2025 Summer Vacation in NYC (Part II)

After sharing the first part of our New York adventure—where we explored SoHo, Times Square, and more—I couldn’t wait to dive into the rest of our trip. In this Part II, I’ll take you through some of the highlights that truly stole my heart: world-class art at the MET, hidden beauty in Central Park, sparkling city nights, and of course, plenty of unforgettable food.

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Another must-see for me on this trip was the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the MET). What an amazing place—it’s full of treasures, and honestly, I could spend days wandering through its galleries. Among my favorites were Van Gogh’s paintings and the stained glass works of Louis Comfort Tiffany and the Tiffany Studio.

Van Gogh has always been my all-time favorite painter. I found myself standing silently in front of Wheat Field with Cypresses for the longest time, completely mesmerized. The rich colors and bold strokes drew me in—so many shades of green, from the deepest forest tones to the lightest whitish hues. The golden wheat shimmered with the weight of harvest, swaying as if alive. It was a rare mix — a serene calm intertwined with a vibrant, almost restless intensity.

Not far away, the Tiffany glass works glowed with equal magic—windows and lamps alive with dazzling colors and intricate designs. Each piece seemed to catch and transform light into something magical, a kaleidoscope crafted by human hands yet inspired by nature itself. Standing there, I felt pure joy and wonder, as if I were momentarily part of their luminous world.

We also discovered a little treasure in Central Park—the iconic Bethesda Terrace. It’s a popular gathering spot, with people clustered around the terrace and the fountain, enjoying the energy of the park. What struck me most, though, was the architecture itself. The grand staircase and arches felt timeless, but it was the passage beneath the terrace that truly surprised me. Its ceiling glowed with beautifully painted tiles, and the walls were adorned with intricate designs—an unexpected burst of artistry hidden right in the heart of the park.

One evening, Alan and I took a leisurely walk along Pier 40 at Hudson River Park. The breeze was gentle, the city lights shimmering across the water. From the pier, we watched the World Trade Center and surrounding skyscrapers glowing under the night sky—a breathtaking view that felt both peaceful and alive with energy.

Not every New York moment has to be grand. One of my guilty pleasures was ducking into McDonald’s in Times Square, right in the middle of all the chaos. For just a few dollars, I indulged in my favorite Oreo McFlurry while people-watching in one of the busiest crossroads in the world. It was simple, but oddly perfect.

We also made a stop at Macy’s Herald Square, one of the oldest Macy’s in the country, first opened in 1902. Riding the historic wooden escalators, I couldn’t help but imagine the generations of shoppers who had passed through before me. While the store layout and merchandise felt familiar, just like Macy’s across the U.S., this flagship location carried its own sense of history and charm—a reminder that this was Macy’s in its birthplace.

Of course, no trip to New York would be complete without good food—and in this city, it feels almost impossible to go wrong. Restaurants here have to be excellent to survive, and we certainly found a few worth remembering:

• Hamburger America – Famous for its fried onion burger. I’m not usually a hamburger person, but this one completely won me over.

• Van Leeuwen Ice Cream – We first discovered this shop at Hudson Yards, and I instantly fell in love with their rich, creamy flavors. Imagine my excitement when, just a couple of weeks after we got home, I spotted a Van Leeuwen shop at Atlanta’s Ponce City Market—our sweet little piece of New York close to home.

• Emmett’s in SoHo – Cozy and welcoming, with heartwarming pizza and fresh, delicious salads.

• Shuka in SoHo – A vibrant spot serving Mediterranean dishes, with an atmosphere that made us want to linger long after the plates were cleared.

• Yin Ji Chang Fen – This one felt especially personal. Originally from our hometown of Guangzhou, this rice noodle roll shop has been around for 75 years. Finding it in Manhattan was like stumbling upon a taste of home, and Alan and I savored every bite of those long-missed flavors.

 

A week in New York City felt far too short—just enough to fall in love all over again, but not nearly enough to see it all. From world-class art and hidden corners of Central Park to late-night walks by the river and unforgettable meals, the city left us with memories we’ll cherish. We’re already talking about when we’ll come back, because New York always has more stories waiting to be discovered.

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Have you been to New York City?  I’d love to hear what places, meals, or hidden corners stood out to you. Share your NYC favorite spots in the comments!

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