By now, you’ve definitely secured your ticket for College Fashionista’s Creators Loft on February 9 and 10. If not, there’s still time to apply, bestie! This totally free event is open to college students celebrating New York’s biggest week in fashion who may also need a little oasis away from the busy streets. Plus, attendees will have the opportunity to chat with beauty and fashion industry leaders for some career inspo, meet some new besties to collab with, and take some amazing Instagram selfies with our Creators Loft 2024 backdrops.
Of course, while you’re in New York City, you’ll absolutely have to stop at some decadent cafes and cute shops. To guide your weekend in NYC, the Her Campus Media staff got together to share their must-try spots and things to do for people hanging out in the Union Square area. Check out the best coffee shops, eateries, and stores to visit below. Â
Grab Some Caffeine
MUD, 307 E 9th St.
Grab a classic drip coffee, a fancy MUD Mocha, or even a zippy mint lemonade in the shop’s iconic orange cup on your way to and from shows. Or, stop for a bite to eat during their all-day brunch for some huevos rancheros.
Irving Farm New York, 71 Irving Place
Irving Farm is the perfect grab-and-go spot for the fashionista on the run. Located only a few blocks from Creators Loft, this coffee spot promises delicious espresso shots, energizing matcha lattes, specialty drinks including the Greenwich Mint Mocha, and pastries, of course. (They even have gluten-free options!)
maman, 67 University Place
A beloved study spot by several New York University students, maman will make you feel like you’re living your best life in an authentic French bistro. Pair your flat white or honey lavender latte with a small bite such as their daily quiche offering, a “croque maman,” or some pain au chocolat.
Ralph's Coffee, 160 5th Ave.
If you didn’t know that Ralph’s Coffee is actually part of the Ralph Lauren brand… now you know. Pick up a latte at the coffee bar before perusing the other shops on Fifth Avenue.
Trinket Time
Strand Book Store, 828 Broadway
Just two blocks from Union Square Park sits NYC’s beloved Strand Book Store. Head over here to load up your tote with new and used books perfect for reading on the train or plane ride home.
Beacon's Closet, 10 W 13th St.
Looking for some trendy, thrifted closet additions? Beacon’s Closet is *the* spot to find adorable second-hand clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Fishs Eddy, 889 Broadway
This delightful home goods store is loaded with adorable, unique dishware, locally crafted art pieces, novelty candles, and much more. You just might spend a lot of time in this shop and leave with an entirely new glass set.
Fifth Avenue
Just a few steps from Creators Loft exists the shopping wonders of Fifth Avenue. From Zara and H&M to Aritzia, Madewell, and beyond, you’ll find a wealth of shops to check out on this strip.
Embrace Your Inner Foodie
Murray's Bagels, 500 6th Ave.
Is it really a trip to New York City if you don’t get an authentic hand-rolled bagel? Cinnamon raisin, everything, onion, garlic, pumpernickel, and poppy seed bagels are just a handful of the many flavor options you can enjoy at Murray’s Bagels.
The Grey Dog, 90 University Place
This all-day breakfast restaurant is beloved by natives and tourists alike. (One Grey Dog location even appeared on Comedy Central’s Broad City!) With cozy cups of coffee, hearty breakfast platters, lunch fare, and even daily happy hour specials, you’ll leave this spot full and focused for the next fashion show.
Caffè Panna, 77 Irving Place
For the adventurous dessert lover, you have to make a stop at the nearby Caffè Panna location. Their ice cream flavor lineup changes daily, and their pints are so Instagram-worthy. Just be prepared to wait in line for these stunning sweets.
Tompkins Square Bagels, 23 E 17th St.
Tompkins Square Bagels offers a wide variety of spectacular sandwiches. They also offer a long list of cream cheese flavors featuring many dairy-free alternatives, too. I mean, who doesn’t want to try a bagel with birthday cake cream cheese spread?
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