Never underestimate what you can pack into 24 hours in New York City. We hopped on the train for a concert at Madison Square Garden, packed an overnight bag, and set out for a whirlwind getaway. Sometimes the best adventures happen when you simply decide to squeeze a little more into the trip.
After arriving at Penn Station, we walked to our hotel–the Moxy Times Square, but not before making an impromptu stop at Juniper. After a train ride with a busy evening ahead, a little gin therapy seemed appropriate. I started with the Peach Please—a refreshing mix of Roku Gin, fresh peach, basil, lemon juice, and honey syrup—and it was the perfect way to kick off the night. I was only planning on having one cocktail, but the gin lover in me couldn’t resist a second. The Clean Slate, with gin, elderflower, lemon, cucumber, basil, honey, and club soda, was too intriguing to pass up. Sometimes a girl just needs a little extra spirits before a concert! If you’re already at Juniper, do yourself a favor and stay for dinner. The menu has plenty of tempting options, making it an easy recommendation before heading to the show.
After an incredible concert, we wandered over to Times Square. It’s one of those places everyone should experience at least once. Yes, it’s crowded. Yes, you’ll dodge plenty of people stopping mid-sidewalk for selfies. But the dazzling lights, nonstop energy, and unmistakable New York atmosphere make it well worth navigating the crowds. Personal space may be in short supply tonight—but you can always find that tomorrow.
Before catching the train home the next afternoon, we planned a stop at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum. If your time in New York is limited and you’re wondering what should make the itinerary, this is my recommendation without hesitation. Start outside at the Memorial, where the twin reflecting pools sit in the footprints of the original Twin Towers. With the new One World Trade Center rising behind them, the view is a powerful reminder of both what was lost and the resilience that followed. Take a few moments to walk the grounds, read the names etched into the bronze panels, and remember that each name represents a person with a story, a family, and a life that mattered.
I knew I was going to cry before I ever walked through the museum doors, and I did. The thoughtfully curated artifacts, recordings, photographs, and videos paint a vivid picture of September 11 and the months that followed, honoring not only the lives lost but also the courage, compassion, and determination shown in the aftermath. One of the most emotional moments is learning that the unidentified and unclaimed remains of those lost are housed within the museum, behind a wall bearing Virgil’s words: “No day shall erase you from the memory of time.” It is a quiet, powerful reminder that behind every artifact, every photograph, and every statistic are real people whose stories deserve to be remembered.
The museum thoughtfully places tissues throughout the exhibits for anyone who needs them—a small but meaningful gesture that speaks volumes about the emotional weight of the experience. This is not just a place to learn about history; it is a place to pause, reflect, and make sure we never forget the lives lost that day.
If you have a little extra time before heading home—and heights don’t bother you—consider ending your visit at the One World Observatory. The views stretch across New York City and offer one final perspective on a site that has become both a place of remembrance and a symbol of resilience. I hope to have time to experience it on the next trip.
It was a whirlwind 24 hours filled with music, great food and drinks, iconic sights, and one of the most meaningful museum experiences I’ve ever had. New York has a way of reminding you that even a quick trip can leave a lasting impression—and this one was worth every minute.
Have more time, check out some other ideas here!
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Time Travel and Spirits... 