During your time in New York City you MUST take the E, F, J, or Z train to visit the hometown of the one and only, Nicki Minaj! “South side Jamaica, Queens and it’s crazy, Cause I’m still hood, Hollywood couldn’t change me, Shout out to my haters, Sorry that you couldn’t phase me!” While you’re hanging out in Jamaica, make sure to check out Schmidt’s Confectionery, an old-fashioned candy shop, with all its delectable treats made by hand. Rumor has it that owner Margie Schmidt seems to wield magic powers, and even describes herself as the big witch stirring her spoon in a black kettle in the store’s basement. She claims, “I make a mint you can smell two blocks away,” and with one bite, it will leave one feeling “cold and arctic.” She also says she can judge what type of chocolate someone wants just by looking at them. Plan ahead and grab tickets to a show at the newly renovated, Jamaica Performing Arts Center- a premier mid-size, performance complex located at 153rd Street and Jamaica Avenue. Housed in a completely renovated 1858 landmark building, the former First Reformed Dutch Church of Jamaica, Jamaica Performing Arts Center features a 400-seat multi-purpose performance space that offers theatre productions, music concerts, film festivals, dance performances and arts education. Don’t let the haters phase you- head out to Jamaica ASAP, don’t let our girl Nicki down! :)
