It’s Spring Break and we are soaking up the sunshine and eighty degree weather here in Maryland. It feels as though we went straight from the bitter cold and snow to early summer temps. No complaints around these parts, we are a summer family at heart and love the warmth and longer days. Delilah is counting down the weeks to summer break, although she loves her school, she is super pumped about frequenting our neighborhood pool with her friends and taking walks with mama and Sawyer to the bagel shop for breakfast. The summer months around here are casual, laid back and easy breezy just the way we like them!
Now that we are in the heart of spring travel and summer vacations are just around the corner, we want to share with you our recent family trip to New York City, the city that never sleeps, also referred to as The Big Apple. The hubby and I had the most amazing time with our babies strolling, shopping, eating and sight seeing. There really is no place like New York City, it’s truly an electric experience that we are so happy to have introduced Delilah and Sawyer to. They adored the city skyline, bright lights, endless comfort food and had a ball taking in the views from The Sofitel, our hotel accommodations for the weekend. The Sofitel was incredible and exceeded our expectations with its modern luxury decor and French flare. The hotel was stunning, the customer service even better!
The views were spectacular, highlighting the exquisite character of the surrounding buildings and city skyscrapers in midtown. The sunrise and sunset on these buildings were something out of a movie. Delilah and Sawyer were mesmerized by the views as was the hubby and I. Delilah enjoyed her macaroons that The Sofitel was ever so kind to provide as she counted the buildings from her favorite nook in our suite. From the minute we arrived to the time we departed, The Sofitel was beyond welcoming and made our stay warm, inviting and kid friendly.
The midtown location was perfect for our family and made it easy for us to get around with both kiddos, stroller and baby loot. It is perfectly placed in the heart of Manhattan, just around the corner from Times Square, 5th Avenue, Central Park and Rockfellar Center. We were able to walk everywhere with our UPPAbaby VISTA and Ergo carrier, no problem! It was a bit chilly so we did catch a taxi to Central Park; however, if the weather had been warmer the walk was most definitely attainable.
We stayed in an Executive Suite giving us ample space for the kiddos to play, lounge and sleep while we sipped champagne in the evening and had our morning coffee before venturing out in the morning. The separate living area in this suite was amazing. When the babies went to sleep we were able to have a little time to ourselves to watch a show and enjoy each other without waking them. The king bed had super comfy white sheets which made for a good nights rest after a long day of city fun. I love that this hotel provided a clean crib for Sawyer and baby bath products. His DockAtot fit perfectly in this crib and he fell fast asleep to the noise of the busy city. The bathroom was spacious, elegant and beautiful. The spa shower was a delight and Delilah felt like a princess in her own castle in the city.
We were in New York for just the weekend and didn’t have a ton of time to do everything that the city has to offer but we wanted to make this trip extra special for the kids. We walked to just about everywhere and ate at some pretty amazing places. Out first evening we dined at Gaby’s, the restaurant located in the Sofitel. It is a stylish spot with french inspired cuisine. Delilah had a yummy dish from the kids menu, the hubby a steak and I an omelet that was just so darn delicious. The location was perfect, the food outstanding, and it made for an easy trip with the babes in tow following a day of travel, check-in and unpacking.
We enjoyed brunch the next day at The American Girl Doll Store and I’m pretty sure this made Delilah’s entire year. She had been waiting for this moment for a few months and had her Camille doll ready to go and packed for a fun day of brunching, grooming and shopping. Let’s start by describing the cafe decor and ambiance. Absolutely adorable, stylish, bright and happy are all adjectives that come to mind. The waiting staff is such a pleasure and made sure that Delilah and her doll felt extra special. They gave Camille her own little chair next to Delilah followed by tea cups, princess tiaras and a fun table game for our family to enjoy during the meal.
The food was scrumptious and perfectly plated for a little princess. They offer many brunch options that satisfied not only Delilah but daddy too! After a yummy main course we were served a super sweet chocolate pudding desert plated in a flower pot with daisy. We were beyond impressed with the food and service and look forward to our next dining experience, perhaps Delilah’s birthday party? The cafe gave Delilah a cute souvenir bag and sent her home with her doll tea cups and cute doll shirt, she was beyond happy!
After brunch we made our way to the doll salon where Delilah took WellieWisher, Camille, to have her hair done. Delilah picked a braided style and watched as the hair stylist braided Camille’s blonde locks to perfection. This was truly the highlight of Delilah’s trip. She even picked out the colored ribbons that were tied in a bow in Camille’s hair. The hair stylist was incredibly sweet and made Delilah feel a part of the salon experience throughout the entire appointment. Following the doll salon, we did a little shopping in the store and perused all three floors of this amazing shop. After an hour or more of exploring, Delilah added a new doll to her collection, welcome WellieWisher Willa!
That evening we grabbed the best New York style pizza as we made our way to Times Square for a little sight seeing. Sawyer was in awe by the hustle and bustle and Delilah wanted to look at all of the brightly lit signs and billboards. We also had fun in the Times Square Disney Store that is a two story haven for the little ones. The following day we walked to Rockefeller Center to ice skate; however, Delilah felt a little scared and opted to just watch this time around. We still had a blast taking in all of the sights and after, grabbed a cup of coffee and did a little shopping. Did you know that the ice skating rink in Rockefeller Center is open until April 17th?! They have lots of fun packages that you can schedule too, like Easter brunch and skating or afternoon tea and skating.
In the afternoon we dined at Serendipity 3. This spot is famous for their frozen hot chocolate and was featured in the film Serendipity with Kate Beckinsale and John Cusack. This restaurant was one of my favorite things that we did in NYC. It was charming, delicious and felt so unique and quaint, just like how you would imagine old New York! The frozen hot chocolate was phenomenal and we had the best time in this eclectic little space. Note: there is typically at least an hour wait for lunch. During our wait time we went a few doors down and explored Dylans Candy Bar while we waited for a table. Conveniently, there is also a Starbucks right next door to Dylans Candy Bar, mom score!
We also took the kids to Central Park and simply just strolled and spent family time. It was snowing which made Central Park all the more special and beautiful. Delilah fed carrots to a few horses that were on their break from carriage rides. She had so much fun learning their names and giving them lots of petting and love. After Central Park we made our way back to the hotel to pack and give the kiddos baths before our train ride home in the morning. After we put the babies to bed, the hubby and I had cocktails while admiring the amazing view from our suite.
In the morning we had just enough time to visit Alice’s Tea Cup located in the Upper West Side. We took a taxi to this restaurant, as the walk was a little far. If you have a little princess or even if you don’t, this is a must-do on your NYC list. The food was amazing and the tea house boasts quaint and whimsical decor. Every place setting has a different tea cup and saucer and the walls are painted in sweet scenes from Alice and Wonderland. When we arrived Delilah was greeted with a fairy dusting and wings that she wore while she devoured her french toast, she was in her glory!
After a glorious breakfast at Alice’s Tea Cup it was time to catch our train back to Maryland. We had a grand time in the city and look forward to our next stay at The Sofitel. We made a lot of memories over good food and an exciting city atmosphere. If you are looking to do a little traveling with your family this spring and summer, NYC is full of entertainment that is sure to wow the entire family. Happy and safe travels, friends! Click here to view the rest of our camera roll from our weekend in the city!
The Sofitel NYC//American Girl Place//Serednitpity 3//Alices Tea Cup//Diaper Bag
Dockatot and Travel Bag//UPPAbaby VISTA//Ergo Carrier
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