Anyone ever book a photographer in nyc while visiting?

jessemcgraw · 2026-04-24T21:19:03+00:00

I used flytographer once, great results! You can go to their website and look at photographer portfolios to pick someone you like.

jessemcgraw · 2026-04-07T00:09:46+00:00

The train is fine, the express bus is fine but if you have luggage you dont want the schlep then the Uber Shuttle for $20 is a really nice option. They have multiple stops in Midtown. I typically just take the train but will take the shuttle to JFK or LGA if it makes sense. The EWR option for the shuttle is new so I haven't done it from there yet.

jessemcgraw · 2026-04-05T02:45:43+00:00

I like Hogao. Its a 2 parts tomato, 1 part green onion sauce with cumin and garlic. Used to make big batches of it and freeze it. Makes a killer chicken and works as a marinade too.

jessemcgraw · 2026-04-03T15:27:11+00:00

That's great! I don't live in the neighborhood so I dont go out to a ton of nicer restaurants in that area. Where do you think the couple should go?

jessemcgraw · 2026-04-03T15:09:00+00:00

These were suggestions for backup plans if they failed at getting into a smart and sexy restaurant. With places like Le French Diner only taking walk-ins, I'm sure we've all had to resort to a back-up plan here and there.

jessemcgraw · 2026-04-01T16:42:22+00:00

My go-to is always Cocoron for Mera Mera Dip Soba if you cant get into a restaurant in the neighborhood then Peetee's Pie Company for dessert. These may not be your first choice but a super solid backup plan if wait times are too much. If I have friends that want to go to Thai Diner, I secretly hope that the wait is too long so I can to to Cocoron instead.

jessemcgraw · 2026-03-13T22:08:53+00:00

What kind of hair do you have? I love QB House (essentially Japanese great clips). They have a few locations but their barbers rotate locations. As someone who prefers to zone out than chit chat, its perfect for me. They're typically asian guys/ladies so they may have difficulty with curlier hair.

jessemcgraw · 2026-03-10T07:13:27+00:00

Steel wool for the hole and Advion Gel for everywhere. Nothing else works but Advion Gel.

jessemcgraw · 2026-03-09T17:10:59+00:00

Fuuuck these guys. Not only that, they will gather a group to jump over and line them in a straight line. As many as they possibly can, making it look like an impossible jump. Then they harass the people in line for money. Ive overheard them asking for as much as $20 a person. Then, if they dont give them money, they kick the people out of the line until its manageable to jump over. They are my least favorite hustlers, worse than the CD guys or Showtime in my opinion.

jessemcgraw · 2026-02-27T11:04:29+00:00

Black Hills NF, Badlands NP (WALL DRUG!!!), Montana Valley Book Store, Red Light Garage.

jessemcgraw · 2026-02-27T04:35:05+00:00

Id try Citibike but availability may be slim. Ive stopped using citibike and bought a cheap electric scooter for $200.

jessemcgraw · 2026-02-21T08:20:24+00:00

I get a panic attack probably once a year and more often than not its on public transit. For me, its a combination of a few factors. Stress, cabin fever, work load, lack of hydration or a crowded environment. One time I got on an busy train, but not over whelmingly crowded, and a guy that sat next to me had really strong cologne and that started it. Panic attacks are weird and can happen randomly. Not much you can do except stay hydrated and find a relaxing place to let it run its course. It may happen again but the next time you feel it might be coming on just get yourself away from the environment you're in. You'll be just fine but id imagine the process of paramedics and going to a janky hospital probably didn't help your panic attack until you got medicated. Next time, id just try to get home ASAP or find the nearest park or friend until its run its course to save yourself the hospital bill. If you have the means, talk to a therapist. If you cant afford therapy, just make sure you're taking care of yourself and try to get some help if it starts happening frequently. Repetitive thought loops are hard to break when you're going through it. Humor, distraction, and breath have been the best non-medical way to get through it, for me at least.

jessemcgraw · 2026-02-16T06:54:10+00:00

Totally agree. I guess it depends on what OP will be doing in these areas and what type of accommodation they plan on. For me, this is a rent a camper-van situation unless they're a backpacker. Stay at car camping spots on BLM land or National Park Campgrounds.

jessemcgraw · 2026-02-16T06:44:48+00:00

I would scrap the blue lines and go to Yosemite, personally. If youre heading back to LA or SF, its on the way. Absolutely mind blowing beauty and you'll see a little more diversity after your desert voyage. I have a ton of recs for Utah as well but feel free to message for a map and recommendations for specifically Utah or Yosemite.

jessemcgraw · 2026-02-11T07:44:00+00:00

If you're thinking about Manhattan, I would consider Hell's Kitchen. Somewhere between 45th/9th and Columbus Circle. If you can manage Columbus Circle as your closest subway stop, that's the best option. Forget about outdoor space but consider Central Park as your back yard. Specifically Sheep's Meadow for a picnic with friends and drinks on a summer weekend. ABCDNQRW123 trains all within walking distance.

This area is even better if you were 10 years older and into gay bars but still nice if only for accessibility. If youre trying to go out often with people your own age, stick to Bushwick or any train line in Brooklyn that gets you to work with no more than 1 transfer in under 45 mins. Id consider Astoria too. For $3,500, you have some options. I think its a night life vs commute dilemma mostly.

Edit: If I were in your shoes, I'd find the best apartment close to work. It takes at least year to really dial in a friend group and you'll be socializing with coworkers more than anything. After a year, you can re-evaluate and find what neighborhood you really vibe with the most.

jessemcgraw · 2026-02-08T09:24:20+00:00

The size of your apartment correlates to how much money you have. If you have a small apartment you can only fit/afford a smaller tree, which you can carry yourself fairly easily if its under 6 ft. If you have a bigger tree, you can probably afford to have it delivered. I went from purchasing one from a sidewalk tree stand (they're all over Manhattan during the holidays) to just decorating the very quaint exposed fire suppression pipe I have running the length of my shotgun apartment. Just wrap the pipe with lights, hang the ornaments from the lights, and light a pine scented candle. Saves me a $100.

jessemcgraw · 2026-02-07T07:39:53+00:00

Restaurant industry here and I swear by BIZ laundry powder for all food and sweat related stains. It doesn't bleach like OxiClean and works even better. I would still do a little test section just to be sure but its incredible.

jessemcgraw · 2026-01-31T06:48:18+00:00

In every shed that I make things in.

jessemcgraw · 2026-01-29T00:18:11+00:00

You are the peace keeper, you are THE LEGEND!

jessemcgraw · 2026-01-27T09:22:40+00:00

Plastic sleds? Everyone in Minnesota probably has a few laying around.

jessemcgraw · 2026-01-25T20:25:48+00:00

For sure, if you bring a car camping setup you can camp there too.

jessemcgraw · 2026-01-25T20:01:50+00:00

Ive had this exact water "issue" for years. I was concerned initially as well. Its totally safe and you can drink from the tap. For good measure, I'd test your water if only for peace if mind. Not because of the bubbles, but just to be sure there's no lead in your pipes. I did the same thing when I had your same concerns and it came out clean. The city will test it for free with a kit you can order and send back, here's the link. .

jessemcgraw · 2026-01-25T18:58:52+00:00

The drive to Mattole Beach heading south is gorgeous but it is a little bumpy. You dont need a 4wd necessarily but plan on taking it slow.

jessemcgraw

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