Union Square in New York City is a great place to wander. It’s a perfect city mix. On Saturdays, there is a farmer’s market that has vendors who sell plants, vegetables, fruits, breads, cheeses, meats, etc. You feel like you are in the country, and the food is delicious. During the holidays, there is a craft and gift show that has more vendors who sell amazing and unique items. There is a playground as well as a dog park. The parents of both kids and dogs are always seen sitting on the park benches, enjoying a cup of coffee while watching their young ones play. Union Square has great shopping as well as restaurants and apartments.
For me, Union Square represents independence. When I was 12, I started taking theater classes at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, which is a half block off of Union Square. At first, my mom sent me with a packed lunch, but pretty soon I was asking to go out to lunch with my friends. We only get 30 minutes for lunch, so really how far could we get? I love having the independence to decide what restaurant we are going to choose each day, not to mention being able to walk through the city with friends…no parents necessary. Eventually, I got my own debit card (score) to pay for lunch since it was easier than my parents having to remember to give me money every week. Finally, this year, I am taking the subway to Penn Station to take the Long Island Railroad back home. If I want to stay in the city to go shopping at any of the great stores along Union Square, that’s my choice. As the weather gets warmer, I am hoping to walk to Penn Station and shop along the way. The LIRR and home will still be there after I grab a few things at Sephora.