The Travel Agency Year In Review: New Heights In New York City

Boundless creativity and unforgettable experiences defined The Travel Agency in 2024. Take a journey through the milestones that made this year truly special.

January: New name, same vibe

In January 2024, we underwent an exciting transformation — rebranding from Union Square Travel Agency to The Travel Agency: A Cannabis Store. This name change marks a significant milestone, as this is the year we expanded from our iconic Union Square location into Downtown Brooklyn and Midtown East on Fifth Avenue.

While the name has changed, our mission hasn’t: we’re still here to guide you through the world of quality cannabis, on a mission to uplift New Yorkers and our communities all the while.

The Travel Agency expands: new locations in Brooklyn and beyond

Downtown Brooklyn Pop-Up Opens

Our second location kicked off with a temporary pop-up at 122 Flatbush Avenue, offering the same exceptional product selection you know and love from our Union Square HQ—just in a whole new neighborhood. It was the perfect way to experience The Travel Agency in Downtown Brooklyn, even if only for a limited time.

Fifth Avenue Permanent Store Opens

In May, we took a step further into our growth with the opening of our permanent store on Fifth Avenue. Here, visitors can enjoy the full Travel Agency experience, from curated selections to expert staff, all in the heart of the city.

Downtown Brooklyn’s Permanent Location Debuts

A few months later, in June, Downtown Brooklyn officially became home to a permanent Travel Agency location. This marks the full evolution of our Brooklyn presence, offering the full immersive experience alongside our beloved Union Square HQ.

Black History Month culinary experience with Chala June

For Black History Month, we were honored to partner with Chala JuneforBLESSED & HIGHLY FLAVORED, a culinary celebration that honored Black culture, cuisine, and cannabis. Curated by Chala, this exclusive supper club was a tribute to the profound contributions Black people have made to the cannabis and culinary industries.

Guests enjoyed a five-course meal by Chala, a special dessert by K.O.K.U.J.I.N, and infused non-alcoholic cocktails by Brelixi. The event featured music by Daddy Divin3 and great conversation in a space designed to celebrate Black heritage. Each ticket also included a gift bag with goodies from brands like Weekenders Cannabis and 40 Tons.

This intimate event was exclusively for the Black/African diaspora, creating a special, inclusive space for the community to come together and celebrate its rich culture and history. We’re proud to have been part of this memorable evening and look forward to future collaborations that uplift and support Black voices.

4/20 takeover

Here’s a quick rundown of how we made 4/20 (and the days leading up to it) unforgettable:

• Glaze & Blaze (April 15-21): We partnered with Glaze teriyaki bowl restaurant to offer a $4.20 chicken and broccoli bowl deal. Our customers redeemed more than 300 bowls.
• Running NYC with Rage & Release (April 16, 23, 30): “Rolling Stoned Runs” with Rage & Release-centered elevated outdoor runs, supported by Old Pal, Eaton Botanicals, and Fernway.
• High Vibrations at INTER_ (April 18): We curated a canna-friendly art experience at INTER_ in Soho with our friends at Fernway, Grön, and Sackville & Co.
• Giggle Fits at Don’t Tell Comedy (April 18): “Don’t Tell Comedy” pop-up shows in Hell’s Kitchen and DUMBO delivered a night of surprise comedy performances. After all, comedy and cannabis are the perfect pairing.
• 420 Radio (April 20): Union Square and Downtown Brooklyn turned into a block party with DJ sets, snack carts, and surprise celebrity appearances, including drag queen Yvie Oddly.
• 420 Picnic (April 20): We partnered with FLAMER for a vibrant picnic in Prospect Park featuring sound baths, arts & crafts, meditation, and plenty of snacks.
• 420 in Wonderland (April 20): Hosted a magical event at 3 Dollar Bill with Chlomosexual, Off Hours, and Luci, featuring a smoke lounge, photo activations, and cannabis fun.
• Weed & Wellness at THC NYC (April 21): A healing day of fitness, wellness talks, sound baths, and cannabis wellness sessions helped us recharge after the celebrations.

June: The voice of New York turns Travel Agent

In June 2024, Angie Martinez — aka The Voice of New York — took a break from behind the mic to try her hand as a Guest Travel Agent at The Travel Agency in Downtown Brooklyn. Known for her iconic radio presence on Power 105.1’s The Breakfast Club, Angie stepped into her new role with all the energy and charisma fans know and love. She shared her favorite products, dropped cannabis knowledge, and connected with guests on everything from her top NYC spots for emerging hip-hop to her playlist recommendations for cruising the city while high.

Fans lined up to meet Angie, and she didn’t disappoint, mixing and mingling, spreading love, and giving everyone a taste of her down-to-earth charm. It was a night filled with cannabis, culture, and good vibes — and Angie made it one to remember.

September: Cannabis couture with AKNVAS at NYFW

New York Fashion Week 2024 got an unexpected (and very stylish) twist when The Travel Agency teamed up with AKNVAS for a cannabis-infused runway experience, the first dispensary to do so in the show’s history. Held on the 37th floor of Hudson Yards on September 11th, the “Nordic Midsummer Camp” collection by designer Christian Juul Nielsen took fashion to new heights with its blend of denim, lace, and 3D floral designs. Critics called it a “breath of fresh air,” and we couldn’t agree more.

But here’s the real showstopper: every VIP guest walked away with a swag bag straight from The Travel Agency, filled with top-shelf goodies like Drew Martin pre-rolls, Ruby Farmsgummies, 1906 Bliss Drops, and Dosist vapes. Figures like Sasheer Zamata, Kat Graham, and James Charles rocked the front row while enjoying their cannabis swag, showing that fashion, fun, and the plant go hand in hand.

September: Cinephile Game Night with the New York Film Festival

This September, The Travel Agency became the ultimate destination for movie buffs with our special Cinephile Game Nighteditions celebrating the New York Film Festival. On Sept 18th and Sept 25th, we brought movie trivia, prizes, and the chance to score tickets to sold-out screenings of The Brutalist, Anora, Nickel Boys, and more.

Co-hosted by Jordan Raup and Conor O’Donnell of The Film Stage, these trivia nights were packed with multiple rounds covering everything from NYFF history to modern classics. The best part? Movie lovers had the chance to win coveted NYFF62 tickets and other amazing prizes, all while hanging out with fellow cinephiles in the cozy, elevated space next to The Travel Agency in Union Square.

Alongside brand partners Ayrloom, Hudson Cannabis, Rove, and Silly Nice, these game nights built a new kind of cannabis community focused on this arts sector.

December: Sip & savor with our hot beverage pop-up series

We heated things up at The Travel Agency this December with our cozy Hot Beverages Pop-Up series. From hot cider to decadent hot chocolate, we teamed up with some of our favorite brands to bring festive sips and exclusive holiday goodies to shoppers in search of ways to dodge the New York City winter cold. Guests enjoyed complimentary hot beverages and the chance to sip and shop for exclusive holiday gifts and accessories from our amazing partners.

Here’s what we brewed up:

Dec 4th: Hot Cider with Ayrloom at The Travel Agency — Fifth Avenue

Dec 13th: Hot cider with Ayrloom at The Travel Agency — Union Square

Dec 14th: Hot chocolate with Edie Parker at The Travel Agency — Fifth Avenue

Dec 17th: Hot cider with Ayrloom at The Travel Agency — Downtown Brooklyn

Looking ahead to even bigger adventures

What a year it’s been. As we look to the future at The Travel Agency, we’re excited to keep delivering fresh experiences to the city we call home. Thank you for being a part of our community this year. We can’t wait for you to see what’s in store.