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.
Nashville: The Heart of Country Music
Next stop: Nashville! We stayed at the vibrant Graduate Hotel Nashville, located in the heart of Midtown. The hotel was a quirky, floral wonderland, filled with mismatched patterns and nods to country legends. The funky, pink-themed room was a true reflection of the city’s personality—fun, creative, and full of surprises.
The hotel was about a 30-minute walk from Lower Broadway, though Ubers were reasonably priced (especially since we were there during the week). We made the most of our time in Nashville with a Total Access Pass, which gave us entry to some of the city’s must-see attractions. First on the list was the Johnny Cash Museum, followed by the Country Music Hall of Fame and a visit to the legendary Ryman Auditorium. Each of these museums offered an incredible look at Nashville’s musical history, and the self-guided tours were perfect for taking our time and soaking in all the details.
Of course, we couldn’t visit Nashville without exploring Broadway’s Honky Tonk Highway, where we popped into various shops and music-filled bars. We also spent a day at Opry Mills, the shopping outlet in Nashville. We did the Grand Ole Opry Guided Tour and even caught a live show at the iconic Grand Ole Opry.
We fell so in love with Nashville that we’ve already booked a return trip for 2025! Four nights simply wasn’t enough, and we can’t wait to explore even more of what this vibrant city has to offer.
Why You Should Visit New York and Nashville
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, both New York and Nashville offer unique experiences. In New York, the energy, the landmarks, and the cultural hotspots will keep you busy from dawn till dusk. Meanwhile, Nashville’s welcoming vibe, deep musical roots, and southern charm make it a perfect getaway for anyone looking to experience something truly special.
If you’re planning your own adventure to these iconic cities, be sure to take time to soak in the sights, sounds, and flavors that make both places unforgettable.
Until next time, happy travels! ✈️
Gemma 🙂
