A Summer Holiday to Remember

In July 2024, I had the pleasure of embarking on an unforgettable holiday with my sister to two of the most iconic cities in the U.S.: New York City and Nashville. We spent eight action-packed days immersing ourselves in the unique culture, vibrant energy, and diverse experiences that these cities have to offer. From the iconic skyline of New York to the lively music scene of Nashville, every moment of this trip was filled with discovery and adventure. Here's a glimpse into the highlights of our summer getaway.

New York: The City That Never Sleeps

Our base for the first part of the trip was the Westgate New York Grand Central, an incredibly central hotel. It was just a two-minute walk to the Chrysler Building, a four-minute walk to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, and less than 10 minutes to Times Square—we couldn’t have asked for a better location.

On day one, we kicked things off with a stroll around Times Square, which was surprisingly quiet during our visit. We sat on the iconic red stairs and soaked in the buzz of the city. Afterward, we made our way to Ellen’s Stardust Diner, home to the world-famous singing waiters, and indulged in some classic diner fare.

Our afternoon was filled with shopping at legendary stores like Macy’s, and after a well-deserved break, we headed to Rockefeller Center. There, we experienced Summer at the Rink, a transformation of the famous ice rink into a dynamic outdoor space featuring movies, public art installations, and al fresco dining at world-class restaurants. Of course, no trip to Rockefeller would be complete without a visit to FAO Schwarz, where my sister couldn’t resist grabbing a New York-themed teddy at the Jellycat Diner.

The next day, we were up bright and early for a visit to SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, where we ascended 93 floors to take in breathtaking 360-degree views of the city. We also checked out Magic Hour, a rooftop bar that offers fantastic photo opportunities (and yes, the Magic Hour Surf Club is as cool as it sounds). No visit to New York is complete without catching a Broadway show, so we spent our evening at The Lion King, which was absolutely magical. On our final full day in New York, we hopped on The Big Red Bus for a guided tour of the city's top attractions. Despite a rainy start, we ventured out to Brooklyn Bridge, where we enjoyed a scenic walk across to DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), snapping photos at all the iconic spots. We also made a stop at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MET), where I had to take a picture on the famous MET steps—any Gossip Girl fan will understand that one! Our time in New York flew by, and before we knew it, we were back at the hotel, packing up to head to Nashville.

Gemma :)