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Rambles with Rachel

January 28, 2026

12 Fun Winter Date Ideas in NYC

In the city that never sleeps, there are countless things to do. However, when the days are short and the nights are cold, it’s a little harder to come up with fun activities. If you’re trying to plan a date…

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November 17, 2025

10 Cozy Restaurants and Bars with Fireplaces in Brooklyn

A small fireplace lights up a brick-walled room at Dynaco, one of the best fireplace bars in NYC.

As the nights become chillier and the winter wind whistles down the streets, New Yorkers want nothing more than to get cozy. Thankfully, there are quite a few restaurants and bars in Brooklyn with fireplaces that are all perfect places…

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July 6, 2025

A Local’s Guide to NYC for Book Lovers

In a city of over 8 million people, just imagine the number of books New York City holds! With such a rich and colorful history, NYC is a wonderful place for book lovers. There are majestic libraries, independent bookshops, and…

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November 20, 2024

10 of the Best Bookstores in NYC

Rachel, wearing jeans and boots, stands on a step ladder to reach high bookshelves in a crowded aisle of books at the Stand, one of the most popular bookstores in NYC

“You see, bookshops are dreams built of wood and paper. They are time travel and escape and knowledge and power. They are, simply put, the best of places.” —Jen Campbell It’s fall in New York City, which makes me think…

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April 6, 2024

The Best Things to Do in NYC on a Rainy Day

Rachel stands in Times Square on a rainy day in NYC, in a yellow raincoat, holding a large umbrella with polka dots.

“New Yorkers are inclined to assume it will never rain, and certainly not on New Yorkers.” -Brooks Atkinson While there is no shortage of things to do in New York City, some things become a bit less enjoyable in the…

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February 23, 2024

7 Cozy Bars in NYC for Book Lovers

A chandelier hangs over communal tables at Milk and Roses, one of the best cozy bars in NYC for book lovers. A fire roars in a brick fireplace and the walls are covered in antique books.

“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” -C.S. Lewis  I’m afraid my days in dark, loud, overly crowded bars are over. I’d much rather get comfy next to a…

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May 29, 2023

7 Rooftop Bars in Brooklyn to Visit This Summer

A clear plastic cup full of red sangria sits on a wooden table at one of the best rooftop bars in Brooklyn, with lower Manhattan skyline in the background.

On the roof, it’s peaceful as can beAnd there the world below can’t bother me -The Drifters (written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin) I’m going to argue that rooftop bars in Brooklyn are better than in Manhattan. While rooftop…

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March 12, 2023

7 Best Irish Pubs in NYC at Which to Grab a Pint

Sawdust covers the floor as sun gleams on a wooden bar at McSorely's Alehouse, one of the oldest Irish pubs in NYC.

So whether you sing or pull a pint, you’ll always have a job‘Cause wherever you go around the world, you’ll find an Irish pub -The High Kings If you’re looking for Irish pubs in NYC, you can find one on…

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December 5, 2022

10 Best Christmas Bars and Restaurants in NYC

“I don’t know if there’ll be snowBut have a cup of cheer” -Johnny Marks Updated: November 18, 2024 It’s my favorite time of the year! Christmas in NYC is truly special. The lights, the music, the decorations…everything just gives NYC…

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July 14, 2022

Cheap Things to Do in NYC This Summer

People skate counter-clockwise around Wollman Rink in Central Park.

“It was never built for the comfort and happiness of its citizens, but to astonish the world.” -Susan Ertz There’s no denying that NYC is expensive- the apartments, the swanky restaurants, even the cabs. However, there are still plenty of…

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June 8, 2022

Best Free Things to Do in NYC This Summer

Summer journeys to Niagara and to other placesAggravate all our cares, we’ll save our faresI’ve a cozy little flat in what is known as old ManhattanWe’ll settle down right here in town -“Manhattan” by Lorenz Hart and Richard Rodgers While…

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February 13, 2022

Rom-Com Locations in NYC

A girl in grey dress looks down at the buildings of New York City, from the viewing deck from the viewing deck at the Top of the Rock in NYC.

“When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” -When Harry Met Sally I partially blame the rom-coms of the 90s/early 2000s…

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About Me

About
Hi there! I'm Rachel, lover of stories, history, and the great outdoors, with a penchant for the fantastical. Raised in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State and grown in New York City, I love sharing the best of both my worlds, while exploring new horizons. Come ramble with me!

Recent Posts

  • 5 Things to Know About Renting a Campervan in Switzerland
  • 12 Fun Winter Date Ideas in NYC
  • 10 Cozy Restaurants and Bars with Fireplaces in Brooklyn
  • 7 Ways to Save Money in Switzerland: A Budget Travel Guide
  • 7 Best Places to Go Apple Picking Near NYC

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Rachel stands with her back to the camera looking at a cascading waterfall in Naples, NY.

The Best Things to Do in Naples, NY

Things To Do in Cornwall

Rachel stands on a cliff edge, with arms outstretched, looking out towards the sea on the west coast of Ireland.

How to Spend 10 Days in Ireland: An Awesome Irish Road Trip Itinerary

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Want to watch the sunset from a free rooftop in Br Want to watch the sunset from a free rooftop in Brooklyn?
The Time Out Market building in Dumbo is the perfect spot. You can grab drinks or food as you gaze at the Manhattan skyline.
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#nycsunset #nyc #brooklyn #summerinthecity #brooklynbridge #manhattanview #manhattanskyline  #timeoutnewyork #brooklynrooftop #summernights
What’s a piece of art that you’ve always looked fo What’s a piece of art that you’ve always looked forward to seeing?
One of mine was one of the bronze casts of “The Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer” by Degas. The original wax sculpture was of Marie van Goethem, a Belgian ballet student at the Paris Opera House. Degas said he wanted to capture a girl who dreamed of an “illustrious life” as a dancer.
Swipe to see me going back to my roots! 🩰
How has travel changed your outlook? For me it’s a How has travel changed your outlook? For me it’s a reminder that not everywhere is all about “the grind”. It’s okay to slow down and do things simply for the joy of it, like reading a book in the park, or sitting at a sidewalk table in Paris drinking a glass of rosé.
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#paris #parisfrance #parislover #parislife #lavieenrose #audreyhepburn #travelgram #travelblogger #travelmore #seetheworld #changeyouroutlook
*Happee Birthdae Harry* Who else wishes they could *Happee Birthdae Harry*
Who else wishes they could be gifted a snowy owl from Diagon Alley on their birthday?? 🙋‍♀️🦉✨
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#july31st #happeebirthdaeharry #hedwig #harrypotterfan #diagonalley #edinburgh #victoriastreet #victoriastreetedinburgh
Did you catch yesterday’s Story Time Saturday abou Did you catch yesterday’s Story Time Saturday about Emily Roebling and the Brooklyn Bridge? Can you imagine being the first person to cross it?
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#nyc #brooklynbridge #nycgoldenhour #emilyroebling #nycsights #nychistory #womeninscience
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