I’ve been to New York City more times than I can count and I don’t usually consider myself to be a tourist when visiting. But, this time was different. I’m always so busy shopping when I’m in the city, that I never get a chance to truly experience all that it has to offer. I wasn’t necessarily interested in the Statue of Liberty or strolling through Central Park this trip; I wanted a different type of tourism. I wanted a taste of the lives of the fictional socialites from the Upper East Side.
My first stop was Grand Central Terminal where Serena van der Woodsen was first seen after returning from boarding school. I have made many stops here in the past but it wasn’t until now that I was able to appreciate the added Gossip Girl significance of the already famous spot. Conveniently, the historic transportation hub was also the location of my next stop, the Campbell Bar. The Campbell Bar, formerly known as the Campbell Apartment, is an iconic establishment, seemingly tucked away in a corner wing of Grand Central. The space was absolutely beautiful, having the perfect old-fashioned vibe that very evidently brings in a substantial crowd each night. I was even fortunate enough to be stopping in on their Sunday Jazz Night, with performers dressed straight out of the 1920s. Anyways, enough about the reality of the location, let’s get to what we really care about that happened there. Three words. Two people. Nate and Serena. Yes, you guessed it, the Campbell Bar is the infamous spot where the two got WAY too cozy ON the bar… while Nate was still dating Blair….*Scandalous*
My next stop was The Empire Hotel, which neighbors Lincoln Center and Central Park. First, for some context, Hotel Empire was the first big real-estate purchase of brooding bad boy, Chuck Bass. When I entered the hotel, I immediately recognized the lobby, fangirled for a minute, then headed up the elevator to the rooftop bar. Unfortunately, my visit took place on a frigid night in March, so I wasn’t able to experience all that their outdoor rooftop has to offer. Nonetheless, the bar was modern, very attractive, and a great time. My mom and I enjoyed a delicious mushroom flatbread and lobster taco appetizers. Obviously, my favorite part had to be the drink menu though. One of the specialty cocktails was called “XOXO- Gossip Girl”, so naturally I ordered it and it was delicious. The Lobby Bar cocktail menu also included a GG themed drink, called “Mr. Bass”, though I did not try that one. After appetizers and drinks, I headed out to the chilly rooftop to snap some pictures with the iconic, neon-red “Hotel Empire” sign. It was incredibly cool, except for the fact that the light of the “P” in “Empire” was out. Also, Chuck was nowhere to be found. Oh well. So… Chuck lived and worked out of the hotel, but that’s not at all. Remember? Yeah, that horrible memory you tried to bury so deep actually happened. He traded a night with Blair in exchange for his “Empire” back from evil Uncle Jack. What a slimeball.
Overall, it was incredibly surreal to have the opportunity to insert myself into some of my favorite show’s most import filming locations. I’m sure I’ll be back in the 212 very soon to explore even more GG haunts.
Until next time, that’s all I’ve got for you today, Upper East Siders. You know you love me.
Xoxo,
Gossip Girl