This past weekend, I took my teenage daughter to New York for the weekend. Gone are the days we spent at FAO, TOYSRUS, HELLO KITTY, and AMERICAN GIRL PLACE. What to do? Never fear, there's still plenty in the city to get you bonding with your teen.
Our favorite teen spot: Chinatown. Designer Purses and Sunglasses- need I say more? Don't be scared to see a back room or pick purses from a photo sheet (all the pesky salespeople have these). Just pick yoru favorite designer or one on sight and don't pay more than $30-40. Be sure to zip the zipper back and forth before you buy too.
Grab lunch where Little Italy meets Chinatown (Canal Street I think) . I met my new favorite dessert here: Miniature Canoli's in assorted flavors like Caramel, Birthday Cake, Chocolate and Oreo. 3 for $5- YUM!
Number Two on our list: Young Designers Market located at 268 Mulberry Street (Sat /Sun 11-7). It's an old school gym full of wholesale jewelry being sold by the actual designers. It's all the stuff you see at upscale boutiques but at cost. Needless to say I ran out of cash fast and quickly borrowed from the driver. I think we got 2 necklaces, a purse, and 6 pairs of earrings? It was really, really fun and a must with a teen.
Number 3: Ferris Wheel at TOYS R US in Times Square. Yes, we might have outgrown the toys but the ferris wheel is still a blast. Don't forget to get a picture! And while you are there, get presents for the younger ones. Right now, on the ground floor, you can take a photo (or download one from your phone) and personalize a puzzle. I got a Star Wars one for my 7 yr old. Very unique!
Number 4: Central Park of course! Take a horse carriage or bicycle and ask for the historical tour. It is truly amazing to hear the history of the park and you get to see it all. Things to do in the Park: the John Lennon memorial, the mini sail boat races (you can even rent one) at the Conservatory Water Area, marvel at the street performers by Bethesda Fountain, rent a rowboat at the Boat House Restaurant, or hire a gondola from the restaurant (great if the lines are too long for rowboats and you can even book in advance). http://www.thecentralparkboathouse.com/
Number 5: Chelsea Piers. Take a cruise past the Statue of Liberty. We love the schooners on http://www.sail-nyc.com/
Number 6: Carmines Restaurant (200 W 44th Street). No trip to NYC is complete without a meal at Carmines. We recommend the Caprice Salad, Lasagna, and Strawberry Shortcake. Please note that one order will feed 4. The wait is always long unless its around 11pm. Use your southern manners here and politely ask if there might be a way to be seated sooner? They usually will get you in if you have a braodway show to catch. And the strawberry shortcake to go is a great midnight dessert to have when watching movies all night with your teen. :)
Number 7: Serendipity (serendipity3.com) is the hippest spot to see and be seen. Go for burgers and dessert and be ready to wait. Go really late or call ahead (or let Joe the Cop (below) get you right in) Don't leave without a cool tshirts the Frozen Hot Chocolate. They're famous for this dessert!
Number 8: JOE the Cop. Not only is Joe the best tour guide around- he will delight your teen by pointing out all the Gossip Girl filming spots as well as every prostitute, undercover cop, and unmentionables that you might pass on the street. He's also your ticket into any place in town without a wait. Joe can be booked at 917-270-7089.
Number 9: H&M on Fifth Avenue- 3 floors of teenage heaven. Don't worry- they sell suitcases too in case you buy too much to fit into your original bag. We're smart and pack an extra duffel. :
Number 10: Dylan's Candy Bar- need I say more? If you haven't heard of this amazing place- just trust us and go....
Number 11:Carlos Bakery For those TLC reality show fans....visit Carlo's Bakery in NJ for a picture with the Cake Boss. Go early in the morning for breakfast pastries and smaller lines. Just 15 minutes from Chelsea Pier. Go at least an hour before close.
Number 12 : Cupcakes by Melissa on Broadway. Tiny little cupcakes that taste like heaven. Tie Dye was our favorite followed by Cinnamon. Box of 25 for $20. We recommend taking some on the airplane with you.
Number 13: Afternoon Tea at the Plaza on Central Park. Fancy fancy just the way you like it. A chance for your teen to show off that new designer bag you just bought her in Chinatown.
Number 13: Afternoon Tea at the Plaza on Central Park. Fancy fancy just the way you like it. A chance for your teen to show off that new designer bag you just bought her in Chinatown.
Number 14: Top of the Rock Rockefeller Plaza. Amazing view and great photo ops. It's a lot more than just a viewing point. Check it out!
Number 15: Grimaldi's Pizza under Brooklyn Bridge . Use Joe the Cop to get you in here. The line can be 2 hours long for this amazing straight from Italy pizza. It's known as the place that made the Brooklyn Bridge famous. Afterwards head on over to the River Cafe for desserts shaped like the Brooklyn Bridge. http://www.grimaldis.com/
How we love you, NYC!
