With lyrics like, “You’re not Dylan Thomas, I’m not Patti Smith / This ain’t the Chelsea Hotel, we’re modern idiots,” Swift insinuates that their romance, unlike the Chelsea Hotel, is not legendary, but childish. The rest of the lyrics talk about her disillusionment with one of her previous relationships.
Tip from a local: El Quijote, known for Spanish classics, remains the gem of Hotel Chelsea with its famous paella, vermouth-rich cocktails, and ever-present cool crowd. Just be sure to book a reservation ahead of time. —Megan Spurrell, senior editor, Traveler US
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The Lake in Central Park, New York
Swift makes a reference to Central Park in the song “The Bolter,” the 29th track in her 31-track double album. In the song she alludes to people calling her a ‘bolter’, someone that gets frightened and runs away from relationships.
She sings about how, at the start of a relationship, it’s charming to rent rowboats in the Central Park Lake, with lyrics that go, “When it’s all roses, portrait poses / Central Park Lake in tiny rowboats / What a charming Saturday.”
Tip from a local: Enter the park at 77th street on the west side or 72nd street on the east side for the most direct path to the lake; walk over the Bow Bridge (no relation to Clara, but it is named after its shape, which resembles that of an archer’s bow) for a great photo op. —Madison Flager, senior commerce editor, Traveler US
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Destin, Florida
A collaboration with British alternative band Florence + The Machine, “Florida!!!” references the city of Destin, home to stunning white sand beaches, emerald green water, and often referred to as the ‘World’s Luckiest Fishing Village.’ The lyrics mention people having to work their whole life “For a time-share down in Destin.”
