For A Day, Outfit Of The Day posts, Vlog!

Heaven exists.

I finally went to see the holiday train show - and once you get past the long lines, screaming children and Metro North ride, it actually makes for a great day. Here's a video of what it looks like once you're inside

One tip? Skip the NYBG tram ride. It's kind of funny that they even offer tram rides in December since everything is in a full-on state of UNbloom. It's probably a gorgeous ride in the nicer months, but take my word for it and skip it if you're there for the train show. Oh! And an even better tip? Call in advance for tickets. Otherwise you'll get there and you'll have to wait around for a few hours, hence the brisk tram ride undertaking.

Everything designed in the train exhibit is breathtaking. The detail and effort that went into it all is insane and if you've ever had any kind of interest in miniatures, you will love this place to pieces. And the trains, my God the trains! I've often said that if I were to ever have a child, then I would do everything in my power to make his/her room just like Casper's (in the movie Casper, with Christina Ricci). Remember how at the top of the wall in that room, there was an elevated train track, with a train that traveled around the perimeter of the whole room? That. I want that. Such a great idea for a kid's room.

Anyhow, this was definitely worth the trip to the Bronx. Go, damnit!

The exhibit runs until January 16th, 2023. You can purchase tickets here.

12 Things I'm Doing This Summer

The Holiday Train Show at The New York Botanical Garden