Rockefeller Center in New York City

Rockefeller Center sits at the heart of Midtown Manhattan like a perfectly balanced blend of art, ambition, and urban energy. Even if you’ve never stepped foot in New York City, you’ve almost certainly seen it on postcards, during holiday broadcasts, or framed by the camera in movies that treat its plaza like a character in its own right. But standing there in person, surrounded by the stone towers and the hum of the city, you understand why this complex has become one of New York’s most magnetic landmarks.

The vision for Rockefeller Center began during the Great Depression, a moment when such a massive project seemed almost impossible. Yet that was precisely the point. John D. Rockefeller Jr. imagined a place that would generate jobs, spark creativity, and give the city something bold to believe in again. Construction employed tens of thousands of workers, and the result was a sweeping Art Deco campus—19 buildings arranged with an architect’s eye for symmetry and a businessman’s instinct for momentum.

Today, that energy continues to draw people from around the world. The centerpiece is the iconic Lower Plaza, a space that transforms with the seasons. In warmer months, it’s a café-lined terrace where visitors ease into conversations and shade themselves beneath bright umbrellas. But winter is when Rockefeller Center becomes practically mythical. The famous ice rink slides into place, framed by flags and watched over by the towering figure of Prometheus. And then, of course, there’s the Christmas tree - an annual symbol of celebration that brings crowds pouring in for a glimpse of its lights and towering height.

Above the plaza, Radio City Music Hall remains one of the complex’s brightest gems. The Music Hall was designed to bring entertainment to the masses, and it continues to be a stage where artists, comedians, Rockettes, and musicians find their spotlight. The interior, rich with sweeping curves, warm lighting, and grand scale, feels like a time capsule of 1930s optimism.

For many visitors, the journey upward is just as compelling as what happens at ground level. The Top of the Rock observation deck offers one of the clearest views in the city, including a perfect, centered perspective of the Empire State Building. Unlike some observation decks that enclose you behind thick glass, Top of the Rock lets you step out into the open air, giving you a panoramic sweep of Manhattan that feels both cinematic and intimate.

But Rockefeller Center isn’t frozen in the past. Over the decades, it has evolved into a modern cultural hub. The concourse and courtyard-level shops buzz with a mix of local boutiques and flagship brands. NBC Studios, housed inside 30 Rockefeller Plaza, gives the complex a lively connection to contemporary media - morning shows, late-night talk shows, and audience tapings all unfold inside these walls.

What makes Rockefeller Center enduring isn’t just its architecture or famous landmarks. It’s the way it blends beauty, function, and movement. It’s a place where workers rush to offices, visitors linger over coffee, and friends take in the views that stretch beyond the island. In a city that’s always reinventing itself, Rockefeller Center remains a reminder of how vision, creativity, and boldness can shape a space and the people who gather there.

A Glass of Scotch at the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh

Before we even arrived in Scotland I had made it clear that I wanted to get a glass of scotch at the whisky bar in the Balmoral Hotel in Edinburgh. It just seemed like an iconic thing to do. If you're unfamiliar, the Balmoral has been a fixture along Princes Street in Scotland's capital since opening in 1902, and to this day is one of Edinburgh's most recognizable landmarks.

What I hadn't anticipated over our stay in Scotland, however, was just how much whisky / scotch I would end up sampling. By our final night, not only had I had my fair share of variety already, but I had collected a mini-bars worth of small bottles to bring back home. The reason this is noteworthy is because looking back at this now, I can't remember exactly what kind of scotch I ended up having on that final night when I finally sat down in the Balmoral bar. 

I know I wrote it down, but have yet to find where I hid the note.

Memory loss seems a fitting end when making a point of sampling a lot of scotch in Scotland, I suppose. What I do remember is that the whisky I chose was aged 18 years, the Balmoral itself was incredibly beautiful, and the drink I had was by far the most expensive pour of all the variations I tried that trip. I may not remember the brand, but there's no denying I felt like a king in the castle that night in Edinburgh, Scotland.  

Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles, California

Hollywood Forever Cemetery is one of Los Angeles’ most fascinating cultural landmarks - a place where history, memory, and creativity blend into a uniquely Southern California experience. Founded in 1899, it sits in the heart of Hollywood and has become the final resting place for countless iconic figures from the entertainment industry. Walking its grounds, you’ll find memorials to legends like Judy Garland, Rudolph Valentino, Cecil B. DeMille, and Johnny Ramone, each reflecting a piece of Hollywood’s evolving story.

What makes Hollywood Forever especially compelling is how it remains an active, vibrant part of the community. The cemetery regularly hosts outdoor film screenings on its expansive lawn, where locals and visitors gather to watch classic movies under the stars. Seasonal events, like Día de los Muertos celebrations, turn the grounds into a beautifully decorated tribute to culture, remembrance, and artistry. These gatherings help transform the cemetery into something more than a place of mourning: it becomes a living space for connection and reflection.

The landscape itself is peaceful and meticulously maintained, with palm trees, ponds, sculptures, and historic mausoleums creating an atmosphere that’s serene yet cinematic. Many visitors come simply to walk, explore the architecture, or enjoy a quiet moment amid the bustle of central Los Angeles.

Hollywood Forever Cemetery stands as a distinctive blend of legacy and life, honoring the past while embracing the present. It’s a destination where stories endure, creativity is celebrated, and the spirit of Hollywood feels very much alive.