Going (almost) to the top of One Vanderbilt: The Summit provides NYC vista views (and mildly sweaty palms)

The Summitt, 91st floor- exhilarating and not even outside!

 I've visited many impressive structures connected to the Vanderbilts including Biltmore, The Breakers and, even across the pond to Blenheim Palace - but none have caused me as much panic and delight as The Summit, located on the eponymous avenue of the Gilded Age new-money clan. 

Though the tallest skyscraper in New York City, completed in 2020, was not built by a Vanderbilt, it sits just across Grand Central Station, originally Grand Central Depot, commissioned in 1869 by the originator of the great family fortune, Cornelius Vanderbilt. And, while your humble, and terrified-of-heights, blogger, has always been content to view the impressive commuter hub from the street level, those in our party had other ideas.

Great views from The Summit at One Vanderbilt

Last week my husband, Chris, and I were in the Big Apple for an extended family celebration, hosted by our favorite NY couple, son, Matt, and daughter-in-law, Jenna.  On our last full day in town, the four of us had planned to dine in Manhattan and take in some touristy activity. Chris, inspired by a sightseeing cruise around the island the previous day which showcased many of the City's skyscrapers, thought a stop to a high-level viewing deck might be fun. So did our favorite NY couple.

Mirrored floors, magnificent reflections everywhere.

 A few Summit Stats:

1. The One Vanderbilt building stands at 1.401 feet.
2. It is the fourth-tallest building in NYC and the tallest skyscraper in Midtown,
3. The main Summit observation deck is at 1, 063 feet.
4. The Ascent glass elevator ascends to 1,210 feet. 

After some discussion and a spike in someone's heartrate, we settled on The Summit - it tops the One Vanderbilt building - and its viewing experience starts on the 91st Floor. From, that level, one can travel two additional floors, each with different art installations, but all have floor-to-ceiling glass walls overlooking all four corners of New York City. In addition, the floors are mirrored, so you see magnificent reflections everywhere. (And, just a note, slip-on coverings are provided to wrap around your shoes to protect the glass floors, so leave the stilettos at home.)

Panoramic views from every side of The Summit. 

As someone who doesn't, literally, aspire to great heights, I found The Summit to be an enjoyable and spectacular experience - and that's because there were options. And, I opted-out of the outside elevator. 

From the 93rd Floor, one can take an outside elevator, all glass as well, for several levels above and beyond the interior landing spot. I enjoyed a cup of tea, while Chris, Matt and Jenna continued their upward journey.

Matt and Chris on the outside elevator. 

They all loved the outside elevator and came back with some great photos. 

I, on the other hand, was content to live vicariously through their fearless rise to the top. 

All of the Vanderbilt money couldn't persuade me to follow suit. 

Two thumbs - and mildly sweaty palms - up for The Summit.